Quilting Classes for Beginners: How To Host Them in 4 Steps

Are you passionate about quilting and eager to share your skills with others? 

Hosting quilting classes for beginners is a great way to connect with fellow enthusiasts, grow your brand, and even boost your shop's revenue. 

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to successfully host quilting classes, leveraging modern industry-specific point of sale (POS) and e-commerce solutions.

Step 1: Develop a Quilting Class Plan

Begin by crafting a detailed class plan that caters specifically to beginners. Identify the key skills you want to teach, the materials required, and the class duration. Create a series of classes that gradually build on each other, allowing students to grow their skills over time. Then, use your knowledge to set achievable goals for each session, ensuring participants leave feeling accomplished.

Developing a comprehensive class plan is the foundation of a successful quilting class for beginners. 

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of how to create an effective class plan.

Identify Key Skills To Teach

Start by listing the essential skills every beginner quilter should learn. This might include:

• Understanding fabric types and how to select them for quilting projects
• Basic quilting techniques like piecing, cutting, and pressing
• How to use quilting tools such as rotary cutters, rulers, and sewing machines
• Constructing simple quilt blocks that can be used in various projects
• Introducing basic quilting patterns and designs

By focusing on these core skills, you ensure that participants have a solid foundation to build more advanced techniques in the future.

Determine Required Materials

Create a list of materials necessary for the class. Consider offering a kit that includes all the essentials, making it easier for beginners to get started without feeling overwhelmed. This kit might include:

• Precut fabric pieces
• Thread and needles
• A basic pattern or design template
• Any necessary tools or equipment

Providing a complete kit simplifies the preparation process for attendees and presents an opportunity for upselling, as these kits can be bundled with the class registration.

Structure the Class Series

Design a series of classes that logically progress in complexity. Each session should build upon the previous one, gradually introducing more challenging techniques and concepts. For example:

• Class 1: Introduction to Quilting — Understanding Fabrics and Tools
• Class 2: Basic Techniques — Cutting and Piecing
• Class 3: Constructing Simple Blocks
• Class 4: Assembling a Small Quilt Project

This structured approach helps maintain student engagement and ensures they can see tangible progress as they move through the course.

Set Achievable Goals

For each class, establish clear, attainable goals. This guides your teaching and provides students with a sense of direction and achievement. For instance, by the end of Class 1, students should feel comfortable identifying different fabrics and using basic quilting tools. By setting these milestones, you help build confidence and motivation in your students.

Allow for Flexibility and Feedback

While it’s important to have a structured plan, remain flexible to accommodate the varying paces and learning styles of your students. Encourage feedback after each session and be willing to adjust your plan accordingly. This responsiveness creates a positive learning environment and enhances the overall experience for participants.

When you thoughtfully craft your class plan with these elements in mind, you ensure that your quilting classes are educational, engaging, and rewarding, setting the stage for both beginners to thrive and your quilting community to grow.

Step 2: Promote Your Classes In Store and Online

Promotion is crucial to attracting attendees. Utilize both in-store displays and online marketing strategies. Consider creating eye-catching posters for your store and engaging posts for social media. Highlight the unique aspects of your class, such as the learning outcomes and the fun, welcoming environment you provide. With an all-in-one POS solution, you can seamlessly integrate these promotional efforts with your e-commerce platform, expanding your reach effortlessly.

Effectively promoting your quilting classes is essential to ensure you reach your target audience and fill your class seats. Here’s a deeper dive into how you can create a robust promotion strategy.

Leverage In-Store Displays

Your physical store is a prime location for attracting potential class attendees. 

Here’s how to make the most of it:

• Eye-catching posters: Design vibrant, informative posters that capture attention. Include key details like class dates, times, and a brief overview of what students will learn. Use visuals that resonate with quilting enthusiasts, like images of completed quilts or a snapshot of a class in action.
• Visual displays: Set up a dedicated area in your store where customers can see samples of projects from the class. Display quilting kits, tools, and materials that participants will use. This piques interest and helps potential students visualize the outcomes of their participation.
• Signup sheets: Provide an easy-to-access sign-up sheet or digital kiosk where interested customers can register on the spot. Ensure staff are informed and ready to answer any questions about the classes.

