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Traditional Piecing: Intro to Quilt Block Construction

Image
A collage of quilting projects. Left: a small patchwork block clipped to a line, made of red poppy prints, circles, and dark patterned squares. Top right: a teal, gray, and multicolored patchwork quilt forming a white “X.” Bottom right: a quilt section with curved pieces in floral and swan prints in blues, yellows, and reds.

Introductory - No experience required
Age Requirement : 18+ Years of Age
Ticketed Workshop

In this hands-on quilting workshop, participants will learn the foundations of traditional piecing - one of the core skills in quilt making. You’ll explore how to plan a quilt block, calculate finished measurements, cut pieces accurately, and assemble them with balanced color and clean seams. By the end of class, each participant will have completed a few quilt blocks and built confidence with the fundamentals of quilting.


What to Expect

This standalone skill class meets on Sunday, January 4, from 1–4pm. Gayle, our instructor, will guide you through each step of traditional 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, January 18, 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 January 4th, 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

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.