Hi everyone, I've been roped into offering a class at community school this year. It's one evening a week, 7-9, for 9 weeks and the 'class' is for people who haven't sewed before but are specifically interested in quilting. I'd like to send everyone home with at least two small completed projects, and I was thinking about coasters or potholders for Valentine's Day and maybe a small mug rug for St. Patrick's Day. I'm also thinking about an evening of basic mending (sewing on a button?), and simple embroidery (stem stitch, couple of others). I'd love any and all ideas, suggestions, guidelines.........any HELP at all. It's my first foray into teaching and after worming my way out of volunteering for the 4th year in a row, the guilt has finally gotten to me.
I just want anyone who comes out to this to see how much fun fabric is, and to feel free enough to enjoy it. Love to hear from you, and thanks, it's a great board.

I want to join your class!

wow, I have some ideas for you:


coasters, potholders, placemats, applique heart for Valentines Day, criss cross coasters, pincushions, remote control holder, table runners, crazy quilt small project, maybe a small sampler quilt to show different unique quilt blocks, bookmarks, small wall hanging, doll quilt to show how to do binding something small, mug rug, appliques, tote bags

1. to discuss tools and how to use rotary cutter properly
2. sewing machine basics (get to know the sewing machine)

When i went to an quilting class...we learned how to used the sew machine basic and used shoo fly, churn dash, fence rail , 9 patch patterns then how to sew blocks together & pin batting on as well as the backing... that was all the time you have in 9 weeks but of course i missed the last couple classes due to chemo. The ladies had to talk a little and then ooo-ahh over each other projects before settled down. Your idea of coasters, mug rug, etc are all wonderful ! Keep it simple & fun will roll around !

I recently talked my mother into teaching a 3-4 week class for "Learn how to Quilt". What I learned was to have the material and/or patterns ready to be used. Our class had 10 people, and 10 different projects. :oops: We did have a quilt project selected, but gave the people the option of bring their own material. This didn't work out so well.

Everyone loves tote bags. For example
http://www.allpeoplequilt.com/projec...erns_ss_b.html

forgot to say when you call the school for enrollment,,,they tell u the supplies that is needed so all in on hand when they show up for classes.

After you decide on "what" - send out a supply list so that the students will have/bring what they need.

There will always be one or two that will have "forgotten" or "not got around to gettting whatever"''

If you are teaching in a shop - spending/shopping opportunity -

but if you are teaching in a community center - do you bring "extras" - or do you let the student "learn to be a responsible adult"?

Be sure to have your course outline available to the prospective students so they know what to expect, including materials they need to bring (pins? scissors? rotary cutter/mat? iron? machine? thread?). And I'd have whatever extras I could scrounge up with me for the ones who will come with completely different things than you suggest :)

Personally, if the course was to learn to quilt and I ended up making pot holders, that wouldn't make me happy.

If the course is intended for students who haven't sewn at all, they'll need to learn about cutting precisely and sewing the 1/4" seam, and pressing. So again, a pot holder wouldn't give me enough practice on seams.

What about having a number of strip sets ready to put together to figure out how to do the 1/4" seam - 3 strips, six" long, 2" wide. You could end up with dozens of strip sets ... and put them together into a wall hanging (without correcting anything!) or sub-cut into different shapes to show how much you can do with just strip piecing (tube quilts, rail fence, there are tons of books on this!).

I like your idea about incorporating other sewing methods into the class - but rather than 'mending', sew the button on to decorate an embroidery square!

I'd also suggest putting together a list of resources for the students - local library for books/magazines, any local guilds?, local quilt shops, websites (quilter's cache, quiltville, this board!)

Good for you for sharing your passion, good luck with the class!

A member of our church recently did a beginner class. The night I dropped in three people were making a simple wall hanging, one a darling doll quilt, one a simple prayer quilt in a lap robe size, and another a table runner. All in squares and rectangles - no triangles yet. They had learned measuring, cutting with a rotary cutter, piecing, 1/4 stitching and sandwiching. Most were ready to quilt - one by hand, then go on to binding. It was going very well.

all the information given so far has hit the spot. Sounds like you sure have a handle on it before the class even gets to start.

Kits can be a good choice for beginners also. no stress of colors, yardage, etc. I would start on a small quilt that uses several techniques. "little projects" are sometimes just time wasters & they still do not have the hang of a 1/4" seam (a must learn !),how to cut with rotary cutter, etc. split rail, 4 patch, etc.
anyone who does not bring the correct supplies after they rec'd a good supply list should not be allowed to "share" with someone else & waste everyone's time. Adults know what they should do. A class can be ruined by the selfish person. sometimes you really need to spot that person right away & derail them.
there is a lot to learn, just basics are so easy for us because they are now old hat, but the beginner takes a lot more time to master cutting, etc.
I am thinking you said adults--right ? maybe you could even do a supply list AFTER the first class. the first night could be talking about fabrics, kinds of cutters, rulers, etc. this might save someone from making a mistake by trying to save money but not realizing why they need certain things. A "show & Tell" of some of your finished projects would be a sure ice breaker and hit !

