The Quilt Merchant is pleased to offer a range of patchwork classes to suit beginners and seasoned quilters. We provide a gentle and kind environment in which to learn, create and achieve. Whatever stage you are at, we can help you along your patchwork journey.
BYO Projects Workshops
Mondays & Wednesdays 10am - 12pm | Wednesdays 1pm - 3pm
$20 per session
One of the best ways to get your projects finished or to begin a new project is to bring it along to share with a group of likeminded enthusiasts. Get the support and advice you need from our experienced tutor, Kim Reilly who will gently guide you through to the finished project. Work at your own pace, booking as many sessions as you might need.
Max class size - 8 people per session.
BYO Projects Workshops - Evenings
Wednesdays 7pm - 9pm
$20 per session
One of the best ways to get your projects finished or to begin a new project is to bring it along to share with a group of likeminded enthusiasts. Get the support and advice you need from our experienced tutor, Kim Reilly who will gently guide you through to the finished project. Work at your own pace, booking as many sessions as you might need.
Max class size - 8 people per session.
Slow Stitching Sit 'n Sew
First and Fourth Tuesdays of the Month 10:30am - 2:30pm
$25 per session
These slow stitching sessions will encourage you to relax, slow down and unwind while you hand stitch your way through projects in a sharing a caring space. These sessions are designed for you to explore techniques like hand embroidery, Sashiko, English paper piecing, applique and more. Bring your own project or Kim can help you find a suitable project to get started with. BYO Lunch (local cafes available).
Max class size - 10 people per session.
The Applique Guild of Australia (TAGA) Meeting
Second Tuesdays of the Month 10:30am - 2:30pm
The Applique Guild of Australia (TAGA) Inc. is a non-profit organisation established in 2012 to support and encourage applique enthusiasts nationwide. The guild offers workshops exhibitions, newsletters, and a friendly community for anyone interested in learning or practising applique in any of its forms. Whether you prefer traditional or modern styles, hand or machine stitching, or are a beginner or an expert, you are welcome to join.
The Altona North Chapter meets on the second Tuesday of each month between 10:30am and 2:30pm at The Quilt Merchant. Everyone is welcome, so come along with your sewing project for some sitting & sewing. There is a joining fee to belong to this group and each meeting costs $5 which covers tea, coffee and morning tea. BYO Lunch.
If you wish to join the next meeting, please RSVP to Diane Whittall at d_whittall@hotmail.com.
Sherbet Striped Stars Workshop
Saturday 31st May 10am - 4pm - $60
This is a versatile, striking and funky pattern created by Kim over 20 years ago. It is based on the ‘Stack and Slash’ technique and lends itself to many fabric variations. Sherbet Striped Stars is a gorgeous mix of shades of solids framed with a black and white strip. You can also make this pattern in fabrics of your choice. The size of the quilt will depend on you- the stars are made in sets of 3 and this workshop will concentrate on getting at least 3 stars completed. Pattern is included in the workshop fee.
Max class size - 8 people per session.
Lone Star Workshop
Monday 12th May, 19th May & 26th May 1pm - 3pm
Wednesday 4th June, 11th June & 18th June 1pm - 3pm
$60 for 3 classes
Join Kim for a 3-part workshop series where you'll learn how to strip piece jelly roll fabrics and cut them on a 45-degree angle to create the striking segments needed for a beautiful Lone Star block.
Throughout the series, we'll focus on:
✨ Thoughtful fabric selection
🧵 Precise sewing techniques
📐 Expert tips for matching those tricky angled seams
Whether you're a confident beginner or a seasoned quilter looking to refine your skills, this class will guide you step-by-step to quilting success. Don't miss it!
Max class size - 8 people per session.
Sit & Sew Fridays
Friday 2nd May, 9th May, 16th May, 23rd May & 30th May
10am - 3pm - $30
A Sit ‘n Sew Friday to share with friends or meet new friends. Bring a bundle of sewing to get done, surrounded by like-minded people with endless tea, coffee and snacks! BYO lunch!
Max class size - 10 people per session.
Trip Around the World Workshop
Monday 2nd June & 16th June 1pm - 3pm
$40 for the 2 sessions
Get ready to take a quilting journey! The Trip Around the World quilt is a timeless favourite—and with the right techniques, it's faster and more fun to make than you might think.
