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What is the Quilt Finishing Academy?

The Quilt Finishing Academy is your passport to 8 weeks of quilting awesomeness! This online program is your golden ticket to mastering walking foot quilting, getting cozy with hand quilting, and unlocking all the secrets to finishing your quilt, from picking out backing fabric to those charming quilt labels. Whether you're a quilting newbie or you've already rocked a quilt or two, this course is your personalized journey to conquering your BIG quilt dreams. 

finish your quilt top at home

The course is taught through 6 modules unveiled over 8 weeks, packed with over 50 training videos, a knowledge-filled course PDF handouts, weekly live Q&A sessions where you can grill me with all your burning questions, plus the backup of our fantastic team, and a rad community space that's like quilting heaven on earth. Ready to turn those dreams into quilted reality?

Hi there!      

I’m Katie Zahm - Your Guide

Recently published in Quiltfolk | Colorado Issue 28

  • I’m a wife, soon to be mom, and Quilt Pattern Designer living in Denver surrounded by the Rocky Mountains. And, I’ve been there. As a completely self-taught quilter, I know the value of shared information. 

  • After spending years learning on my own, teaching students and working as a professional quilter, I have developed the ultimate Quilt Finishing course; something that I could have only dreamed of taking when I was starting. Let me save you years of learning on your own. YES, years! 

  • Often, individuals cling to the knowledge they've acquired, but I'm here to generously impart all of it to you. Discover the hidden insights, subtle details, and essential skills required for achieving quilting success.

Quilt Finishing Academy is an online training program for the art of quilting, delivered to students through a private course portal. The course includes 6 modules unveiled over 8 weeks, packed with over 50 training videos, a knowledge-filled PDF handouts, weekly live Q&A sessions where you can grill me with all your burning questions, plus the backup of our fantastic team, and a rad community space that's like quilting heaven on earth. Ready to turn those dreams into quilted reality? Let's dive in!

Enrollment for the Quilt Finishing Academy is offered just once per year.

How it works

Comprehensive Course to Quilting Your Quilts at Home

Module 1 - Quilting Essentials

Whether you’re brand new to quilting or have some experience, learning the foundations is essential. We cover the basics of quilting, including techniques, tools, and material selection. It guides you through preparing your quilt top and backing, choosing appropriate fabrics for backing and binding, and understanding different types of batting.

Module 2 - Quilting Plans

We emphasize the importance of a well-thought-out quilt plan as it serves as a roadmap for a successful project. You'll learn to conceptualize and organize your design, select suitable fabrics, and make informed decisions on techniques, ensuring a cohesive and satisfying quilt-making experience.

Module 3 - Basting

The crucial role of proper basting in preventing shifting and ensuring a smooth quilting process. You'll learn essential basting methods, such as using safety pins, basting spray, or hand basting, to secure layers effectively and achieve professional results in your quilting projects.

Module 4 - Walking Foot Machine Quilting

We focus on the technique of using a walking foot for precise and controlled quilting. You'll learn essential tips for straight line or curve quilting, maintaining stitch consistency, and effectively maneuvering your quilt layers, empowering you to achieve polished and professional results with this versatile quilting tool.

Module 5 - Hand Quilting

Learn the art of hand quilting, delving into traditional stitching methods that add a unique touch to your projects. You'll learn the fundamentals of hand quilting, including selecting appropriate needles and thread, creating even stitches, and mastering the rhythm of this timeless craft to enhance your quilting skills.

Module 6 - Binding and Finishing Touches

Learn various binding techniques to give your quilt a professional look. Additionally, explore finishing touches such as labeling, washing, adding care instructions, and capturing celebratory moments with photos to complete and showcase your quilt.

