In this article, you will find a comprehensive list of in-person and online classes for learning quilting. Enjoy and happy crafting!
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Table of Contents
- What Are the Best Online Classes for Learning Quilting in 2022?
- What Are the Best Books for Learning Quilting in 2022?
- What Are the Best Local Classes for Learning Quilting in 2022?
For a more complete list of creative hobbies, and an idea of where our new direction might take us, please see our (somewhat) complete list of Creative Hobbies, Arts and Crafts for Adults: A Complete Guide.
Why an Article on the Best Quilting Classes?
But we will also turn our focus more and more on those other artistic and creative hobbies, and that’s where I come in.
And as I have been putting together articles and content for crafters and crafting I have been taking into account not just my own interests and expertise, or suggestions and requests from friends and readers, but also what is – and isn’t – currently available online.
And, quite surprisingly, in my fairly extensive research and digging around I have realized that there is very little available on the web right now about finding classes and instruction for the various kinds of crafting. In fact, if you want to find the best classes for, in this case, learning how to quilt, it might be quite a bit more difficult than you imagine.
So I thought it would be super helpful to put together a list of the best available quilting classes – including group and private lessons – for 16 cities and metro areas around the United States, and to include some of the best online classes and books as well. But first…
What Is Quilting?
Quilting is a time-honored craft involving stitching together various “patches” of fabric to form a single decorative sheet, which is then joined to usually two additional layers – the “wadding” in the middle and the bottom layer, called the backing or the liner. Quilting is traditionally done by hand, but now the quilting world uses special “longarm” sewing machines as well.
This process is used for making really beautiful blankets, throws, wall hangings and other pieces, and if done well can result in truly special and high quality heirloom pieces.
Quilting is one of those arts and crafts or creative hobbies we think of as being passed on from generation to generation, from older family members to younger, and it is nice to think of parents or grandparents sitting around with their children or grandchildren, teaching, stitching and just spending time together.
But this may not happen as much as it used to, and this is probably why we see that beginner quilting classes are so popular these days – both online and in-person classes. And while it might not be evident, there is a lot to teach and a lot to learn – not just the basic stitching and assembly, using a sewing machine, rotary cutting, piercing, applique, seams and borders, but also
- patterns and color theory
- fabric and material selection
- planning and designing a quilt top and paper piecing
- assembling a quilt sandwich
- more advanced tips for keeping things flat and well aligned
- longarm versus hand quilting
- and also considerations for the care and cleaning of finished pieces.
If you don’t yet feel comfortable with basic sewing techniques, you should check out my article on the best sewing classes, here – Learning Sewing – but if you are already a dab hand at sewing, and you’re ready to create your first beautiful quilt, table runner, wall hanging or pincushion, read on!
What is the Best Way to Learn Quilting?
I wanted to make sure that you could quickly and easily find the right instruction and instructors to learn quilting skills – whether you want beginning quilting lessons, advanced classes or even just more quilting experience, free motion quilting or machine quilting, an online class, a local class or private quilting lesson, or even the best books on learning quilting, so I put together this guide to answer some basic questions:
- What is the best way to learn quilting skills?
- Are there quilting classes near me?
- Are there lessons for longarm sewing machine quilting?
- What are the best private quilting lessons in my area?
- What are the best online classes for learning quilting?
- What are the best beginner quilting books?
For local classes, I will concentrate on 16 cities and their metropolitan areas, with two subsections for each city, and so you will find below the best classes for making quilts and the best private quilting teachers for the following cities:
Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Minneapolis / Saint Paul, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Francisco, Seattle
Following the listings of best local quilting classes I will mention a few of the very best online quilting courses you can take, and then recommend a few of my favorite books for teaching yourself how to quilt.
What Are the Best Online Classes for Learning Quilting in 2022?
Not everybody is able to go to physical classes, because of location, schedule, social distancing / enforced isolation, or other reasons. Luckily there are a lot of other good options, and online learning is one of the best – especially if you can find a good teacher, good course content and well produced classes.
So when people ask me specifically:
- What is the best online class for learning quilting?
- What is the best online school for arts and crafts?
- How can I learn quilting online?
- Are there any really good online learning platforms?
…based on my experience and feedback from lots of other makers in the community I have the following recommendations:
Skillshare
Get Skillshare FREE for 1 month (Click "redeem" on top)
Find what fascinates you as you explore these quilting classes.
You may already be familiar with Skillshare, since they are becoming one of the most popular, best known and most highly rated learning platforms online – and quite well known for arts and crafts classes.
Not only do they have a great selection of quilting classes, Skillshare also has an extensive range of basic sewing classes to help you lay a good foundation.
