The first quilt I learned was a nine patch and rail set on point. I learned soooo much from that one quilt.

My friend, who recently had a stroke, and I have taught beginning quilting for 4 years thru our church. Now we teach beginning thru advanced. We run by the school semesters and the classes are 2 hours every Tues. We start at the very beginning with tools they need the first meeting. I bring in my stash the 2nd meeting and they play with putting fabrics together. The 3rd week we go shopping and they pick their fabrics. The pattern we start with is a "Buddies quilt" by Jean Nolte. We then spend the next 2 weeks perfecting rotary cutting on cheap fabric I have picked up, sewing 1/4"seam and pressing. Then they begin with their quilt and are comfortable with doing it. Some sew at home but most don't. We finish the quilt, including binding that semester or they can finish it the next semester. Always on call and very happy students. We charge $5 a semester and they certainly get their money's worth. If you would like a copy of our materials, I will be happy to send you one just PM me. Also, please pray for my friend. I believe I will be teaching alone this year.

I think squaring up your blocks would be a basic lesson

I would add a little instruction on the sewing machine, rethreading,oiling, general stuff to keep you machine in operation while quilting.Along with all the basics use of a ruler rotary cutter etc. You know all general to someone who knows nothing. Just using that as an example.

Being in a local guild, I have to say that the hardest thing we come across is the people who don't know what a 1/4" seam is.
I helped teach a "Back to Basics" year round project for the guild. We started out with how to cut properly, then sew a true 1/4" seam.
From there, we went on to 12 different blocks. Starting with a large 4 patch. We even went into hand applique and machine applique.
Then did a couple of free motion/stitch in the ditch classes.
We had many of the members say they really learned lots from it.
I guess I feel that cutting properly and finding and keeping the 1/4" seams are the most important.
You are opening a whole can or worms here with that question. It will be interesting to see the answers to it.

In my limited experience - the last five months - I have never attended a class because they are at inconvenient/daytime hours or - worse - they involve an entire day in a small room with a lot of people all crammed in and yakking - and WORST - the project they picked out is plug-ugly. Pick something pretty, something easy, and concentrate on the basic construction techniques. Cut, measure, piece, measure, rip, piece, block...

I come from a generation where almost all females were exposed to sewing in some way.

However - some people really don't know what a needle is!

I value the "hand-piecing" class that was my first quilting class.

You might want to start with very very basics such as

This is a needle - there are different types of needles (give examples)

"Material/fabric" - examples of different types - grain lines - selvages, etc.

What is appropriate for quilts - why others may not be

Scissors - different types -

Threads -

Marking fabric -

Perhaps suggestions for "if you can have only one, this is the one I recommend:

Rotary cutters, mats, rulers

One can still rotary cut pieces for hand pieced blocks.

Sewing machines - other than the very basic machines, I wouldn't even consider dealing with them in a class.

I think I would keep most of these choices to one or two "practical/usable" ones at the very beginning.

Too many choices are confusing to a beginner.

I've been teaching for a number of years through the school district's community ed. I have it stated in the class description that homework would be required if they want to have the quilt finished. I think one of the easiest to teach is the rail fence. My classes are for getting the top together. I stress the three important things you need to do to quilt (1) cut accurately, (2) sew accurately) and (3) press accurately. I do touch on how you can quilt or tie the quilt the last night, but I don't teach specifics. I do okay for me, I don't feel that I am qualified to teach a machine or hand quilting class. Also stated in the description is that they need to bring their own machine. In the material list I send out its states to know their machine and have it in working order. I do provide directions for whatever project we are working on, but I notice over and over people just want me to tell them what to do, they don't want to read instructions. Is this a Minnesota thing??? I am happy to oblige. I also like to get people started and then just go from student to student so that it's more of an individual lesson. Everyone cuts, sews, and irons at different speeds so it works out well.

Bless you for wanting to teach. It is a great gift you are giving them. My advice would be, don't get discouraged. Sometimes it might seem like you are fighting alone, uphill in the dark. Just keep at it. Your reward is eternal!

