Traditional Quilting: Foundation Paper Piecing

A collage of quilt blocks in progress. Left: a blue, white, and teal geometric block clipped to a line. Top right: a block with floral and striped fabric pieces. Bottom right: a close-up of a pinwheel-style block in white, purple, and pink fabrics.

Sunday, February 8, 2026 - 1:00pm

Introductory - No experience required

Age Requirement : 18+ Years of Age

Ticketed Workshop

In this hands-on quilting workshop, participants will learn to foundation paper piece, a technique that involves sewing fabric directly onto a paper pattern to achieve precise piecing and complex shapes that aren’t possible with traditional methods. You’ll explore how to work with provided patterns, practice accurate fabric placement, and experiment with fussy cutting to highlight interesting sections of fabric. By the end of class, each participant will have completed one or two foundation paper–pieced blocks and gained confidence with the basic steps of this technique.

What to Expect

This standalone skill class meets on Sunday, February 8th, from 1–4pm. Gayle, our instructor, will guide you through each step of foundation paper piecing 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 blocks, 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, February 22, 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 February 8th, 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.