Teaching quilt making?

[Tammy G.]

Hi Everybody! There is a new quilt shop (actually about 1 1/2 years old) in the area and the owner would like me to teach some classes. We are in dire need of beginner classes in this area, the very basics, so that is what we plan to start with. My questions are for you teachers out there. Where do you start? Do you make up your own design, or choose a published pattern? If you use a pattern, do you need permission to teach it, as long as all the students also purchase the pattern? I'm not really a designer, but I have put together a couple of things on EQ, should I use something from there? Again, though, do I somehow need permission from EQ to teach a design I make using their software? I really don't want to have any issues where copyrights are concerned.

Also, how do you go about setting class fees? I'm pretty clueless in that area, I haven't taken any classes in years. There hasn't been anything I've been interested in, or any new techniques offered (I learn more here on TQS). I don't even know how to structure a class. Any help and suggestions are very much appreciated. Thanks so much!

[Mary H.]

How about a sampler quilt with basic blocks, such as nine patch, rail fence, shoo fly, etc.?

[Mary H.]

in my shop in brooklyn ny we have been offering begining quilting for years and the teacher does a basic sampler with 4 different blocks. no need to ask permission becuae all the blocks are in the public domain. our classes run 16 hours with 2 hours once a week and we charge $150. we almost always fill the class. good luck, malke

[Mary H.]

I agree with starting the with the basic blocks, 9-patch, 4-patch. Chance to start them thinking about block designs and be able to break down a new block they encounter.

Maggie in E. Central Illinois

[Teri L.]

Jinny Beyers "Quiltmaking by Hand" is the best text ever for beginner quilters who want to approach the process by hand. She has a simple quilt that incorporates squares, triangles, diamonds and curves essentially covering the basics of piecing. The book is so rich in material and easy to use that as a teacher I heartily recommend this. This gives you a book to work with, giving you a plan and outline for teaching and the students a resource that is invaluable in their quiltmaking progress.

Teri

[Teri L.]

Start with the basics... they need to be able to measure, cut , stitch and press accurately. My friend has a class she calls THE FIRST QUILTING CLASS YOU TAKE OR IT SHOULD BE... it is geared to newbies and those that want to improve their techniques. She teaches mostly machine work but also some hand work. She has them work through the techniques in the FONS AND PORTER QUILTING GUIDE BOOK and the B=H and Garden complete guide to quillting. Over the years she has used different books because she always makes a sample for the shop of the patterns and this made it easier and she enjoyed having the new quilts for herself.

Many of her beginning classes are BOM classes where each month she teaches a different technique. Her BOM classes are instructional. She does say student drop in and out of that once they learn the techniques they want to master.

Her beginning classes are based on techniques taught via a sampler class or easy quilt ... She has classes geared for the beginner / beginner who does not even know how to work their machine ... and classes for those who have some experiecne and just want to improve their techniques. She uses a lot of 5 yard cut patterns since they can look different.

YOU do have to watch out for copy right issues. The students have to own the book or pattern being used. You can probably use QUILTER CASHE web site getting permission to use the block and instructions from them. Their blocks are pretty accurate.

I like the sampler class because they build on techniques going from squares, rectangles to blocks with triangles then circles. Classes based on traditional patterns using the best, most accurate techniques get a lot of quilters going they can branch off into the contemporary, art quilts.


hope this helped.

[Teri L.]

Hi Everybody! There is a new quilt shop (actually about 1 1/2 years old) in the area and the owner would like me to teach some classes. We are in dire need of beginner classes in this area, the very basics, so that is what we plan to start with. My questions are for you teachers out there. Where do you start? Do you make up your own design, or choose a published pattern? If you use a pattern, do you need permission to teach it, as long as all the students also purchase the pattern? I'm not really a designer, but I have put together a couple of things on EQ, should I use something from there? Again, though, do I somehow need permission from EQ to teach a design I make using their software? I really don't want to have any issues where copyrights are concerned.

Also, how do you go about setting class fees? I'm pretty clueless in that area, I haven't taken any classes in years. There hasn't been anything I've been interested in, or any new techniques offered (I learn more here on TQS). I don't even know how to structure a class. Any help and suggestions are very much appreciated. Thanks so much!

Sign up for as many on line class schedules as you can so you can see what the going rate is for classes. Do not copy the same classes but offer a varity of the classes. Consider that even though a QS offers classes it does not mean they fill the classes with students.

Go to the local guilds and offer demonstrations / flyers to advertise.

