Sewing Classes

If you always wanted to learn sewing but didn't know where to begin, or if you are looking to refresh your sewing skills, we have the answer for you.

In this long awaited Beginner Sewing Lab 101, you will learn:

• Setting up your sewing area
• Choosing your project
• Fabric
• Notions
• Interfacings
• Making your pattern fit (Basic pattern alterations)
• Using your sewing machine
• Practicing easy stitches

Download the Class Outline

Join us as we create an easy jacket using the "stitch-and-flip" lining technique.

You can use this technique to modify a favorite jacket pattern construction, or try it on a new pattern.

Lesson One: Preparations for the project, such as pattern choices and fabric recommendations, will be discussed. Interfacing choices will be addressed, as well as modifications that may be necessary for use of the technique. The basic stitch-and-flip technique will be introduced, using simple square shapes. The resulting sample can be finished into a reversible scarf.
Lesson Two: A sewing sequence will be given for two styles of jackets. The student will be able to adapt the technique for a princess-line jacket or a darted-front jacket using the stitch-and-flip lining. Pocket placement and construction will be discussed.
Lesson Three: Sewing sequence will be given for a jeans-style jacket with a yoke. The student will learn how to attach a yoke with the same technique as the vertical seams. Sleeve seams will also be addressed in this lesson. Reversible garments and heavier weight garments will also be discussed.
Lesson Four: Finishing touches, such as facings, bindings, shoulder pads, and hems, will be covered in this lesson. A short discussion of how to adapt the technique to other garments will be included.

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Suggested Patterns
Jalie 2559
Loes Hinse Tuxedo Jacket Loes Hinse Piazza Jacket
Burda 8594 Burda 8469
Kwik Sew 3118 Kwik Sew 2713
New Look 6114 New Look 6412

Class is a combination of PDF downloads, Q&A boards and Interactive real time chat sessions with the instructors.

Starting with developing a pattern, Kenneth will guide you through all of the steps to construct this type of handbag. He uses many illustrations and photos, and there will be two chats as well, to answer any questions.

A materials list will be provided after registration.

Class is a combination of PDF downloads, Q&A boards and Interactive real time chat sessions with the instructors.

The 16 lessons in the class will include the following topics, plus much more.

• Sewing different buttonhole types, including: machine-sewn, corded, bound, hand-worked, slot seam, loops, and thread chains.
• Getting good-looking buttonholes on difficult-to-work-with fabrics.
• Understanding the relationship between button size and buttonhole placement.
• Placing and marking buttons and buttonholes.
• Sewing buttons, including: strength, durability, and creative effect.
• Using buttons/buttonholes as design elements, and making them as unnoticeable as possible.
• Miscellaneous topics, including: modesty panels, covered plackets, and Chinese ball buttons.

Class is a combination of PDF downloads, Q&A boards and Interactive real time chat sessions with the instructors.

Applying a facing is one of my favorite things to sew: after years of sewing and hundreds of them, I still get a kick out of putting a facing on. I think this is because each step is easy to do, and if done correctly, the facing will be perfect � every single time.

Another intriguing aspect of studying facings is learning how to make simple design changes to your patterns. One of the functions of a facing is to finish off the raw edge of a garment -- a bodice neckline for example. If you have a simple blouse that fits well, changing the shape of the neckline can result in a garment that looks new and unique. Making this type of pattern change and drafting the accompanying facing pattern requires no prior patternmaking experience -- you'll be amazed at how easy it is!

The 7 lessons in this class will cover

• The functions of a facing.
• The importance of supporting a facing.
• How to select the best interfacing for a facing.
• How to successfully apply a facing.
• Pressing tips when constructing a facing.
• How to develop (draft) a facing pattern.
• Tips on developing new neckline shapes.
• Using facings in order to shape other areas of garments.

Class is a combination of PDF downloads, Q&A boards and Interactive real time chat sessions with the instructors.

• method of developing the pattern
• making a model in tagboard
• selecting materials
• embellishing and constructing this rigid handbag

Class is a combination of PDF downloads, Q&A boards and Interactive real time chat sessions with the instructors.

If you always wanted to learn sewing but didn't know where to begin, or if you are looking to refresh your sewing skills, we have the answer for you.

After you choose your project, it's time to cut out and prepare to stitch. Preparation of the pattern, pattern markings and guidesheets, cutting accurately, and marking reference points will be covered in this lab session.

In this second lab from our Beginner Sewing Lab series of classes, you will learn about:

• Pattern pieces and symbols; what they mean
• Layout charts and how to read them
• Getting your fabric ready to cut
• Grainlines
• Laying out your fabric accurately!
• Cutting and organizing
• Applying the interfacing
• Marking the pieces
• Testing the fabric

Download the Class Outline

Garments are not commonly underlined in sewing today, except in some bridal gowns. Yet, it's one of the most useful sewing techniques going, and not just for special occasion garments. An underlined garment wears longer and tends not to wrinkle. But underlining is also used to add body to the fashion fabric -- this can be as subtle as underlining a sheer fabric with georgette for opacity, and as substantial as underlining wool with flannel for warmth.

If sewing apparel is your passion, you'll be amazed how the technique of underlining improves your garments. Chances are, once you've underlined your first skirt, you'll be hooked. That's not to say that you'll underline each and every garment you sew. But you'll have this valuable technique in your sewing arsenal -- and you'll be able to judge when to employ it and bring your garments to another level.

This class will teach you:

• what the difference is between lining, underlining, and interlining
• how to decide when to use an underlining
• which fabrics to use as underlining
• how to cut out and apply underlining to the fashion fabric
• how to make underlining do double duty as lining

• 3/8 yard silk organza
• 3/8 yard lightweight wool
• 3/8 yard silk charmeuse
• 3/8 yard silk georgette
• 2 high-quality hand-sewing needles
• 1 spool silk thread
• 1 half-scale skirt pattern
• 1 half-scale bodice pattern

Skills Required: Basic sewing techniques. Sewers of all levels will benefit from this class. While many beginners may think this is an advanced class, underlining is one of those things that if you learn it early on, you'll learn to utilize it from the get-go.

Class is a combination of PDF downloads, Q&A boards and Interactive real time chat sessions with the instructors.

If you always wanted to learn sewing but didn't know where to begin, or if you are looking to refresh your sewing skills, we have the answer for you.

In this third lab from our Series of Beginner Sewing Labs you'll finally be able to make a complete project using all the knowledge you've gained from the Beginner Lab 101 and 102. You'll also learn how to read through the pattern guidesheet :

• Basic seams (straight, curved, angled)
• Clip, trim, grade your seams
• Press your seams
• Three simple seam finishes
• Buttonholes and Buttons
• A simple zipper method
• Machine hemming
• Three basic hand stitches
• The little closures (snaps, hook and eye)
• Additional seam finishes

Download the Class Outline