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What is the Quilt Finishing Academy?

The Quilt Finishing Academy is your passport to 8 weeks of quilting awesomeness! This online program is your golden ticket to mastering walking foot quilting, getting cozy with hand quilting, and unlocking all the secrets to finishing your quilt, from picking out backing fabric to those charming quilt labels. Whether you're a quilting newbie or you've already rocked a quilt or two, this course is your personalized journey to conquering your BIG quilt dreams. 

The course is taught through 6 modules unveiled over 8 weeks, packed with over 50 training videos, a knowledge-filled course workbook, weekly live Q&A sessions where you can grill me with all your burning questions, plus the backup of our fantastic team, and a rad community space that's like quilting heaven on earth. Ready to turn those dreams into quilted reality?

finish your quilt top at home

Hi there!      

I’m Katie Zahm - Your Guide

Recently published in Quiltfolk | Colorado Issue 28

  • I’m a wife, soon to be mom, and Quilt Pattern Designer living in Denver surrounded by the Rocky Mountains. And, I’ve been there. As a completely self-taught quilter, I know the value of shared information. 

  • After spending years learning on my own, teaching students and working as a professional quilter, I have developed the ultimate Quilt Finishing course; something that I could have only dreamed of taking when I was starting. Let me save you years of learning on your own. YES, years! 

  • Often, individuals cling to the knowledge they've acquired, but I'm here to generously impart all of it to you. Discover the hidden insights, subtle details, and essential skills required for achieving quilting success.

Quilt Finishing Academy is an online training program for the art of quilting, delivered to students through a private course portal. The course includes 6 modules unveiled over 8 weeks, packed with over 50 training videos, a knowledge-filled workbooks for each module, weekly live Q&A sessions where you can grill me with all your burning questions, plus the backup of our fantastic team, and a rad community space that's like quilting heaven on earth. Ready to turn those dreams into quilted reality? Let's dive in!

Enrollment for the Quilt Finishing Academy is offered just once per year.

How it works

Comprehensive Course to Quilting Your Quilts at Home

Module 1 - Quilting Essentials

Whether you’re brand new to quilting or have some experience, learning the foundations is essential. We cover the basics of quilting, including techniques, tools, and material selection. It guides you through preparing your quilt top and backing, choosing appropriate fabrics for backing and binding, and understanding different types of batting.

Module 4 - Walking Foot Machine Quilting

We focus on the technique of using a walking foot for precise and controlled quilting. You'll learn essential tips for straight line or curve quilting, maintaining stitch consistency, and effectively maneuvering your quilt layers, empowering you to achieve polished and professional results with this versatile quilting tool.

Module 2 - Quilting Plans

We emphasize the importance of a well-thought-out quilt plan as it serves as a roadmap for a successful project. You'll learn to conceptualize and organize your design, select suitable fabrics, and make informed decisions on techniques, ensuring a cohesive and satisfying quilt-making experience.

Module 5 - Hand Quilting

Learn the art of hand quilting, delving into traditional stitching methods that add a unique touch to your projects. You'll learn the fundamentals of hand quilting, including selecting appropriate needles and thread, creating even stitches, and mastering the rhythm of this timeless craft to enhance your quilting skills.

Module 3 - Basting

The crucial role of proper basting in preventing shifting and ensuring a smooth quilting process. You'll learn essential basting methods, such as using safety pins, basting spray, or hand basting, to secure layers effectively and achieve professional results in your quilting projects.

Module 6 - Binding and Finishing Touches

Learn various binding techniques to give your quilt a professional look. Additionally, explore finishing touches such as labeling, washing, adding care instructions, and capturing celebratory moments with photos to complete and showcase your quilt.

Course Timeline

Unique to the Quilt Finishing Academy

  • 6 Comprehensive Modules

  • 3 Bonus Modules

  • 2 Implementation Weeks

  • 1 Launchpad Week (orientation)

  • 50 + Video Training Lessons

  • Closed Captions Available

  • Worksheet Exercises

  • Module Workbooks

  • Community & Connection

  • Live Guidance and Support During Class Duration

  • Live Q&A Session with Katie

  • Lifetime Access to Class Portal

  • No Travel Required

Course Outline

Class begins Monday, January 29, 2024.

  • We begin the Quilt Finishing course by learning the foundations of quilting. Whether you're brand new or more experienced, we’ll start with the basics, establish a workflow, and progress to the most advanced techniques and tools you’ll need.

    In This Module:

    o Begin learning the difference between basic quilting terms and understanding the difference between quilting and patchwork. (No patchwork piecing will be completed in class)

    o Step into the world of quilting and get familiar with the different quilting techniques.

    o Choosing the right quilting technique for each project.

    o Begin sources your inspiration.

    o Understanding the different quilting tools and materials.

