Be sure to check our current Sewing Classes

Project Ideas

Open Studio Sewing
Reservation only, drop in sewing studio.

Come use our equipment and our know how to make what you want or bring your own machine and learn how to use it!

Custom Bear Project
learn to sew by making a stuffed bear

then practice garment construction techniques by building it a wardrobe!

The Custom Bag Project
Build a personalized tote bag

as an introduction to project planning, drafting patterns and construction techniques.

Sewing Soft Circuits
Electroluminescent wire and LED's

in sewing and crafts. Join us for an afternoon overview of working with and wiring LED's and EL wire and ways to integrate them into your clothing.

"Introduction to the Sewing Machine + project"
3 hours.

In this class we will focus on the terminology and mechanics of the sewing machine. Students will learn how to thread the machine and bobbin, back stitch, straight stitch, zigzag stitch, turn corners, sewing curved lines, working with seam allowance and basic problem solving with the sewing machine such as tension and threading issues. All materials for this class are included in the tuition, students will leave with a series of sewn samples and reference handouts as well as a small project. This class is intended for students who have little to no sewing machine experience.

"Beginning Projects: let's make a pillow"

You know how a sewing machine works and you're ready to take on your first projects! In this class students will begin the adventure of working with patterns and seam allowance by applying the skills covered in "Introduction to the Sewing Machine. Students are responsible for supplying a pillow form, fabric and thread for this class. Instructor will provide handouts for students to keep as well as examples of piece work and embellishments ideas including appliqué, piping, edging and trim. Skills developed in this class include: further sewing terminology, creating and working with a paper pattern, modifying a paper pattern, working with seam allowance, turning corners, bagging out, top stitching, and introduction to the concepts of 3D sewing. This class is intended for students who have little to no sewing machine experience but know how to thread a machine and bobbin.

"Beginning projects: reusable cloth napkins or a hankie"
3 hours.

Reduce your daily waste with reusable napkins! In this class we will make a set of four cloth napkins using a shirt tail hem technique. Students will leave class with finished napkins, a handout and instructions for continuing project at home as well as ideas for further embellishments.

"Beginning skills development: Hand sewing intensive"
3 hours.

Create samples of basic and advances seam finishes and sewing techniques such as: running stitch, basting stitch, slip stitch, blanket stitch, whip stitch, cross stitch, multiple hemming stitches, button hole stitch,padding stitch and tailors tack just to name a few. Students will leave class with finished samples as well as handouts and instructions for continuing at home.

"Beginning skills development: Sewing with commercial patterns seminar"
2 hours.

An important and recommended class to take before venturing into the world of sewing with commercial sewing patterns, or our intermediate level classes! In this class we review pattern terminology and discuss the information on and in the pattern envelope such as measurements and sizing, fabric suggestions and requirements, notions, fabric layout and a review of pattern markings and directions. This class is intended for students who have not sewn with a patterns purchased from a fabric store and will enable students to achieve greater success in early sewing projects by avoiding many mistakes common to beginner sewers.

Intermediate level classes: These classes are intended for students who have a basic understanding of how to sew and sewing machine problem solving. Skills required include: backstitching, turning corners, sewing curves, clipping and notching, easing, seam allowance, bobbin winding, thread tension and thread take-up.

"Intermediate sewing skills"
3 hours.

Start learning more complicated sewing techniques like placing and sewing button holes, folded and applied casings, centers and lapped zippers, attaching shank and non shank buttons as well as a discussion on fusible and sew in interfacing. This class is taught with a combination of demonstrations and hands on machine time. Students will receive a comprehensive set of instructions and sew a selection of samples.

"Intermediate sewing Skills: Alterations and ideas for garment reuse"
3 hours.

By learning a few simple alterations you can open up the world of garment reuse! in this class we combine technical skill and rule breaking to foster creativity and learn how to hem pants, adjust side seams for fit, add darts or elastic, adjust the armcye, insert a gusset and techniques for refashioning garments. Bring in some basic alterations and thrift store finds and leave with skills and ideas to inspire! A selection of altered and refashioned garments will be on hand for you to consider.