Notes to instructors and shop owners
Kim Schaefer’s Skinny Quilts contains a collection of both pieced and machine-appliquéd projects. The smaller scale of these skinny quilts offers a great opportunity for beginner classes in both basic piecing and machine appliqué. Beginners are often overwhelmed by larger, complicated projects. The projects in Kim Schaefer’s Skinny Quilts are very doable, even at the beginner level, and students will get the gratification of completing a project in a relatively short period of time and without a huge monetary investment.
The following projects are all excellent choices for a basic piecing class:
- Village Square, page 15
- Flip Flop, page 19
- Shades of Gray, page 24
- The Big Easy, page 29
- Cotton Candy, page 35
- Windows, page 39
- Framed Nine Patch page 45
The following projects are all excellent choices for a machine appliqué class:
- Happy Jacks, page 13
- Feeling Groovy, page 31
- Spots and Dots, page 37
Teacher preparation (same for either class):
Choose a project from the list above. Make a sample quilt to hang in the shop as a sample is the surest way to sell books and fill classes. Label the sample with a sign stating class name, date, time, and book title. Familiarize yourself with the steps in the project.
Class description - Basic Piecing
1 session at 3 hours (option is listed for a second 3 hour sessions). Learn basic piecing techniques, fabric selection, and the use of a rotary cutter, acrylic ruler, and mat.
Supply list
- Required book: Kim Schaefer’s Skinny Quilts by Kim Schaefer (refer to book for specific fabric requirements)
- Rotary cutter, acrylic ruler and mat
- Fabric scissors
- Thread
- Batting
- Sewing machine
- Iron/ironing board
Session 1:
Focus class time on fabric selection and proper use of the rotary cutter, acrylic ruler and mat. Stress the importance of accurate cutting and sewing a 1/4” seam. Review pressing techniques. Students should select fabric, cut pieces and piece several blocks. If you are planning a 2-session class, students should bring the finished top to the second session if not completed in class.
Session 2 (optional):
Discuss different batting options and teach how to layer the quilt. Discuss quilting options - hand, machine or long arm. Demonstrate binding techniques.
Class description - Machine Appliqué
1 session, 3 hours (option for 2 sessions, 3 hours each). Learn to machine appliqué using paper backed fusible web.
Supply list
- Required book: Kim Schaefer’s Skinny Quilts by Kim Schaefer (refer to book for specific fabric requirements)
- Rotary cutter, acrylic ruler and mat
- Fabric scissors
- Paper scissors
- Thread
- Batting
- Sewing machine (capable of a straight stitch and zig-zag or satin stitch)
- Mechanical pencil
- Paper backed fusible web
- iron/ironing board
Session 1
Focus class time on fabric selection, proper use of the rotary cutter, acrylic ruler and mat. Discuss paper-backed fusible web options. Demonstrate how to trace appliqué shapes and use paper backed fusible web (see page 6 in text). Demonstrate machine appliqué. If you are planning for a second session, students should bring their completed top to the second session if not completed in class.
Session 2 (optional)
Discuss batting options and teach how to layer the quilt. Discuss quilting options - hand, machine or long arm. Demonstrate binding techniques.
