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The 10 Best How to Quilt Classes

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The 10 Best How to Quilt Classes

Are you wanting to learn to quilt but don’t know where to start?

As a long-time fan of Craftsy classes, I have purchased a large collection of their courses , including the monthly membership.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: Anyone wanting to learn a new craft can get overwhelmed by choices. When you visit the Craftsy catalog, you’ll see so many quilting options that you may click off and move on to a new craft.

Instead, you need to be matched with the best class for your needs. That’s why I’ve curated this collection of Craftsy How to Quilt Classes.

10 Best Learn to Quilt Classes cover image

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Startup Library Quilting Class

Machine Quilting

Craftsy had these all-in-one classes called Startup Library. I’ve watched the Startup Library: Quilting course and it has everything you need to get started quilting. The quilting class is taught by veteran quilting teacher, Christa Watson.

I’ve taken a live class with her and really like how she anticipates questions before they are asked. The sign of a true teacher.

Christa covers the following in great detail: Fabric & Tools, Sewing Machine Knowledge, Quilt Patterns, Rotary Cutting, Labeling Quilt Pieces, plus all of the details needed to make a quilt. It is a complete course and when you finish you will be a quilter.

The cost of the course is about $70, which seems a little bit pricey. However, there are 14 lessons that thoroughly cover the details of learning to quilt, so it’s really like getting two courses in one. And, for a few dollars more you can get a one year membership to all Craftsy classes.

Startup Library: Quilting is an excellent course that takes you through the process one step at a time. Don’t let that scare you; Craftsy is always having sales. If you’re patient, you can get the class for up to 50% off.


Learn to Quilt Series

Within the Craftsy catalog there was a series of Learn to Quilt classes taught by Amy Gibson. These are very basic classes and each one takes you through the process of learning to make different types of quilts. I’ve listed them in the order I believe makes sense for new quilters.

Learn to Quilt: Charming Baby Quilt

Learn to quilt image

Listen to enough how did you get started quilting stories and you’ll likely hear a quilter say it all started with a baby quilt. It’s true, baby quilts are considered gateway quilts that can lead to a quilting addiction.

If your goal is to make a baby quilt, this one has you covered and it couldn’t be easier.

The quilt uses 5″ precut squares which eliminates most measuring and cutting and makes this class budget-friendly because you don’t need to spend money on specific quilting tools.

Instead of machine quilting, this class has you tie the quilt layers together. Plus, the Charming Baby Quilt does not call for binding, another scary feature for new quilters. Rather, it’s turned and topstitched.

Even if you’ve never sewn anything before, Learn to Quilt will take you from start to finish making a Charming Baby Quilt. It’s an excellent course to take along side a young person who’s interested in learning to quilt.


Learn to Quilt: Custom Table Runner

table runner image

Once you’ve finished a baby quilt, the next logical project would be a table runner. Learn to Quilt: Custom Table Runner lets you spread your quilting wings without getting overwhelmed.

The Custom Table Runner class covers topics such as correctly cutting fabric, half-square triangles, straight-line machine quilting, and quilt binding.

Because this is a smaller project, it gives you the opportunity to learn valuable techniques such as machine quilting. You’ll be able to easily maneuver the table runner through your sewing machine and come out with a finished quilt!

One of the things I like about this class is the detailed coverage of techniques such as rotary cutting using a ruler and mat. Amy doesn’t just show you how to cut, she takes you step-by-step through the entire process. Details such as correctly holding the rotary cutter, which rulers you’ll need, and where to safely place your hands when cutting allow you to rapidly advance your quilting skills.

Even though this is a small project, it covers techniques that will make you a confident quilter. Each of the lessons build upon each other and before you know it, your project is complete.

The size of this project makes it ideal for new quilters who want to build upon their quilting skill set, but aren’t quite ready to tackle a larger project.


Learn to Quilt: Throw Quilt

cozy throw image

If baby quilts are a gateway quilt, and a table runner is your second project, then throw quilts are likely to be a third quilt. This class takes you through several basic techniques that will advance your quilting skills.

The instructor shares simple piecing tips that will make you look like an expert even through you’re still a novice. Overall, it is a great class to take when you want to advance your quilting skills but don’t feel confident enough to tackle a more complex project.


Learn to Quilt: Colorful Bed Quilt

cozy bed quilt image

Once you’ve mastered the first three quilts in this series, your next quilt is likely a bed quilt.

This class kicks it up a notch and has you using a hexagon shape to create your quilt blocks. This is definitely a step up in your quilting, however, mastering a bed quilt is a sure sign you’ve arrived as a quilter.

Don’t let the overall project frighten you away. Amy Gibson takes you through the details of this quilt and, before you know it, you have a large quilt!


Other Quilting Methods

Have you heard about Quilt As You Go. It is a way to piece and quilt at the same time. While I briefly touch on the subject on my website, there are some excellent Craftsy classes that do a deep dive on the subject.

Quick Quilt-As-You-Go

quilt as you go image

Maureen Cracknell makes quilting easy and possible with the Quilt As You Go method. She combines simple designs with clever cutting techniques to achieve a quilt. If you’re short on space or have concerns about moving a large quilt through your sewing machine, then this course will help you overcome these challenges.


Pre-Cut Shortcuts

Pre-Cuts for quilts

This is one of my favorite Craftsy quilting classes. Instead of cutting out tons of small pieces, this class uses fabric pre-cuts. New quilters will start and finish projects because the tedious (and occasionally confusing) process of cutting out a quilt is bypassed. You can concentrate more on design and technique.


Machine Quilting

Once you’ve pieced your quilt, you’ll need to quilt the layers together. A longarm quilter will do this for you, but this can be a little pricey. Another option, and one I recommend, is doing the quilting yourself.

Ready to Quilt: Tips to Get You Started

sewing machine with quilt

This basic class gets you started with machine quilting. As a result, you will learn how to prepare your quilt layers, which batting to use, what presser foot is best, and then gets you started quilting. Consequently, I consider it a great class for moving you forward as a quilter.


Start Machine Quilting

quilt image

Isn’t it amazing how different teachers can put their spin the same subject and have it be completely different? Start Machine Quilting offers a unique look at the the same topic as above.

Combining this class and the one above should give you everything you need to know about machine quilting.


Other Quilting Projects

Colorful Patchwork Bags & Baskets

colorful fabric baskets
color

Not all quilting projects need to result in making a quilt. There are lots of fun bags and baskets you can make using your quilting skills. This class by my friend Caroline Critchfield simplifies the steps to making a bag and gives you a few ideas for using up some of your quilting scraps.


Putting it All Together

Remember, learning any new craft takes time, begin with one or two classes, and start building your quilting skills.

Most of all, find a local quilt shop or guild that offers in-person classes. Never miss a class and watch your skills explode.


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