Appliqué, the art of stitching shapes to the surface of a fabric foundation, has been used throughout the world for thousands of years as way to embellish and add meaning to textiles. This workshop will consider appliqué’s use throughout history in various textile traditions and introduce students to the ways that the technique can be used to create their own unique block. Focusing on hand appliqué, students will learn traditional needle turning as well as various “tricks” that will help them to master a series of simple shapes and perfect their technique.
Date
Friday, October 23rd, 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:
- An 11” square piece of plain cotton fabric that will be the foundation of your finished square as well as extra foundation fabric for practicing the techniques
- A selection of cotton scraps – quilt weight or lighter
- Minimum 3 – 5 inches
- Assorted threads to match the scraps
- Heavyweight paper for templates (Sarah likes the covers of recycled magazines, catalogues, and other mail)
- Fabric marking pencil or pen
- Glue stick
- Drawing paper or notebook and pencil
- Iron and ironing surface
- Fine needles (Sarah likes #8 sharps)
- Straight pins
- Ruler
- Small sharp fabric scissors
- Paper scissors for cutting templates
Prior to the first class please cut out one 2- to 3-inch square of template paper, and one 2- to 3-inch circle of template paper (These do not need to be exact. You can trace objects you find around the house for this, i.e. the outline of a cup for your circle).
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/