That sounds like a great approach and a worthwhile class. I think having the instructions written out for each class is great because when you leave you've got them to go by, not "what did she say to do about this?"

And no one in any field wants to read instructions! At computer co where I worked we used the acronym RTFM meaning 'read the manual' because even engineers didn't want to read the software manuals, never mind the customers' IT personnel. Human nature, impatience.

I would teach a strip-pieced Trip Around the World.

My first class was awful; we had to hand-piece some hexagons together (thing GFG), applique them on big ovals, and then quilt it all then bind to make placemats.

I would go for fast success to get them hooked, and teach some basic skills, and then let them move on. Definitely rotary cutting skills and 1/4" sewing tricks--several, so they can pick the one that makes the most sense to them. This is what I wish my first class had been! They can bring the tops to class and have the group help layer neatly (after you teach it) then do some fast and basic machine quilting, then self-bind (where you turn the backing to the front and sew it down to finish the edge.)

In short, I needed some quick and easy success the first time while learning a few basics so I could strike out on my own.

Quoted from SueSews:

"And no one in any field wants to read instructions! At computer co where I worked we used the acronym RTFM meaning 'read the manual' because even engineers didn't want to read the software manuals, never mind the customers' IT personnel. Human nature, impatience."

Read the *** manual! Amazing what can be found in the instructions. :roll: :lol:

[quote=Amythyst02]Additionally, although I am a noob at quilting I have been sewing for almost 45yrs. But garment sewing. I have made Wedding dresses, coats, suits, etc. So I am not unfamiliar with sewing. But.. quilting is a whole different world. There is so much to learn, and its completely different from garment sewing, as I have started to learn here.

Oh and printed instructions are a must. I love my computer and being able to run to it for information. However, when it comes to learning things, I would much prefer printed, hand held instructions. I want to be able to have it right next to what I am doing! I do even still read pattern directions, I may only skim them but they are right there, handy if I need them. And I cannot take notes next to the computer instruction like I can printed. : )

Now I am going to go look at 4P and 9P : ) A 4P is a 4patch and a 9P is a nine patch block. Just either 2 squares or 3 squares sewed together in a row and then attached to the next. In the case of a 9P there would be a third row of 3 squares.

You know, I started a small quilting group last fall for the snowbirds in our park in FL. I intended the group to be a stitch and gab get together, but it worked out that most of our group either hadn't ever made a quilt or not for a long time and didn't know how to use the modern methods of cutting, etc.
So, I taught a sampler quilt class and it lasted most of the winter. I picked out simple blocks, each one teaching a different technique, from the very basic cutting of strips to making more intricate blocks as we went along. I then taught them the fun and done method of quilting and finishing the quilt and each one ended up with a nice sampler. Quilted and Finished. I had never really taught quilting before, but I just showed them what I knew and it was a lot of fun. We have plans to start up again in the fall and I'm searching for some projects that we can do.

I love the variety of answers you are getting! Some are from experienced teachers, some are from brand new quilters, some are even new at sewing altogether.

I see the recommendations for 9 patch and Take 5, etc. and I do not know what those are, so maybe a beginner quilting class can also show the different types of patterns/blocks.

I made a sampler quilt for my first quilting class. It is hanging over my bed, and it was fun, but I don't think I could name the different types of blocks in it.

:-)

Btw, I took that quilt to another class about machine binding. That teacher was great about helping make sure I understood and finished the binding!

No matter the age or experience of my students I start with a simple tote bag. That let's me know the level of the sewing skills. Usually they can finished it in a 2 hour period and then they have something to carry their supplies in.

I really like this idea!

(I think potholders - though small - are kind of hard to do)

Plus one doesn't have to be overly exact to get something usable!

My first sewing class was a tote bag. It was not quilted though.

Forgot to add, I was quite proud of that tote! I made it! I use it still, my crochet afghan is in it -- a work of progress. This class included putting a zippered pocket in, so that is where I keep my crochet hook.

