Learn to Sew

Sewing Classes

Learn to sew in my studio in midtown Mobile. Classes are held Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays on a rotating schedule.

Beginner 1: Welcome to the Machine

You’ve never used a sewing machine before, or it’s been a long time, or you just want a refresher on what all the knobs and dials do. We will go over the parts of the sewing machine, dismantle and clean the bobbin case, spin up a bobbin, thread the machine, and stitch out straight, zigzag, and specialty stitches while changing length and width. We will also talk about fabric types, needle types, and thread types.

Materials: sewing machine, sewing machine accessories, all-purpose 100% polyester thread, scissors. 2hours, $20

Beginner 2: Cutting and Sewing

Learn the basics of cutting fabric, creating a pattern, and turning a lining. You’ll practice straight stitching, seam allowances, turning corners, and top stitching as you make this microwave bowl cozy.

Materials: sewing machine, sewing machine accessories, ½ yard cotton fabric, ½ yard cotton batting, 100% all-purpose or 50 weight cotton thread, scissors, pins, snips. Wash and dry your fabric before class. 2 hours, $20

Beginner 3: Tackle a Zipper

It’s the sewing skill people seem to be most worried about, but zippers are actually pretty easy! You’ll learn about invisible and standard zippers then sew in a zipper, practice top-stitching, and learn to box corners as you make this quilted zipper pouch.

Materials: sewing machine, sewing machine accessories, ½ yard cotton fabric, ½ yard coordinating cotton fabric, ½ yard cotton batting, 14 inch standard zipper in white or a coordinating color, 100% all-purpose polyester thread, scissors, pins, snips. Wash and dry your fabric before class. 2 hours, $20

Beginner 4: Buttons and Buttonholes

Learn how your machine automatically sews a button hole and how it can also sew on a button. You’ll master your machine’s automatic button hole and button stitches as you make this buttoned envelope pillow cover (16x16 or smaller pillow).

Materials: sewing machine, sewing machine accessories, ¾ yard fabric, 2 coordinating buttons, 100% all-purpose polyester thread, scissors, pins, snips, 16x16 or smaller pillow form. Wash and dry your fabric before class. 2 hours, $20

ALTERATIONS

To take these classes, you should be comfortable using your sewing machine, can easily sew seam allowances, have sewn on a variety of fabric types, and be able to thread and use a hand needle.

Alterations 1: Basic Repairs

Learn to sew a button, repair broken seams, and darn both woven and cotton fabric. Bring clothing you want to work on.

Materials: sewing machine, sewing machine accessories, 100% all-purpose polyester thread, scissors, pins, snips. 2 hours, $20

Alterations 2: Hemming Shorts and Pants

Learn how to hem shorts, regular pants, jeans, cuffs, and dress trousers. Bring clothing you want to work on.

Materials: sewing machine, sewing machine accessories, 100% all-purpose polyester thread, scissors, pins, snips. 2 hours, $20

Alterations 3: Hemming Skirts, Dresses and Gowns

Learn how to hem skirts, dresses, and gowns both temporarily and permanently. Bring clothing you want to work on.

Materials: sewing machine, sewing machine accessories, 100% all-purpose polyester thread, scissors, pins, snips. Two hours, $20

Alterations 104: Taking in Clothing

Learn how to tailor your clothing to fit your body by lifting shoulders, moving waistlines, and taking in extra fabric. Bring clothing you want to work on.

Materials: sewing machine, sewing machine accessories, 100% all-purpose polyester thread, scissors, pins, snips. Two hours, $20

Clothing

Clothing 1: How to Read and Cut a Pattern

Sewing patterns can be daunting but with some foreknowledge, you can make beautiful clothing that fits.

Materials: Shirt or dress pattern of your choice. 2 hours, $20

Clothing 2: Custom Shirt Pattern (Two-Part Class)

Once you have a basic pattern that fits your upper body, you can make any shirt or dress you’d like. In this four-hour class, you will draft and make a basic shirt that fits properly and will serve as the basis for your basic pattern. Wear a tight fitting top, bodysuit, bathing suit, or camisole in order to accommodate changing easily as you fit check your shirt.

Materials: sewing machine, sewing machine accessories, measuring tape, 100% all-purpose polyester thread, 2 yards white or light colored cotton fabric or old sheet, scissors, pins, snips. Wash and dry your fabric before class. Four hours, $80

Clothing 3: Custom Shorts Pattern (Two-Part Class)

Once you have a shorts pattern that fits your body, you can make any skirt, shorts, or pants you’d like. In this four-hour class, you will draft and make shorts that fit properly and will serve as the basis for your basic pattern. Wear a bathing suit or bike shorts in order to accommodate changing easily as you fit check your shorts.

Materials: sewing machine, sewing machine accessories, measuring tape, 100% all-purpose polyester thread, 2 yards white or light colored cotton fabric or old sheet, scissors, pins, snips. Wash and dry your fabric before class. Four hours, $80