Udemy
Another giant of online learning, Udemy doesn’t have nearly as many quilting classes as Skillshare (above), but they have a few, and a great selection of basic sewing classes as well.
American Quilter’s Society
For not only the best traditional quilting classes at all levels, as well as great instruction in longarm quilting, but for exceptionally creative and fun classes as well, American Quilter’s Society’s online school is my number one choice for the best online quilting classes. Their site also gives access to tons of resources, and helps you to connect with a vibrant quilting community.
Classes can be purchased individually, but a membership gives great discounts and lots of other benefits.
American Quilter’s Society Online Courses
National Quiler’s Circle
National Quiler’s Circle offers a huge range of online courses, both free and premium, and the annual membership gives you instant access to all of them, as well as lots of other benefits. Even the gold level membership is surprisingly affordable, but both levels are a great value.
Extremely well produced classes with intelligent and helpful content, and highly recommended.
National Quiler’s Circle Online Classes
YouTube
It must be said that YouTube has some pretty amazing free content, and the quilting tutorials and classes I’ve checked out are no exception. Another great thing about YouTube is the search engine, which when you’re searching for something as basic and popular as, say, “Learning Quilting” comes up with brilliant results right at the top of the page.
But if that all isn’t easy enough for you, just click on this link and you’ll see what I mean!
If you’d like even more specific recommendations, please check out a couple of my favorite YouTube sewing channels:
What Are the Best Books for Learning Quilting in 2022?
- First-Time Quiltmaking
Learning to Quilt in Six Easy Lessons (Landauer) 7 Simple Projects and Easy-to-Follow, Clearly Illustrated Instructions for Beginners
And I’ll close out this comprehensive online guide to the best resources for learning quilting with a short list of some of my favorite books on the subject.
I had originally planned to list beginners and advanced books on how to quilt separately, but as I reviewed my own personal picks I realized that I greatly prefer books that offer both – ones that start at a basic, total beginner level, assuming no experience or knowledge, but also include advanced techniques, and often a lot of other resources, ideas and inspirations for people of all levels.
So while the first few books are really geared more at newbies, you will find that, even if you have no prior experience, any of these books will be a great choice and a wonderful resource.
What Are the Best Local Classes for Learning Quilting in 2022?
Anybody can use one of the countless online specialty search services for finding places that offer quilting lessons – whether for beginner quilting or advanced, freehand or on a longarm quilting machine – as well as private sessions, quilting bees and quilting clubs to join, open quilting sessions, quilt patterns and inspirations and a lot more.
In fact services like groupon or yelp do usually offer good, fairly complete and up to date listings of class offerings in the area – and you might even find a private lesson or teacher, or open shop time time. So you might want to check out some of the leading ones, like:
Usually these search services are really easy to use, by simply typing in what you’re looking for – “quilting classes” – and the area, city or state – “Monowi, Nebraska” – and then it’s just enter, wait and wade through the somewhat random listings.
Or, better yet, you can instead simply find your area in the list below and try one of these personal recommendations. You can contact them to make sure they are accepting students, when their next class is, how much classes cost, if they provide patterns, fabrics, other needed materials.
Please note that these are often for sew websites, so you can also ask about refreshing, or even learning, your basic sewing skills.
The Best Local Group Classes / Workshops for Learning Quilting in Atlanta
Atlanta Sewing Academy
2731 Woodland Terrace, SE, Apt 324
Smyrna, GA 30080
(404) 374-7833
Quilting Classes & Workshops for 2022
Fabricate Studios
1537-B Howell Mill Rd
Atlanta, GA 30318
404-981-4665
Quilting Classes – Fabricate Studios
Tiny Stitches Quilt Shop
2518 East Piedmont Rd
Marietta, GA, 30062, US
770 565 1113