In this 3-part workshop, Kim will teach you clever piecing methods to help you streamline the process and get your quilt well under way. With endless colour possibilities, your quilt will be as unique as you are!
🎨 Need help choosing fabrics? Kim is available to guide you through fabric selection before the first class.
🧵 Learn efficient techniques and tips to keep your piecing precise and stress-free.
Perfect for quilters of all levels—come create something beautiful and bold!
Max class size- 8 people per session.
Fast & Fabulous - A Quilt Top in a Day
Tuesday 20th May & 17th June 10am - 4pm - $75
It sounds impossible to achieve but there are plenty of fast piecing techniques that will get you a quilt top done in a day. You will have 3 quilts to choose from and this class is suitable for absolute beginners or for anyone that needs to get a quilt top done quickly. It is also a good workshop if you are wanting to find out if the creative pursuit of cutting up fabric and sewing it back together again to make a patchwork quilt is something you would like to explore!
Max class size - 6 people per session.
Small Makes on Fridays
10am - 3pm - $50 per session
These Fridays are for small projects - ones that can not only be finished in the workshop but should allow you sufficient time to make more than one! These small projects introduce you to various techniques to add to your skill set. A small number of kits will be available for each project- but if you have the materials on hand, you don’t need to purchase a kit.
June 13th - Small Makes Fridays: Zippered Pouches
Small projects, big satisfaction!
Join us for Small Makes Fridays, a creative day dedicated to making quick, beautiful items you can keep or gift—with the aim of completing one (or more!) pieces by the end of the day.
This Friday, we're making small zippered pouches—perfect for makeup, notions, or little gifts. And if zippers have ever made you nervous, don’t worry—Kim will help you conquer that fear with easy, confidence-boosting techniques!
🧵 Fun, stress-free sewing
🎁 Great for gifting or treating yourself
💬 Friendly guidance and a relaxed atmosphere
Come sew with us and leave with something lovely in your hands!
June 27th - Cathedral Windows
Join us for Small Makes Fridays, where we're diving into the beautiful Cathedral Windows block! This elegant technique is done entirely by machine and produces stunning results with a soft, dimensional look.
In this session, you'll learn how to create the Cathedral Windows block with the option to turn it into charming pincushions, stylish coasters, or a striking table centre.
🪡 A great way to try something new in a manageable, fun project
✨ Perfect for gift-giving or adding a handmade touch to your home
Come for the technique, leave with something gorgeous!
Max class size - 8 people per session.
New York Beauty Sew Along - Monthly Meetup
Next Meetup - 20th June 10am - 3pm
$30 per session
The New York Beauty block is bold, intricate, and absolutely stunning—with endless variations to explore through foundation paper piecing.
Join us for a relaxed sew along day, where you can work on your own New York Beauty project using a purchased or downloaded pattern or book.
🧵 Bring your work-in-progress or start something new
🤝 Enjoy a supportive, social environment
🧠 Kim will be on hand to help with technical questions
💬 Share tips, tricks, and inspiration with fellow quilters
This sew along will run monthly, so you can build your skills and stay motivated at your own pace!
Max class size - 8 people per session.
Quilt As You Go Workshop
Sunday 25th May 10am - 4pm - $60
Start your quilting journey with the Quilt-As-You-Go technique! This method allows you to quilt smaller sections or blocks individually, then join them together into a larger quilt — making it more approachable and manageable.
In these workshops, we’ll focus on straight-line quilting and using embroidery stitches on your sewing machine. (Please note: free motion quilting will not be covered in this session; we’ll explore that exciting technique in a future workshop!)
Block size will be approx. 15" square with the finished quilt measuring 60" x 60" (16 blocks) - some work at home may be required!
Max class size - 8 people per session.
Exploring Foundation Paper Piecing
Saturday 24th May 10am - 3pm - $60
Would you like to create crisp, fine-pointed triangles or intricate designs like animals or faces? Foundation Paper Piecing (FPP) is a sewing technique that feels like "stitching by numbers," allowing you to achieve complex and precise patterns with ease. In this workshop, we'll start with simple shapes and gradually build up to more intricate designs. Whether you're new to FPP or looking to refine your skills, you'll leave with the confidence to tackle even the most detailed patterns!
Max Class size- 6 people per session