I'm with Cyn! I wanna take the class!!

I agree with "not sharing" but how about small scale swapping? You could make pillow cases with quilted bands (squares, rail fence etc.) from your OWN fabrics, but as you'll end up with some left overs your students could trade and maybe also get some idea of the "sisterhood"?

I agree. I would be very upset if I paid for a class to learn how to make quilts and didn't even get a lap quilt. For people who have never sewn before sewing straight lines and matching seams could be a challenge. I would also bet they won't sew as fast as you do. Maybe save a craft or two incase they get a small quilt completed before the end of the classes. They could use up their scraps to make those.
Could you talk to your friend about a "quilt n' crafts" class where you make the pot holders, mug rugs, and the other ideas you had? If it gets timed right this class could be promoted by mentioning that the craft projects can be made for Christmas gifts.
Whatever you decide to do, I hope you have a fun time! You'll do great!

When we offered a beginner's class, we started out with getting to know your machine(their own or classroom), then they could choose between two projects: one: pj pants and an apron or two:quilted table runner. Which ever they chose, they had to do the two week (6hrs) get to know your machine first. They all loved their classes and most became regular customers.

When choosing colors be sure to make them understand the light, medium, dark concept. When I started no one mentioned this and I still have a top not completed because I realized that there was no contrast. It will still be pretty but I just need motivation to finish it.
Good luck with the class.

As a new quilter, I think a sampler would have been the best way to learn...for me specifically. Start with something simple like a 9 patch, working your way up, including things like pinwheels (triangles!), curves maybe, y-seams, and beginner paper piecing (I wish someone would come teach me that! lol). In the end, they learn several techniques to use in the future, and come out with a quilt!

I think the promotion for the class should be fairly clear.

If it is to be a "Learn to make a quilt class" - then that's what should be taught.

If it is a "Make some fun little projects - such as pot holders, mug rugs, etc " - then that's what should be taught.

Have everyone doing more or less the same thing at the same time. If the people are complete beginners, it's helpful to have everyone on the same page. Or teach as if they were!

I prefer to have a few things taught thoroughly and well - than a smattering of many things - that I never quite caught on to any of them. I get frustrated when I "almost got it" - but it went too fast to really have gotten it.

You may want to have a back-up plan if you get a group of quick-learners to fill up the last week of classes.

Contratulations on your new adventure. Select a simple pattern (ex. Bar Quilt, Rail Fence), have class objectives, basic supply list and fabrics needed for project (tools needed for making a quilt), basic machine theory, how to use the tools. Bar quilt or Rail Fence will introduce the students how to use the basic tools,stitching straight lines, fabric theory and basic machine stitching. If time permit, you can cover batting and backing techiques. If I pay for a class I would like to have a finish product or fell comfortable enough to finish at home and try another projects on my own. Check out the internet for teaching a beginners quilt class. Great ideas and suggestions. Good Luck!

If it is a learn to quilt class I would expect to have a quilt at the end of it, as in, something someone can snuggle with, even if it is a baby quilt.

It depends on the age group you are targetting- some might want to do a lap quilt but some would have no use for them.

Some might have a child or grandchild to make for, but some would not. I think it would be good to ask the students to say on their enrolment form what they would like to make and try to accommodate that.

I am a person who is eager to get going and, although I am very interested NOW in learning proper techniques, when I started I just wanted to MAKE something. It didn't really matter how wonky it was.

I think you need to show them basic straight line stitching, how to measure and cut, how to choose colours, and then let them get on with it- a strip quilt for the impatient, a rail fence or a more complex project for the more ambitious.

sounds like a fun class... where can I take it???

If you have only 9 weeks, you'll want to make sure that you will have a completed project at the end. So, would you take 1 week to introduce their sewing machine to them, 5 weeks to piece the quilt, 2 weeks to quilt and 1 week for the binding? You will have to judge the slowness or fastness of learning from the class to determine this. I know at the end of the 9 weeks I would want a completed project.

because this is a school class - I would assume there is some typw of curriculum to be followed - if not start with the basics - Decide on your projects and go from there.

Even though the class is for people who have not sewn before you will always get people that do know a little about sewing and they either show off or just get things done faster than most so be ready for the faster learners. I always got bored in a class that moved to slow.
I think a lap quilt is great for a starter project , if they don't want it when it is done it can be donated to a hospital or retirement home. Have a great time teaching this class, wish I could be there to help you, I love beginners. MNM

Sounds like a great set of classes and a great teacher -- sometimes you might show the blanket stitch with yarn to finish off fleece throws (easy project and so warm for winter)

When they say quilting, do they really mean piecing? and how many "ladies" are we talking? 3 or 10.... even 3 will keep you hopping!

Assuming they will have a machine... these NEW sewers still will need coddling. Of course some might come with only a needle and thread and that's okay too; just ask Jinny Beyer !!!!!

