QHA003ThuEve - Kawandi-Inspired Quilting: Hand-Stitched Traditions with a Modern Lens
Thursday, February 19, 2026
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Eastern time
Seats Available?: Sold Out NOTE: Materials fees are required for some workshops. These fees are paid directly to faculty and are not part of your registration fee. Materials Fee: $20 Fee Details: Handout with instructional diagrams
2 x needles & thread
stick on thimble
needle threader
precut double gauze square
precut woven cotton batting
Required Supplies: - 3/4 yard assorted scraps, minimum size 2.5” x 2.5” - 20.5" square of double gauze, linen or other open weave fabric - 18.5" square of woven cotton batting or other lightweight batting suitable for hand quilting (without a scrim) - A small pair of scissors - Pins
Optional Supplies: - Your favourite thimble - Seam roller or finger presser
Prep Requirements: This project suits quilting or dressmaking scraps and other upcycled lightweight cotton. Lorena recommends cutting your scraps into rectangular shapes or strips. Please press them flat before class.
Discover the meditative beauty and cultural richness of Kawandi-style quilting, a hand-stitched practice developed by the Siddi community—descendants of early African immigrants to Southeast Asia and enslaved Africans brought to India's west coast in the sixteenth century.
In this workshop, Lorena guides students through the fundamentals of this improvisational, quilt-as-you-go technique, celebrating its heritage while honoring the artistry of its originators.
Starting from the outside and working inward, students will create a small Kawandi-inspired piece using scraps and hand quilting techniques. This method offers a grounding, tactile experience that encourages slowing down, embracing imperfection and making intuitive design choices as you stitch.
Throughout the workshop, Lorena will share insights on fabric placement, layering and finishing, along with background on the cultural significance of Kawandi quilting and its ongoing legacy. This is a gentle, beginner-friendly workshop suitable for all skill levels, including those new to hand stitching.
