Workshop: Hands-On Longarm Quilting Basics

Handi Quilter is bringing their Longarm classes to The National Quilt Museum for 4 days in October packed with tips, tricks and hands on experience at the controls of an HQ Amara Longarm Machine. Each day with Educator Nicholas Turcan will cover unique features of longarm quilting and is perfect for those considering in a long arm machine or who would like to brush up on skills to get the most out of their investment. To find out more information about Nicholas, please visit his website www.mysterystitch.com and check out his YouTube channel Mystery Stitch Designs.Each day includes 2 classes that run 3 hours apiece (9am - 12pm & 1pm - 4pm) with a 1 hour lunch break. With a max of 12 students and 6 machines, there will be 2 students at each longarm. Open to all skill levels - no longarm experience required. Box lunch included each day.Choose just one Ticket Option for a 2-day experience or choose both Options for the full 4-day immersion in longarm creativity. Can't make it to Paducah? Check out the Virtual Ticket Options and watch from home.Ticket Option 1 includes Days 1 & 2Ticket Option 2 includes Days 3 & 4Virtual Ticket Option 1 includes Days 1 & 2Virtual Ticket Option 2 includes Days 3 & 4Class Schedule:Day 1 - Wednesday, October 21, 2026AM: Confident Stitches: Longarm Quilting BasicsDoes longarm quilting interest you, and you’d like to learn more about it? Or do you just want a review of longarm quilting basics? This class removes the mystery of longarm quilting by explaining machine and frame elements and features, how to load a quilt, and vital facts about thread, needles, and tension.PM: Funky, Fresh & Fabulous Free-Motion QuiltingLearn how drawing and muscle memory contribute to beautiful free-motion quilting, and how you can create stunning designs by connecting simple design elements with continuous lines, traveling across the quilt or filling in a specific area.Day 2 - Thursday, October 22, 2026AM: Rock Your RulersIf you love precision and consistency in your quilting rulers, you will love using design rulers and templates! These handy tools assist in placing designs accurately and stitching them out precisely. Learn to handle rulers and templates safely with the ruler base and Sure Foot, and how to achieve accuracy with the markings.PM: Longarm Project - Thread BagThis will require a kit fee, paid directly in class. More details to come.Day 3 - Friday, October 23, 2026AM: You Can Do That On A Longarm?A longarm isn’t just for quilting tops! Come see how techniques usually done with a sewing machine can be accomplished with a longarm machine. You’ll leave with brilliant shortcuts and ideas for quick and easy projects, and a whole new perspective on what’s possible with a longarm!PM: Fabulous Feet for Fun QuiltingHave you ever wanted to break away from your basic quilting and really see what your longarm can do? You piece, quilt on unique fabric, apply binding to your quilts, and a lot of other great time saving techniques on your longarm.Day 4 - Saturday, October 24, 2026AM: Brilliant Borders, Bold Blocks & Beautiful BackgroundsBlocks, backgrounds, and borders – these are the basic components of many pieced quilt tops, and there are tricks to quilting them with a cohesive overall look, while creating your own personal style. Learn how to select and adapt designs to complement each area, and how to accomplish the quilting efficiently and easily. Tried-and-true fillers and “go-to” designs will be featured.PM: Longarm Project - Box BagThis will require a kit fee, paid directly in class. More details to come.