Throughout quilt history, foundation piecing has allowed quilters to work with scrappy materials of different weights, textures, and weaves (think crazy quilts and string quilts). Foundation piecing is an excellent technique to play with whether you are after blocks with precise points that are guaranteed to match, or you want to create simple blocks that can be used to build improv compositions. Beginning with a brief history of foundation piecing and an introduction to the technique, participants will have the opportunity to sew their own simple blocks from the bits in their scrap bags. Finally, we will discuss the geometric potential of simple blocks to create complex patterns through repetition and rotation. Participants will be encouraged to continue to experiment after the workshop is over to develop their own unique compositions from their humble leftovers.
Date
Friday, October 2nd, 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:
- Square sheets of paper (6 inches or bigger)
- Origami paper, magazine pages or regular printer paper
- Avoid heavyweight paper.
- Prepare 4-8 blocks, minimum
- Printed template if you want to try precision foundation piecing
- Scraps: Lots of scraps in a range of sizes, tones, and colors
- Both small and large. The large should be 10-12 inches.
- Strings: Longer (at least 10 inches) thin strips of fabric in a variety of widths (at least ¾ inch)
- Glue stick
- Basic sewing/cutting tools
- Scissors, rotary cutter, mat, clear ruler, needle and thread, iron, etc.
- Graph paper or sketchbook and pencil are recommended but not necessary.
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/