Upcoming Events, Classes & Clubs – Tiny Stitches Quilt Shop
The Best Private Classes / Teachers for Learning Quilting in Atlanta
Atlanta Sewing Academy
2731 Woodland Terrace, SE, Apt 324
Smyrna, GA 30080
(404) 374-7833
The Best Local Group Classes / Workshops for Learning Quilting in Austin
Austin Area Quilt Guild
Faith Lutheran Church
6600 Woodrow Avenue
Austin, TX 78750
Austin Area Quilt Guild – Workshops
Austin Sewing Machines and Quilting
1601 S IH-35, Suite 300
Round Rock, Texas 78664
(512) 310-7349
Quilting & Sewing Classes, Events in Austin, TX
Honeybee Quilt Store
9308 Anderson Mill Rd #300
Austin, TX 78729
512-257-1269
Classes | Honey Bee Quilt Store | Austin, Texas
Over The Top Quilting Studio
Commons Shopping Center
200 Buttercup Creek Blvd (Suite 111)
Cedar Park, TX 78613
512-358-4605
The Best Private Classes / Teachers for Learning Quilting in Austin
Over The Top Quilting Studio
Commons Shopping Center
200 Buttercup Creek Blvd (Suite 111)
Cedar Park, TX 78613
512-358-4605
The Best Local Group Classes / Workshops for Learning Quilting in Boston
All About Quilts
958 Main Street
Walpole, MA 02081
508-668-0145
Cambridge Quilts
95 Blanchard Road
Cambridge, MA 02138
617.492.3279
Cambridge Quilt Shop 2022 Classes
Homestead Quilting and Fabrics
54 Main St
Lakeville, MA 02347
774-419-3984
Sew Pro Cape Cod
22 Quaker Ln
Bourne, MA 02532508-759-2222
Cape Cod Quilting Classes | Sewing Lessons | SewPro
The Best Private Classes / Teachers for Learning Quilting in Boston
Cambridge Quilts
95 Blanchard Road
Cambridge, MA 02138
617.492.3279
Cambridge Quilt Shop Private Lessons
The Best Local Group Classes / Workshops for Learning Quilting in Chicago
Quilter’s Quest
7440-M Woodward Ave
Woodridge, IL 60517
(630) 969-2205
The Quilter’s Trunk
10352 S. Western Ave
Chicago, Il 60643
(773) 980-1100
Events & Classes — The Quilter’s Trunk
Top Shelf Quilts
19081 Old LaGrange Road Suite 100
Mokena, IL 60448
815-806-1694
Top Shelf Quilts Classes, Activities & Events
The Best Private Classes / Teachers for Learning Quilting in Chicago
Quilter’s Quest
7440-M Woodward Ave
Woodridge, IL 60517
(630) 969-2205
The Best Local Group Classes / Workshops for Learning Quilting in Cincinnati
HomeGrown HomeSewn
5761 Springdale Rd Suite L
Cincinnati, OH 45247
(513) 401-9747
Quilting Classes | Cincinnati, OH
Sew Easy Sewing Studio
11427 Lebanon Rd
Cincinnati, Ohio 45241
Sew-Ezy Registration Policy & Information for All Classes
Silk Road Textiles
6106 Hamilton Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45224
513-541-3700
The Best Private Classes / Teachers for Learning Quilting in Cincinnati
OH Valley Quilters Guild
Contact Us – Ohio Valley Quilter’s Guild
The Best Local Group Classes / Workshops for Learning Quilting in Dallas
Rocking Bobbin
4441 Bass Pro Dr. #100
Garland, TX 75043
(972) 803-8400
Sewing classes for quilters of all skill levels | Dallas, TX
Sew Charming Quilts
17802 Davenport Rd Ste 103
Dallas TX 75252
(469) 319-2800
Quilting Classes | Sew Charming Quilts
Sew Much Love Texas
216 W. Pearl St
Granbury, TX 76048
(817) 754-8877
Urban Spools Sewing Lounge
1152 N Buckner Blvd #121
Dallas, TX 75218
(214) 324-5755
Urban Spools Classroom Quilt Classes
The Best Private Classes / Teachers for Learning Quilting in Dallas
Urban Spools Sewing Lounge
1152 N Buckner Blvd #121
Dallas, TX 75218
(214) 324-5755
Urban Spools Classroom Quilt Classes
The Best Local Group Classes / Workshops for Learning Quilting in Denver
A Quilter’s Choice
8698 Aberdeen Cir
Highlands Ranch, CO 80130
720.214.3442
Class Schedule | A Quilter’s Choice
Fancy Tiger Crafts
59 Broadway
Denver, CO 80203
303-733-3855
Classes + Events – Fancy Tiger Crafts Co-op
Heaven’s Quilts
15725 West 63rd Avenue
Arvada, Colorado 8040
(720) 219-8169
Holly’s Quilt Cabin
8210 South Holly Street
Centennial, CO 80122
(720) 529-9659
Calendar | Holly’s Quilt Cabin
Wooden Spools
2805 S Broadway
Englewood, CO 80113
303-761-9231
Classes and Events – Wooden Spools Quilting Knitting & More
The Best Private Classes / Teachers for Learning Quilting in Denver
A Quilter’s Choice
8698 Aberdeen Cir
Highlands Ranch, CO 80130
720.214.3442
Class Schedule | A Quilter’s Choice
Heaven’s Quilts
15725 West 63rd Avenue
Arvada, Colorado 8040
(720) 219-8169
The Best Local Group Classes / Workshops for Learning Quilting in Detroit
Front Porch Quilts
2071 E Maple Road
Troy, MI 48083
(248) 795-4876
Sew What Wyandotte
1128 Eureka Road
Wyandotte, MI 48192
(734) 281-1344
Time Remembered Quilting
16701 21 Mile Rd.
