Future Teacher Question
 

I don’t want to derail bearisgray’s post about good student behaviour so I am posting a new thread

I am just finishing my teaching course (for teaching adult learners) with the aim to start teaching quilting and embroidery. Beginning with classes in local village halls and eventually in my own studio (thinking big here!)

I live in an area where the nearest LQS is 25 miles away and the local haberdashery has only a limited supply of threads etc (she concentrates mostly on knitting wool).

My thoughts are to offer pre-packed materials or kits with everything they need (no profit for me) so students are at least prepared for the class.

I have attended so many workshops where other participants did not have the per-requisite materials. If the class was at a LQS, the instructor accompanied the students in the shop, wasting the time of those who came prepared. At a dyeing course I attended, the instructor said she would bring the prepped fabric for those that wanted. Half the class hadn’t bothered to buy and prep their own and she spent nearly 45 minutes cutting fabric and getting payment. Some hadn’t even brought salt and the instructor’s husband had to make a run to the supermarket!

So… is pre-pack a good idea? Your thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated.

HettyB

I think kits are a great idea. I would consider not making it an option, just bundle the kit price into the cost of the class. With everyone working with the exact same materials, the class will be easier to teach. It's easier saying 'take the red plaid square' rather than 'take the piece that you have cut into a 4 1/2 inch square', especially if there are several similar cuts. I have attended classes where the kit was not optional. I will say that those classes were technique classes as opposed to making a specific project, but I thought it really worked well. Also, I would think that many people would welcome the idea of just showing up with no prep work.

I agree. Make up the kits and include it in the cost of the class. List the tools they will need to bring. Ask them ahead of time if they have the necessary tools. If not, maybe have those on hand for them to purchase? Or make sure in your class explanation, you tell them they cannot come to the class without the tools or they will not be able to complete the project.

While I agree that kits would be convenient, especially if a class is not taught at a shop, what if they are not to the students' tastes? Would people opt out of taking a class if they don't like the colors that would be used? Perhaps not as much an issue for beginners, though.

Having an instructor not be available and teaching the whole class would be irritating! If an instructor is willing to help students select materials or prep materials, that should happen before the class begins. At a shop I used to go to, teachers were available an hour ahead to meet anyone who was unsure about fabric selection. In the case of the dyeing class, if the option is to bring your own or purchase through the teacher, that choice should be made clear when registering, so that the teacher can have the amount needed prepared and paid for ahead.

Good luck!

I confess I have only ever taken one class, but it was one lump sum that included all fabrics and fusible. You could bring your own tools, or use the teachers. It was a beginners applique, so only a few tools needed, but I think it is a good way to do it.

I took a class where we were told to bring our own materials, but the instructor also provided a kit. All the kits were exactly the same. I was very happy to use the provided kit to learn and perfect the techniques being taught, then I was very comfortable moving on to the fabrics I had purchased for the "real" project.

I think kits are a great idea. If your project is a big one, you don't have to provide materials for the whole thing. The kit can be one or two blocks, just enough to get people practicing and familiar with the project.

I like the idea of a kit for a small "practice piece" - and then if I think the idea/technique is wonderful - then going on to buy "real fabrics" for it.

I also think it would be easier to teach the class if everyone has the same "stuff"

I also think a kit would be a great idea. A beginner in anything can become overwhelmed with choices. Wouldn't it be easier (and less expensive in the long run) to simply say--here is the sample and a kit with the same (or similar) fabrics is included in the course price. Please make sure your sewing machine is in working order and remember to also bring the manual for your machine. As to the last sentence--I once spent half a class waiting on the instructor who had to help a couple of students figure out how to thread their machines.

As a new quilter, I would like to have the kit as part of the class cost. As others have said, enough materials to learn the technique. That would be great.

I like the idea of offering a choice of the kit or their own supplies.
Let us know how it goes!

I have taken 2 classes, nether offered kits. I have also taught a few classes (at a LQS) where the student was required to bring fabric with no problems. But I did not require anything to be precut.
Mike

I am offering an introduction to quilting class this summer. The project is a 9-patch block which will be sewn into a pillow...quilting the patch to the pillow cover. A kit will be included in the cost of the class but a list of required fabric will also be available if they want their own fabric choices. No reductions for bringing your own fabric though. Glad to hear others agree including a kit is a good idea. Thanks also for the other suggestions.

Depends on the class. If it’s possible to leave with a completed project, like a mug rug or a pillow, the option would be nice....so it fits in with ‘decor’. If learning new blocks or techniques, a kit provided with cost of class would make sense.

Good luck to you! Very exciting. Smart to take a class about adult learners.

I agree with Beverly. I wouldn't want to be forced to buy a kit if it's a whole project to finish. I'd want to buy my own. I've only taken one class and was fully prepared--bought all my fabric a couple weeks in advance of the class. Was really perturbed to have to wait while others were still shopping for fabric and the teacher waited for her! Time is money.

