Do you dream about making quilts for your family and friends?
Maybe you’ve already stocked up on fabric, patterns, books, and tools. And when you discovered Electric Quilt 8, it felt like the missing piece—the software that could help you:
But then reality set in.
You opened EQ8 expecting it to be intuitive, only to discover there was no “easy button.”
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Most quilters buy EQ8 with big dreams, but quickly realize they need more than self-study to unlock its power.
The truth is: EQ8 is packed with incredible features—and once you know how to use them, you can design quilts that are uniquely yours.
That’s exactly why I created Tech Know Quilters Academy.
- Test out fabrics before cutting.
- Modify patterns to suit your taste.
- Print accurate instructions.
- Even create one-of-a-kind quilt designs from scratch.
But then reality set in.
You opened EQ8 expecting it to be intuitive, only to discover there was no “easy button.”
- The interface felt overwhelming.
- The manual didn’t match how you actually wanted to use the program.
- Instead of designing quilts, you found yourself clicking in circles—or giving up altogether.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Most quilters buy EQ8 with big dreams, but quickly realize they need more than self-study to unlock its power.
The truth is: EQ8 is packed with incredible features—and once you know how to use them, you can design quilts that are uniquely yours.
That’s exactly why I created Tech Know Quilters Academy.
What is Tech Know Quilters Academy?
A 6-month step-by-step training that takes the frustration out of EQ8 and helps you design with confidence.
|
Finally Understand EQ8
No more clicking in circles or getting lost in menus—you’ll know exactly where to go and what to do. |
|
Create Your Own Blocks & Appliqué
Move beyond the built-in library and start turning your ideas into original quilt elements. |
|
Design Layouts That Work
Stop forcing your vision into the wrong template—learn to choose (or create) the perfect layout every time. |
|
Go Beyond Patterns
Say goodbye to relying on others. Gain the confidence to design quilts that are uniquely yours. |
|
Dianna Carter: From Nightmare to Hooked
“When I purchased EQ, I thought I would love it. It turned out to be my nightmare. When I joined your classes, it was an aah-ha moment. Now I am hooked.” |
Here's What's Inside?
- Six core EQ8 classes → Delivered in easy-to-digest lessons delivered three times a week over six months.
- Lifetime Access → Keep the videos and handouts forever—perfect for revisiting later.
- Monthly Live Coaching Calls → Get help on class projects or your personal quilt designs.
- Private Facebook Group → Connect with other Academy students, ask questions, share your work, and get inspired by others in the group.
- Optional Monthly Design Challenge → Stay motivated by sharing something you’ve created.
|
Rachel Chandler: From Self-Doubt to Creative Power
“I absolutely love the lessons. Now I can create a design and carry it through to a finished quilt. I feel empowered in a way I didn’t even know was possible. I’m only limited now by my imagination.” |
Tech Know Quilter Academy Blueprint
Here's what you'll learn each month:
Module 1: Electric Quilt 8 Made Easy
This is an introduction to EQ8 preparing you for more advanced features coming later on. Learn to navigate EQ8, add fabrics, use coloring tools, draft simple blocks, and produce the info you need to construct your quilts.
Module 2: EasyDraw Basics
Draft your own blocks using EQ8’s EasyDraw. Just like working with graph paper and pencil you'll finally have your creativity unblocked.
Module 3: PolyDraw Essentials
For greater design flexibility, create blocks including circular and non-square patterns using PolyDraw’s unique grids.
Module 4: Introduction to Applique
Design appliqué motifs that stand out and showcase your creativity.
Module 5: Standard Quilt Layouts
Identify the right layouts for your quilts and master EQ8’s three quilt layers.
Module 6: Custom Set Quilt Design
Break free from predefined layouts and place blocks wherever you want for total creative freedom.
