Sewing, quilting lessons
 

:) I have been approached by some people asking me to teach them basic sewing and quilting lessons. I am considering maybe doing this as a part-time business/hobby. I have the knowledge and have been in business for my self for most of my life, just not the sewing business. I need any advice you great people can give me about pricing my lessons, should I do it by the hour or what time frame would I be good? what materials should I furnish? How many times a week? I want to start this off right. should I do it from home or rent a space? I know I'm asking a lot but I'm sure You wonderful people have experience at such and I thank you in advance for your help.

I don't think you should rent a space, that's too big of a commitment IMO. In my area, sewing and quilting lessons are usually at my LQS and Joann's stores, or occasionally in the community room at my library. A community center or school might be another idea, although you will want to check availability and rules regarding for-profit endeavors. Classes in my area seem to be priced by the project. For instance, learn to make XYZ baby quilt, student pays for the class, and kit or fabric is usually available for purchase at the hosting shop. You will need to figure out how to handle needed items such as sewing machines, cutting mats, etc. Will the students be required to bring them to class, will YOU provide them, etc.

As far as time of class, that would depend on your students. If they work , they will want classes on the weekends. If they're retired, most likely they will want classes during the week.

I agree with Peckish. Lots of folks ask for lots of stuff (lessons, custom quilt etc.) but when they have to put their money where their mouth is, they loose interest. I personally would want to do one-on-one (or two) in my home. Since you have already had a business, you know the ramifications of using your home for business purposes & what insurance you would need (for when a student sews thru their finger). I'd want a very small group because they will probably bring their own machines and if they are looking for a beginner class, they don't know how to operate it, so you are going to have to figure it out & every brand has their own quirks. I would also make it project based and you are going to want at least 2 hours to actually accomplish something in any lesson. Depending on the item you are making, I would provide the student with a list of tools they need and also a list of materials for that project.

I did one-on-one at my home and it was fun. Since it was for learning to make charity quilts I did it for free. We had a great time and many quilts for charity have been made since. I don't care if they also make quilts for themselves. I did it for fun.

If you've never taught before, I would at first volunteer to teach a class for your local 4H group to see if you like teaching. If that's not possible, I would stick to one student and you could go to their home and maybe do two hours at a time for a given period.

Why not ask a local quilt store if you could teach classes there. I think it would be a win win situation. They might make a sale and you get a class room already set up, i.e, tables and electrical outlets, ironing boards/irons, etc... If they forget something, they could just buy it.

One of the quilt stores here charges an average of $10 an hour.

Also, it would keep a bunch of strangers out of your house.

I use to take classes from someone out of there home and they charged $10 for 1 1\2 hours then they taught use what ever we need help with. maybe make a small wallhanging and make it into a kit to teach them how to start and how to use the tools and easy piecing

I've taught kids to adults, I usually let them pic something. if they have sewing knowledge it's easier. I charge $20/hr. Tutors get 50 + an hour. I do one on one their house or mine. kids it's their house, start out by teaching how to cut and thread machine.

I taught my 11year old DGD to sew...and she did very well at it. However, she had no prior knowledge so that was an issue when it came to explaining things...but as I said, she did very well with everything...except the math. She's very artistic but sometimes the math end of things confused her. If you're teaching from "scratch", try to anticipate any issues like the ones that have been brought up here and prepare in advance...and good luck!