What Students Are Saying…

“This course was exactly what I needed to take my quilting skills to the next level! Each lesson was clear, well-paced, and packed with practical tips. I especially loved the section on binding techniques—it completely transformed how I finish my quilts. Thank you for such an amazing learning experience!” - Meg

"I’ve been quilting for years, but this course helped me refine the little details I never realized could make such a big difference. The lesson on quilt labels inspired me to start documenting the stories behind my quilts, which is something I’d never done before. I feel more confident in finishing my projects with a polished, professional look!" - Kelsey

"I loved how flexible and engaging this course was. The downloadable guides and lifetime access made it easy for me to go back and revisit lessons as I worked on my quilts. The hand quilting module was my favorite—it’s such a small detail but adds so much to the overall finish!" - Jeanette

"The Quilt Finishing Academy is a game-changer! I appreciated how each week built on the last, and the videos were so easy to follow. Even as a beginner, I felt supported every step of the way. I’m thrilled with what I’ve learned!" - Theresa

"This course exceeded my expectations! It was evident that so much thought and care went into every lesson. I’ve already recommended Quilt Finishing Academy to my quilting guild!" - Debby

2025 Course Timeline

Unique to the Quilt Finishing Academy

QFA Course ($1200 value)

Comprehensive Learning Experience ($500 value)

  • 6 Comprehensive Modules
    Each module delivers in-depth content, equivalent to professional training.

  • 3 Bonus Modules
    Exclusive advanced topics to elevate your learning experience.

  • 50+ Video Training Lessons
    On-demand, step-by-step guidance at your fingertips.

  • Worksheet Exercises
    Hands-on activities to reinforce and apply what you’ve learned.

  • Module PDF Handouts
    Detailed companion guides for some lessons, supporting your learning.

Personalized Support and Community ($425 value)

  • Live Guidance and Support During Class Duration
    Direct access to expert help to keep you on track.

  • Live Q&A Session with Katie
    Personalized answers to your unique questions during the course.

  • Community & Connection
    Join a network of like-minded learners for encouragement and inspiration.

Convenience and Lifetime Access ($275 value)

  • Lifetime Access to Class Portal
    Unlimited access to all materials for long-term learning.

  • 2 Implementation Weeks
    Dedicated time to apply your skills with guided support.

  • 1 Launchpad Week (Orientation)
    Kickstart your journey with clarity and confidence.

  • Closed Captions Available
    Accessibility for all learners, ensuring no one is left behind.

  • No Travel Required
    Learn from the comfort of your home, saving time and money.

But all this can be yours for the price of just $327

A 3-month ($127/month) payment plan is available.

$ USD

Course Outline

Bonus Modules ✨

  • Bonus 1: Match Prints for Backs

    Share some love on the back and seamlessly match prints for the quilt back. For the bigger quilts, when you need to piece two fabric sections together, this is a fun way to show off the fabric print you picked.

  • Bonus 2: Frankenbatting

    After you make a few quilts and go through batting you will find yourself with multiple but up pieces of batting laying around. I’ll teach you how to piece these together and have less waste.

  • Bonus 3: Quilt Labels

    I’ll show you in detail how to make custom labels from your computer with a printed label, machine embroidery label, hand embroidery label, and handwritten label.

Whether you're a quilting newbie or you've already rocked a quilt or two, this course is your personalized journey to conquering your BIG quilt dreams. If you've ever dreamed of stitching together a quilt top in your own home, mastering new techniques, or transforming quilting into more than just a hobby, then join us on this empowering journey. Whether you quilt for relaxation, self-expression, or the joy of creating cherished gifts, this course is your comprehensive guide to unlocking your full quilting potential.

Quilt Finishing Academy is right for you IF…

✔ You have a quilt top and stuck on what to do next

✔ You want to get enhance your Walking Foot skills

✔ You want to learn how to Hand Quilt

✔ You have BIG dreams about finishing your quilt

✔ You want to finish your quilt at home

✔ You want to master new quilting techniques

✔ You want to make a custom quilt label

Investment

The 2024 Quilt Finishing Academy costs $347 USD.

A 3-month ($127/month) payment plan is available.

Enrollment opens only once a year.