This workshop will introduce participants to the history and techniques of stuffed and corded quilting, also known as Trapunto or Marseille quilting. From their somewhat mysterious origins in the 15th century to their mass production in 17th-century France and their domestic production in 18th-century colonial American homes, these extraordinary, textured whole cloth quilts are a testament to the complex globalism that created quilting as we know it today. We will learn about this fascinating history, explore some of the techniques and motifs utilized to produce stuffed and corded quilts through the ages, and finally, participants will have the opportunity to experiment with a simplified approach to stuffing and cording, which is accessible to 21st-century quilt makers using commonly available materials and tools.
Date
Friday, December 11th, 2026
Time
12:00-2:30 pm ET
Location
Zoom, a link will be sent to participants the day before class
Cost
$75
Recording
All Hand Sewn Quilting Series sessions will be recorded. A link to each recording will be emailed to all registrants following the live session. Each link is live for three months after the live session.
Class Materials:
- Two pieces of solid color cotton fabric
- Approximately 15” squares
- 100% cotton batting
- 15” square plus extra scraps for stuffing
- Small piece of cotton, linen lawn, voile, batiste, or other extra fine and light-weight fabric (scraps are fine)
- NOTE: This should be the same or similar color to your other cotton fabric. It will be on the inside of your stitching, but it could show through if it is too light or too dark.
- Cotton hand-quilting thread that matches the color of your fabric
- Contrasting thread for basting
- Needles for hand quilting – Sarah likes #8 sharps
- String for cording – Sarah uses kitchen twine, but cotton yarn, or even worsted wool will work
- NOTE: If your fabric is white, your cord should be white unless you want it to show through.
- Needle for the cord
- Make sure the eye will accommodate the size of your chosen cord
- Cotton balls for stuffing
- Washable marking pencil or pen
- Number 2 pencil
- Adjustable embroidery Hoop (8 – 12”)
- Ruler
- Sharp scissors
- Something for poking your stuffing – i.e. knitting needle or chopstick
- Seam ripper
About the Hand Sewn Quilting Series
Under the guidance of contemporary textile artists, participants of all levels will engage with various quilting techniques. Beginners will gain confidence and a deeper understanding of quilting foundations, while experienced makers will expand their skills and textile knowledge beyond the basics.
Bundle Discount
When four Hand Sewn Quilting classes are added to your cart, a 25% off code will be automatically applied. All classes must be in a single order to qualify for the discount.
Scholarships
We have one scholarship seat available for this workshop. To be considered for a scholarship, please fill out this scholarship application form.
Our Teacher
Sarah Nishiura is a Chicago based quiltmaker who utilizes traditional techniques to craft quilts out of recycled and vintage materials. Inspired by numerous textile traditions including 19th and early 20th century American Quilts, Sarah’s work explores and celebrates the infinite possibilities of geometric design. Her quilts have been exhibited in museums and galleries in the U.S. and abroad, including the Iowa Quilt Museum, the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fiber Art, the San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles, and the Yokohama Quilt Fest in Japan. Her quilts have been featured in numerous magazines and blogs, including Martha Stewart Living, QuiltFolk Magazine, Chicago Magazine, and Food and Wine, and they are included in private, corporate, and public art collections throughout the United States. Sarah’s work has been supported by grants from the Illinois Arts Council and the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs. Sarah has an MFA in painting from the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, and a BA in visual arts from Brown University.
More information about Sarah’s studio practice can be found at:
http://www.sarahnishiura.com/