Beginners Start Here

The sewing machine is the "power tool" of sewing. 

Learning how to use one properly is a good foundation before heading into any sewing you choose - such as sewing garments, alterations, bags, home decor, patchwork/quilting, and more. 

Having good sewing machine skills makes sewing a pleasure and not a chore.

Master the following skills

• Winding a bobbin and threading a sewing machine
• Sewing seams (that's line of stitches)
• Backstitch to secure seams
• Removing stitches (we all make mistakes)
• Understand seam allowance and keep it consistent
• Pinning fabric together
• Sewing two pieces of fabric together to create a seam
• Sewing corners
• Sew curves
• Basic seam finishes
• Thread tension
• Changing stitch settings

Recommended Events

• Adults | Sewing 1: Machine Basics 
• Adults | Beginner Sewing Course
• Teens | Sewing 1: Machine Basics 
• Kid + Adult Companion | Private Sewing Class

Practice sewing machine skills and learn new sewing skills by making simple projects. 

Different projects will require a different set of skills, such as topstitching, hemming buttonholes, zips etc.

Master the following skills

• Preparing fabric before starting the project
• The components of a simple pattern
• Interpreting the steps in a simple sewing pattern
• Preparing pattern pieces before cutting out
• Correctly laying out fabric for cutting
• Correctly laying out pattern pieces on fabric for cutting
• Changing sewing machine presser feet
• Stitching buttonholes on a sewing machine
• Stitching zips on a sewing machine

Recommended Events

• Adults | Beginner Sewing Course
• Teens | Sewing 2: After-school Sewing
• Kid + Adult Companion | Private Sewing Class

A large part of sewing garments is understanding the sizing information on a pattern and how it relates to the body that will wear it. 

The type of fabric used also has a large impact on the final garment and how it moves on the body.

Master the following skills

 Garment Sewing Patterns

• Taking accurate body measurements
• Reading a garment sewing pattern envelope
• Reviewing the ease in the pattern
• Correctly selecting a pattern size
• Blending sizes – if required

Supplies Knowledge

• Fabric Type Knowledge
• Basic Interfacing Knowledge
• Basic Notion Knowledge

Construction Techniques

• Staystitching
• Sewing darts
• Finishing necklines and armholes with binding
• Hemming

Recommended Events

• Adults | Group Sewing Workshops
• Teens | Sewing 2: After-school Sewing
• Kid + Adult Companion | Private Sewing Class