(Note that this class is currently in development and will be available until early 2026.)
|
Lynne Maramien: Now having Fun Feeding Her Creative Spirit
"I found Kari Schell through the Electric Quilt website and suddenly EQ8 started to make sense. I now spend a lot of time in EQ8 designing quilts, so much fun! " |
TKQ Academy is Perfect for You If…
- You own EQ8 but feel like you’re just scratching the surface.
- You’re tired of being limited by other people’s patterns.
- You want a clear, structured way to finally learn EQ8—without overwhelm.
- You’re excited to design quilts that reflect your unique style.
- You have a fabric stash waiting to be turned into quilts.
TKQ Academy is Not for You If…
- You prefer following patterns exactly as written with no changes.
- You don’t have 60 minutes a week to spend time learning an incredible new skill.
- You’re looking for quick “quilting hacks” without depth or mastery.
Meet Your Instructor
|
I’m Kari Schell—award-winning quilter, pattern designer, and EQ8 expert.
|
My passion? Helping quilters like you confidently design the quilts of their dreams.
Real Stories from Students
|
Kristy & Joyce: Friendship Stitched Together
"I joined TKQ at its inception, following a free class offered by Kari.
However, I did not do this alone. My dearest friend, Joyce, and I took the leap together. Any doubts we may have harbored were quicky dispelled knowing it would be a joint venture. Our past endeavors showed us together we could conquer anything. Just when we thought we had learned it all…. Kari would uncover new tidbits to enlarge the scope of our EQ knowledge. Joyce passed of metastatic breast cancer near the end of 2024 and it has been hard. However, taking the classes and enjoying the zoom comradery also remind me of the delight we had in our joint TKQ experience. I will be forever thankful that Joyce and I were able to design a quilt together by sharing our Best Friends Forever project via emails back and forth between Chicago and Cincinnati. Not only did we design our quilt together, we both made the actual quilts and they were hung together in a quilt show in Chicago." Kristy and Joyce's Best Friends Forever Quilts. I shared their journey along with close-ups of their design in the blog post on June 15, 2024.
|
|
Rachel Chandler: Feeling Empowered"I absolutely love the lessons that have taught me not only how to use this amazing program, but how to create a quilt, and carry it through to publishing. I'm not quite there yet, but I know one day I will begin publishing quilt pattens.
Now I can create a design and complete every aspect of the quilt myself. I purchased EQ8 at the International Quilt Show and bought the Beginning Instruction book, but was not really getting anywhere with self study. When you came out with the Summer Games series last year, I committed to it and found how much I learned from this one series. I was absolutely hooked. There is so much value in the lessons you give. Your instruction is clear, and easy to follow. I feel empowered in a way I didn't even know was possible. I am only limited now to what my imagination can think up." Rachel completed a quilt from a friend whose niece is getting married. He asked for something to showcase pictures of the Bride and Groom.
|
|
Zdenka Nemethová: From Frustrated to Confident"At that time I bought EQ8 but was frustrated using it. I needed guidance and then saw TKQ pages where you claimed that using EQ 10 minutes a day will help not only to master the program but at the same time create a nice pieces. This was what I needed, I joined TKQ and never regretted it.
It was very difficult for me at the beginning, but those 10 minutes were enough to return to the program again and again. In each class I learned new skills. Now in Masters Program you are gently pushing us to use our own ideas to design our own variations." Zdenka created this quilt for a recent Scrapbook Challenge class. Her images showcase favorite Czech items and memories.
|
Total Value of TKQ Academy is $753
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
You can join today for:
Click here to purchase.
|
|
Click here to purchase.
|
Special Bonuses for Inaugural TKQ Academy Students
|
Bonus #1: 12 Top Tips for Electric Quilt 8 (E-Book)
Get answers to the most common beginner questions—so you can skip the frustration and start designing faster. |
|
Bonus #2: Celtic Surprise Webinar Package
Enjoy permanent access to the cleaned and edited recording of Kari’s popular Celtic Surprise EQ8 Webinar. You’ll also receive:
|
Click on Image for Complete List
|
Bonus #3: Customize Your Academy Experience
Want to tailor your journey? Swap out up to two months of Academy content with your choice of topics from 25 modules inside the Tech Know Quilters membership. Bonus #4: Exclusive Add-On Option
Grow your skills even further by adding any Tech Know Quilters monthly membership module for just $44 each—only available to Academy students. |
Imagine Six Months from Now...