Implement Online Marketing Strategies

The online space offers vast opportunities to reach a broader audience. Consider these strategies:

• Social media engagement: Use platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest to share engaging content. Post images of the quilts you’ll be making, testimonials from past students, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of class preparation. Encourage followers to share your posts to extend your reach.
• Email newsletters: Leverage your existing customer database to send targeted newsletters. Highlight upcoming classes, include special offers for early registration, and share success stories from previous sessions. Personalize these emails to make recipients feel valued and connected to your brand.
• Blog posts and online articles: Write informative blog posts about the benefits of quilting, tips for beginners, and the unique aspects of your classes. Optimize these posts for search engines to attract organic traffic to your website.

Highlight Unique Class Aspects

When promoting, make sure to emphasize what sets your classes apart:

• Learning outcomes: Clearly articulate what participants will achieve by the end of the course. This could be completing their first quilt, learning a new technique, or mastering a particular tool.
• Welcoming environment: Convey the inclusive and supportive atmosphere of your classes. Use testimonials or quotes from past attendees to showcase the community spirit and fun you bring to each session.

Integrate Promotions

Utilize your POS system to seamlessly connect your promotional efforts with your e-commerce platform:

• Unified promotions: Coordinate in-store and online promotions. Offer online discounts for class registrations or bundle kits that can be purchased directly through your website.
• Automated marketing tools: Use your POS tools to automate email campaigns and track promotional performance, allowing you to refine your strategies based on real-time data.
• Streamlined registration: Ensure your website offers a smooth registration process to reduce barriers for potential attendees and increase conversion rates.

By combining these in-store and online promotional strategies, and leveraging your POS’ integrated capabilities, you can effectively attract and engage your target audience, maximizing class attendance and enhancing your brand’s presence.

Related Read: ​​What Is the Best Sew and Vac POS System? 3 Top Options

Step 3: Offer Discounts to Loyalty Program Members

Loyalty programs are a fantastic way to reward your regular customers. Offer exclusive discounts on class registrations and related supplies to members. This incentivizes sign-ups and encourages loyalty and repeat business. Use your POS system to easily track and apply these discounts, ensuring a smooth checkout process both in store and online.

Here’s how to effectively implement this step.

Develop a Loyalty Program

If you don’t already have a loyalty program, start by designing one that resonates with your customers. 

Consider the following elements:

• Points system: Allow customers to earn points for every purchase, including class registrations. These points can be redeemed for discounts on future classes or quilting supplies.
• Tiered rewards: Create tiers within your program that offer increasing benefits as customers reach higher levels. This could include early access to class registrations, larger discounts, or exclusive content like advanced tutorials.
• Special events: Host members-only events, such as a "members preview" class or a quilting showcase. This adds value to the membership and fosters a sense of community.

Offer Exclusive Class Discounts

Incentivize loyalty members to sign up for your classes by offering them exclusive discounts. 

Here’s how to structure these offers:

• Percentage-off registrations: Offer a straightforward discount, such as 10% off class fees for loyalty members. This can be a compelling reason for members to choose your classes over others.
• Bundle offers: Encourage members to purchase class kits by bundling them with the class registration at a discounted rate. This boosts sign-ups and increases sales of related products.
• Limited-time promotions: Occasionally offer flash sales or early-bird discounts to loyalty members. These time-sensitive offers create urgency and prompt quick action.

Make the Most of Your POS System

Leverage an advanced POS system to streamline the process of offering and managing these discounts:

• Automated discounts: Set up your POS system to automatically apply loyalty discounts at checkout. This ensures a seamless experience for your customers, whether they’re purchasing in store or online.
• Track member purchases: Use the system to monitor member purchases and point accumulation. This data is invaluable for tailoring future promotions and understanding customer behavior.
• Targeted marketing: Utilize the customer data from your POS system to send personalized promotions to loyalty members. Highlight upcoming classes, exclusive discounts, and members-only events to enhance their engagement with your brand.

