I like to teach basic quiltmaking using a sampler quilt format. I think it helps students ‘study’ the various techniques that are useful in quiltmaking. I also think that knowing various techniques makes quiltmakers more confident and able to figure out block construction without a pattern.
Format:
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- Classes are taught via Zoom or in person (students must arrange the space for in person teaching)
- Each class includes a handout with a supply list, resources, tips, all patterns, a slide deck demonstration
- Step by step instruction
- Some live demos
Fees:
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- Charges are per class on a sliding scale
Other:
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- 2-5 students per class
- Students must take each class in order as concepts build on each other
- Students must be willing and able to obtain (buying or borrowing) necessary tools and fabric
- I am happy to adjust patterns and techniques to suit students’ special interests
- No whining
Sampler Class Tutorials:
Classes in order of how I teach them:
- Fabric Selection
- Nine Patch
- All the Triangles
- Double Pinwheel: a double pinwheel is a good block to learn triangles on
- Equilateral Triangles – tutorial in process
- Flying Geese
- Laying out a Drunkard’s Path
- The Dove: Sewing Curves
- LeMoyne Star
- Hexagon Tutorial: Preparing to Sew: Sewing Y seams
- Hexagon Follow-up
- Y Seams (LeMoyne Star)
- English Paper Piecing – tutorial in process
- Partial Seams
- Foundation Piecing
- Dresden Plate: tutorial on making a Dresden Plate block using templates
- Fusible Machine Applique’
- Bias Tape – tutorial in process
- Card Trick – tutorial in process
- Diamonds – tutorial in process
- New York Beauty – tutorial in process
- Setting the Blocks Together tutorial
- Labels – tutorial in process
- Quilting – tutorial in process
- Binding – tutorial in process
- Sleeves – tutorial in process
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Classes in alphabetical order:
- Curves
- Laying out a Drunkard’s Path
- The Dove: Sewing Curves
- Cathedral Window block
- Dresden Plate: tutorial on making a Dresden Plate block using templates
- Double Pinwheel: a double pinwheel is a good block to learn triangles on.
- Fabric Selection
- Flower Basket
- Part 1 – Supply list, making templates, cutting fabric
- Flying Geese
- Foundation Piecing
- Hexagon Tutorial: Preparing to Sew: Sewing Y seams
- Hexagon Follow-up
- LeMoyne Star
- Nine Patch
- Partial Seams
- Fusible Machine Applique’
Finishing the Quilt
- Setting the Blocks Together tutorial
Resources:
- Crafty Quilter’s 3 color QST tutorial
- Piecemeal Quilts Skillbuilder Series
Some student work:
Sue was one of the first students I taught via Zoom starting in 2020. She did a fantastic job on her sampler. I was gratified that Sue learned some techniques that she found useful even though she had been quilting for awhile. Sue also considers herself a Modern quiltmaker. She didn’t feel that the class was too traditional.
Carrie and Sue were in the same class. Carrie wanted to make a Christmas quilt. Her blocks really show seasonal joy. Carrie was a beginner and really made huge strides.
I wrote about Alice’s Sampler in 2007. She used batiks to make it and it just glows.
Beth’s Sampler using two color fabric choices:
Didn’t she do a nice job? This can be a really challenging color choice, because the maker doesn’t have much to work with in terms of creating contrast. Beth did an excellent job.