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Discover the Best Sewing Classes Near You
Sewing is a popular craft that involves stitching fabric together using needle and thread. Sewing can be done by hand or machine and serves a variety of purposes. For some, sewing is a means of creating or repairing garments and for others, it’s a fun art activity. Sewing is used to create both fun and practical garments, as well as to mend and repair damaged clothing. Techniques range from beginner to advanced, as a number of stitches are used when sewing, and can be taught to people of all ages.
Why You Should Learn Sewing
There are both mental and physical benefits to learning how to sew. When taken up as a fun hobby, sewing can serve as a form of stress relief. The focus required to sew allows the mind to relax as it concentrates on a singular task. It also encourages creative thinking and staying productive, while learning to make things for yourself and others. Sewing clubs and organizations often hold local events that are open to interested sewers, which can contribute to one’s sense of community.
Sewing requires fine attention to detail, which can help improve hand-eye coordination. The constant motion of one’s hands and fingers required when sewing loosens the joints. This can help improve the nimbleness of the fingers in those who suffer from arthritis in the hands. Additionally, making an effort to sit properly while sewing can help improve and maintain overall body posture. The combination of mental and physical benefits that come with sewing makes it an ideal craft for those looking to calm their mind and body while also creating practical art.
5 Ways to Learn Sewing
There are a variety of learning options for those looking to learn sewing by hand or machine. Formal classes are the most accessible and thorough way to learn this skill. Sewing classes are offered in-person, live online, and through self-paced classes like those posted to YouTube. Formal sewing classes instruct new learners through basic sewing knowledge, like choosing correct fabric and stitch types, while more advanced courses may guide learners through high-level techniques like sewing without a pattern. Learning through a formal class allows for immediate feedback on your progress and the benefits of a hands-on learning experience.
Informal instruction on sewing is also available online and in books. There are websites online that offer tips and guidance for those looking to take a more casual approach to learning how to sew. Books on sewing methods and techniques are also available online and at your local library. These learning methods are best for those looking to self-learn, whereas formal classes will benefit anyone who works better under guided instruction.
In-Person Sewing Classes
In-person sewing classes are offered at a variety of locations across the US. These classes focus on a wide range of sewing techniques at varying competency levels. Beginners can look for courses teaching the fundamentals of sewing, while more experienced students may be interested in taking a class on advanced techniques. Oftentimes, these classes will have participants work on creating their own sewing projects, like shirts and bags, or instructors may advise students on projects they should work on after the classes has ended.
In-person schools in New York City offer an array of classes ranging from beginner to advanced level. Participants looking for a thorough understanding of the basics of sewing can look to the New York Sewing Center, located just blocks from Penn Station, which offers instruction in sewing machine basics and pattern making for beginners. This school offers a Sewing 101: Bootcamp for those looking to understand the essentials of sewing. For anyone who would like to join a specialized class, the New York Sewing Center offers ones focused on a range of garment types, like summer dresses and custom jeans.
In-person sewing classes are available at a range of skill levels and are also offered at different age levels. Some schools offer classes specifically for children under the age of 15, although many classes are for ages 18 and up. The New York Sewing Center, however, offers a large number of classes for children. They offer beginner sewing classes for children and also host a Kids’ Summer Fashion Camp for ages 7-10 and a separate Kids’ Summer Fashion Camp for ages 11-14. Parents even have the option of learning alongside their children by taking their Mommy & Me intermediate sewing class.
The Brooklyn Craft Company, situated in Greenpoint, offers Sewing 101: Make a Skirt for beginners who would like an introduction to using a sewing machine, correctly measuring the body for garment fittings, and cutting fabric accurately. Students will spend the class working on creating an elastic waistband and hem. Another course offered by this school is Sewing 101: Tote Bag. Participants are taught machine essentials in this class as well, with the goal of completing a finished, lined tote bag. The Brooklyn Craft Company provides all necessary tools, including sewing machines.
