teacherbailey

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.

bearisgray

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:

sewcrafty

[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.

ddrobins1956

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.

CAS49OR

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!

Olivia's Grammy

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.

bearisgray

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!

CAS49OR

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

CAS49OR

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.

skothing

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.