Harriet Hargraves new books are great for class structure / newbie quilting projects etc cause that is the premise of her books.... TEACHING NEWBIEs and they cover so much more than just sewing... setting up your quilting area.

Consider teaching blocks with various techniques... y seam, curved piecing, paper peicing etc. Start with the basics and work up...

You might want to canvas the qs in your area and see what their going rate is.... In mid MI the classes run about $5 to $6 an hour per student. New teachers usually charge less till they have experience and have built up their student lists.

Expect a lot of drop outs... so ask for pre payment and have a fair cancellation policy. Be sure to read the class policies at the various quilt shops near you and structure yours similar.

Other things you might consider for your class policy is being sure the student has a machine that works... nothing sucks up the teachers time / get other students upset then someone who comes unprepared to class then expect the teacher to spend all her time fixing her problems.

Read the thread here on TQS about the McCalls article about copy rights and the various responses. Then decide how you want to structure your classes.



I do not teach quilting but my GF does and I have listened to her talk about this for years.

[Teri L.]

I agree with much of what LadyRags has to say.

When I first taught a beginning class, I quickly learned I needed to offer a session on choosing fabrics: color, value, pattern design, quality, etc.

Then another class on just rotary cutting. This sessions includes basic use: such as how to cut a straight strip of fabric; care: cleaning, oiling and replacing blades; as well as safety issues. Once the basics are down, (I still cannot believe the number of people that do not know who to read quarter-inch, let alone eighth-inch, increments on a ruler) then I taught how to use the rulers to their best advantage as each type of block was made: use of 45° angle line, squaring up blocks, use of 30° and 60° angle lines, etc.

Once those two sessions were completed, I always started out with simple blocks, nine=patch, log cabin, Jacob's Ladder, building on skills learned previously while learning new techniques and tips with each additional block. I often would use a sampler quilt to do this.

You might also want to consider a "row-by-row" quilt as that way the method/technique is repeated more times than in just one block of a sampler.

And yes, you do need to be very cognizant of copyright, especially if you are using someone else's design or patterns or written directions.
If you have designed something using "EQ" you should be OK.

[Teri L.]

You might want to canvas the qs in your area and see what their going rate is.... In mid MI the classes run about $5 to $6 an hour per student. New teachers usually charge less till they have experience and have built up their student lists.

I should clarify this... $6 hour per student... class may be 3 to 4 hours depending. Classes are offered in day time and night time sessions... minimum 4 students per class or the class gets rescheduled or cancelled. My girlfriend also offers private classes at $10.00 / hour.

Average quilt from start to finish goes in 4 sessions Classes are One week apart for simple one block quilts. 2 weeks apart to allow sewers to keep up with the work load especially if they work outside the home for more complex quilts. Sampler quilt blocks classes are taught as BOM classes usually over 6 to 9 months.

There are several different sample clubs going at one time so you can mix and match. I belong to all three and often put blocks from different clubs/ classes in the same quilt. OUR GOAL is to make all 4000 quilt blocks in BLOCK BASE. We have done 100 of them so far since we started.

Borders are taught seprately same for binding / machine quilting classes. Same with specialized techniques such as paper piecing... adding piping ... thread painting on quilts...

( THINGS SHOWN ON TQS)... She calls her series of classes EXPLORING QUILT TECHNIQUES and they are usually one day workshop / seminar style classes ) She holds these on a rotating basis. These are for more serious / advanced students... and the basic/ beginner class is required or you can opt in by showing her samples of your work. These series of classes are more like a club or guild were we pay dues then actual classes. Some of the students teach some of the classes but we have to pay the over head/ use of the shop and her time spent allwoing us to be there... so it works out for everyone.

I will say since the economic downturn my GF c/o that her classes aren't as filled as they use to be cause people are watching how they spend their money much more closely. She has been finding that one day COMPLEX technique classes are not filling as well as the beginning quilter classes... but that changes after she has taught a large number of ladies they start wanting to learn more.

The area you live in will dictate the going rate for classes.

[Teri L.]

EQs BLOCK BASE are royalty free block patterns researched by Barbara Brackman. They come out true to size so they make block making easier. YOu would have to write your instructions, so the quilt pattern would be yours. Who knows that may create an entirely new occupation for you.

Lady Rags

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[Barbara B.]

