Kawandi quilting originated with the Siddi people, descendants of enslaved Africans brought to India by the Portuguese 400 years ago. They still live in relatively isolated communities in India. We will talk a little about the origins of this style of quilting, look at some examples, and then learn the technique.
The quilts are distinctive for their bright colours and their use of patches of repurposed clothing or fabric. Scraps are put on top of a backing or foundation and hand stitched with a running stitch. The edges are turned under by hand and stitched together with the batting tucked inside. The quilting spirals in from the outer edge and ends in the center.
It can be relaxing and meditative as you stitch away, and due to its nature is less stressful than the demands of traditional piecing as everything doesn’t have to match perfectly and yet the finished product is attractive.
We will work to create a small piece of Kawandi style quilting: a notebook cover for a standard composition notebook is the main goal of this class, however if you wish you could also make a placemat, or small hanging.
Date: February 28, 2026 1:00 - 4:00 PM
Cost: Members $25 Non Members: $30
For the class you will need:
o A backing fabric that is 20” x 11”.
o A piece of cotton batting that is 1/2” smaller (length and width) than your backing fabric.
o A piece of fabric for lining for the book cover – it should be about 20” x 12” just to be safe.
o Scraps of fabric of your choice. It can be recycled clothing or fabric, or you can purchase a charm pack, or 4 to 6 fat quarters (depending on how many colors or patterns you want to include). I will have a tub of scraps with me which you are welcome to use as well to add to your piece.
o Thread – you can choose to use regular quilting thread if you do not want the stitches to show as much, or you can use a heavier thread such as embroidery thread or perle cotton if you want the stitches to show. You can choose a colour that compliments your fabrics, or one that blends in.
o Needle – this depends on your choice of thread. If using a quilting thread then a quilting needle will work, if using embroidery thread you will need an embroidery needle.
o Thimble if you like to use one.
o Scissors to cut scraps of fabric and snip thread
o Pins or clips to hold fabric in place are helpful.
You will receive instructions on how to assemble the book cover, but this will NOT happen at the workshop as you will need time to complete your Kawandi piece and that is not likely to happen in our time together.
Further assistance in completing the book cover will be available after the class if needed.
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