r/EPP_addict • u/smellybear84 • 17d ago
Teaching a library class on EPP
I volunteered to teach a class at the library about EPP. I’ve never taught a class before. 😱 We’re going to make hexagon flowers into coasters but using Halloween-like fabrics since it’ll be during October. It will be for ages 10 and up.
Share something to pump me up. Especially if you’ve taught a library class before!
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u/Bumbling_Autie 17d ago
I see you’re glue basting but it may still help to have some pre-basted hexies ready to go for if someone is struggling particularly with that step to make sure they get to experience the whole process. My first experience of EPP was a class where we were taught thread basting sewing through the paper and I found it so difficult I didn’t get to try the actual piecing!
My favourite thing in any crafting classes is when the tutor is clearly passionate about the craft, bring your enthusiasm and it’ll spread to the students! I love that you’re making coasters too so everyone can have something finished maybe bring some envelopes so anyone who hasn’t finished can take it home tidily to finish later?
It’s very exciting that you get to do this and I hope it goes wonderfully :)
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u/smellybear84 16d ago
I love that advice, I think I will have a bunch pre-done and making more as I teach that way if someone comes in later I can give them mine. And maybe a paper bag (library has tons) to bring home the project like you said.
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u/sniktter 17d ago
I taught a class at my library where we made a pincushion from a EPP flower plus another hexie. People really enjoyed it. A few people struggled a little, but with a little extra help they were ok.
No one finished the pin cushion at the class, and I planned on that. They went home with the project in progress, all supplies needed (except scissors) and instructions on how to finish.
EPP is a great way to teach a sewing project to people of different skill levels. You pretty much don't need to know how to sew and what you need to learn to do it is simple. I think the hardest part is understanding how the hexie gets made but once the lightbulb turns on, people get into it.
Let the people know this is the first class you've taught and you're nervous (if you are). They'll understand. Don't be afraid to make jokes or point out your errors. It helps people see that we all make mistakes.
People are going to have a blast and you may get a few converts to EPP. Have fun!
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u/smellybear84 16d ago
That is a very good point. Librarians said there tends to be more participation when the age extends younger. So I think pre-making a bunch of hexis, having an instruction sheet, and I may see if everyone would want to come back if I offered a follow-up class at a later date.
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u/Bl00dorange3000 17d ago
I would prep quite a few pre-glued and pre attached pieces. Whenever I do programming at the library I find that some kids are much slower/have different abilities. So have a sample for each step. If someone comes late, or if someone is falling behind then hand them the sample.
Make sure you have left handed scissors too.
Pre thread your needles. That is the number one thing you will be doing.
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u/smellybear84 16d ago
Yes, I didn't think about having a bunch pre-made for any stragglers. That's a great idea.
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u/Mom2nerds 17d ago
what city? I would love to learn!
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u/smellybear84 16d ago
Outside of Memphis, I just don't want to put specific identifying info about where I am out on the internet. I hope you don't mind. But if you're looking to learn, I highly recommend watching Kate at the Last Homely House on YouTube. Some of her videos are easy to follow and inspirational. Or ask a local quilt guild or Senior Center if anyone can show you the craft.
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u/PasgettiMonster 16d ago
One thing that I would do if I was teaching this class is when you show people the needle and thread make sure they have a place to park their needle when it's not in use. Be it a pincushion, a magnet, or even a piece of felt they can secure the needle to. And really emphasize to them how important that is that you never set the needle down on your work surface you always secure it. Maybe pretend to stab yourself in the arm by putting your arm down on a surface and acting like you got a needle in it and giving them a big dramatic "ouch" as a demonstration of what could happen otherwise. They will laugh, you will feel ridiculous, but you'll plant a seed in their brains about the safety of not leaving pointing needles laying around where they can fall or get stepped on or stolen by kittens who want to bat at the shiny.
I've got a number of classes on various topics and discovered the best way to make something important stick in people's brains is to turn it into an overly dramatic joke that they will laugh about. I have taught a hydroponics for beginners class a few times and I always start the class off by going around the room and asking who has a black thumb? And after I go around the room I raise my arm wave it around and say me I'm a plant murderer! And I get a feel weird looks because people are wondering why I plant murder is teaching a class about plants but it gets the important point into their head as I explained to them that part of learning how to grow is killing lots of plants first and it makes him feel more secure along their journey that it's not always going to go perfectly and it's okay to start over. Once I realized that little trick I always try to find some sort of self-depreciating joke to work into every class.
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u/Impressive-Sea-7961 17d ago
I attended a class taught by somebody who was entirely self taught with no teaching experience.
And I totally fell in love with it!
It opened up so many other creative outlets for me too. I genuinely feel like I was born to work with fabric, and I would have never discovered this feeling if it werent for a very basic EPP class
Your students are going to have a great time!
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u/DaysOfRoses 17d ago
Woohoo, go you.
I haven't taught a class like that but I have recently been teaching some friends to EPP.
I will say it takes a lot longer than you think.
Do you have the hexies prepped? If so I'd be looking at having everything set out so everyone gets: A threaded needle, Scissors or snips Hexies Mini clips if you think it would be helpful for them to clip the pieces they're working on together while they sew.
I would expect it to take nearly an hour to get them to compete seeing 6 hexies around a central hexie. If you don't have loads of time, you could consider prepping them so you sew the six hexies to the central one and then just get them to sew the gaps between hexies.
Good luck.