Instead of feeling overwhelmed by EQ8, you’ll:
|
Open the software with confidence.
|
|
Design blocks, layouts, and appliqué motifs with ease.
|
|
Create quilts that are uniquely yours.
|
|
Impress family, friends, and guild members with original designs.
|
Most importantly—you’ll love the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
What level is this class targeted toward? The Electric Quilt 8 Member Studio is designed for all levels of Electric Quilt users who have purchased or upgraded to EQ8.
What if I have already taken some of the classes? You are welcome to swap out any classes you have already taken with one of the 25 add-on classes. Just let us know.
Are there any pre-requisites for TKQ Academy? You should be familiar with your computer or have access to someone that can help with basic computer questions.
Does it matter if I am on a MAC versus PC? No Electric Quilt looks essentially the same for both PC and MAC users. You should be able to successfully complete the blocks and quilts using the instructions in the videos regardless of your type of computer.
Will this work with other versions of Electric Quilt? No. While you can create most of the projects in EQ7 or EQ Stitch, your software will look different than what is on the video or diagrams included in the tutorials.
What level is this class targeted toward? The Electric Quilt 8 Member Studio is designed for all levels of Electric Quilt users who have purchased or upgraded to EQ8.
What if I have already taken some of the classes? You are welcome to swap out any classes you have already taken with one of the 25 add-on classes. Just let us know.
Are there any pre-requisites for TKQ Academy? You should be familiar with your computer or have access to someone that can help with basic computer questions.
Does it matter if I am on a MAC versus PC? No Electric Quilt looks essentially the same for both PC and MAC users. You should be able to successfully complete the blocks and quilts using the instructions in the videos regardless of your type of computer.
Will this work with other versions of Electric Quilt? No. While you can create most of the projects in EQ7 or EQ Stitch, your software will look different than what is on the video or diagrams included in the tutorials.
Module Questions
When will the Modules Start? Lessons will start at the beginning of October. Lessons will be delivered on Monday, Wednesday and Friday of each week.
What if I have already taken some of the classes? As a bonus, you are welcome to swap out up to two of the classes you have already taken with one of the 25 add-on classes.
Just let us know by sending a note to [email protected]. For example if you have recently taken EQ8 Made Easy and don't want to repeat, I suggest selecting an alternate class. The alternate classes will be more advanced.
Can I Add Additional Training Modules? Yes this is an option. We will send you a code to purchase the other class at a discount from my store. Just send me a note when you are ready to do this.
Can I Switch Out one (or more) of my Modules? As a bonus, you are welcome to swap out up to two of the classes you have already taken with one of the 25 add-on classes.
How can I Retrieve my Lessons? The e-mails sent on Monday, Wednesday and Friday will contain links to the videos, a downloadable written tutorial plus any added instructions for completing that day's assignment. The videos are not downloadable -- but you will have unlimited access to them.
Can I Access the Material after TKQ Academy is over? Absolutely. Once the content is delivered to you, you have unlimited access to this material. The key is keeping copies of your emails as they have your private access code for both videos and PDFs for each lesson.
Are the videos downloadable? No. However, they may be replayed over and over again. You may download any handouts along with the regular emails. Many students have noted that they love to play the videos on a tablet while working on their desktop or laptop computer. They can pause the video and work on the steps and replay portions when necessary.
Can I skip a month? No. However, no worries if you fall behind. You have forever access to all your training material.
Are there any lessons on writing a pattern? No. There are no lessons on pattern writing in TKQ Academy.
When will the Modules Start? Lessons will start at the beginning of October. Lessons will be delivered on Monday, Wednesday and Friday of each week.