The 92nd Street Y also offers an introduction to the basics of machine sewing in their Machine Sewing class. This course is for beginners who would like to learn how to work with a sewing machine, how to cut fabric, how to seam, and how to press. This class can be followed up with the Machine Sewing II class, an intermediate-level look at the basics of machine sewing with a focus on sewing with knit fabrics, zippers, and multiple-seam finishes.
Additionally, the 92nd Street Y hosts a basic embroidery class. Anyone ages 18 and older interested in the art of embroidery can take this class and work on an embroidery sampler under guided instruction. Embroidery can be used as an addition to sewing projects, which makes this a useful option for anyone looking to level up the garments they have created. Working on embroidered pieces also gives participants more experience using a needle and thread.
Better Than Jam’s Store & Studio, located in East Williamsburg, focuses largely on the dyeing of textiles and stitching fabrics together to create designs. In their intermediate class, Stitching Resist Shibori, participants can learn traditional Japanese hand-stitching techniques. This class is the third part of a series of courses focused on dyeing textiles. Anyone interested in working with all-natural indigo dye and familiar with hand stitching is welcome to attend. If you have no prior experience working with indigo dye, they also offer Beginner Shibori: Dye Techniques with Indigo, a beginner course in creating indigo.
The Brooklyn Shoe Space offers a class for those interested in learning how to hand-sew shoes. The class, Hand Sewn Leather Chukka Sneaker, is for beginners aged 15 and up. Participants will use a pattern template to create their own pair of leather chukka sneakers. This is a three-day class that provides the necessary leather in your choice of white, black, or veg tan leather. Class sizes are small, so the school should be contacted for interested groups larger than 6.
More classes on the basics of machine sewing can be found at the NYC School of Creativity in Midtown, which teaches basic sewing techniques and also hosts a private sewing class. Those interested can schedule a private session at the instructor’s availability where they will choose from a list of potential sewing projects to complete. All levels of students are accepted and project options range from a poncho to a Halloween costume.
Gotham Quilts, also located in Midtown, just blocks from Bryant Park, offers a casual Social sewing class for those looking to turn sewing into a social activity. Sewers of all levels, age 15 and up, are welcome to join in for an evening of sewing and socializing. Attendees will have access to sewing machines, cutting mats, and an instructor. This is a great event for anyone looking to bounce sewing ideas off their fellow sewers or to get feedback on their personal sewing projects.
Multiple in-person sewing classes are available in the Los Angeles area. The Workshop at Haley Solar in Eagle Rock offers both a Beginner Sewing class, for those who want to learn the basics of using a sewing machine, and a Beginner Pattern Making class, for those who would like to design their own dress pattern. Although participants are not required to bring their own sewing machine, it is highly recommended so that they may familiarize themselves with their own equipment.
Los Angeles City College, located in downtown Los Angeles, provides life skill classes for anyone in the community, including Sewing Made Easy and Sewing Made Easy Level 2. These beginner and intermediate-level classes look to teach the basics of using a sewing machine while also exploring practical sewing techniques. Sewing machines are provided, however, participants should be sure to carefully look over the list of materials they are expected to bring before their class.
In-person sewing classes in Chicago are available at Sew Anastasia (West Town) and Linda Z’s Sewing Center (Arlington Heights). Sew Anastasia might interest those looking to try out practical forms of sewing. Offered classes cover the basics as well as Advanced Garment Sewing and Streetwear Sewing. Those looking to enhance their sewing by learning the art of embroidery can check out classes at Linda Z’s Sewing Center. The Embroidering, Designing, & Crafting class allows all levels of students to work with an embroidery machine as they learn new techniques to adapt for future sewing projects.
The Discovery Center, just off Irving Park, also offers several in-person introductory craft courses. Their Intro to Knitting and Intro to Crocheting classes might interest those who are getting into or are familiar with sewing. Knitting and crocheting, like sewing, require deft hand and finger movements, which can benefit those who are working on their sewing techniques. Both classes are ideal for beginners looking for hands-on instruction in the basics of knitting and crocheting and their practical uses. A material fee of $25 is required upon sign-up.
