- A nine patch like this one is a perfect block for beginners!Jupiterimages/BananaStock/Getty Images
When giving a demonstration, it is important to take every step slowly and answer questions along the way. Your audience will be anxious to know exactly what you are doing as your work. First, show them several of your completed quilts and some sample quilt blocks you've made for the demonstration. Explain to them about different types of blocks (i.e. nine patch, log cabin, star, windmill, hexagon, tumbler or puzzle). Encourage them to choose a simple pattern when first starting out and then move on to more complicated projects. - Take your time picking out beautiful quality fabrics for your quilts.Creatas/Creatas/Getty Images
As a quilter, you understand that the best fabric for traditional quilting is composed of 100 percent cotton. Within that category, there are high and low quality fabrics available. Typically the more expensive the fabric it is, the better quality it is. Explain to your audience that the best way to guarantee the quality of the fabric is to purchase it from a specialty-quilting store or to get to know the brand names of quality fabric manufacturers and designers. Also discuss the different types of batting and how they affect the end product of the quilt. Explain that traditional quilters primarily use a low-loft poly/cotton blend as it is a very warm, non-bulky and sturdy material to work with and gives the quilt a professional quilted look. Be sure to mention that quilters are all different and that each person should research and practice with different materials to determine what she likes best. - Use only the best tools for creating your quilt.Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images
To be an efficient and effective quilter you need the right tools. Show your audience the tools you work with and explain their importance. These should include a rotary cutter and self-healing mat with a sizable ruler, high quality quilting sheers, durable thread, a crafting iron and board, and a quilting machine with specialty feet (at least a walking foot and free motion foot). - Even within the quilting community, binding a quilt can be intimidating. Describe the different types of quilt binding: fold-over, continuous, and mitered. Find a written tutorial with pictures for your audience and demonstrate how to bind a quilt. You will not have time to bind the whole quilt, but you can bind a quilted place mat and pass it around the group. This will be extremely helpful for them and make them feel more comfortable at the prospect of binding their first quilt.
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