Teaching kids to sew is an adventure! For the last few years I have taught a few kids sewing classes during the summer. I always forget to take pictures and show how creative kids can be. Here is my group from this year. The quilt is a strip "quilt as you go" quilt. It is great for kids that are familiar with their machines and the ability to sew a straight line is a must. We did have a few dates with the seam ripper I'm afraid.
I also feel this needs to be a 5 day class. We just can't get everything done in 4 days. The class was 3 hours long and trust me, that is enough for them. They really wear out after 3 hours.
The class was taught at Hood River Sewing and Vacuum in Hood River, Oregon. If you need a new sewing machine or vacuum... this is the place!
Here are my students from this year with their wonderful quilts.
You need:
Main quilt fabrics: Eight fabrics 1/4 yard each
Binding: 1/2 yard
Backing: 1 2/3 yard
Batting: I use Warm and Natural crib size because you can leave up to ten inches unquilted. This is very important! We leave about 5 inches unquilted.
505 Basting spray and some newspaper to protect from the spray.
Basic sewing supplies: pins, thread, hand sewing needle and thimble for sewing the binding.
Lay out the batting on a large flat surface. Preferably on something larger than the batting. Line the batting around the edges with newspaper so the spray won't get on the floor or table.
Lay the backing on top of the batting, right side up. If you have help this goes a little easier. Fold back the backing fabric about half way. Spray the batting with the 505 basting spray and gently lay the backing back down. Use your hand to smooth it as you lay it down. If you get a wrinkle, you can lift it back up and try again. Repeat on the other side of the batting.
Cut each 1/4 yard of fabric in one of four different widths. One strip cut a 4" and 5" strip. Another cut 3" and a 6" strip. Cut from salvage to salvage and leave the salvages on. You will trim the quilt when you are done.
Starting in the center of the quilt. Lay one strip face up. Lay another strip face down matching raw edges and pin. Sew from one side to the other all the way through the strips, batting and backing. Fold back the strip and smooth flat. Lay another strip face down matching raw edges and pin. Repeat until you get to the edge. Go back to the center strip and repeat to the other end of the quilt. Trim the quilt at the shortest strip.
Cut six binding strips 2 1/4" wide and bind your quilt.
Have Fun!
