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Kids Camp Teaching Curriculum Plus FREE Fence Rail Quilt Pattern

We Carry
by Sara Snuggerud in Projects

The Fence Rail Quilt pattern is what we use in our Kid’s Quilt Camp. Many people have asked us for this pattern so today we are sharing not only the pattern but our entire curriculum. In exchange for this free pattern and class information, we ask you to Pay It Forward and teach a youngster or a group of youngsters to make this quilt! Share a picture of the finished quilts and their proud creators with us on Facebook, Twitter or post a link in the comments.

We have found the perfect quilt pattern that offers students a comfortable pace to finish a quilt within 5 days while attending a 2 1/2 hour class each day. This Fence Rail Quilt Pattern and its size covers the complete quilting process for a guaranteed successful first project.

To get a copy of the pattern, click the button below. Our goal is to share this with as many people as we can and get a few more young people involved in quilting. Use the links below to share this post with the world … let’s try to get as many people to start a quilt as possible.

Download Your Copy Here

I started teaching kids sewing classes with my mom, Carol Meyer, in Santa Barbara, CA when I was in high school. What a blast we had. With two of us teaching, we could accommodate a class of 12! I remember the first year of a kids sewing camp…we had a unique program that students made simple shorts, shirts and a top and then we put on a fashion show for the parents at the end. I don’t know who enjoyed the fashion show more, the students or the parents. They were so proud to be wearing something they had made. In particular, we learned that the magic starting age for these type of sewing camps was between 8 to 9 years of age.
Most 8 – 9 year olds have the dexterity to guide fabric through a sewing machine with an even seam allowance as well as be able to listen to the instructor. Here at Heirloom Creations’ quilt camps we start students nine years of age. Due to the amount of the sewing construction needed to complete this quilt and the strength needed for machine quilting at the end, this age has proven successful.

When students sign up for Heirloom Creations’ Quilt Camp, they are first asked to come “shopping” to select their very own fabric combination. It is always fun to watch them pick out fabric and watch them process the multiple color  options while truly having no clue how its going to look finished.

They are then asked to pre-wash their fabrics before class and gather supplies. Sewing machines need to be serviced to eliminate any problems during class. And please, if you own a fancy sewing machine, let them use it! They will be just that more successful with their quilt which translates into a long lifetime of GOOD sewing memories.

One supply item I highly recommend is a magnetic pincushion. It is easy to locate, use and move around as they sew.

Kid’s Quilt Camp: Fence Rail Quilt Pattern

Day By Day Progress

(Based on a 2 1/2 hour class time with a short snack break)

Day 1 – The first day is all about getting to know their sewing machines. We practice  threading, inserting the bobbin, pinning and sewing straight. Parents and teachers who do the threading for the students are not giving them the skills they need to run a sewing machine. We also work on pressing techniques and iron etiquette. Once they have mastered consistent seaming they can start sewing the strip sets together. (Have “helpers” rotary cut their fabric into strips while students are learning how to use their machines).

Day 2 – Before the class on day 2, the “sewing gremlin” visits all sewing machines and removes the thread and the bobbin. Each student must remember how to rethread the machine before they can start sewing. Today is a “Strippin’ Day”! Students are encouraged not to rush (its not a race)! and finish sewing all the strips together with a consistence seam allowance.

Day 3 – Once all strip sets are completed, we will then cut the strips into squares using a rotary cutter, mat and ruler. At this age, most students are not ready to use rotary cutting equipment. Start laying out the blocks row by row as the pattern shows. Sew blocks into rows and then sew all the rows together.

Day 4 – By this day, students are comfortable with their machines, threading and winding a bobbin. This day they finish sewing all rows together and borders. Next they layer batting, quilt front and back together and baste with long hand stitches or with pins around the outside edge.

Day 5 – This is the day they switch to a walking foot! After sewing around the entire quilt, they will turn it right side out and quilt as desired. Start by sewing a faux binding stitching line around the entire outside of the quilt. This will also close up the hole used for turning. Most students will then quilt through the center of the Fence Rails.

Permission is granted to use this pattern as you wish. If you plan on publishing this pattern on your blog, please provide the link to our website. Please contact us prior to any other use of this pattern such as printed publication.

Updated: 3-2017