1. Quick demo
An in store demo will encourage interest, give purchasers a visual starting point and the hints of each block. A great way to introduce a new pattern or a new store sample.

2. Three hour class
Demo by teacher then all students make a couple of blocks. Can be project based (bag or cushion) or just a technique class. A group of 3 hour sessions can build to a Samplerz class. (Samplerz #1 =6 weeks, Samplerz #2 = 4 weeks including a setting/finishing class).

3. One day class
Demo by teacher then all students make blocks. Project based (small wall hanging, long/large cushion) or technique based. The student may carry on with their individual project at home.

4. Two day class
Demo by teacher then all students make blocks. Project based. May need to spend time working with participants on fabric selections initially and settings later. Each student to work on their own quilt under supervision/with consultation


There is scope for introducing new customers to the quilt world, and your store, if you take steps to encourage them to come in and take a considered look around. All types of people benefit from classes suited to their needs. Most benefit from learning new skills and meeting new people.
*Once they have been taught the basics of rotary cutting and using a straight stitch on a sewing machine everyone can blossom in quiltmaking. Some Stargazey patterns are wonderfully forgiving and easy to understand, (Tartanz, Daisiez, Heartz, Ladybirdz etc.).
*Have machines for hire in class (and perhaps for home use during the class series?).
*Have Cutting Equipment Sets (cutter, mat, rulers) available for hire or included in the class cost for all class members - one less initial cost, one less thing to carry so they can come straight from work/class/dinner.
*They may want to get their work custom quilted and bound - perhaps you could include that in the class fee? Sometimes the finishing is too much for some!
*Have appropriate drinks, snacks and music - make it a quality experience. Good food in an appropriate atmosphere makes all ages and types happy.

1. Children.
*Give them achievable projects to work on, (Daisiez, Fishez, Tartanz on cushions, bags, small wall hangings etc.). A quilt, unless it is one for a doll, may be too much to start with.
*To take away the pain of fabric selection;
make up project packs - these may be pre-cut,
or give them a co-ordinated fabric pack
or book them for a personalised shop pre-class!

2. Teenagers.
*Give them achievable, useful and fashionable projects to work on, (Heartz, Daisiez, Handbagz on beach bags, utility quilts, Floor cushions etc.)
*Offer project kits
or give them a co-ordinated fabric pack
or book them for a personalised shop pre-class!

3. Young singles - working or studying.
*These gals may be in decorating mode be it at college/uni room or their first flat. Give them achievable, useful and fashionable projects to work on, (Heartz, Daisiez, Signed with Love and Kissez, Magic Ballz etc. on Couch & Cuddle quilts, Floor cushions, Magic Pillows, bed cushions, gifts for family and friends)

5 Mothers of pre-schoolers
*Give them a quilt to make! Cuppaz, Teapotz, Daisiez, Housez, Quilt As You Go Crazy for the wall or themselves, (call it the Time to be Selfish Class!)
*Choose a pattern for the Kids beds, (Planez, Kitez, Butterfliez or Daisiez) to make the separation guilt pangs lessen.
*Try to organise a creche/kids play group - on or off site, perhaps a staff member, cost included in the class fee.
*Saturday afternoon classes when Dad can look after the little ones. Perhaps he could be rewarded - it could be a guy quilt they make (Sailboatz, Slender Starz, Fishez, Planez, Tartanz etc.)

6. Guys
*Of all ages should be made welcome. There is plenty of fabrics that could read ‘masculine’. There are plenty of patterns that make it easy to make a start, (Sailboatz, Slender Starz, Fishez, Planez, Tartanz etc.).
*Guys love machines. Make sure you hook them with technical info to start with.

* help to preview their quilt colours (if necessary) by laying out all their fabrics in neatly, well ordered colour runs. The fabrics that won’t work will stand out. I like to continue working with the fabrics left in these runs if possible, it helps keep me on track with the overall look that I want to achieve.

*help the students to preview their fabric choices in each block by laying out fabrics roughly in the block proportion and positions, if possible.

*encourage students to always lay the block out in finished position throughout the cutting. If colours or fabrics aren’t going to work this is a great time to find out.


*encourage students to cut a little rougher from the start, it gets them away from their perfectionist upbringing. When I demo the block I make a point of cutting rough/crooked but economically.

*economy with their fabric can be encouraged. I usually use 1/2 metre (1/2 yard) cuts. I tend to cut up the lengthways grain but on one end I cut strips and the other end I cut rectangles/small shapes.

*teach your students how to use a square ruler, it helps when cutting the blocks and when squaring up. I find it amazing how many quilters can’t cut well!
-explain the ‘zero’ point (top right corner) and how the measurements work both along the top and down.
-explain that there are two ways to measure a rectangle for economical use of fabrics e.g. 5”x 7” can be either horizontal or vertical.

*often I have to teach students the correct placement of fabric for cutting-they attempt to cut the fabric from everywhere but the lower left side. I relate it to how we are taught to cut a loaf of bread;
For a right handed person the loaf is held under the left hand and we cut off the slice from the right hand end.
With fabric the ‘slice’ (the piece we are cutting) is under our left hand (and ruler), the ‘loaf’ (the bulk or our fabric) gets cut off!
Explaining it in these terms will be more effective than merely saying put the fabric on the right- they realise why their brain is telling them to do the wrong thing.


*always lay the block pieces out in their finished position throughout their construction. Stacks for chain piecing are fine this way. Teach the students to be organised!

*always lay the finished blocks out (or up on a design wall) as they are made, students will be able to see how the colours, fabrics and proportions work. They will be able to constantly assess all aspects - as will you. Setting suggestions can be made, fabric choices moderated and praise can be given!


*if the block doesn’t make block size do some patchwork! Add on a piece! a different colour can be brilliantly whimsical.

*if the image is too big for block size you can often reduce a section in size with a quick unpick or taking a bigger seam. Keep an eye on the design as you progress to avoid this. If this happens repeatedly, you may need to cut smaller or trim more.

*does it have to be block size? Make the blocks bigger or smaller or trim to a different shape. Add on sashings, frames and borders if desired. I often suggest the students leave their final block trim until their blocks are all complete.


*each block is unique but they aren’t always perfect seen in isolation, they are designed to be seen as part of the whole, just a brick in the wall. Don’t let students to be too critical of their work until they have at least three blocks made.

*each maker must be prepared to use their eyes as they make each block. They are the surrogate designers, they give each block it’s unique look. They control the insides and whether it makes block size or escapes over block size etc.

*many students will need constant encouragement, they are being let loose, being asked to make decisions apart from the usual colour/fabric choices - which can be scary enough for many. Some will relish this freedom, others need hands held. Most will come through this new experience better off. Occasionally a student will realise that freedom is not what is desired - encouragement of their strong points is necessary in all cases.

Above all remember to encourage their flexibility and sense of fun.