Classes
We offer a variety of classes for students of all levels. Join us! We bring you decades of experience quilting and teaching. Choose from one of the following classes or contact us to propose something tailored to you particular needs.
Longarm certification class
This is for the true beginner. This class is for those who have little to no experience on a longarm quilting machine. We will cover all the basics of longarm machine quilting, from maintenance to loading a quilt to quilting a quilt. Walk away with some confidence as a longarm machine quilter as well.
If you have taken this class, you are eligible to rent machines on a regular basis at McTavish Quilting Studio.
Supply List: Any sized quilt top and backing (backing needs to be 4+ inches bigger than your quilt top). All threads are included in the beginner class. Batting available for purchase. Once you have taken this class you can rent a longarm forever in the studio.
In the beginner class you will be quilting your own quilt. You can design and quilt your own quilt during class. If you do not have a quilt top, we can use plain white fabric for your class if you prefer.
Please call or text the studio at 218-391-8218 to find a time that works for you. Or email Karen at: karen@mctavishquilting.com
Private class with Karen McTavish
one-on-one interactive in-person or zoom class
Tailor a class to your specific needs and goals.
Skill level: beginner to advanced
Type of quilting discipline:
-all styles of quilting including hand, domestic, free-motion, computerized styles of quilting
- Modern Longarm Machine Quilting
- Advanced Longarm Machine Quilting (Rulerwork)
- Heirloom Custom Quilting
- Design Strategies
- Starting your own longarm machine quilting business
Cost: $500 for a full day
**Make sure to include your email address upon checkout**
Refunds are not allowed but you can reschedule your class if you have a last minute conflict. Please email karen@mctavishquilting.com if you need to reschedule your class.
Please call or text the studio at 218-391-8218 to find a time that works for you. Or email Karen at: karen@mctavishquilting.com
How Am I Supposed to Quilt That?
interactive zoom class
Length of class: 3+ hours
Small batch classes - no more than 6 students per session
Pick your date on checkout.
This class will cover quilting design: how to quilt different genres of quilt tops & tackling different styles of quilts and how to design the quilting that works best for the quilt. We will cover how to breakdown a quilt & take the mystery out of designing the quilting. We will navigate the amount of time dedicated to the quilting, current trends, tricks & quilting tips for success in quilting and all the tools you will need to achieve your quilting design goals. An impactful and meaningful class for those that struggle with figuring out what “looks best”.
Skill level: confident beginner to advanced
Type of quilting discipline:
-all styles of quilting including hand, domestic, free-motion, computerized styles of quilting
Costs: $200.00
Supply list:
-Paper and pencil for notes, Each student could have 1 un-quilted quilt top to show during the zoom in a digital format such as photo or pdf file) to share in class but if you choose not to share, that's ok - you are welcome to lurk! It is helpful to bring quilt tops that are challenging to you to the zoom meeting or share a pdf or photo in the zoom that you would like to discuss.
Zoom invites will be emailed confirming your spot in the zoom meeting immediately after paying for your class. **Make sure to include your email address upon checkout**
Refunds are not allowed but you can share your zoom link to another student if you can't attend. Please email karen@mctavishquilting.com if you are unable to attend and will find a replacement for your zoom class.
APQS new owner beginner class
$350: Free if you purchased your machine from us!
Length of class: full day
Private class taught by: Karen McTavish
Congratulations! You’re the proud owner of a longarm quilting machine! Now that you have it all set up, it’s time to learn how to use your machine.
The APQS Beginning Longarm Class is a comprehensive class for brand new quilting machine owners.
During class you’ll learn:
- Multiple ways to load a quilt on a frame
- How to set tension
- Everything about needles, thread, and batting
- How us use pantographs and realign them for each row
- Basic machine maintenance (APQS specific)
- How to troubleshoot the most common problems
- Starting a longarm quilting business
This one-on-one class is tailored towards you. Karen is here to answer all of your questions. We have so much to share with you during this all-day class!
This class was designed for those who’ve recently purchased a machine.
Please call or text the studio at 218-391-8218 to find a time that works for you. Or email Karen at: karen@mctavishquilting.com
Beginner quilting/piecing class
Learn how to make a quilt!
In person class
Length of class: 10am-3pm
Maximum # of students: 3
Taught by Pam Limmer
Prerequisite: Basic sewing skills
Bring your own sewing machine, ¼ inch foot (if you have one) and foot pedal/powercord Or you can use one of our sewing machines. Fabrics and thread will be provided.
Learn to make four sampler blocks and sew them together.
This class will focus on basic beginning quilting skills including:
- using rulers and rotary cutters
- properly measuring and cutting fabric
- sewing with a ¼ inch seam
- matching seams
- squaring up pieces and blocks.
You will learn how to sew quilt blocks so you can work on making your own quilt after class!
Costs per student is $150.00
After you make your purchase, email the studio at karen@mctavishquilting.com or call/text (218) 391-8218 to set up your class.
We primarily teach this class on Saturdays.
APQS Quilt Path class
Computerized longarm quilting
In person class
Length of class: 9am - 4pm with a lunch break
Maximum # of students: 4
Full Day hands on QuiltPath class at the studio for $350.00 per student
Taught by: Karen McTavish
Supply List: Students should bring Paper and Pen
Wear comfortable shoes - you can bring lunch and snacks or we can order food to be delivered.
This class is for APQS owners who would like to learn the computerized system called "QuiltPath". This specialized class is the true beginner class using robotics or computerized quilting software called "QuiltPath".
You will learn:
- How to set a safe area.
- How to set up, size, flip and stagger a pantograph pattern.
- How to place and stitch a pantograph.
- How to troubleshoot thread breakage, running out of bobbin, and power outages.
- How to Eclipse the bottom row of the pantograph.
Plus: Tips and tricks to manage your quilt path business.
Level: Students need to have beginning longarm quilting skills. We recommend taking our beginning longarm class prior to taking this class.
Please call or text the studio at 218-391-8218 to find a time that works for you. Or email Karen at: karen@mctavishquilting.com
APQS Roadshow!
Saturday March 22 2025, 11am - 2pm
Free
Length of class: 11am-2pm
This is your chance to learn about our longarm quilting machines and discover the model that is right for you.
You can register by signing up below or giving us a call at (218) 391-8218.
The Roadshow is a classroom style event where we have every longarm ready for you to test drive!!
This "Roadshow" is designed for quilters who do not own a longarm. Karen McTavish and Pam Limmer will be providing valuable information about what it’s like to own an APQS machine and show you all the longarm machines from freemotion to computerized!
Our Road Shows are where you can discover the longarm quilting machine model that's perfect for you.
If you're ready to take the next step and are looking to purchase a quilting machine, a Roadshow is where APQS Duluth can give exclusive discounts, you can't get anywhere else! We hope to see you at our next show!
-Discover resources for templates, batting, freehand instruction manuals, wholesale contacts, thread, etc.
-Find out where to buy pantograph patterns, books and stencils to make your longarm quilting fun and hassle-free.
-Learn about the resources APQS provides to those who are looking to start or expand their longarm quilting business, we even have a sample business plan to get you started!
-Explore the differences between each APQS machine model and the possibility of adding computerized quilting to a new or previous APQS machine.
Please call or text the studio at 218-391-8218 for more information. Or email Karen at: karen@mctavishquilting.com
Free online learning opportunities
We have available a series of pre-recorded online classes. These rich tutorials provide you with access to captioned recorded content that you can explore on your own timeline. Karen shares her years of experience with you and offers hands-on demonstrations of skills that you can use in your own practice.