It’s just been a month since the launch of my new Craftsy class, Startup Library: Quilting, and already I’ve taught hundreds of students how to make a complete quilt from start to finish!! I love how the Craftsy platform allows me to interact with my students and see their progress, even though we might be thousands of miles apart! For those of you who are new to the blog, or Craftsy, let me tell you a little more about this class. Then see the end of this post for a giveaway to get you started!!
Click here to get 50% off Startup Library: Quilting (valid thru 10/8/17)
In class, you’ll explore a range of key tools and techniques as you learn to make a quilt from start to finish. I’ll guide you step-by-step through preparing your fabric, cutting out the pieces and sewing them into blocks, as well as basting, machine quilting, and binding to help you finish your quilt with ease. Plus, when you learn with Craftsy you can work at your own pace and ask me questions as you go. By the end of my class, you’ll be quilting with confidence in no time!
WHAT YOU NEED
Lesson 1: Fabrics & Tools (28 min)
It’s every quilter’s favorite part of project prep: shopping! In this first lesson, I’ll explain the fundamentals of quilting and what to keep in mind when shopping for supplies.
Lesson 2: Know Your Machine (24 min)
Understand what type of sewing machine best suits your needs, including the features worth splurging on (or not!). Then, get familiar with your machine as you learn to thread it, wind a bobbin and keep an accurate seam allowance.
SETUP
Lesson 3: Working with Patterns (9 min)
Follow along as I go over the information included in your quilting patterns. Find out how to work with patterns as you piece your tops, plus get tips for successfully choosing projects.
MAKE IT
Lesson 4: Cutting the Pieces (38 min)
Before you begin sewing, you’ll need to cut the pieces for your blocks. Learn to work with a rotary cutter and mat as you cut yardage, fat quarters and more.
Lesson 5: Chain Blocks (24 min)
Get right into action by sewing up your first quilt block, the Chain! Find out how to keep track of all nine pieces as you sew and press the first block, then make quick work of the piecing by sewing several blocks together at once.
Lesson 6: Star Blocks (32 min)
Ready to throw some half-square triangle units into the mix? Here, you’ll sew the second block of your quilt. Find out how to tame stretchy edges and ensure all of your star points face the right direction.
Lesson 7: Assembling the Quilt Top (27 min)
Now, it’s time to have some fun! Arrange and organize your quilt blocks before you sew them together. Then, sew blocks into rows and rows into the inner top – you’ll love my method for keeping blocks in order as you sew!
Lesson 8: Borders (27 min)
Your quilt top is almost done! All you need to do is add the solid and scrappy borders to set off the design. Learn how to piece and add each border, and fix it if it’s slightly too long for your quilt.
Lesson 9: Backing & Batting (11 min)
In this lesson, you’ll prepare the remaining layers for your quilt. Learn how to choose and prepare batting — the center layer of the quilt — and piece the backing fabric.
Lesson 10: Basting (8 min)
The secret to quality quilting? Basting, which holds all of the layers together securely. I’ll teach you how to spray-baste the layers and assemble your quilt, explaining why pressing helps you ensure solid results.
Lesson 11: Find Your Quilting Path (38 min)
Quilting — the stitching that holds layers together — can really accentuate your piecing work. Discover different ways to accomplish this, from working with a long-arm quilter to using your domestic machine. And, see how to stitch-in-the-ditch and apply decorative wavy lines using your walking foot.
Lesson 12: Free-Motion Quilting (23 min)
Ready to dip your toes into free-motion quilting? This method allows you to move your needle in any direction. If you’d like, stitch a stipple and continuous curve design on your quilt, or practice for your next quilt project.
Lesson 13: Binding (13 min)
Finish the edges of your quilt by applying a binding. I’ll show you how to prepare for this step. Learn to cut and piece the strips to create the binding, calculate the length you need for any quilt, and square up — or trim — your quilt.
Lesson 14: Binding the Quilt (37 min)
You’re almost there! In this final lesson, find out how to sew the binding to the quilt and finish it by hand. Easily turn with the corners and join the tails with my expert instruction, then get ready to enjoy your quilt!
For a limited time, you can get 50% off the regular price of my class when you use this link. The regular price will show on the home screen, but once you click “add to cart” you’ll see the discount. Just for comparison, this class is approximately 2-3 times longer than a “regular” Craftsy class, so it’s a tremendous value, especially when you get it on sale!
GIVEAWAY TIME!
