When I started a class for "newbies", we did a quilt, then another, and another. Then we decided to make placemats. If we had done the placemats first, I don't think anyone would still be coming. They didn't like the small pcs and the length of time to get a small "prize". Sometimes the beginner needs to see something finished so they can feel that first sense of accomplishment. The placemats we did had a LOT of little pieces and took quite a while to just get cut out. Just a thought, sometimes smaller isn't always simpler, or quicker. Good luck with this endeavor, No matter what, if they have fun they will be happy!

With nine weeks, you would make this sampler quilt. I'd much prefer finishing a class with a complete quilt than a bunch of potholders. This is a great book and easy enough for a beginner. Check it out:

http://www.amazon.com/First-Quilt-ML...1922070&sr=8-4

A rag quilt would be a good project. 2-3 layers of flannel, blocks all cut to one size, sewn together with a 1/2 or 3/4" seam. Once all the sewing is done and the edges are clipped, wash & dry and you have a finished quilt.

I have taught the braid Runner (table Runner() for begginers. It is a quilt as you go. They will learn 1/4 inch sewing, cutting, accuracy, color choices, binding, & hand sewing (for the binding). it is important to give a supply list. Each person should know how to use the basics on their machine. It is straight sewing and they will feel great at accomplishing something.
The other project I taught was the tossed nine patch, by Eleanor Burns. It is simple and goes quickly. Will also learn alot of basics.

I just started teaching my two future DIL's to sew their first project was coasters, potholders and pillows the next one made a bib and recieving blanket and started a teddy bear and the other made a lap quilt with a panel and borders and a pillow, Next lesson we will tie the quilt. They had a real good start and only 2 afternoons.

A field trip to a quilt or fabric shop would help explain a lot and I suspect will get creative juice flowing. The pot holders are a great idea, so is a simple table runner

I agree with all of the replies so far but I do think that everyone in the class needs to be making the same project. I taught my grandaughter and her friend to quilt in a weekend. We had a blast. I got a book for young people to start quilting and we went from there. It was simple but they both had quilts for their dolls when they went home.

In our shop we have started with a set of quilted place mats with matching napkins, and also a small trip around the world, approx. 36' x 36" done with 2 1/2 " strips sewn then cut down. Both have worked great for people that had hardly any sewing knowledge as well as no quilting knowledge. The students have walked out feeling a sense of accomplishment and pride.

I'd be doing a disappearing nine patch pattern for a quick, easy quilt. Patterns like it show people how easy it is to make something that looks complicated, in an easy way. It is more interesting than pot - holders to me. One can buy a pot holder in the Dollar Shop...but a nice, personalised lap quilt would be good.

I teach a Learn to Quilt course at my LQS. I'd suggest a good book for beginners like Alex Anderson's Start Quilting. Each chapter tackles a different aspect for the new quilter, beginning with selecting the right tools. With their own copy of the book, students can read up at home, or reread after you've taught a chapter. The books can be obtained quite inexpensively from Amazon used online.

I have also learned that it is much easier for you and less frustrating for the students if all in the class make the same pattern. (I think there are 7 or 8 quilts in this book.) One great thing about everyone making the same quilt is that when you are done, everyone can compare to see how colors, shades and tints work effectively in overall quilt design.

Now, I do have to say that, imho, Harriet Hargrave's University series is far better for the serious quilter, but Alex Anderson's book is good as an introduction that is not too complicated. Hargrave's books focus on how to increase accuracy and that can be tough for newbies. Her quilts in the books may also be a bit advanced for beginners although the directions are wonderful.

If you have specific questions about how to organize or teach the class please PM me and I'll help as much as I can. Good luck and don't be afraid...if you love quilting, people will pick up that enthusiasm from you.

Congratulations on your new adventure. The first class I took, we made a 9-12 block sampler. Each week we learned basics pertaining to the completion of each block. Started with 9 patch and went from there. Toward the end we had a choice between two different blocks. A simpler one and one for those ready for more advanced blocks. Many took home a finished top to have long armed and some even a finished quilt which they stitched in the ditch themselves. My only problem was choosing fabric to have ready for the first class. It would have been nice to have had one class in choosing fabrics before I had to actually purchase for the whole quilt.

My very first class was a log cabin "Quilt in a Day" we started by reviewing tools, machines and patterns then were sent out to shop for the fabrics listed. Taught us alot and ended up making wonderful friends.

If I took a beginners class, I would like to learn the basics of making a quilt. This can be done in 9 weeks. A suggested book for the class would be First-Time, Quiltmaking: Learning to quilt in six easy lessons by Becky Johnston, Linda Hungerford. It is a great book. The students would have a completed quilt when they finish the class. In fact, you have given me an idea to go to my local college and offer to teach a class. Hope this can help.

I have a friend who teaches quilting classes for beginners, she gives out a survey when they sign up for the class asking them about there experience with sewing and quilting, she also includes a section on what they would like to learn to make

How about postcards? They could be completed in one class.

http://debrichardson.blogspot.com/20...ebr-style.html

I feel that they would like to have something like a lap quilt instead of a potholder,it's just nice to have something that you can cuddle up with.My first and only class we did everything by hand,cut the templates from sandpaper,cut the fabric with sizzors and sewed by hand,but when the class was done I had a 4 block sampler that I hand quilted.Truly enjoyed the whole process.

Because you dont have any idea who will be showing up it might be nice to bring along with you fabric for the first class,Explain the different kinds of fabric and what there best used for.Some one might not be able to afford a lot of new stuff to start out right.I know for me I felt overwhelmed at the cost of notions you need just to get started.Quilting is not a cheep hobby as we all know,It would be nice to mention the great benefits of quilting and meeting new friends as your doing this.Good luck and Your in my prayers in your great endever.

Will need sewing experience and how to operate their machine. SOunds silly, but.. you would noy believe.....

If I joined a class because I was specifically interested in quilting, I would expect to make at least a small quilt. A sampler would be good to introduce different techniques. I would think you would need to cover basic machine operation, rotary cutting, 1/4 seams and accurate piecing, sandwiching, quilting and binding.

has anyone used the batting made from plastic bottles. what are the pros and cons

The guild I belong too sponsors free beginner quilting classes periodically and one thing they do that seems to be a BIG hit is for the first lesson everyone meets at the LQS, they get a tour & can actually 'see' the materials & tools they'll need for the class. Most of them even buy the things they need while at the LQS so they are ready to go at the next lesson. The intermediate classes teach quilting techniques by hand & machine. Our guild also has a room at a local church dedicated to charity quilting and is equipped with machines, fabric, tools, everything needed for quilting.

I teach the Disappearing Nine Patch to new quilters. It starts out with simple piecing, teaches accurate cutting, seams and matching "corners". A table runner or small throw can be done in just a couple of 4 hour sessions with the blocks done as "homework".