Ellie Long Arm Certification Class

From Quilt Top to Finished Quilt—You've Got This!

Ready to finish your quilts on a professional longarm machine? Our Ellie Longarm Rental Certification class is designed to teach quilters how to confidently load, quilt, and complete their own projects on our APQS longarm machine. This hands-on, three-hour class provides the training required before renting Ellie independently.

During class, students will learn:

🧵 How to properly prepare a quilt for longarm quilting

🧵 How to center and load backing, batting, and quilt tops

🧵 How to use our rental zipper system for efficient loading

🧵 Basic machine operation and controls

🧵 Free-motion quilting techniques using stitch regulation

🧵 Threading, bobbin changes, and tension basics

🧵 Advancing the quilt and managing quilting progress

🧵 Proper machine care, cleaning, and shutdown procedures

Each student will receive a complete set of rental zippers as part of their class registration and will practice using them during class.

Upon successful completion of the certification class, students will be eligible to reserve Ellie for independent rental sessions at Cactus Quilt Shop.

No prior longarm experience is required, but students should be comfortable using a sewing machine and have basic quilting experience.

Instructor Team: Lisa Ellis & Naomi

Class Includes:

• Hands-on certification instruction

• Rental zipper set

• Guided machine practice

• Eligibility for future Ellie rental sessions

Please note: Completion of the certification class is required before independent machine rental privileges are granted.

A Quick Note About Class Supplies:  Your class fee covers instruction only—supplies are sold separately. You’ll receive a supply list by email outlining what you’ll need for class. 🌟Many of the items will be available at Cactus Quilt Shop, and registered students receive 10% off all class-related purchases after signing up!

Class Cancellation Policy:  We get it—plans change. If you need to cancel, please do so at least 7 days before your class for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 7 days in advance are non-refundable.If you're feeling ill on the day of class, please call the shop before class begins. We care about the health of our quilting community and will gladly issue a store credit so you can join us when you’re well.