I do pattern drafting and quilting. I am often ask to teach. At church i gave free lessons. Quilt shops are for pay. Problems are many. Be honest in your credentials. I use my husband as a sounding board to make sure I am explaining the subject so everyone can understand. Sewing for over 50 years I forget to tell a step. Set an age limit. Some woman brought their children to class and the children couldn't set still. The cutters where always fearfully guarded. it was hard to think with the children there.

It is a good idea to use hubby as sounding board. My hubby is a mechanic, reads schematics all the time. He is also better at special concepts, and seeing which way something should turn to work out correctly. That comes in handy if doing paper piecing. I think I've mentioned previously that he is great at wanting me to buy all the tools I need. Since he buys more than he needs!

After all the quilt classes I have taken they never showed us how to sandwich the quilt. I had to learn by trial and error alot of error!!! :roll: :roll:

I've taught a beginner's quilting class. If you write down everything that you want to teach then look at it from the point of view of a beginner, you have a better idea of how much to add. I forgot to mention the 1/4 inch seam from the beginning and had to back track! It's easier if you can have someone else read it, too. Good luck!!!! I'm sure you'll do fine!

I posted on some other thread about how disappointed I was in the quilting books I bought. They had errors in them. As a newbie trying to do something, and then have to figure out the mistakes........ Enough said.

Maybe, get a few neutral friends to check out your criteria, give you critique.

Press, measure, cut, press, measure, assemble, press, measure, and press again for good measure. Make sure you explain the difference between pressing and ironing! (Would have saved me hours of aggravation!) First project needs to be useful and in colors they like. Keeps the frustration down. Nothing frustrates me more than wanting to take a class, and being told I must use the teacher's choice in colors. I have yet to take a class, for this reason.

I teach beginners and do a four block sampler with rail fence, pinwheel, ninepatch, and log cabin. If only doing one block , imo, it would definitely be the rail fence. I personally would do a beginners class on "How Well Do You Know Your Machine?"
Most machines are simple enough to figure out, and you would be doing yourself a favor in the long run. You would also do a little rotary cutting along with it, to get them started. Then send then home to practice their 1/4" seam before offering the quilt class. Has worked for me for 15 years now.
Good luck. Teaching beginners is wonderful!

I taught a six week class and usually gave them two weeks inbetween class 5 and 6 to catch up if necessary. They went home with a quilt that was sandwiched and ready to quilt. I demonstrated machine and hand quilting so that they could get and idea of what they wanted to do...and my phone and email were always open to them at any time after that. We usually got back together in about three months ( set the time then) to show and tell.

I was so lucky with my first quilt class because our instructor was great. Here is what she did for us. She showed us the importance of the 1/4 inch foot. She made sure all our seams were accurate. She taught us the do's and don'ts of rotary cutting. The difference between pressing and ironing. She showed us all the tools she used to get started on a project. She also gave us each a piece of muslin about 1" by 3" that she called a tail. This helps feed the fabric through the feed dogs and prevent those little nests at the beginning of a seam. We made 9 patch pot holders. I know it sounds simple but it has made my quilting very successful.Hope this helps.

The only thing I would add to what has already been mentioned would be the importance of measuring when putting borders on. For instance measuring thru the center and top and bottom dividing by 3 to get measurement of each strip.

When I teach watercolor art... I start with my goal is to make this fun and do-able. If they have fun and can do any part of it they will continue.

Teach what you love. Congradulations on the opportunity.

I have found when people start to sew ,weather it is quilting or clothing, you don't want to get to technicle until you know if that is realy what they like.
in our club we tried a quilting class and the lady who taught was very strict about the pros and cons,needless to say the class didn't go over to well.
the class kneeds to know upfront that you are starting them out easy and later they will know the particulars . to leave a class with a lot of new terms and measurements is very discouraging.
If a person has somethink to say about what they are interested in things go a lot better,good luck,

d.swindle

Grab a friend who can act like a 'newbie.' She/he will be able to find where you might need to do more explaining. it helps if this friend really is a 'newbie' or at least has a different thought process than you.