Enhance Customer Engagement

Beyond discounts, consider other ways to engage your loyalty members:

• Exclusive content: Give members access to exclusive tutorials or patterns. This added value reinforces their decision to join your program.
• Feedback and involvement: Encourage loyalty members to provide feedback on classes and suggest new topics. Involving them in your planning process can increase satisfaction and strengthen their connection to your brand.

By offering discounts to loyalty program members and optimizing the process with your POS system, you boost class attendance and build a community of dedicated customers who feel valued and appreciated. This strategy drives immediate sales and fosters long-term relationships with your clientele.

Step 4: Provide Exclusive In-Store Discounts for Attendees

Encourage class registration by offering exclusive in-store discounts to those who sign up and attend your classes. Beginners will likely need quilting kits and supplies, which is a great opportunity for upselling. Your POS system can streamline this process by automatically applying discounts at checkout, enhancing the shopping experience for your attendees.

Offering exclusive in-store discounts to class attendees is a strategic way to enhance the value of your quilting classes while boosting in-store sales. 

Here’s a detailed look at how to implement this step effectively.

Incentivize Class Registration with Discounts

To encourage more people to register for your quilting classes for beginners, offer exclusive discounts on in-store purchases. 

Here’s how to structure these incentives:

• Discounted kits and supplies: Offer a special discount on quilting kits and materials that class attendees will need. This makes it more convenient for them to get started and increases the likelihood that they’ll purchase these items from your store.
• Future purchase discounts: Give attendees a coupon or discount code that they can use on their next visit. This encourages them to return and make additional purchases beyond the class-related items.

Upsell Opportunities

Once attendees are in your store, you have the opportunity to upsell additional products that complement their quilting journey:

• Accessory add-ons: Suggest additional tools or accessories that can enhance their quilting experience, such as specialty scissors, pattern books, or advanced quilting tools.
• Project expansion: Encourage attendees to purchase extra fabric or embellishments that allow them to expand on the projects they start in class, fostering creativity and further engagement with the craft.

Streamline the Checkout Process With Your POS System

A smooth checkout experience is crucial for maintaining customer satisfaction and encouraging repeat business. 

Use your POS system to facilitate this process:

• Automatic discounts: Configure your POS system to automatically apply the exclusive discounts for class attendees at checkout. This removes any guesswork for your staff and ensures customers receive the benefits they were promised.
• Tracking purchases: Utilize your POS system to track what attendees purchase, providing valuable insights into popular products and potential areas for expanding your offerings.
• Seamless redemption: If you offer coupons or discount codes for future purchases, ensure these can be easily redeemed both in store and online through your POS system.

Enhance the In-Store Experience

In addition to discounts, consider ways to make the in-store experience memorable for attendees:

• Special attendee perks: Offer small perks such as a welcome gift or exclusive access to a members-only area within your store. This makes attendees feel special and valued.
• Engagement with staff: Train your staff to engage with attendees, offering personalized recommendations and answering any questions they may have. This personalized service can significantly enhance the shopping experience.

You incentivize class registrations and drive additional sales by offering exclusive in-store discounts to class attendees and utilizing your POS system to streamline the process. This approach creates a win-win scenario, enhancing the value of your classes for participants while boosting your store's revenue and fostering a loyal customer base.

Bonus Step: Use Like Sew for Seamless Class Management

Harness the power of Like Sew to simplify your class management. The platform allows you to:

• Create bundles and promotions: Easily bundle classes with necessary supplies to create attractive packages that appeal to beginners.
• Sell classes in store and online: Offer flexible registration options to make it convenient for customers to sign up from anywhere.
• Manage class registration: Keep track of attendees and manage schedules effortlessly to ensure smooth operations.
• Cross-promote to loyalty members: Use your POS system to target loyalty members with personalized promotions to maximize your marketing efforts.

By following these steps and leveraging Like Sew's powerful tools, hosting quilting classes for beginners becomes a rewarding and profitable strategy. You'll share your passion for quilting and create lasting connections with a community of like-minded quilters.

Schedule a demo today to see how you can do it.