Having the kits included in the class fee would be my preference for a techniques class. It would simplify the teaching and eliminate the shopping (and the irritation that goes with waiting for someone to shop). That said, start on time every time. Reward the students who value everyone's time, not just their own.

Don't cancel class at the last minute. After buying supplies it's infuriating to have it canceled because not enough people signed up. Make it fun and they will come. Every single student should be respected. Love kits that have quality supplies.

I would be very clear on the paperwork about what materials are required and give them an option to bring their own, purchase their own or buy a kit when they arrive. Be very clear that time will not be taken from the class time to help with their materials, preparation or anything else you have told them to do. I know this sounds sort of harsh, but the students who followed your instructions will be grateful. Too often folks will take advantage of a 'newbie' because they know you really, really want the customers. Just keep in mind that the happy, prepared students will be the ones getting you more students! Tip - I would carry a small box of notions (scissors, pins, seam rippers, etc.) and let them BUY them if they forget theirs. Also carry an envelope with change and a form of credit card acceptance. I have 'square' and can use it with my tablet or with my phone. If you are planning on doing this as a business you need to be prepared. Your professionalism will be noted and people will treat you as a professional. Good luck, teaching someone how to make something is an unbelievably rewarding thing!

I agree with the above comments. I really like the idea of kits included in the cost of the class, especially for technique classes.
One class I took the instructor offered 2 different times that she would meet with students before class to help with fabric choices. She also stated that once class began she would not be available to assist in this, that all students needed to come to class prepared out of respect for the other students in the class. Sure enough, one person showed up for class and then wanted help choosing her fabrics. The instructor politely informed her that she would not be available to do this as it was time for the class to start and she could a) choose her fabrics on her own and then rejoin class, b) monitor the class and then she would help her after class, or c) leave and be refunded HALF the class fee. She chose option a and the rest of us complimented the teacher on standing firm. I took several other classes from her and she followed the same rule. Others said they came to her classes because of her stance. Word got around and people signed up for her classes because of it and it was extremely seldom that anyone showed up unprepared.

I took a nightie making class several years ago. The instructor had us all check her measurement chart and send in our size. She not only made up kits, but she cut them out. She said the class was a sewing, not cutting class. I was a bit concerned, but then thought, well it is a nightie, if I do not like the colour or print I am only wearing it to bed. Turned out I loved the print.

For quilting, I would be happy with a kit if it is a technique class and the project could be made into something instead of becoming orphan blocks. So I guess I am saying include a pattern or two to use the finished blocks.

If I took a workshop on all the various 'Disappearing Blocks' it would be great to have kits for each block made up.

We have an annual craft camp weekend. The first year I taught, I made kits and everything went well. The class was easy to teach. This past year everyone brought their own fabric and there was an issue with one individual.

This coming year I am teaching again. I will probably make a few kits just in case someone wants/needs one. I can always use the kits for making gifts/door prizes. While kits take more prep time, they make teaching a lot easier.

No profit for you? You aren't thinking big, you are thinking yourself out of business. You need to account for the value of your time along with the materials costs. Start off as you intend to go on. YOU are valuable! So is your time.

I would Far rather buy a small kit to learn a technique than drag along a lot of fabrics or threads that won't get used.

I have taught quilting classes. I usually have a kit to make the block I am teaching. The class is to learn a technique not finish a huge quilt. I cut the fabric in strips so they can subcut it to the necessary size. Make sure you charge for your time. It takes a long time to cut fabric. Make sure students pre-pay the teacher fee and kit fee. I have found people forget to come to class and don’t want to pay for the class or fees. You have already done most of the work before the class even starts. Always provide a detailed list of supplies they need to bring to class. I also give them the amount of each fabric they will need to take the block and make a quilt.

I've come to like kits. In the beginning, I wanted to make all my own choices. As many classes as I've taken, I realize, even though I think I've got the supply list covered, what I have won't work. One time I had 6 large totes full of fabrick (a 5 day class) and still had to buy some more.

Then I took a class that called for 1 piece of axb size this kind of paper, 1 pice cxd size this kind of paper, 1 piece exf parchment, 1 piece gxh size freezer paper, many tools unique to this project, and on and on, To get all these things whould have cost $200-300 and some of it wasn't available in my neck of the woods or within 200 miles, so I'd have to order it. Many things I'd never heard of. And I didn't know if I'd ever want to try this again. A kit would have solved these problems.

Many instructors have had try-out type of tools and the same tool for sale.

I've also learned to state in the supply list requiremets for sewing machines (I don't have the skills, knowledge or time to help you during class. Have your machine serviced before coming to class and spend 30 minutes sewing on it before class). And supplies for class (Because the class time allotted is limited, all students will be challenging themselves to stay on task so they can complete as much as possible. Please have all supplies ready, I will not have time to help you gather supplies. Any questions I'd be glad to answer before class. When you're purchasing your supplies, you may text me for advice.)