Macomb, MI 48044
(586) 221-1954
trquilting@gmail.com
The Best Private Classes / Teachers for Learning Quilting in Detroit
All Sewn Up! Sewing School
3 Medford Circle
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
734-971-5610
The Best Local Group Classes / Workshops for Learning Quilting in Kansas City
Harper’s Fabric & Quilt Co.
7918 Santa Fe Dr.
Overland Park, KS 66204
913-648-2739
KC Maker Studio and Fabrics
5327 Johnson Drive
Mission, KS 66205
913-314-0340
Class Schedule | KCMakerStudio
Prairie Point Quilt and Fabric Shop
12116 W. 95th Street
Lenexa, KS 66215
913-268-3333
Quilter’s Haven
116 N. Clairborne Road
Olathe, KS 66062
(913) 764-8600
The Best Private Classes / Teachers for Learning Quilting in Kansas City
KC Maker Studio and Fabrics
5327 Johnson Drive
Mission, KS 66205
913-314-0340
Class Schedule | KCMakerStudio
The Best Local Group Classes / Workshops for Learning Quilting in Los Angeles
Quilt Emporium
4918 Topanga Canyon Blvd
Woodland Hills, CA 91364
(818) 704-8238
Beginning Quilting to Advanced Project & Technique Classes
Quilts and Things
3704 1/2 Foothill Blvd
La Crescenta, CA 91214
(818) 957-2287
2022 Classes at Quilts and Things
Quilty Pleasures
1742 East Los Angeles Avenue Suite A
Simi Valley, CA 93065
805-581-1577
https://www.quiltypleasuressimivalley.com/classes.htm
Tanner’s Sewing and Vacuum Center
6230 West 87th Street
Westchester, CA. 90245
310-670-2429
Adult Sewing | West Los Angeles | Tanner’s Sewing and Vacuum Center
The Best Private Classes / Teachers for Learning Quilting in Los Angeles
Quilt Emporium
4918 Topanga Canyon Blvd
Woodland Hills, CA 91364
(818) 704-8238
Beginning Quilting to Advanced Project & Technique Classes
The Best Local Group Classes / Workshops for Learning Quilting in Minneapolis / Saint Paul
Textile Center
3000 University Ave SE
Minneapolis, MN 55414
612-436-0464
The Quilting Grounds
224 West Elm Street
Norwood Young America MN 55368
952-467-2757
http://www.thequiltinggrounds.com/classes.htm
The Quilting Page
1964 Rahncliff Court #700
Eagan, MN, 55122
651-340-6503
651-340-6503
Treadle Yard Goods
1338 Grand Ave
St. Paul, MN 55105
651-698-9690
Classes | Treadle Yard Goods | Apparel
Twin Cities Quilting
550 County Road D West Suite 10
New Brighton, MN 55112
(651) 340-8263
The Best Private Classes / Teachers for Learning Quilting in Minneapolis / Saint Paul
The Quilting Page
1964 Rahncliff Court #700
Eagan, MN, 55122
651-340-6503
651-340-6503
The Best Local Group Classes / Workshops for Learning Quilting in New York
Brooklyn Craft Company
165 Greenpoint Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11222
646-201-4049
hello@brooklyncraftcompany.com
Beginner Quilting 2022 – Brooklyn Craft Company
Gotham Quilts
40 W 37th St
New York, NY 10018
212-220-3958
Keaton Quilts
Meetings by Arrangement
The New York Sewing Center
246 W 38th Street, 9th Floor #9A
917-856-3021
New York, NY 10018
thenewyorksewingcenter@gmail.com
Classes / The New York Sewing Center
The Best Private Classes / Teachers for Learning Quilting in New York
Brooklyn Craft Company
165 Greenpoint Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11222
646-201-4049
hello@brooklyncraftcompany.com
Beginner Quilting 2022 – Brooklyn Craft Company
The New York Sewing Center
246 W 38th Street, 9th Floor #9A
917-856-3021
New York, NY 10018
thenewyorksewingcenter@gmail.com
Classes / The New York Sewing Center
The Best Local Group Classes / Workshops for Learning Quilting in Philadelphia
Butcher’s Sew Shop
800 S 8th St
Philadelphia, PA 19147
All Classes – Butcher’s Sew Shop
Cut & Sew Studio
1747 Chislett Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
(412) 865-6565
2022 Classes – Cut and Sew Studio
Pamoja Co Sewing Service
5516-B Rising Sun Avenue
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19120
(267) 279-9601
Quilting and Sewing Classes for 2022
The Old Country Store
3510 Old Philadelphia Pike
Intercourse, PA 17534
(717) 768-7101
The Old Country Store Upcoming Classes & Events
The Best Private Classes / Teachers for Learning Quilting in Philadelphia
