Four-Block Sampler
CLASS DESCRIPTION:
In this class, designed for the absolute beginning quiltmaker, you'll learn everything you need to know to make your very first quilt: a charming and colorful four-block sampler. Each block is different. The techniques you'll learn include:
- Choosing fabrics and supplies
- Using a rotary cutter
- Machine piecing (including quick-and-easy strip-piecing and sew-and-flip methods)
- Assembling the quilt top
- Adding borders
- Preparing the quilt for quilting
- Selecting appropriate quilting designs
- Basic machine quilting
- Making and adding binding, a label, and a hanging sleeve to display your finished project.
In addition, you'll get loads of tips to guide you along the way.
The skills your students learn here will open the door to a lifetime of exciting quilting adventures!
APPROXIMATE CLASS TIME:
6 sessions – 3 hours each
WHAT EACH STUDENT WILL GET:
A beautiful four-block sampler quilt to display in your home or to give as a gift to a special someone.
No additional handouts required. Make Your First Quilt with M'Liss Rae Hawley is the perfect reference!
PROJECT SUPPLIES:
- Required text: Make Your First Quilt with M'Liss Rae Hawley
- Class 1: Bring required text, notebook, pen, color wheel or color tool, and—if you'd like—your digital camera.
- Class 2 and beyond: See Materials List on page 62 and Shopping List on page 22 of text.
ADVANCE PREPARATIONS FOR INSTRUCTOR:
Class 1:
- Sample of finished quilt.
- Shopping List supplies from page 22.
- Examples of fabrics from Materials on page 62.
Subsequent classes:
- Shopping List supplies as applicable
- Sew-and-flip how-to samples
- Strip-piecing how-to samples
- Block 2 in various stages of assembly
- Practice "sandwiches" for in-class demo and machine quilting practice
- Binding and sleeve how-to samples
- Label options
NOTE: For many demonstrations, instructor can use student pieces, blocks, etc.
CLASS 1:
Following the instructions in Make Your First Quilt with M'Liss Rae Hawley, pages 7 – 15:
- Introduce terminology/parts of the quilt
- Show and briefly explain various tools and notions, including sewing machine
- Discuss choosing fabric and preparing fabric
- Review Materials list on page 62
- Shopping time with instructor's guidance
Assignment: Prepare all fabrics for next class.
CLASS 2:
Following the instructions in Make Your First Quilt with M'Liss Rae Hawley, pages 16 – 17:
- Demonstrate use of rotary cutter, ruler, and mat to cut strips, squares, rectangles, and half-square triangles.
Following the instructions in Make Your First Quilt with M'Liss Rae Hawley:
- Allow students to rotary cut fabric for lattice, lattice cornerstones, inner border, outer border, and binding (page 62).
- Allow students to rotary cut fabric for Block 2 (page 27), Block 4 (page 32), Block 7 (page 38), and Block 8 (page 41).
- Demonstrate assembly of Block 2 (pages 28 – 29). Refer to piecing and pressing tips on pages 18 – 21 as applicable.
Assignment: Complete Block 2 for next class.
CLASS 3:
Following the instructions in Make Your First Quilt with M'Liss Rae Hawley:
- Demonstrate assembly of Block 4 (pages 32 – 33), Block 7 (pages 38 – 40), and Block 8 (pages 41 – 42). Refer to piecing and pressing tips, including strip piecing and sew and flip, on pages 18 – 21 as applicable.
- Allow student sewing time.
Assignment: Complete Blocks 4, 7, and 8 for next class.
CLASS 4:
Following the instructions in Make Your First Quilt with M'Liss Rae Hawley, pages 45 – 49:
- Demonstrate and allow students to square blocks
- Arrange one student's blocks, lattice, and lattice cornerstones on design wall. Explain assembly.
- Allow student sewing time.
- Demonstrate adding borders. Allow students to continue sewing if time allows.
Assignment: Complete quilt top, including borders, for next class.
CLASS 5:
Following the instructions in Make Your First Quilt with M'Liss Rae Hawley, pages 50 – 54:
- Discuss and demonstrate how to choose and mark quilting designs
- Review preparing batting and backing
- Using student quilt, demonstrate layering and basting technique. Allow students to assist with basting, including each other's quilts.
- Demonstrate simple machine quilting. Show students a practice "sandwich" and have a few handy for in-class practice. Encourage them to practice at home, moving on to their quilt if and when they feel ready.
Assignment: Continue practicing machine quilting, moving on to quilt when ready.
CLASS 6:
Following the instructions in Make Your First Quilt with M'Liss Rae Hawley, pages 55 – 59:
- Demonstrate squaring the quilt; allow students to proceed
- Demonstrate making binding; allow students to proceed
- Demonstrate applying binding
- Demonstrate making and attaching a sleeve
- Show label options
- Plan a class reunion!
