Rope Pottery

You will learn different ways to start and end your projects, as well as how to add thread embellishments and fabric. You will be shown lots of project ideas to get your creative juices flowing. The class will be a combination of lecture and hands on sewing for you to try the techniques in a supportive classroom environment to create your own unique coaster and bowl, and to finish a mini focal fabric sample project. Techniques taught in the class may be used to make round or oval coasters, trivets, placemats, rugs, table runners, baskets, bowls, ornaments, and much more.

The required class kit contains two types of rope and a mini project to finish in class, as well as various supplies for use in class and beyond. There will be handouts with extensive information on rope suppliers, tips for working with rope, further learning resources, and extra ideas to try outside class.

Note: For those who would like to try embroidering directly on rope, we will have a quick discussion about what you need specifically to work on rope with a handout for you to take and try at home. We will not be doing any embroidery during class.

Rope Pottery from Plain Flat Objects to Fabric Wrapped Bowls Supply List

•        Sewing machine in good working order capable of doing zig zag stitch (single or triple stitch) - needle-down and back stitch or lock stitch helpful
•        Open Toe or Applique Foot - Highly recommended to see what you are doing!
•        Needles - Top Stitch, sharps, universal, or jeans - size depends on thread used 70/10 (invisible thread), 80/12 (40 weight thread) and 90/14 (30 weight thread) [These are what work well with my machine and the cords and threads I use - different machines, cords, and threads may need adjustments.]
•        Thread - cotton, polyester, variegated of either type, or Superior Threads Mono-Poly Invisible (great with fabric wrapping). Note: cotton is best for trivets, although poly will work. [No nylon or invisible thread for trivets as they tend to melt at lower temperatures than either of the others.] Brightly colored thread is highly recommended while learning.
•        Cotton Fabric with a decent thread count: yardage, fat quarters, even jelly rolls can work - low to medium contrast prints recommended to start
•        Sharp scissors - best to have a pair that can cut threads at the point like snips, also a second pair to cut rope or fabric
•        “Pusher”- examples - Purple Thang, RNK Turning Tool, awl, stiletto, knitting loom tool, or thin double pointed knitting needle
•        Pins (bright plastic heads helpful, short length ok)
•        Extra empty bobbins
•        Mary Ellen’s Best Press or other spray starch - highly recommended to help prevent fraying
•        Wonder clips, small binder clips, safety pins, or similar
•        Ruler or measuring tape, optional
•        Seam Ripper (hopefully not needed)

Highly Recommended:

•        Good external light, especially if the machine is older and the lighting is dim.
•        An extension table (at home - a quilting cabinet can act as the extension table) or something else to give yourself a decent sized level surface to the left of your machine.

Please bring lunch or snack to class. There is a fridge and microwave you are welcome to use. Drinks and food are allowed in the sewing area.

All students are required to have proficient knowledge of their sewing machine. We understand things happen, but you should be able to troubleshoot your machine and understand how everything works.

Before signing up for class, please check your schedule and read our class policy carefully. To be fair to our teachers and other students we must remain firm in our registration and cancellation policies.

Classes must be paid in full when you sign up for class. Cancellations must be made at least 7 days prior to class, and you will be issued store credit.

Our guest teachers reserve the right to cancel 48 hours prior to any class if the participation level is below any stated minimum.

We will issue a full refund for any class we fully cancel. We will reschedule classes as quickly as possible, rescheduled classes are not subject to a full refund, if you cannot attend the new dates you will receive store credit. 

Your registration in class implies your agreement to adhere to all the above-stated cancellation and refund policies. 

Your registration in class implies your agreement to adhere to our current mask policy. No refunds will be given if you choose not to attend class based on any expectation of a relaxed mask policy. 

In the event of inclement weather, classes could have a delayed start time or be rescheduled for another day. If we are experiencing snow and icy conditions, please check social media including Facebook and Instagram. This will be the quickest way to receive updates as the stores might not be open if road conditions are too dangerous for staff to get to the store to call or email you.