Thread: What advice do you have for a new quilting instructor?

Be sure to go slow. For some, this will be new to them and for others, they will know quite a bit. So, go slow so no one feels left out. If ripping needs to be done, it's always nice when the teacher does it for you. When you are new, ripping is frustrating and if the teacher does it, she can whip it out in no time and you don't feel so bad.
If you see someone struggling, ask them what they don't understand. Some times, someone doesn't understand part of the process but is afraid to say so out loud, so look around and keep an eye on progress. Some classes I get frustrated if I don't understand part of it, but don't want to have to ask about it if everyone else seems to understand.
Be friendly. Be very open to everyone. I've had teachers who would help me iron even if I was behind (making purses, OMG) and it really helped me catch up to the rest of the class. I found out I don't care to make purses anymore. I like teachers who explain a section at a time and then let us do that part before telling us the next step. Taking it step by step. I'm talking beginner's quilting classes. For newbies.

Be PREPARED!!! By you being prepared, your students will also be prepared. If there are patterns and templates that will be used for the class, make sure they are available before the class. If the students need a certain book for the class, make sure they know that ahead of time and can have it purchased before the class (or make sure the LQS has the books available for sale). If specific fabrics are needed, make sure the students know this also. Have adequate space for the number of students, including outlets to plug in the machines. Have more than 1 iron available for a class of 15 or instruct students to bring their own. Be willing to get up off your chair and walk around and check on the progress of the students (I am drawing off of the experience I had with the one and only quilt class I took from my dealer) NEVER AGAIN!!! (They don't get my fabric money either)

I have only taken one formal quilting class (and I learned a bunch, and should take more!) but the lesson that sticks out from that experience is if you are having the class use some non-consumable of yours (in this case it was quilting stencils) make sure you enough enough that there will not be a bottleneck of students awaiting their turn. This could apply to stencils, cutters, irons, any specialized equipment...the class I took was for handquilting, using your thumb to rock the needle, so not much equipment needed, but the shortage of stencils slowed everyone down.

Alison

One thing that I experienced in classes was that everyone hated their work 'cause it wasn't "perfect". Try to have or do something that shows the beauty of the whole project. One little seam shouldn't be the ruin of any quilt project.

I think just the act of trying is perfectly wonderful.
peace

Just be yourself, if you try to hard to e something your not, your students will know and not be comfortable to ask for help. and YES preach "close the rotary cutter" before you lay it down! You don't want to have to teach first aid!

A full, detailed clear listing of supplies to bring to the class...including if your machine and extension cord will be required (remember to tell them to bring their power cord, foot pedal and bobbins...surprising how many don't). If you think they will have a problem getting the supplies, have a "class kit" available for purchase. I'd rather have a lower class fee and use my equipment/supplies than to be forced to buy what they demand you use. (for a "learning class...not a "project specific" class).

If you want to do samples, have them make up "sandwiches" before class by giving detailed instructions on how to do so OR have the sandwiches pre-made and hand them out at the beginning of each demo...it takes too much time for them to be made during the class.

Have stenciled designs already traced on muslin if you are going to follow designs. You can have a step by step demo of how to do the stencil but don't take the time for everyone to trace them during class.

Be sure any of your "short cut" tools are available to purchase at the shop. Show off your "can't do withouts" and be willing to let them be handled and passed around.

NO drinks, smoking, cell phones or children in the classroom.

If you are game, practice your entire class lesson on a neighbor/friend pretending they are your class. Be serious about it and have them give you honest feedback.

Have fun and best wishes.

Everyone here has listed very good points and ideas. I would like to add to one already mentioned in regards to needing materials for class. If the class requires purchasing a book, guide and/or special tool of some sort, please consider the price of that item(s). A lot of students, especially new ones, may not know if this particular quilting technique/project is the thing for them and may be hesitant to invest in the materials. Others may just simply be on a tight budget. One of my quilting teachers polled the students in a class I was taking about a possible upcoming class project which required purchasing a book that was close to $25. Although we were interested in making the project, we did not want to invest in the book. Apparently the author would not permit the reproduction of the instructions from the book. It was disappointing but we all moved onto something else. Sorry if my reply is lengthy, but bottom line is all of us come from different financial situations which perhaps may limit participation in a class. Best of luck to you!