Table runners are quickly completed. The students can do the various steps in class and then do another at home.

Rail Fence is the easiest to do. Then graduate up.

Lots of printed instructions help as well as being able to contact you via e-mail. [No phone calls unless you really want them.]

When I taught in schools we had to make a supply list, skill list, and then an outline of each class with measurable outcomes. This works with any teaching.

Enjoy.

ali

I recently taught a group of 6- 11 year old girls how to quilt. Only one had used a sewing machine before. Our project was a mug rug. I had all the parts precut. They made a four-patch, sandwiched it and did a "pillow case" method. Then they quilted it in straight, and not so straight lines. It was completed in a 1 1/2 hour session.
By the end, each girl learned not to fear a sewing machine, had accomplished a finished project, and ALL of them expressed interest in learning more. I consider that a success.
With adult learners, I would still start with a pillow=case style mini quilt. If they have time, they can still put a binding on it to learn the technique, but it is finished even without.
IMHO

I am curious how you would be paid for this venture?

I went to a class years ago..this was once a week we did a sampler but the teacher expected us to do 3sblocks in one week and then bring them back to class. Most of us worked and we were lucky if we could get 1 block done. I just thought she went to fast. I didn't think the squares were easy

I taught beginners' classes for 19 years - and that's what I did: the first evening was just for orientation, and I always brought a bunch of quilts with me. We talked about supplies, fabric - just basic stuff, and THIMLES!!! Nobody had thimbles, and all hated them - was the same every time. Anyway - I started with handsewing hexagons over papers (I cut the papers), hexagons make pretty flowers, that covers applique. After that I picked easy patterns - Log Cabin, Nine Patch, and then triangles. And I did show them how to quilt.
I am a self-taught quilter, when I started, there were no quilters in Germany (I lived with my family in the States for 4 years).
I always stressed quality - cheap fabric is no fun to work with. If you have more questions, just send me a PM. I'll do my best to answer all questions. Tirolgirl

I AM teaching a beginners class in September. I think it is my fourth or fifth year and it ALWAYS starts with the cleaning of the sewing machine, threading, bobbin making, and the proper way to sit at the machine. I also show them how to set up a sewing area with cutting place, ironing place and sewing place. Now, that being said, there is a fabulous book....I Can't Believe I'm Quilting! distributed by Leisure Arts. It goes in order of what you do from beginning to end of a completed quilt.
I have made a table runner with three simple blocks...
a six block and sashed floral wall hanging amongst other things but I NEVER assume they know anything, I encourage questions, and give simple, slowly explained and shown answers. This coming September, I will be working with half square triangles and solids only. Once they master a HST and learn how to check it and square them off all to the same size, we will spend time moving them around to form all different patterns and they will decide which way to put them into a small lap quilt. we will do sandwiching IN CLASS. I have them sandwich my quilt I work on with them. You can't believe how many little hints you get when doing things in class! I never realized how some people don't line their pins up for easier sewing, how many pull on the fabric while pinning which stretches the fabric, etc. so doing one in class is a great way to help them. We then make binding, and learn how to place the binding with mitered corners until, VOILA, they each have a beautiful first COMPLETED quilt. I always demonstrate one in class, slowly and I have people who love to quilt when we are finished. My students, who become better at quilting than I am, keep coming back and they start what we are doing and wind up with king size quilts and more friends. It is a joy to bring the love of quilting to others, BEST HINT....SIMPLE, EASY, COMPLETE AND GIVE LOTS OF ENCOURAGEMENT. HAVE THEM BRING IN WHAT STEP THEY HAVE DONE AND GENTLY GUIDE THEM TO PERHAPS A DIFFERENT WAY OR BE EXCITED THAT THEY FOUND A WAY THAT WORKS. We begin each class, and spend most of the time, sharing what we each have done and suggesting what to do next, what went wrong and why, how to correct it. We are all around one very large table....there are usually 14-16 of us in each class.

LOVE IT, LOVE THEM AND ENJOY. Good luck from another Phyllis