ZJ Humbach

Getting Started with a Longarm Quilting Machine

with ZJ Humbach

Have you ever wondered what all the fuss is about with longarm machines and been overwhelmed by the various options? In this class, your instructor ZJ Humbach is ready to help you out.

There are so many differences, advantages and limitations between your conventional machine and a longarm machine and ZJ will help you decide on what is best for you. She will cover the various options of machines, explain the difference of hand guided and computerized and help determine what will work best for your needs.

Once you decide on the machine you aren’t done. There are additional tools and items you will want to purchase to keep your machine running smoothly. ZJ will also provide you some of her insider tips on batting and thread and will also get into technical skills that will help get you started.

Just like anything else practice will only make you better. ZJ will share her secrets to becoming proficient in longarm quilting. Included in this class are three different practice quilts for you. Start off with a whole cloth quilt, try out a panel quilt, and then make a pieced quilt that you can bind to show off your new quilting skills.

As part of the class you will also receive downloadable and printable patterns and other reference materials.

  • 8 Sessions
  • 2h 01m
ZJ Humbach

ZJ Humbach

ZJ Humbach is a professional longarm quilter and pattern designer who owns and operates Dream Stitcher Quilt Studio in Nederland, Colorado. Her work appears in McCall’s Quilting, Quilters Newsletter, and Quiltmaker magazines. A former Quilters Newsletter editor, she wrote a longarm quilting column, “Finish Line,” for each issue. Now ZJ is a freelance writer for Quilters Newsletter and the Studio Arts Quilt Associates (SAQA) Journal. She also quilts regularly for Connecting Threads. ZJ has enjoyed machine sewing since age 12. She has a strong educational background in clothing construction, tailoring, and interior design plus a Master of Arts Teaching degree with an emphasis on curriculum development and adult education.

Class Resource: Building a Longarm Quilting Library

Download this PDF for ZJ’s list recommended Longarm Quilting books.

Class Resource: Shopping List

Download this PDF for a list of additional operational and maintenance items to purchase

Class Project: Wholecloth Quilt

Download this PDF for a supply list, cutting and assembly instructions for making the Wholecloth Quilt

Class Project: Red Hot Hearts Quilts

Download this PDF for a supply list, cutting and assembly instructions for making the Red Hot Hearts Quilt

Class Project: Dr. Seuss Panel Quilt

Download this PDF for a supply list, cutting and assembly instructions for making the Dr. Seuss Panel Quilt

Bonus materials available after purchase

How do I know what the Class covers?

Every Class has a free Preview video you can watch, to give you a flavor of the Instructor and the skills or project that will be covered. In addition, the Overview tab includes a thorough written description of the Class. And finally, each Class Session has a brief written summary of the content in that Session, including the length of each Session video. You will get a good feel for the Class content by reviewing these resources.

Can I view a Class on my tablet device or mobile phone?

No problem. Most newer model smartphones or other mobile/tablet devices with an internet connection are able to play the class videos. Simply log in to CRAFT & HOBBY, and you can view any class.

How do I access the Bonus Materials for the class?

Go to view your class, and each individual bonus element is accessible by simply clicking on each item. You’ll find the bonus materials directly below your main class viewer frame. You can access the bonus materials as many times as you would like and/or save them to your device.

Can I print out Class details?

For any Bonus Material that is a PDF Download, yes you can. Just click on the icon/button for the Bonus element you want, and print with your local printer.

What are PDF downloads?

These are simply documents, plans, or written materials that are formatted in a way to print out and retain for reference. By simply clicking on the icon/link for any PDF Download that is included with a Class, you can print that document on your own printer or simply view the contents on your computer/mobile device.

Are there any system requirements to view the Class video content?

Your Class video content is best when viewed on a computer manufactured in the past couple of years with a good broadband Internet connection (not dialup). We also highly recommend using the latest version of Firefox, Safari, or Chrome as your Internet Browser, though recent versions of Internet Explorer will work as well. The recommended screen resolution is 1024 x 768 or larger.

How do I contact Craft And Hobby?

If your question is about the Class content, please use the Class Discussion benefit to ask your question online – and you'll receive feedback from the Class Instructor. Even your fellow Class participants may jump in to offer tips and advice from their experience. If you have other questions or need help, you can email us at craftandhobby@program-director.net or call us toll-free, at 1-833-363-1239. Service Representatives will be available Monday-Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Central time, excluding normal holidays.

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