If you answer 'YES!' to any of those questions then read on to learn more about our City & Guilds Level 2 and Level 3 Patchwork and Quilting courses.

Graduate students of the City & Guilds courses are completely revolutionising the face of patchwork and quilting exhibitions in Britain and beyond. The emphasis on original design, combined with sound technical skills, is creating innovative and exciting new work whilst still respecting tradition. Here at DesignMatters we offer a choice of three patchwork and quilting courses:

Level 2 Patchwork and Quilting
Level 3 Patchwork and Quilting Certificate
Level 3 Patchwork and Quilting Diploma

Please note all of our Patchwork and Quilting courses are currently fully subscribed and closed to new enrolments.

Level 2 Patchwork and Quilting
This course provides an introduction to craft and design skills, and is delivered in 10 separate Modules. Students are introduced to colour theory and practice, fabric colouring and printing, and a variety of patchwork, quilting and applique techniques. You produce and work to a design brief and two projects will be designed and made. Individuals are encouraged to attend exhibitions where possible and compile a collection of visual and technical information relevant to their subject. The course is suitable for those beginning in patchwork and quilting, or those who already have a knowledge of techniques but wish to work towards a more individual method of working. Depending on the amount of time that a student can commit, this course will take from approximately 6 to 18 months to complete.

Level 3 Patchwork and Quilting Certificate
This course provides a thorough grounding in both craft and design skills. Students will be introduced to the five elements of design, colour, line, shape, texture and form, exploring them with a range of media. Alongside work on paper, students will learn a wide range of patchwork, quilting and applique techniques. Five assessment projects will be designed and made showcasing the student's abilities in their favoured techniques. Items produced will range from objects to decorate the home such as cushions or boxes, through accessories such as belts or bags, to wallhangings and of course, a quilt. The course is suitable for beginners to patchwork and quilting as well as those who wish to stretch themselves creatively and explore beyond the basics. Depending on the amount of time that a student can commit this course will take from approximately 12 months to two years to complete.

Level 3 Patchwork and Quilting Diploma
This course is only open to students who have already successful achieved Level 3 Patchwork and Quilting Certificate with DesignMatters. We do occasionally enrol students who have completed this award at other colleges based on a portfolio submission. Places on this course are limited and cannot be guaranteed. Level 3 Patchwork and Quilting Diploma provides students with a framework within which they can develop their own personal style and abilities. A close working relationship with the course tutor tailors the course to meet individual student's needs. Students are required to research both the context of contemporary quiltmaking and also a personal theme of inspiration that will provide the source of information from which to develop highly original designs for three assessment pieces. The assessment projects will include a miniature quilt, a 3-dimensional item and a quilt. Self motivation and direction is essential to pursue the course at this level.

How the courses work
The City & Guilds courses that we offer provide a progressive route to learning the design and technique skills of Patchwork and Quilting. Students are welcome to begin with either Level 2 or Level 3 Certificate depending on their previous experience and the amount of time they wish to commit. Bear in mind that Level 3 requires approximately double the amount of time to complete than Level 2. It's difficult to quantify the exact number of hours you'll need to finish the courses as we do not prescribe the assessment projects that you will make or whether you'll make them by hand or machine. Instead you will have freedom to select from a range of options. Very successful assessment projects can be small and relatively quick to make, we don't expect or even advise, king-size hand quilted quilts!

When you enrol you'll be allocated a personal tutor who will remain with you for the duration of the course. We find that you'll be able to build a rapport through email, just as you can when chatting in a classroom. While the course learning materials are provided through the website, your tutor will be on hand to talk to you via email. She'll be there to answer any questions, help with ideas and make suggestions as you send work in progress. There is no limit on the number of emails that you can write to your tutor meaning that they can range from a quick question to a more indepth discussion! Your tutor will always aim to respond quickly to emails, usually she'll be back to you within two or three working days. From time to time the tutors on our team do travel for other work commitments. We don't like to interrupt your progress so we'll be sure to let you know well in advance via the news page.

Your work is assessed by email so you'll be required to take digital photographs or scans of your work. These are then emailed to your tutor along with your notes, questions or observations. Here at DesignMatters the tutors keep thorough records of your progress and as soon as you've completed all required elements within a Module you'll be able to move on to the next. You can always revisit previous Modules and this is something that we encourage. In accordance with City & Guilds, assessment items are Internally Verified. A selection of candidates work will also be Externally Verified by a City & Guilds representative to ensure that quality and standards are maintained. We are pleased that our courses are rigorously Externally Verified by the National Chief Verifier for City & Guilds and we have always received excellent reports.

On successful completion of the course you'll receive City & Guilds certificates and also an exhibition page within this website to showcase a selection of your course work. The online exhibition is the perfect way to share your work with your family and friends wherever they are in the world.

How to enrol
We'd like to encourage you to take time to look at the FAQ page for your chosen course, the Student Galleries and the Terms of Enrolment. When you've chosen which course you'd like to sign up for, enrolment is easy. Please email to request a copy of our test image. This image file is something that we send to all prospective students and it will give you an idea of the sort of images we'll be needing for email assessment. We'll then request that you send us something in return along similar lines. When your successful test image arrives, Laura will forward you the appropriate enrolment form for your chosen course. At the point of enrolment we will register you with City & Guilds. Course enrolment and registration lasts for three years. This is ample time in which to complete the course.

Not sure?
Been to the FAQ pages, checked out the Student Gallery, carefully read the Terms? If you have any questions or need any further information please don't hesitate to email and we'll be more than happy to help out.