Sewing Classes

This 15-lesson class will help you take control of using interfacings in your garment sewing. You'll learn:

• What the function of an interfacing is -- and why using interfacing is so important.
• About a wide variety of interfacings, not just what's available in chain fabric stores.
• Which sewing situations will almost always need to be interfaced.
• How to judge on your own when an interfacing should be used.
• When you can skip using an interfacing.
• The pros and cons of fusible interfacing.
• The pros and cons of sew-in interfacing.
• How to best apply both fusible and sew-in interfacings.
• How to decide which interfacing to use.
• How to interface with a light touch -- and different ways to get more structure.
• How to pre-shrink interfacing -- and decide if it's necessary to pre-shrink.
• Where to source both common and luxury interfacings.

Give your garment sewing a big boost and learn the fine points as well as the basics about interfacing. As you become more knowledgeable about the role interfacings play, I guarantee that your garments will improve dramatically.

(Note: This class concentrates on interfacings for garment sewing. It does not cover craft and home décor products or battings.)

The kit is an integral part of the class and is required. The class kit contains:

• Samples (approximately 8" x 12") of more than 20 different interfacings
• Half-scale patterns: Bodice front, Bodice back, Front neck facing, Back neck facing
• Small cut of light-weight silk for half-scale garment
• Small cut of medium-weight wool for half-scale garment
• Small cuts of 2 different interfacings for half-scale garments

Click to see a sample video

1. Reinforcing weak points in garments.
2. Assessing a fabric "sandwich".
3. Evaluating "give" in knit interfacings.
4. Aligning the fashion fabric and interfacing.
5. Fusing techniques.

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

Class is a combination of PDF downloads, 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

Join us as we explore the following:

• dart rotation
• neckline variations
• adding and subtracting fullness
• sleeve changes
• details
• adding closures
and
• much more!

Skills required: Basic knowledge of how to sew garments using patterns will be helpful. Advanced beginners will benefit from this class.

Class is a combination of PDF downloads, 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

To help you create one, we'll explore all the elements from a couture point of view, from choosing a pattern to the final finishing details:

• what to look for in a pattern (as well as suggestions for easy modifications that you can make)
• how to make a muslin and prepare it for use
• which fabrics to look for, and how to prepare them
• choosing, marking and applying the proper underlining
• applying a lining in the couture manner, with fell stitches and understitching
• how to apply hand-picked zippers, both centered and lapped
• hem treatments -- including padding, weighting, re-aligning the center back slit
• and the final details that finish off the project in style: covered snaps, bra carriers and an elegant treatment for the hook and eye.

The dress in the photo here was featured on the cover of Threads Magazine and is Susan's favorite. You'll pick a pattern of your choice and Susan will walk you through it, and you'll create your very own LBD which will be your favorite for years to come.

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

We'll learn the secrets to a beautiful rolled hem, flatlocking, turning corners,and stitching on curves, as well as much more!

Class is a combination of PDF downloads, 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 final lab from our Series of Beginner Sewing Labs you'll build your skills up to the intermediate level and will no longer be afraid to tackle any sewing project.

• Patch Pockets
• Making gathers
• The easy fly zipper technique
• Interfacing pointers
• A simple collar
• Neckline facings
• Elastic casings
• Setting in a sleeve
• In-seam pockets
• Basic waistbands

Download the Class Outline

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