Thread Sketching 101 – Adding Detail and Texture to Your Quilt – 1-day Workshop

Registration is now open to everyone!

This class is intended to be accessible to people who may not be ready to follow through with Judith’s whole process, although all registrants must have some past experience with free-motion quilting.

Master the art of using thread to enhance the colors and textures of your quilt in this hands-on class. You will explore various types of threads and learn how to choose the best ones for your project. Additionally, the course will guide you in selecting the right battings and interfacings to achieve your desired results, along with determining the appropriate sewing machine needles for the task. We will also touch on free-motion stitching techniques and how to put more emphasis on design details. Students can either work with botanical panels painted by Judith and printed by Spoonflower or bring their own panels. If you opt to bring your own, please send a photo of your panel to Judith at least two weeks before the class so that she can provide feedback on the pros and cons of your chosen panel and how to choose the appropriate thread.

Besides having the eight different botanical blocks that she has designed for the workshop printed by Spoonflower, Judith is also putting together thread sets for each block. Kits that include a botanical block (approximately 12 x 14″) and 12 spools of polyester or rayon thread chosen for that block will be $35, payable directly to Judith at the workshop.

If you prefer to supply your own threads (or if you’d just like some extra blocks so that you can continue practicing your new thread-sketching skills!), you may also purchase blocks separately for $6 each.

Please let Judith know by Sept. 1st whether you plan to purchase a kit and/ or individual blocks from her, and if so, which block(s). She will be printing blocks and purchasing thread for the sets based on this information.

To order a kit or block (or if you have any questions about the class or supply list), please reach out to Judith at phelpsjudith@yahoo.com .

Supply List:

(If you have purchased the supply kit, please exclude the first two items. If you have purchased the fabric panel, please exclude the first item.)

1. Fabric panel
2. 12 polyester threads or rayon threads to match colors in panel.

• Fat quarter for backing fabric, measuring 18” x 22” (I prefer black). Ensure the backing is larger than both the top and batting, allowing you to fold it over to the front to cover the batting. This helps maintain a cleaner surface for thread painting.
• Batting, approximately 14” x 16” (I use Warm and Natural)
• Interfacing: 2 pieces 12” x 14” – nonwoven fusible light weight or medium weight (Pellon can be used)
• One each black and white spools of polyester or rayon thread
• Pencil (I use a mechanical for fine line)
• Black ultra fine point Sharpie
• Sewing machine in good working order
• Extension table for sewing machine if you have one
• Open Toe sewing foot (Free Motion Foot also known as a Darning Foot)
• An extension cord
• A sample sandwich to test tension
• 12 empty bobbins for your sewing machine or bobbins filled with your thread colors
• Scissors: fabric and small scissors to cut threads
• Tweezers: optional but really helps when trying to control threads
• Marking tools – your preference – I use Frixon Pens – can be found at Office Supply Stores or Michaels
• Microtex Sewing Needles 70/10 (Schmetz)
• Safety pins
• Straight pins
• Portable light (optional)
• Pressing cloth – can be old sheets
• Seam ripper
• Camera: optional

Cost for the workshop is $55. Refunds for cancellations may be requested until Sept.1st, 2025. After that date, registrations become nonrefundable, unless we are able to find someone to fill your spot.