Sewing Classes

There's no mystery why knit garments are so popular. They are extremely comfortable to wear, tend not to wrinkle, and are easily laundered. Plus, they're easier to fit than wovens.

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

Once you've learned these basics, and develop a feel for the different types of knit fabrics and how they behave, the world of knits will be yours to explore with confidence. And that's when you'll discover how fast it is to make most knit garments -- and how forgiving knits are to work with.

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

NOW WITH VIDEO!
Listed below are the video titles you'll have access to if you add the video component for only $25 more. Click on Add Video link below, after you add the class. See a sample video here.

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.

FULL BUST ADJUSTMENTS AND SMALL BUST ADJUSTMENTS In this 7-lesson class, you will learn the concepts of making a FBA and SBA, as well as how to actually make the pattern manipulation for side bust darts, armscye princess lines, shoulder princess lines, and bodices with raglan sleeves.

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

Full Description

The selection of knit fabrics that is available to sewers just keeps on growing! And for those of us who enjoy working with knits, this is great news. But how do you keep up with this expanding variety of knit fabrics? Join me now in exploring more than 25 knits that were not covered in Understanding Knit Fabrics.

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

Full Description

Finally, an alterations class you've been waiting for! Learn to alter your own pants pattern or your favorite RTW pants for a perfect fit!

The "Saggy Butt" ... You will be taught how to alter to resolve the problem of a crotch seam that is too low as well as making adjustments for a flat derriere.

The Gaping Waistband ... A gaping waistband is a very common problem when purchasing pants. You can't go down a size because the hips fit great, what do you do? This lesson will not only teach you how mark your waistband correctly, you will learn a few different options on how to alter you own pants.

Tapering Pant legs ... Alteration #1: Do you ever have a problem in the hip area of your pants where there is way too much fabric? I call this "elephant ears". Just hold the fabric out and you will see the image I am talking about. This fitting issue is common in women with smaller hips or an athletic build. Alteration #2: Learn to taper the legs on your pants in order change the look of your straight leg to a boot leg or skinny bell bottoms. Alteration #3: Want to look 5 pounds skinnier in your pants? See before and after pictures and learn how to make this simple alteration to your pant legs.

Hemming ... Learn the proper lengths for a hem as well as a few trick to the trade on sewing a professional hem.

Bow Legs ... The alterations is geared to sewing from a pattern, learn a simple alteration that will camouflage bow legs.

Bonus: Upload photos of your muslin for personal fitting advice.

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

Join me as I take you step-by-step through the process of fitting, cutting, constructing and finishing your new favorite top!

I'll start by showing you a few simple pattern adjustments, including a full bust adjustment and neckline and shoulder adjustments. You can customize the look and fit of your Tee by relaxing the fit of the front and back lower bodice pieces and choosing between sleeveless, short or 3/4 length sleeves.

Required: J Stern Designs T-shirt pattern. [Misses Sizes] [Women's sizes]

This is a Video Class! You can watch them whenver you want and ask questions as you sew-along.

Full Description

Having a well-fitting basic skirt in your pattern collection provides you with a useful garment to make, and it gives you the starting point from which to develop fun and creative skirt designs. Not only is getting a skirt to fit straightforward, but it's also one of the best and easiest ways to learn fundamental fitting concepts.

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

Full Description

It's a fashion classic -- and it's the one dress that everyone should have in their wardrobe!

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.