Kawandi Inspired Quilting
Are you ready to explore making a quilt from the outside in? Join Jen Strauser and explore the art of Kawandi Inspired Quilting at your own pace in this on-demand class. Jen will lead you through everything you need to know, from selecting fabrics and tools to finishing your Kawandi Inspired quilt.
What is a Kawandi Quilt?
Kawandi Quilts are a traditional craft practiced by Siddi women, African Diaspora peoples in Western India. Traditional Kawandi are made from recycled saris. They are constructed from the outside in, which makes them a unique change of pace from western quilting traditions. If you love the texture of hand quilting, you will love making Kawandi. It is also a fantastic way to use up your scraps.
In this series of videos I will show you how to get started on your own mini Kawandi Inspired quilt. I will demonstrate the techniques I am familiar with, from beginning with the finished edges, adding decorative pops of color, filling the belly of the Kawandi, and completing your piece with decorative phula.
Traditional Kawandi are made entirely by hand. I will teach you that technique, and also go over how you can utilize your sewing machine, if you prefer.
Over an hour of instructional videos are included, broken down into small portions for easier reference. Specific instructions for four different projects are included (coaster, place mat and baby quilt), along with the option for a bonus project bag pattern. Class includes a feed where participants can ask questions, which is monitored by the teacher.
*Please note - I am not of Indian or African descent. I have not studied in India, and I do not make authentic Kawandi. Only Siddi women can do that. I have studied online, taken classes with other instructors, and modified techniques to make quilts in a process I enjoy.
Skill Level. This class is suitable for beginner level quilters. No experience necessary. More advanced quilters will appreciate design tips and tricks.
Supplies - more specifics are given in classroom
Needle
Pins
Thread
Fabric
Scissors
Sewing machine is optional
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The First Round
Is binding your least favorite part of making a quilt? You get to skip that with Kawandi, since you prepare the edges at the very start. Preparing the edge is the most challenging part of the project, but once it is done, everything else is just pure pleasure.
Is binding your least favorite part of making a quilt? You get to skip that with Kawandi, since you prepare the edges at the very start. Preparing the edge is the most challenging part of the project, but once it is done, everything else is just pure pleasure.
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Turning the Corner
Here I'm approaching the first corner. I stop stitching, check out the fabric placement, then continue stitching.
Here I'm approaching the first corner. I stop stitching, check out the fabric placement, then continue stitching.
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Starting a New Thread
I like to take advantage of the fact that I have access to the inside of the Kawandi for most of the project when starting new threads. I knot my threads off in between the patches and the batting, and I easily bury my thread tails in there, too.
I like to take advantage of the fact that I have access to the inside of the Kawandi for most of the project when starting new threads. I knot my threads off in between the patches and the batting, and I easily bury my thread tails in there, too.
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Design Decisions
One decision I make every time I add a piece is whether to add the patch on top of the previous patch, or to slide the new patch under the old one. Design decisions like this can get overwhelming, so I usually start with adding the new patch on top of the old patch, with the exception of the corners, which I like to keep in the background.
One decision I make every time I add a piece is whether to add the patch on top of the previous patch, or to slide the new patch under the old one. Design decisions like this can get overwhelming, so I usually start with adding the new patch on top of the old patch, with the exception of the corners, which I like to keep in the background.
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A small project - perfectly sized for learning the technique.
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My favorite little project to help clean off my desk and use up scraps.
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Ready to make the most beloved baby quilt in history?
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Bonus Pattern - Project Bag
Do a quick survey, and I’ll send you a pdf pattern for my favorite project bag!
Do a quick survey, and I’ll send you a pdf pattern for my favorite project bag!
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Make a useful addition to your sewing kit!
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