  • Creating a quilt plan is crucial for efficient quilting, offering benefits such as visualizing the design, optimizing material usage, ensuring design cohesion, strategizing quilting techniques, managing time effectively, and enhancing overall accuracy. This planning process serves as a roadmap, enabling informed decisions and contributing to the success of a well-designed and professionally executed quilt.

    In This Module:

    o Learn the importance of a quilt plan.

    o Gather inspiration for your quilt plan.

    o Learn different approaches on a quilting design.

    o Sketch out your quilt design using pencil and paper or iPad / tablet.

    o Determine your quilt plan strategy, goal, and desired duration.

    o Apply your quilt plan on quilt top using your preferred marking tool.

  • Basting, the emphasis lies on understanding the crucial aspect of stabilization in the quilting process. You'll delve into the significance of basting and explore various methods such as thread basting, pin basting, spray basting, fusible basting, and quilting clips, gaining insights into how each technique contributes to effectively securing the quilt layers before proceeding with the quilting process.

    In This Module:

    o Learn how to prepare your quilt sandwich.

    o Best locations to baste and how to handle the bigger quilts.

    o Learn the different ways to baste and when to apply each method.

    o Understand the importance of quilt stabilization.

  • Master the technique of using a walking foot for precise and controlled quilting. You will learn essential tips for straight line and curve quilting, maintaining stitch consistency, and effectively maneuvering your quilt layers, empowering you to achieve polished and professional results with this versatile quilting tool. This module provides a comprehensive guide to enhance your skills in machine quilting, ensuring a successful and satisfying quilting experience.

    In This Module:

    o Learn the ins and outs of a walking foot with using the machine you have.

    o Prepare your sewing workspace to best work for you.

    o Learn all the different ways to use your walking foot.

    o Discover the abilities outside the linear line.

    o Best ways to handle bigger quilts on a domestic machine.

    o How to troubleshoot issues that may arise during your quilting.

    After Module 4 we will have an implementation week where you can spend time machine quilting and be fully supported by our team in the community area and live Q&A session.

  • Deep dive into traditional stitching methods. Participants will gain expertise in selecting the right needles and threads, creating even stitches, and mastering the rhythm of hand quilting, adding a distinctive and personal touch to their quilting projects. This module provides essential skills for those who appreciate the timeless craftsmanship of hand quilting, enriching the overall quilting experience.

    In This Module:

    o Define hand quilting, explore techniques, and identify necessary supplies.

    o Arrange an ergonomic workspace for efficient hand quilting.

    o Learn traditional and modern big stitch techniques, along with tie stitching.

    o Identify and address common hand quilting problems.

    o Emphasize the importance of hands-on practice to refine skills.

    After Module 5 we will have an implementation week where you can spend time hand quilting and be fully supported by our team in the community area and live Q&A session.

  • Focus shifts to the final steps of quilting, emphasizing the significance of achieving a professional and polished finish. Participants will learn various binding techniques to elegantly frame their quilts and explore essential finishing touches such as labeling, washing, and incorporating care instructions, ensuring each quilt is a well-crafted and celebrated work of art. This module provides indispensable skills for completing and presenting quilts with precision and attention to detail.

    In This Module:

    o Understand the purpose of binding and explore different methods to choose the most suitable for your project.

    o Differentiate between mixed and machine binding techniques for varied applications.

    o Learn to prepare binding strips and gather necessary supplies.

    o Apply binding to your quilt using the chosen technique.

    o Enhance your quilt with finishing touches like labeling, washing, and care instructions.

Bonus Modules ✨

  • Bonus 1: Match Prints for Backs

    Share some love on the back and seamlessly match prints for the quilt back. For the bigger quilts, when you need to piece two or three fabric sections together, this is a fun way to show off the fabric print you picked.

  • Bonus 2: Frankenbatting

    After you make a few quilts and go through batting you will find yourself with multiple but up pieces of batting laying around. I’ll teach you how to piece these together and have less waste.

  • Bonus 3: Quilt Labels

    I’ll show you in detail how to make custom labels from your computer with a printed label, machine embroidery label, hand embroidery label, and handwritten label.

Whether you're a quilting newbie or you've already rocked a quilt or two, this course is your personalized journey to conquering your BIG quilt dreams. If you've ever dreamed of stitching together a quilt top in your own home, mastering new techniques, or transforming quilting into more than just a hobby, then join us on this empowering journey. Whether you quilt for relaxation, self-expression, or the joy of creating cherished gifts, this course is your comprehensive guide to unlocking your full quilting potential.

Quilt Finishing Academy is right for you IF…

✔ You have a quilt top and stuck on what to do next

✔ You want to get comfortable with using a Walking Foot

✔ You want to learn how to Hand Quilt

✔ You have BIG dreams about finishing your quilt

✔ You want to finish your quilt at home

✔ You want to master new quilting techniques

Investment

The 2024 Quilt Finishing Academy costs $327.

A 3-month ($112/month) payment plan is available.

Enrollment opens only once a year.

Next Enrollment is coming February 2025