Pamoja Co Sewing Service
5516-B Rising Sun Avenue
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19120
(267) 279-9601
Private Sewing Lessons for 2022
The Best Local Group Classes / Workshops for Learning Quilting in Phoenix
Quilter’s Store Sedona
3075 W. State Route 89A
Sedona, AZ 86336
928-282-2057
Sewing Nuts
4250 N Scottsdale Rd
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
480-659-1222
Quilting Classes Phoenix Scottsdale
The Other Quilt Shop
4233 West Thunderbird Road
Phoenix, AZ 85053
602-843-1554
Classes | The Other Quilt Shop | Phoenix Arizona 85053
The Best Private Classes / Teachers for Learning Quilting in Phoenix
Sewing Nuts
4250 N Scottsdale Rd
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
480-659-1222
Quilting Classes Phoenix Scottsdale
The Other Quilt Shop
4233 West Thunderbird Road
Phoenix, AZ 85053
602-843-1554
Classes | The Other Quilt Shop | Phoenix Arizona 85053
The Best Local Group Classes / Workshops for Learning Quilting in San Francisco
Always Quilting
4230 Olympic Avenue
San Mateo, CA 94403
650-458-8580
Hello Stitch Studio
1708 University Ave
Berkeley, CA 94703
510-982-6549
Sewing Classes & Meet-ups | Hello Stitch Studio | Berkeley, CA
New Pieces Quilt Store and Gallery
766 Gilman Street
Berkeley, CA 94710
510.527.6779
Quilting Classes for All Levels.
Sew Little Time Quilting
By Arrangement
686-6067
Contact Sew Little Time Quilting
Workshops, classes and Presentations 2022 @ Sew Little Time Quilting
The Best Private Classes / Teachers for Learning Quilting in San Francisco
Jane Foster Sewing and Design
East Bay Area
Walnut Creek, CA
925-323-9932
Jane Foster Sewing and Design Classes in Walnut Creek, CA
The Best Local Group Classes / Workshops for Learning Quilting in Seattle
Pacific Fabrics
2230 4th Avenue South
Seattle, WA 98134
206.628.6237
Current Classes at Pacific Fabrics
Quality Sewing and Vacuum
1205 Andover Park W
Tukwila, WA 98188
800-687-5175
Quilting Classes & Clubs – Quality Sewing & Vacuum
Quilting Mayhem
1011 Second Street
Snohomish, WA 98290
(425) 533-2566
2022 Quilting Classses | Quilting Mayhem | Snohomish, WA
The Best Private Classes / Teachers for Learning Quilting in Seattle?
Okan Arts
By Arrangement
Patricia Belyea
206-571-7668
Victoria Stone
206-795-1010
Thanks so much for reading my article! I hope that this guide to the best resources for learning how to quilt has been helpful, and that you have found what you are looking for – whether it be a great quilting class in your area, a great online learning platform for learning how to make beautiful quilts or the best quilting books.
And please let me know if you have your own favorite local class – in one of our featured cities or anywhere else – or if there are any online resources or books that you like, so I can expand this article and make it even better and more useful!
You might also be interested in our other articles in this series, which follow the exact same format in listing the best local crafting classes, the best online crafting courses and the best books for several other types of creative hobbies. You can access any of them simply by clicking the links below, or by visiting our website – Art Side of Life. Thanks again, and good crafting!
- Learn Blacksmithing – A Guide to Blacksmithing Classes Near You and Online
- Learn Glass Blowing – A Guide to Glass Blowing Classes Near You and Online
- Learn Pottery and Ceramics – A Guide to Pottery and Ceramics Classes Near You and Online
- Learn Sewing – A Guide to Sewing Classes Near You and Online
- Learn Stained Glass – A Guide to Stained Glass Classes Near You and Online
- Learn Welding – A Guide to Welding Classes Near You and Online
- Learn Woodworking – A Guide to Woodworking Classes Near You and Online
- Learn Quilting – A Guide to Quilting Classes Near You and Online
- Learn Candle Making – A Guide to Candle Making Classes Near You and Online
- Learn Crocheting – A Guide to Crocheting Classes Near You and Online
- Learn Floral Design – A Guide to Floral Design Classes Near You and Online
