by Christina Cameli
Intro to Free-Motion Quilting: Strip Sampler
Class Description
A beginner level class introducing quilters to free-motion quilting. Participants make a simple baby-sized quilt from width-of-fabric strips and then quilt each strip individually with quilting patterns of their choice. This is a low-stress way to get a feel for moving a quilt under the machine, and to try new quilting patterns, big and small.
Class Length
Recommended as a series of two 3-hour class sessions.
Class Supply List
- Required text: First Steps to Free-Motion Quilting by Christina Cameli
- 4 large strips of fabric 6" to 8 1/2" wide
- 5 medium strips of fabric 3" to 4 1/2" wide
- 8 small strips of fabric 1 1/2" to 2 1/2" wide
- Muslin or solid fabric for a practice piece: 1/2 yard
- Batting: 2 pieces, 46" x 60" and 18" x 22"
- Backing: 2 3/4 yards (pieced to 46" x 60")
- Binding: 1/2 yard
- Basting pins
- Thread
- Needles for quilting
- Sewing machine with extension table, pedal and power cords
- Straight stitch foot
- Free-motion or darning foot
- Quilting gloves (optional but recommended)
Classroom Preparation
Cutting and pressing stations will be necessary. Enough space for each student's machine, with additional space for each student to baste a fat quarter sized mini quilt sandwich will be necessary.
Class Agenda
First class session: Assemble quilt top following pattern on page 98. Stop after one hour and discuss basting, page 137. Use the muslin piece (cut in half for two fat quarters) and the small piece of batting to make a small quilt sandwich for practicing. Introduce free motion quilting basics, pages 11-14, and have students begin stitching on their practice pieces. Solve any thread or tension issues. If time is left, students can baste the quilt in class or baste it at home.
Second class session: Quilting on the basted quilt. Refer to Quilting Designs chapter, page 24.
