Learn the basics of free motion quilting in a hands-on, supportive class. We will cover sewing machine set-up, strategies for success, and five basic designs that do not require marking. Learn to set up for free motion quilting, control tension, discover your directional preference, make design variations, control speed and scale, make compound shapes, and begin to build your personal style. Leave with a completed quilting sampler, new confidence, and the urge to quilt a whole quilt yourself!
Class Time & Location:
Sunday, 3/2/25
10:00am to 4:00pm (please bring lunch/snacks)
Coastside Quilt Studio
1305 Palmetto Avenue, Unit E, Pacifica
Supply List
- Quilt sandwich: at least 18” x 22” but not larger than 36" x 40" (go toward the larger size if you know you are a fast quilter) made with solid white cotton fabric on both sides and low-loft batting in the middle, basted with quilted lines forming six spaces in a grid.
- If you are a speedy quilter (or think you might be), feel free to bring a larger sandwich, or multiple sandwiches to class.
- Black (or dark color) thread: 50-weight cotton thread.
- White (or light color, different from dark thread) bobbins: three bobbins pre-wound with 50-weight cotton thread.
- Quilting needle: a new 80/12 size quilting, denim, or microtex needle, (90/14 may be used instead) or as recommended by your sewing machine manufacturer.
- Sewing machine in good working order: with ability to drop feed dogs
- Free motion quilting foot (sometimes called darning foot) for your machine
- Pen or pencil
- (optional) quilting gloves
- (optional) Supreme Slider or Teflon sheet
***CLASS MUST HAVE AT LEAST 6 STUDENTS ONE WEEK PRIOR TO CLASS OR THE CLASS WILL BE CANCELLED.***
About The Instructor
Karen Bolan is a quilter in Santa Rosa, California. Drawn to the layers of design and expression
possible in quilting, she loves the learning that comes from experimenting. She endeavors to
find efficiencies in process and material use. Her designs are out of the box, and integrate a
love of geometry, experimentation, interconnection, depth, and texture. Her work has been
featured in magazines including Curated Quilts, Modern Quilt Guild Journal, Make Modern, and
Modish Quilter, and her quilts have been exhibited at local and international shows including
QuiltCon, Pacific International Quilt Festival, and the de Young Museum. Learn more about
Karen’s work by visiting her website at www.KarenBolan.com and Instagram @karen.bolan.
3/2/25 - Beginning Free Motion Quilting
Class cancelled 10 days in advance will receive a full refund. Classes cancelled the week of class will receive 1/2 of the amount back. No refunds will be given for cancellations with 24 hours of the class start time. You may gift your spot to a friend, in which case no refund will be given. Please contact me immediately with the new guests' information.