ARTICLES Apqs longarm quilting certification, Longarm quilting 4 min read

New and Improved: APQS Longarm Quilting Certification Workshop for Quilting Daily

Since it was originally filmed in 2015 with Dawn Cavanaugh, the APQS Longarm Quilting Certification interactive workshop has been a perennial best-seller, which we offer twice per year.

longarm quilting
New and improved for 2024, the AQPS Longarm Quilting Certification for Quilting Daily workshop is taught by Eva Ellison, professional longarm quilter and business owner who received her own certification in 2017.

On some levels, the fact that the workshop is so popular is surprising, because it is by no means an easy course. The workshop lasts 14+ weeks, and it involves quite a bit of piecing, as well as free-motion stitching, and photographing and mailing assignments by strict deadlines.

Anyone who has taken this course will tell you that it takes dedicated time and work… and it’s 100% worth it.

What’s New?

New in 2024, the updated version of the APQS Longarm Quilting Certification workshop incorporates new videos, current information and technology, and updated handouts. The current instructor, Eva Ellison, took this very workshop in 2017.

Today, she runs a successful longarm quilting business, Double E Quilting–APQS Houston, alongside her son and business partner in historic Old Town Spring, Texas.

From the batting and thread stitch-out samples she made for this class and still references, to the practice she put in making free-motion shapes, and even to the business plan that she updates annually to keep her business thriving, the APQS Longarm Quilting Certification workshop has served Eva well as her business grows.

longarm quilting
Eva shares a few of the samples she stitched out for this very class in 2017, which she still has and references today.

From Dawn to Eva

Eva even shares a few of her early samples, stitched out for this class, to show you where she started and how far she has come using the lessons she learned from Dawn Cavanaugh.

The freshly updated workshop starts May 14, 2024, with registration closing May 21, 2024. The session ends Aug. 20, 2024.

longarm quilting
Here, Eva demonstrates a paisley-style filler.

Interested, but not sure if this workshop is right for you? We’ve compiled an FAQ based on the most commonly asked questions received by the instructors and our customer service department.

FAQ for APQS Longarm Quilting Certification for Quilting Daily

I don’t own an APQS longarm but another brand: Can I still take this course?

Certainly, this course is not specific to APQS longarm quilting machines. Features on your machine may be slightly different, but the techniques you learn in this course will still apply. You can even take this class if you have a sit-down/mid-arm machine. Just make sure your longarm quilting machine is in good working condition for the course.

Can I use my computerized longarm quilting machine for this course?

Yes, but only for a few lessons. This class will help you learn more free-motion quilting techniques.

How do I access the workshop?

To access the workshop, you will need to log into your Quilting Daily account. A detailed how-to for accessing the workshops after purchase can be found here.

When do I have access to the classes?

Upon purchase, you will be able to access some of the introductory content, in case you want to prepare. Once the class starts, you will have access to all content any time you need it. You will have lifetime access to all of the documentation and videos, even after the interactive component (in which the instructor provides feedback and answers questions) of the workshop session ends.

What supplies do I need?

You will need a longarm or midarm quilting machine in good working order, as well as fabric, batting, and threads. A detailed supply list by lesson can be found here. This supply list is also included in the workshop’s introductory documentation.

How do I submit certification assignments? And when?

Upon purchase, you will be able to access the introductory documentation, which includes detailed information about where and how to submit your assignments. Some assignments require you to email specific photos of your work. Several other assignments require you to ship your work to the instructor. For the May 2024 workshop, here is a list of assignment due dates. This due date list is also included in the workshop’s introductory documentation.

Can I work ahead of the scheduled classes?

Absolutely, you can submit work early if you need to for your personal scheduling needs. Just know that each lesson is reviewed after the scheduled due dates.

I just got my longarm: Will I be able to keep up with the lessons?

There is work involved in this course, but you should be able to keep up with the lessons. Put in the practice time even if you are drawing quilting designs.

I don’t plan to quilt for others as a business. Will this class be beneficial to me?

Certainly! Although there is a section/lesson that focuses on starting and running a longarm quilting business, the class isn’t built for just that purpose. You will learn many techniques to help you become a more proficient longarm quilter.

What does the certification do for me?

You can proudly display this certification in your studio. You worked hard and earned it, and you should proudly display it! Eva says, “I also include in my website and my email signature line ‘APQS Certified Longarm Quilter,’ especially since I am a professional longarm quilter!” This course holds you accountable for completing assignments. Most quilting classes (in person or online) do not follow up to see if you learned the techniques that were taught. This class offers great feedback and promotes confidence in skill-building techniques.

How do I know if someone is really reviewing the work I submit?

Our professionally trained longarm quilter reviews and grades your work, and will communicate with each person over email, providing constructive feedback and encouragement about the work you personally submit. Also, all students receive email communication for each lesson, even if they are not intending to receive the certification.

Do I need to make quilts for homework?

There are a couple of assignments for quilt tops. One is a pattern-specific quilt that will be donated to Project Linus. For the remaining quilt assignments, you can use existing quilt tops, or even fabric panels with borders attached.

I work full-time: Will I be able to keep up?

Yes, many have done so. It is a busy class, and work is involved. Some lessons may require more time than others, and this class allows you to work ahead of time.

I’m a true beginner. What level of experience do I need to take this class?

You should know how to load your quilt and know how to use the functions of your longarm. You will gain a lot of skills and confidence through this course.

I’ve taken the previous version of this workshop. Should I take the new version?

If you’ve already taken the previous workshop and received certification, it’s not necessary to take this revised workshop. Some updates to technology and best business practices are covered, but the core of the tried-and-true technique—free-motion skills, quilt variables, feather stills, border designs—have remained constant. Eva has stayed true to Dawn Cavanaugh’s original methodology and outline.

What is the cancellation policy for this workshop?

Once the class begins, you will have instant, full access to all of the videos and documentation. Because of this, we do not offer refunds after the workshop’s start date. In certain circumstances beyond the student’s control—a death in the family, illness, flood—we’ve allowed students to transfer their registration to the following session, but you may only do this once and it must be processed through our customer service department (submit a request here). Workshops are typically offered in spring and autumn.


From our Shop


Join the Conversation!