Hello All,

I need some help. My LQS has asked me to teach a quilting class for people wanting to know how to make a quilt.... basic stuff!! I've been quilting for many years and I've taught several classes before but not one for people that know nothing about quilting.

If you were going to take a basic quilt class, what would you want it to include? I'll teach this class or classes on a Saturday. Should I break it up over several weeks? I don't want to overwhelm people but I think dragging it on would be too much. I could spend every Saturday for a year on this topic but maybe you can help me decide what essentials I should put in this class.

Help..... your input will help me so much as I design this class.

Oh boy, wish I could help you here. But I just read up on the internet to learn. I missed quite a few steps by jumping around from site to site so I had to relearn a few things. Maybe after the other ladies post I will be able to add something. My biggest problem so far is that I can't quilt away from me. This would limit me if I was using a full size frame because I can't turn the quilt around to change my direction. Other than that, I'm sure you will come up with all the proper steps needed. Good luck! What fun to be able to teach!

I think most people are going to need instruction with things like sewing a 1/4" seam true and straight. Plus how to press(instead of ironing).. which way to press a seam... and determining if a fabric is dark, light or a medium. AND how colors can change a quilt block. Also how to hold a rotary cutter and using a mat. When to change a needle or a blade. Probably what kind of thread to use for different applications. I know when I started I had a ton of questions but like Jenell, I read books and learned from the internet. Lately, the women in my quilt group have given me suggestions and THAT has been the biggest help. To actually see someone hand or machine quilt is so much better.... And, as a student, to be given a chance to have someone watch you as you work...make corrections to how you hold a needle or suggestions on how to do something easier...
I guess, I would also like to be given a sheet with alot of the basics typed out so that I could refer to it when I needed it in the future... and maybe a few great websites thrown in that have online help... LIKE BC!
I think having the class go on for a few weeks is good... they can take simple projects like a nine patch home to work on, then come back the next week with questions.

Jean,

I sent you a PM. If you have any questions, just ask. I don't know if the information will help at all.

Vicky

I took a class when I first started quilting and it really got me hooked. We made a wall hanging. It was four classes over six weeks. The instructor took us from picking out fabrics for our wall hanging (included in the price of the class), using a rotary cutter, sewing 1/4" seams, pressing, assembling the blocks, adding borders, making the sandwich, quilting and binding. It was so satisfying to do a project from start to finish. It was a great experience. The pattern was a version of Ohio Star. I think completing a project is the most important thing, not just getting ideas, or learning techniques. Having something I could hang on my wall made it worthwhile. Now if I could only get a few more of my current UFOs done

Deb K

Thanks everyone. Northern Deb (Oh how I love the UP), Vicky, and Deb K.... I love the idea of finishing the project in the class. I love the idea of a wallhanging..... small items can be finished and give that feeling of accomplishment. Janell, I love that you're going to add on later. I can hardly wait till I hear more ideas to add to the great ones already mentioned.

The hardest thing for me is to decide how much to put in each class. I know that when I've taken classes that last all day, I'm exhausted. For new quilters do you all think 4 hours per session would be too much?

Jean, It depends on if your students are already familiar with sewing machines, etc. NDeb had the right idea with 1/4 inch seams, etc. I would think that a three hour session would be a great start. 9-noon, 1-4 two hours might not be enough, but 4 might be too overwhelming for a new quilter. If you only have a few students, you might need less time to cover your material than if you have lots of students.

finishing a small project like a wall hanging is a great idea. When I taught new quilters several years ago, we made a 12"patchwork block that we hand quilted, and then made into a throw pillow. We spent 4 sessions, # 1 to pick fabric, and cut the pieces. During the first class, I also had some sample pieces for students to practice stitching 1/4 inch seams on their machines and making sure that their seams were truly 1/4 inch. Pressing was also covered. After demonstrating cuttin and sewing the seams, some students practiced stitching while others did their rotary cutting under supervision.

The second class we actualy stitched the 12" blocks. They were simple, a hole in the barn door. we were able to cover 1/2 square triangles that way. We also covered Squaring up smaller blocks within a larger block before stitching the block together to assure accuracy. Pressing seams in opposite directions to lock the seam joints etc.

During the 3rd class, we started to do the quilting. we sandwiched and got started. this is the one class that students did homework before the next class. This was hand quilting.

The 4th class, we sewed the quilted blocks to their backs on machine, and added the pillow stuffing.

One nice thing about the pillows is that it was done with 2 fat quarters plus their pillow stuffing. (The back of the pillow was the contrast color on the front) A very minimal cost for the novice.

Hope this helps,and have fun! Let us know how it goes.

Well reading back, I thought this was a hand quilting class! I am finally on the same page with you all now. lol

I love the pillow idea! That way they can actually finish something without it being too overwhelming. I think 4 hours at a time would be great too. I am a visual learner, I have to 'see' how it's done, so with you working along with them, this would be the best way for me to learn. Sorry I don't have more for you.
But I know you are going to have lots of fun.

If I was a beginner, I'd want to know speed piecing techniques for 9 patch, flying geese (no waste), half square triangles, etc. This would probably be taught after the very basics. I wish I would have had these tips as handouts when I started..I do NOW however. Something to refer to after I left class. Have fun teaching the class and remember to add humor to keep everyone engaged!! Silly stories about quilters. Someplace there is a poem called "Ode to my wife the quilter" kinda sums it all up.
FOUND IT: http://www.quiltalotamus.com/Poems.htm
Seveal cute poems on this site!!

Julie in NM

I also learned over the internet and wish I would have taken a beginner's class - I am SUCH a visual learner <g>
I did take a class for a 12" wallhanging and it covered everything mentioned above - except for the quilting part.
I would like to add to the suggestions - how to PROPERLY cut fabric so you don't get the dreaded "v" and definitely how to quilt - machine and/or hand. Also, if you could add a bit about how to adjust tension on your machine (in general - each machine is different)and show what good and bad tensions look like and how to correct them.
You could probably even have separate classes for just machine and or hand quilting.
Good luck and let us know how it turns out!!!