Description
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 & 2
Ticket Option 2 includes Days 3 & 4
Virtual Ticket Option 1 includes Days 1 & 2
Virtual Ticket Option 2 includes Days 3 & 4
Class Schedule:
Day 1 - Wednesday, October 21, 2026
AM: Confident Stitches: Longarm Quilting Basics
Does 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 Quilting
Learn 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, 2026
AM: Rock Your Rulers
If 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 Bag
This will require a kit fee, paid directly in class. More details to come.
Day 3 - Friday, October 23, 2026
AM: 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 Quilting
Have 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, 2026
AM: Brilliant Borders, Bold Blocks & Beautiful Backgrounds
Blocks, 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 Bag
This will require a kit fee, paid directly in class. More details to come.
Workshop FAQs - Workshops & Classes are In-Person
What are the times of the workshop?
The workshop will run 9am - 4pm each day with a 1 hour lunch break at noon. Participants must be out of the classroom when the museum closes at 5pm.
How many people will be in the workshop?
There's a max of 12 people, 2 to a machine for the longarm class.
Where do I park?
Please park, if possible, in the municipal parking lot located on 2nd Street behind the Museum during class hours (near the Farmer’s Market Stand). You can park in the Museum lot or on the street. All parking is free.
How do I get into the Museum?
Please use the Main Entrance to the Museum. The automatic-accessible door will be unlocked each morning starting at 8:30am for you to enter the building.
What about lunch?
Lunch break is 1 hour and a box lunch is included each day with your ticket purchase.
Can I bring my own food?
Bottled water, coffee and hot water will be provided. You are welcome to bring your own tea bags, drinks or snacks for your own table.
Do I have to pay admission to the Museum?
No! As a workshop participant your admission to the galleries is included. If you are a Friend of NQM at the Benefactor level or higher you also receive a 20% discount on all purchases in the Gift Shop.
Refund Policy
If you have to cancel more than 30 days before the workshop, NQM will issue a full refund.
If you have to cancel within 30 days of the workshop, NQM will issue a refund for the class amount minus a $100 deposit.
If NQM has to cancel the workshop for any reason, participants will receive a full refund.
Please note, workshop/class tickets are non-transferrable.
Date & Time
Oct 21 - 24, 2026
Venue Details
National Quilt Museum
215 Jefferson St.Paducah, Kentucky 42001