Here’s a behind the scenes secret to share: as I was making the quilt, Craftsy sent me extra fabrics just in case. I ended up with enough fabric for an extra kit. Since I’ve already made the quilt twice (once ahead of time to test it, and a second time on video) – I don’t need to make a third, so I’d rather pass the extra fabric along to you! The kit includes one fat quarter bundle + background to make the quilt top and binding as shown in the class.
This giveaway is open to all (int’l winner just pays shipping). To enter, leave me a comment letting me know how many UFO’s (Unfinished Fabric Objects) you currently have! Once you take my class, you’ll be armed with the skills to finish them up! The giveaway will remain open through Sunday night, Aug 13, 2017 and I’ll choose a winner first thing Monday morning.
Click here to learn more and watch a preview video for Startup Library: Quilting
Update: Winner Selected and Comments Closed
Congrats to Susan M. who has been contacted via email.
Christa Quilts 
I have about 6 UFO’s and about 10 tops to be quilted. As soon as I move , I plan on finishing these up. Didn’t realize how many till a started packing!!!!
I have about 5 actual “in progress”. I think there is one that I’ve decided I’ll use fabrics for something else. Stash…we won’t go there.
Hmmmm. Let me count the ways…….approx 10. Not too bad. But not so good either. But I’d love to start AND FINISH this one if I am the lucky winner.
HI, maybe 3-4 ufo’s. Thanks for a sweet giveaway! Videos sound like an awesome resource for quilters!
I still have 5 UFOS! I’ve been working on them this year and have completed 5. Getting there! BTW, I love the colors/fabrics in the kit!
I am currently trying to turn one UFO into a FO and have 5 laid out in stacks on the floor, 3 on my ironing table and another 1/2 dozen hanging in the closet. This is after I disposed of several because I just didn’t care for them any more. They were so old my style had moved on…
I probably have about 3 ufos.
I have 22 quilt tops that have to be quilted, since taking your class I have gotten 4 done completely. I just needed inspiration to quilt them, so I am getting them done as I see your new information and giving me ideas what to do on the next one. Your classes look great and as soon as life is not SUMMER, I will be back to quilting more. Thanks! RoxAnna
I have no UFO’s at the moment. I try to finish what I start, hove no room to put anything not done. Good luck with your class on Crafty. Thank you for the chance at the giveaway.
I have a stack of quilt too a to quilt, and innumerable projects to finish. Need more time to see and quilt!
I consider myself to be a novice quilter even though I’ve made several small quilts over the years. I like to explore new techniques and patterns but I end up with UFOs once in a while. I currently have a box with six UFOs. I plan to finish two of them very soon!
I have 34 UFO’s as I have recently put them into a spreadsheet listing so I can take a quick look overall at where I’m at. Of coarse we’ll see at the end of the next 3 months if the list is longer or shorter …. it is RXR season and Alaska quilt shops have some outstanding rows available that are calling my name! Thank you for your books Christa, I have one now and just ordered your new book. Love your blog too….
I have about 8 quilt tops that need to be quilted! I would love the class to watch you finish the quilts with quilting and binding. I need some expertise in these two areas.
I’m down to four projects that have been started. The other Projects in Mind are just stash sorted differently. Thanks for the chance.
Sounds like an awesome resource for new quilters!
I have 7 UFO’s ready to quilt plus one that I started the quilting and have finished 3/4 of it about 4 yrs ago.
I think just one UFO. I generally finish each project before I start the next, but I threw up my hands on this one.
My name is Lori and I have 21 UFO’s. (True confessions) 🙂
Christa, I have learned so much about quilting by reading your blog…thank you! I’ve never taken a class (in person), so I’ve absorbed it all by reading blogs and books, taking Craftsy classes and watching youtube! I have 4 UFO’s right now. Only 2 of them are on my to-finish list. The other 2 have taken a back seat waaaay in the back and I’m no longer interested in them.
Ohh, UFO’s — probably 6 – 8 completed tops, bundled with backing and binding. Another 8 in different stages of completion and maybe 6 more just fabric and pattern together but not yet started.
I have 5 projects in process. Probably 5 or 6 waiting in line…not even started (frankly I didn’t even bother to count all though waiting in the wings…probably higher).
I know I have at least 12 but I’m sure I could find more if I search.
Hi Christa, The number of UFO’s I have is huge, and not countable off the top of my head! Some are much closer to finishing than others.
Currently I have 10 UFO’s. Hoping to have another finished this week.