What if I have already taken some of the classes? As a bonus, you are welcome to swap out up to two of the classes you have already taken with one of the 25 add-on classes.
Just let us know by sending a note to [email protected]. For example if you have recently taken EQ8 Made Easy and don't want to repeat, I suggest selecting an alternate class. The alternate classes will be more advanced.
Can I Add Additional Training Modules? Yes this is an option. We will send you a code to purchase the other class at a discount from my store. Just send me a note when you are ready to do this.
Can I Switch Out one (or more) of my Modules? As a bonus, you are welcome to swap out up to two of the classes you have already taken with one of the 25 add-on classes.
How can I Retrieve my Lessons? The e-mails sent on Monday, Wednesday and Friday will contain links to the videos, a downloadable written tutorial plus any added instructions for completing that day's assignment. The videos are not downloadable -- but you will have unlimited access to them.
Can I Access the Material after TKQ Academy is over? Absolutely. Once the content is delivered to you, you have unlimited access to this material. The key is keeping copies of your emails as they have your private access code for both videos and PDFs for each lesson.
Are the videos downloadable? No. However, they may be replayed over and over again. You may download any handouts along with the regular emails. Many students have noted that they love to play the videos on a tablet while working on their desktop or laptop computer. They can pause the video and work on the steps and replay portions when necessary.
Can I skip a month? No. However, no worries if you fall behind. You have forever access to all your training material.
Are there any lessons on writing a pattern? No. There are no lessons on pattern writing in TKQ Academy.
Billing Questions
How will my credit card be processed?
How will my credit card be processed?
- If signing up to prepay for all six months, your credit card with be charged immediately upon checkout.
- If signing up for the monthly payment plan, after the first payment, subsequent charge will be processed on the 22nd of the month using your credit card on file. Charges will stop after the 6th payment.
Other Questions
What if I Get Stuck? The Facebook group has a separate post for each lesson where you can post your questions. Often if you have a question, someone else either has had it before or will have it again. So posting your questions allows me to answer these questions to the larger group.
You also have access to an online help sessions a month. This is an opportunity to both dialogue with me and to even screen share your project so we can trouble shoot the question or issue together.
If you are not on Facebook, send me a note and I will plan to respond during the next help session.
Must I be on Facebook to participate in the program? No. The private Facebook group is an option for those that want to interact with other students and ask questions while going through the program. It is also a great opportunity to share pictures of the designs you are creating.
What if I get Behind? Can I Drop Out for a Month or Two? No. However, no worries if you fall behind. Electric Quilt education is a journey, not a race. I encourage you to not become stressed if you aren't getting to all of the lessons. You have forever access to all your training material.
Another technique that a number of members have successfully used is binge watching sessions. Since each video is typically around 10 minutes or less -- you can get through a lot of them in a couple of hours.
What if I Get Stuck? The Facebook group has a separate post for each lesson where you can post your questions. Often if you have a question, someone else either has had it before or will have it again. So posting your questions allows me to answer these questions to the larger group.
You also have access to an online help sessions a month. This is an opportunity to both dialogue with me and to even screen share your project so we can trouble shoot the question or issue together.
If you are not on Facebook, send me a note and I will plan to respond during the next help session.
Must I be on Facebook to participate in the program? No. The private Facebook group is an option for those that want to interact with other students and ask questions while going through the program. It is also a great opportunity to share pictures of the designs you are creating.
What if I get Behind? Can I Drop Out for a Month or Two? No. However, no worries if you fall behind. Electric Quilt education is a journey, not a race. I encourage you to not become stressed if you aren't getting to all of the lessons. You have forever access to all your training material.
Another technique that a number of members have successfully used is binge watching sessions. Since each video is typically around 10 minutes or less -- you can get through a lot of them in a couple of hours.
Are your ready to join the fun?Purchase TKQ Academy with a single payment of $265 or pay $53 per month for six months.
|
|