Needleturn in Modern Quilts

TUTOR: BARBIE MITCHELL

Choose between two quilt designs which feature needleturn applique: Pina Colada or It’s a Jungle Out There.
This immersive hand-sewing workshop dives into needle-turn appliqué techniques that will make students handwork truly shine!

Get ready to master the art of the flawless circle in needle-turn, from subtle accents to bold, graphic statements. Students unlock the secrets to manipulating bias fabric by hand, transforming it into dynamic lines and captivating curves that add a sophisticated edge to your work. Have you ever wanted to make a statement with quilty text? Students will explore how to use typography as a powerful design element, achieving crisp, contemporary letterforms with their needle.

Barbie will break down how these techniques are used in cutting-edge modern quilts, exploring the principles of impactful composition. Leave this workshop not just knowing how to execute these advanced needle-turn methods but understanding why these approaches create such visually compelling results. Come ready to experiment, push creative boundaries, and walk away with the confidence to bring the most dynamic modern appliqué visions to life, all with the satisfying touch of hand stitching.

Skill level: Suits all

Scroll down for Class Requirements

It’s a Jungle Out There

Pina Colada

CLASS REQUIREMENTS

Needleturn in Modern Quilts with Barbie Mitchell

Two-day Class: Saturday – Sunday, April 11 – 12

Class Times: 9am to 5pm

Materials fee: $40 for a full colour pattern, full Mylar template set and needleturn appliqué booklet. Please have the exact amount in cash in an envelope with your name on it.

You will need to bring:

  • Medium size sharp scissors
  • Appliqué pins or Roxanne’s Glue Baste It
  • Size 10 milliner needle
  • Silver Gel Pen
  • Fine threads to match appliqué fabrics (Barbie uses Aurifil 80wt threads) – bring along any you have.
  • Ruler
  • Rotary cutter and mat (if you have room)

For class bring these fabrics:

If making PINA COLADA

  • Background fabric for wordplay block: 15 x 21 inch
  • Fabric for the text: 1 fat quarter
  • Background fabric & appliqué fabric for a monkey block: approx 12” square of each.

If making IT’S A JUNGLE OUT THERE

  • Background fabric for wordplay block: 20 inch square
  • Fabric for the text: 20 inch square
  • Background fabric for flower block (next to text block): 6 x 20 inch
  • ½ inch wide bias for flower stem (fabric cut at 1 inch on bias) and various scrap fabrics for petals and leaves.

Choosing your fabrics:

This is where you can play with colour and pattern! Mix it up with solids, geometrics, and prints. The key is to make sure your appliqué fabrics have a clear and distinct contrast against your background fabrics, so your design really pops.

NOTE: this is all the fabric you will need for class – you won’t need all the fabrics for the quilt top. You can however bring along some fabrics if you’d like help with planning out your quilt.

To complete the project at home: The pattern provided will have all the details of other fabrics needed to complete the project.