Basic Appliqué: Dresden Quilt Blocking

A collage showing quilting at different stages. Left: a finished quilt on a bed with repeated floral blocks in warm colors. Top right: fabric wedges laid out in a circular pattern on a cutting mat. Bottom right: a close-up of a hand-stitched floral block with a round center and decorative stitching.

Sunday, March 1, 2026 - 1:00pm

Introductory - No experience required

Age Requirement : 18+ Years of Age

Ticketed Workshop

In this hands-on quilting workshop, participants will learn two common appliqué techniques—finished edge and raw edge—both of which involve sewing one fabric on top of another to create decorative designs. You’ll explore how to plan an appliqué layout, stabilize fabric, and use top-stitching techniques to secure your pieces, along with helpful tips and tricks for clean results. Sample patterns will be available to choose from, and participants will also work with Dresden pieces, a traditional appliqué design. By the end of class, each participant will have completed one or two appliquéd quilt blocks and built confidence using these techniques.

What to Expect

This standalone skill class meets on Sunday, March 1, from 1–4pm. Gayle, our instructor, will guide you through each step of traditional applique design using demonstrations, guided instruction, and hands-on practice. Fabrics will be available to use, or you can bring your own quilting cotton.

For those who want extra time to continue working on their project, ask questions, or quilt alongside others, we will also offer a separate Quilt-Along session later in the month. This optional follow-up meets on Sunday, March 15, 1–4pm, and is ticketed separately at $10 ($8 for members).

Skills You’ll Acquire

• Planning and measuring quilt blocks

• Cutting fabric pieces accurately

• Assembling blocks with proper seam allowances

• Understanding color balance and layout

• Foundational piecing techniques used in traditional quilting

What’s Provided

• Access to quilting cotton scraps and practice fabrics

• Rotary cutters, mats, rulers, and basic sewing tools

• Sewing machines and ironing stations

• Instruction and support throughout the session

Who Should Attend

Perfect for beginners and returning quilters who want to build or refresh their foundational skills. No quilting experience needed.

Prerequisites/Safety Information

No prerequisites, but basic sewing machine use is very beneficial. Participants may bring their own quilting cotton, rotary cutter, mat, pins, or scissors if preferred, but all necessary tools will be available.

When

Sunday March 1st, 2026 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Location

Classroom @ MakeHaven
770 Chapel St
1st floor, past the back staircase
New Haven, CT 06510
United States

Workshop Ticket Fee

Public Ticket	$76.00
MakeHaven Members (active)	$65.00

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Need Based Workshop Price Adjustment

MakeHaven offers a price reduction for individuals who are below a threshold income level.
You can apply at: Workshop Price Reduction Request.

Notices

Learn about our event policies, such as cancellations and inclement weather: Event Policies Page
Find the answers to the most commonly asked questions about workshops and events Event and Workshop FAQ.

Accessibility

Our facilities undergo periodic reviews to maximize ADA compliance. We offer accessible bathrooms, elevators, and wide walkways. In tool usage, we aim for universal access and work individually to adapt tools for safe usage as necessary. If you anticipate needing an adaptation to participate in this event or have further questions, please contact us at events@makehaven.org.