Sewing Classes

• 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, boards and Interactive real time chat sessions with the instructors.

Some of the fabrics covered in this 9-lesson class are variations of "tried and true" knits. Some are interesting fibers such as silk, bamboo, and Tencel. Others are examples of the advancement in high-tech knits and eco-friendly knits. Plus, there are several sweater knits. Every swatch description includes basic information as well as garment and needle suggestions.

It is strongly recommended that you have taken Understanding Knit Fabrics prior to this class. Basic, introductory information on knits, such as how to assess knit fabrics and how to size knit fabrics, is not included in More Knits. The kit is an integral part of the class and is required. The class kit contains:

• Samples (4" x 4") of more than 25 knit fabrics
• Half-scale tank top pattern
• Small cut of knit fabric for half-scale garment
• Fold-over elastic trim to finish neckline of half-scale garment

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

Learn how to use features like differential feed for smooth, pucker free seams on knits and lightweight fabrics. Get an overview of the basic stitches and when to use them. Plus, learn tips and techniques that make working with tricky fabric a snap.

Finally, the serger can do a lot more than finish edges, check out some fabulous techniques that are easy to do and save lots of time like creating a rolled hem on a full skirt or gathering lightweight fabric in a snap!

Optional Kit: contains fabrics to practice the serger techniques demonstrated in this class. 4 -- 8 x 5 pieces of knit fabric 2 -- 8 x 5 pieces of chiffon 1 -- 8 x 5 chiffon 3 -- 8 x 8 woven cotton 1 -- 20 x 4 woven cotton 1 -- 8 x 12 lightweight cotton 1 -- 8 x 5 linen 1 -- 8 x 8 fleece

NOW WITH VIDEO!
Listed below are the video titles you'll have access to if you add the video component for only $15 more. Click on Add Video link below, after you add the class. See a sample video here.

1. Make Friends with Your Serger
2. Rolled Hems on Sheers
3. Working with Knits
4. Curves and Corners
5. How to finish the edge of a Hem
6. How to serge zipper seam allowance
7. Gathering
8. Lettuce edge on knits

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

Download the Class Outline

Learn how to get professional results by using the right stabilizer, threads and needles. Did you know that you can use fusible stabilizer and metallic threads? Join me and discover all kinds of fun stuff about embroidering on leather!

About Club EMB: This new series of online classes on PatternReview will focus on different machine embroidery techniques each month. An embroidery machine is required for Club EMB classes. Each month we will focus on a new technique and you will have four weeks to practice the technique. There are no live chats for Club EMB.

So, we're going to take a look at the elements of a wedding gown -- showing you what you need to know. Let's begin with a quick overview of what we think is essential:

1. the muslin
2. fabrics
3. under linings
4. boning
5. lace
6. closures
7. bustling

Each of the above will be given its own lesson; in some cases, there are samples from your kit to further guide you. A class kit will include fabric samples for fashion fabrics and under linings, boning samples, lace samples, bridal buttons and button loops.

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

Learn how to get a good fit by adding inserts and panels.

Redefine the silhouette with godets or pleats. Liberate yourself and leave the hem raw, or check out how to stitch a ready-to-wear hem.

Embellish your new skirt with embroidery, appliqué or decorative stitching.

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

Download the Class Outline

This 16-lesson class will teach you what fabrics to use for linings, how to select the best lining fabric for a particular garment, how to draft a number of lining patterns, and how to care for lined garments.

Instructions will also be given for the following:

1. sewing linings into skirts and pants with a waistband
2. sewing linings into skirts and pants with a facing
3. sewing the slit of a lined skirt
4. sewing the kick pleat of a lined skirt
5. attaching a lining to a jacket
6. hemming a jacket lining by hand and by machine
7. using a lining in place of a facing
8. developing a lining for very full skirts and dress

Increasing you knowledge of lining fabrics and lining techniques will take your garment sewing to the next level!

The optional kit contains more than a dozen different lining samples (8" x 5").
VIDEO Available! Click to see a sample video
Video Titles

1. Fell stitching the lining to the zipper tape.
2. Sewing a catch stitch.
3. Forming a thread chain.
4. Adding ease to the lining above the slit.
5. Determining the lining hem.
6. Cutting the lining to expose the slit facing.
7. Forming the extension side of a kick pleat.
8. Securing the lining to the jacket at the underarm.
9. Securing the lining to the jacket at the shoulder.
10. Forming a jump hem in a jacket lining.
11. Finishing the jacket facing with a Hong Kong binding.

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

With an increasing variety of knit fabrics available, lots of sewers find knits irresistible. The irony is that those simple knit garments can actually be quite frustrating to make if you're not accustomed to working with knits.

This class will teach you to:

• identify different knit types
• accurately gauge the amount of give/stretch of any knit fabric
• understand the relationship between knit type and sizing of garments
• predict how spandex further affects fit
• select the best sewing machine needle for any type of knit
• select appropriate threads
• determine when to use a serger and when to use a straight-stitch machine
• determine the best serger stitch and threading configuration
• get good results when using a straight-stitch machine

Kit is required for this class which contains the following:

• swatches of 18 different knit fabrics
• 3/8 yard of interlock
• 3/8 yard of rib knit
• one 12" x 12" sample of jersey with spandex
• two 75/11 stretch sewing machine needles
• two 80/12 ball point sewing machine needles
• one half-scale t-shirt pattern

1. Determining if a knit contains spandex
2. Assessing knit fabrics
3. Checking stitches for holes
4. Seam allowances when constructing with a serger
5. Machine basting with a zigzag stitch
6. Getting a neck binding to lay flat
7. Amount of stretch in 3-thread and 4-thread serger stitches
8. Taking out serger threads
9. Avoiding broken stitches using a straight-stitch machine
10. Getting more stretch out of a zigzag stitch
11. Reducing the pressure on the presser foot
12. Graining knit fabrics
13. Sewing buttonholes in knits
14. "Stretch" stitches vs. zigzag stitch on a conventional machine

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

Learn to stabilize the fabric and get those buttonholes lined up correctly.

Bonus: download this original buttonhole design free!

About Club EMB: This new series of online classes on PatternReview will focus on different machine embroidery techniques each month. An embroidery machine is required for Club EMB classes. Each month we will focus on a new technique and you will have four weeks to practice the technique. There are no live chats for Club EMB.

Your kit will contain 26 wool swatches that vary in weight, texture, pattern, and weave. These different wools are thoroughly described in the class lessons, plus over a dozen additional wool names and terms will be defined.

The lessons also include technical information on how to cut, sew, and care for wool garments. But just as important, Sarah explores the topic of garment design when working with wools. In addition, you'll be given plenty of guidance so that you're confident when making decisions about structuring your future wool garments.

The kit is an integral part of the class and is required. Your kit will contain:

• 26 swatches of different wool fabrics
• 1 half-scale straight skirt pattern
• 1 half-scale 6-gore skirt pattern
• cut of wool crepe to make half-scale skirt
• cut of China silk to line half-scale skirt

Skills required: Basic knowledge of sewing garments. Beginners as well as advanced sewers will benefit from this class.

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