I have 2 UFO quilts – and really hope to finish them soon. I don’t like to keep too many projects going. I’m a little CDO (that’s OCD in alphabetical order). I use 2 gallon zip-loc bags to put my projects in. I like to put the pattern and any ideas in the bag for future projects. Thank you for the giveaway opportunity.
Always trying to learn. Currently, I have 7 UFO’s and more stuff I have on the list yet to start.
Hi, Christa! I have about 15 UFOs. And this doesn’t bother me at al,l since I like to have lots of projects in different stages. That way I can work on what I’m in the mood for at the time.
Well…at least a dozen :0
I have 8 that are started with the piecing and 32 finished with piecing and waiting for quilting. Whew…makes me tired just thinking of it all.
I have 9 UFO’s I need to get to work LOL
I counted the other day and I have 10! Which I’m excited about- I’ve been working hard this year to finish up projects- cuz I have several on my waiting list! It takes all my discipline to finish before starting a new project! I need to finish watching your ‘the quilter’s path’ class because I have a modern quilt top just waiting! Thank you for all you share with us and thanks for the opportunity to win!
I have 30-36 wips. I made a list in january of flimsys and a list of “needs quilted” and then i have the list of “other” that i just need to sit down and finish. i’ve finished 6 projects this year, started a slew of new ones and i think it is time to go update my lists!
I love your blog and books! I have 8 UFOs plus 3 works in progress. I do FMQ on my sewiing machine. This kit would be perfect!
I have four unfinished projects!
I have about 10 UFOs in progress and supplies for more. I would love to win this kit. Thanks for the opportunity to enter.
Good Morning Christa! I have 2 UFO quilts – and really plan to finish them soon. I don’t like to keep too many projects going. I’m a little CDO (that’s OCD in alphabetical order)! 🙂 I use 2 gallon zip-loc bags to put my projects in. I have 4 “bags” of projects right now, but haven’t started them yet. I like to put the pattern and any ideas in the bag for future projects. Thank you for the giveaway opportunity!
Right now I have about six. Working hard to get them finished before starting anything new.
Currently, I have over 20 UFO’s on my “Due by End of Year” list. Most of them are small “kids sized” quilts. And this quilt is bright and cheery and would be perfect for some little one in that age group. So “pick me! pick me!” so that this UFO can become a magic carpet, a tent, a bear hug, or endless possibilities for a little one.
A lot! Maybe 10-15…not all quilts, but a variety of projects I’ve started over the years.
I’m not sure, probably somewhere between 20 and 30! I need to get busy!
When is it considered a UFO? I have 9 in various stages! And another 4 that I hope to start soon – fabrics and patterns have been picked out, including the pattern from Christa’s Craftsy class (fabrics are pressed and starched and ready for cutting but I’m holding off until I finish two other projects). I have too much in my stash already so don’t pick me to win more fabric!!
I currently have 9 underway. My first quilt is nearly complete. Two more binding sides to go. I plan on making a label as well. Learning as I go.
I can’t count that high, but let’s say I have 10 projects that need quilting. Only 3 of those are quilt-size. The rest are smaller projects like wall hangings. Despite all the quilting I’ve done, I still have trouble figuring out which motif to use.
Pat
I don’t even count anymore. I have tops waiting to be quilted, blocks to set together, and kitted fabric ready to start. Then I have fabric for quilts that isn’t kitted yet. And an older friend gifted me her unfinished projects plus the quilt center that my grandmother started and my mother worked on that I will work on but plan to pass onto my daughter for a least a final row before it’s finished. Oh, yes the wedding quilt from last October. (8 weddings in 16 months, I’m a bit behind) I also cross stitch but i have 2 finishes (2 weddings) recently. Anyone up for a shop hop?
Hello Christa! Right now I have 2 UFO quilts. I don’t like to have unfinished projects, especially quilts. I buy big 2-gallon zip-loc bags and put my projects inside with the pattern and any ideas at the time. Now that being said, I have about 5 bags going…but only 2 actual “started/stopped/stuck” UFO’s. 🙂 Sometimes you just have to stop a project and get something else done, especially if it’s a gift! Thank you the opportunity of the giveaway!
I have about 7 UFOs. Two are completed tops waiting for sandwiching and quilting. The others are tops in various stages of construction. Thanks for the giveaway.
At least 10…not counting ones I inherited from my mother!
Oh, my, that is a very personal question! I think around 20 or so…don’t judge!
I have too, too many to count! But I’m OK with it! Hopefully I’ll get back to them some day!
I have 15 – yes I need help! lol Thank you for the awesome giveaway and sharing! Great video!