Smitty had a great answer up above as does Deema and MNM...
1. Definitely get to know your machine.
2. Fabric info cotton! grain/selvage vs. diagonal; hue, value & intensity.
3. Tools info incl. rotary cutter, etc.
4. A sampler starting with a one-block (for embroidery or future quilting ??); simple snowball; progressing to two- (rectangular) patch; split-rail; foursquare; etc.... piecing and that 1/4" is practice, practice, practice.
5. By then you'll know who is serious and who still needs help threading the needle....
6. A completed project is a must, but KISS! (Keep It Simple Sweetie!)
7. Something small enough that they can even hand quilt it if that's one of their goals.

Good luck!

I think they might be happier if they come out of this with a lap quilt. Keep it simple like a disappearing nine patch. For the simple fact that they make their nine patch, then cut it and magic happens. Re-arranging those pieces gets their creative thinking going. Add a couple of borders. One simple maybe thin, one thicker or more complicated if they're making good time. They can learn how to piece, to put together a "pattern" of their colors, to sandwich, to machine quilt, to trim, to bind, to miter and to label. Let them know the first day - if you work on this a little bit at home, you will leave here with a finished quilt. Give them a supply list up front, so they can bring in their new fabric the first class. They can wash and iron it before the next class and they're ready to go. Those that move faster, can add an applique or something while waiting for the others to be ready to quilt and bind.

I specialize in teaching a six week beginning quiltmaking class and have had over 450 successful students over 20 years. We begin the old fashioned way with templates and marking fabric with a pencil. They learn the basics which then they can later translate to machines. They learn to hand quilt during the second class on a practice square. The project is a 4 block sampler using a light medium, dark, and light fabric combination. I provide a small kit for the first class which has some scrap fabric, needles, thread, pins, etc. I have extra scissors, etc. It puts more burden on me to supply these things but we talk about proper tools and fabric selection. They come to the next class with supplies and a a start on the first block.

I have had former students come up to me and say they have taken classes before and after (usually machine based) and could not have understood what was going on without what they learned in my class.

This year at the county fair, two former students earned grand champion and reserve champion quilts. I was a proud momma.

I like quiltbikers suggestion, I wish I had prepared like that. :thumbup:

You might consider a "Soduku Quilt" it is based on the popular soduku puzzles. It is basically nine 9-patches sewn together with sashing in between. The patches in the 9-patches can be made any size. It would teach cutting and 1/4 inch seams and paying attention to patterns and placement.

I've looked for it twice - what was it?

I think what you are doing is great! Your enthuiasim will be a key to the class. I think back to things I made in 4-H, and that was an easy draw string apron, pot holder, hemming a dish towel, which I wouldn't do now, pin cushion. I'd start with the sewing machine basics, cleaning and oiling, needles, using good thread, and then the new great tools of the trade we have now. I'd probably do a 4 or 9 patch pot holder or pillow, the folded coasters, a doll quilt depending on the age and interest of the group, pj bottoms. That should give you some ideas. Good luck, you're creating in the future of sewing/quilting! How exciting. :thumbup:

We hand pieced the blocks in the first quilting class I took.

I'm glad I learned how to make blocks that way - because now I know I can always have a small take-along project available - if I want one.

My first quilting class was a rag quilt. It was 4 weeks long. We were given a supply list when we joined the class. The 1st week we looked over the pattern, learned how to use a rotary cutter, and started cutting out our quilt blocks. Our homework was to have all the blocks cut before the second class. Our second class we learned to sew the X across the center. The third, we sew the blocks together. The 4th, we put the rows together and stitched the two outside rounds. Our throw was completed. We were all so proud. I know it sounds like a slow process but that was wonderful as a beginner because we didn't get overwhelmed.

After that, you still would have 5 weeks. The students would be more confident. They would be comfortable with their sewing machines and with everyone in the class. Then you could start the 4 block sampler wallhanging.

Angie

Oh how I wish I was taught to hand piece first! After over 20 years of quilting, I still cannot hand piece to save my life! If I want a take-along project, I have to resort to knitting instead.

Railed Fence. I think it is the easiest to do after you teach them basic rotary cutters and sewing machine basics. They will be able to practice cutting straight strips and sewing a 1/4 inch seam. They can do a lot of things with these blocks.

You could make a set of wine glass coasters. I saw the tutorial on here.

How good of you to teach those wanting to learn. My first offical quilting class was making a log cabin quilt. We would meet for two hours, start that lesson and have some homework, to be ready for the next week. The class lasted 8 weeks and included a field trip to the local amish fabric shop for fabric. It was a great opportunity to figure things out and have a go to person if I ran into a problem. I am still friends 25 years later with three of the ladies I took the class with.

I taught beginning quilters for just over a year. They were terrific. I would insist that they know their sewing machine and have them bring their manual. Many times people showed up and didn't know how to thread their machines or how to fill a bobbin. I also asked if they had ever used a rotary cutter. If not, I had them show up 30 minutes early for a quick freebie lesson. Another important task was showing them how to sew a good 1/4" seam (you can put a piece of masking tape on their machine as a guide). Once they learn the basics, the teaching is a joyful experience. Try a rail fence quilt or a log cabin quilt. Check out books by Quilt in a Day or by Alex Anderson. There are books specifically for beginner. Have fun!