This is what I currently teach new quilters. It's a 12 block version of Mix and Match Stars by Glad Creations.
I've taught Quiltmaking 101 since 1989 at my local quilt shop and taught samplers for many years. As they went out of fashion in the quilt world I offered a few other projects over the years. I've taught this for 3 years and it works well for beginners--challenging enough that they have a sense of accomplishment as their blocks come together, repeating the same block 12 times, with variation if they choose, helps them master the basics, and they can select great fabric choices with a little help. The class is 5 weeks long, 2.5 hours each, and costs $68.

The first class is for shopping--I explain all the supplies needed and help them with fabric selection. They only homework that week is to master the 1/4" seam allowance by sewing 4 rectangles, 4.5" x 1.5", into a rail fence block. When it's perfect, they bring it class, sign it with a permanent pen, and give it to me for inclusion in a "student" quilt. I found they got much better when the students knew this little test really would become part of a quilt some day. By the 3rd class I introduce a few other units, besides the HST and QST in the block. At the fourth class I present border options, as shown which takes a lot of time, or easier/faster variations. Class 5 they show their completed tops, if they get that far, and we discuss/I demo both hand and machine quilting.

I've found the most difficult thing for new quilters to master is the 1/4" seam. And precision sewing as they put blocks together. Everyone gets to decide what level of perfection they require of themselves--as long as they are happy, I am happy. My goal is that they feel they've gotten their money's worth from me and they compete the project eventually, rather than leaving it for their descendents to wonder what they were planning to do with all those parts found in a box under the bed! Finished is better than perfect.

I love teaching beginners--the idea is to get them excited and ready to move on to the next quilt after this top is done. About half the students quilt it themselves, half "quilt by checkbook", supporting local long-armers. Either way, if they want to make another quilt and/or join our local quilt guild, I've done my job.

[Barbara B.]

I forgot to mention, each student must buy the pattern since this is a direct copy, only smaller, of the Glad Creations pattern. I provide an 8 page handout that I've written and recommend a reference book for those who want a good book.

[Hannelore N.]

May I suggest you look at Alex Anderson's books. They are slim and not intimidating. Instructions are very clear and easy to follow. The prices of the books are also very competitive. I'm sure Alex would not mind if you 'supervise' (teach) a class of students who all buy the book you choose and work through one of the projects in it together (that way you also don't have to write instructions yourself and you get some experience in teaching). Then, if they have enjoyed the experience they can tackle other projects from the same book, try projects from other books by Alex (disclaimer: Alex is not paying me!), or they can spread their wings and fly, becoming the next Philippa Naylor.

Just one well-meant warning for anybody who is considering teaching: Being a super-quilter with a ton of prize-winning quilts does not mean you will also be a good teacher. Teaching is something rather special and not everybody has got the 'knack', or can learn it. I have been a teacher for about 30 years now and it still gives me a buzz if I can share something I can do or know with others. It ain't always easy, but it's worth trying in order to see if you get that 'buzz'.

[Tammy G.]

Thanks for all the input! There are some great ideas, and I'm thankful that some of you experienced teachers piped in. I'm definitely starting with the very basics, measuring, accurate cutting, 1/4" seams, etc... I believe the shop owner wants to do a separate class for choosing fabrics. I'm still up in the air about the pattern. I know the shop owner would like to see completed projects in three to four classes- including quilting and binding- so I don't think there is enough time for a sampler. I would like to continue the class into a second session to include some basic blocks though. I really appreciate the info about copyrights too, it truly helped.

I just did some quick research on class prices in the area. The largest quilt shop around here is only charging about $4/hour/student. Another shop charges a flat $25/student for a three hour class. So, it looks like I have a lot of room for play in pricing. However, the shop is extremely small, and I won't be able to teach more than 4 or 5 at a time, so my time needs to be worthwhile.

Trust me, I know not everyone can teach, I've experienced some classes that had very questionable instructors. However, I do have a teaching degree (not in English though- my writing isn't the best), and am quite confident that I can do a good job. I have taught lessons for my quilt guild and am always asked to do more. I get great feedback, so I think I must do okay. I'm hoping they mean what they say, and aren't just encouraging me so I keep teaching lessons when they can't find anyone else! I also have some fellow quilters begging me to teach them paper piecing. They didn't get much out of the class they took on it. So anyway, I do feel that I am qualified to teach a basic quilting class, and have some fairly well educated quilt makers by the time I am done. Thanks for the warning though!

Tammy

[Jenny C.]

Good luck Tammy, I'm sure it will work out well for you and your students.
Jenny in Oz