An Overview

  • Assessing, Loading & Basting

    To set yourself up for success, it's critical to think through these assessments, and to prep and load or baste the layers of your project. This will SAVE YOU headaches later on!

  • The Process

    Creating a flat and square quilt is a cumulative process. Here you'll learn the practical steps, and how to adjust or control the layers at each step of the quilting.

  • Favorite Tools & Maintenance

    No need for expensive gadgets! I'll show you what I consider essential tools for an enjoyable sewing journey, and maintenance for machine longevity and great performance.

I remember.....

I still remember that feeling of complete overwhelm. There I was, staring at my machine and my quilt, paralyzed by all the little decisions. What thread should I use? How do I prevent puckers? What stitch length is best? 

It wasn't just about learning to quilt—it was about knowing which of the hundred little choices actually mattered.

After quilting over 1,400 client quilts, I've figured out exactly what works and what doesn't. I've made all the mistakes so you don't have to! This course isn't about fancy techniques or Instagram-perfect quilting. It's about real solutions to real choices that beginning quilters face with every project.

If you're looking for straight talk and practical answers from someone who values results over perfection, you're in the right place. I'm the queen of real-ness, and I'm here to get you quilting with confidence!

What's included:

Skills are shown on a domestic sewing machine AND a longarm on a frame

  • PRE RECORDED classes which you can watch any time, as often as you like

  • The tools you need for machine quilting (and they're not fancy, expensive ones!)

  • How to recognize challenges in quilt tops, AND how to address them to achieve flat and square results

  • Multiple ways to load on the longarm (and how to choose the way that's right for YOU)

  • Multiple ways to baste and prep for a sit-down machine

  • How to decide on thread, needles, batting, and other practical components

  • How to start and stop stitching so it's secure and FAST!

  • My favorite stitch settings and when to use each one

  • The maintenance schedule I use to support top-notch results

Course curriculum

    1. Introduction

    2. Assessing The Quilt & Backing

    3. Longarm - Loading with Red Snappers

    4. Longarm - Loading With Pins

    1. Longarm - Basting

    2. Sit Down Machine - Hand Basting

    3. Sit Down Machine - Basting Diagrams

    4. Sit Down Machine - Pin Basting

    1. Options & Recommendations

    1. Thread

    2. Needles

    3. Longarm Bobbin Winding

    4. Longarm Bobbin Tension

    1. Best Foot For Machine Quilting

    2. Longarm - Secure Stopping and Starting

    3. Longarm - Advancing

    4. Longarm - Advanced Tips for Square Quilts

    5. Sit Down Machine - Secure Starting & Stopping

    6. Sit Down Machine - Progressing

    7. Sit Down Machine - Beautiful Stitches Pep Talk

    1. Longarm - Stitch Settings

    2. Sit Down Machine - Stitch Settings

About this course

  • $97.00
  • 27 lessons
  • 3 hours of video content

What students have to say:

Sew grateful!

Linda G

Every time I have machine quilted since I started following Susan, I am reminded of the many things I've learned from her about everything from loading the quilt to keeping it flat and straight to the thread color and quilting pattern selection. Sew grateful.

You may have missed your other calling

Sandy B

I was a teacher for 40 years and your teaching style, voice, and explanations are absolutely amazing!

Perfect!

Becky G

This course was perfect. There was a lot of information taught that I have wanted to learn but did not know where to learn it.

You can start quilting. Today.

Seriously. In just a few hours, you'll know how to do the practical things that will set you up for quilting success.

BONUS!

The next step is to actually QUILT a quilt! These bonuses will launch you and support you in your journey.

  • Bonus lessons

    You'll be able to finish some works in progress right away ❤️ These bonus lessons are a sampling of designs from my FREE MOTION QUILTING MASTERCLASS.

  • Bonus resource

    This ebook is a collection of all the tips I've ever learned for dealing with ugly stitches, whether caused by tension or deeper issues. It's a super practical checklist of fixes to explore.

Get started today!

This is your moment. Truly, all the tools and knowledge you need are right here.

Want more designs and choices? Check out my Freehand Quilting Masterclass

Over 25 freehand designs, each one taught step by step at a domestic sewing machine AND a longarm on a frame!

  • $497.00

    Free Motion Quilting Masterclass

    A comprehensive training for mastering free motion quilting skills, navigating design decisions, and leveling up your quilting machine control.
    I'm ready for the next level!