Virtual Sewing Classes
In-person sewing classes are a great way to get hands-on experience. They also have the benefit of supplying the materials and/or equipment to participants. However, online sewing classes are more accessible. They can be attended from anywhere, eliminating the need to commute or even leave the comfort of your own home. Virtual classes also offer more class options, including a broader range of competency levels.
Online classes currently offered explore ways to enhance your sewing projects. The Evanston Art Center offers the Art of Contemporary Embroidery for those looking to further their understanding of using needle and thread. This interactive class takes place over Zoom. Participants are expected to procure the listed necessary supplies beforehand, including sewing pins and embroidery hoops.
Sashiko Mending is a class offered by the 92nd Street Y online with a live instructor. This class introduces participants to sashiko, a traditional Japanese mending style. This style, originally popular during the Edo period in Japan, is quickly making a comeback as sewers today use it to repair their clothes. This class is open to beginner-level sewers as basic techniques of this repair style will be taught in the session.
For anyone looking to branch out to the art of crocheting, the 92nd Street Y is offering a virtual crocheting class for beginners. Participants can learn the basics of crocheting from their location of choice. The live instructor will guide the class through the creation of a crocheted cell phone pouch and stitch sampler scarf. Participants should be sure to check out the supply list for information on necessary yarn types and tools before their session.
Private Group Sewing Classes
Are you looking to schedule an arts and crafts class for your business or organization as a fun team-building activity? If so, CourseHorse offers live online group arts, crafts, and design classes.
A virtual Modern Embroidery Art class is being offered for groups of up to 500 people. Participants will learn the basics of hand embroidery. They will be led by an instructor through the process of preparing an embroidery hoop, selecting the perfect thread, and starting and ending an embroidery project. No previous stitching skills are required, making this class great for beginners interested in learning basic stitching techniques.
There are two virtual macrame classes currently being offered by CourseHorse. In the virtual Macrame Workshop groups will be led through the process of creating a plant hanger using macrame, the art of tying knots. This practical macrame workshop will end with participants finishing their own usable plant hanger. Groups of up to 500 can be accommodated in this class.
Another group option is the virtual Macrame Moon Dream Catcher class. Teams will work on creating their own moon-shaped dream catchers using macrame techniques and beading. After a relaxing class forming a dream catcher, participants will then be able to hang them up in their houses or patios. This class is best for smaller teams, as up to 100 people can be accommodated.
If none of these classes seem right for your team, CourseHorse can do custom classes that better fit your group’s needs. 20-minute demos are also available at the price of $100. This allows groups to see if they have an interest in a class before fully committing to it. CourseHorse also accommodates a large range of group sizes which can be changed after booking if needed. There are no booking fees, and you may request to reschedule the class for free up to 48 hours beforehand.
Materials are provided by CourseHorse. Their event fulfillment team collects the addresses of all participants so that they may be sent a materials kit. These kits contain all the necessary materials for the class and are sent to each participant ahead of the event. Zoom is the preferred platform for live-online classes, but CourseHorse can also accommodate Google Meets, Microsoft Teams, and WebEx.
What Will I Need to Learn Sewing?
There are a few basic materials needed when learning to sew. These include pins, a pincushion, fabric, and a seam ripper. More specialized tools will also be needed depending on if you are sewing by hand or by machine. For hand sewing, you will need hand-sewing needles, a thimble, and scissors. Sewing with a machine requires machine-sewing needles, a bobbin, oil, and presser feet.
If you take a formal sewing class, many of these items will usually be provided. For machine sewing classes, machines will often be provided, however, bringing in your own machine is typically encouraged so that you may become familiar with operating it more quickly. Be sure to look over the supply lists posted on a class page so that you are aware of what is and is not provided.
Is it Difficult to Learn Sewing?
Learning to sew takes patience and practice. One of the biggest challenges to sewing is understanding that what you create will not be immediately perfect. Not fully understanding how to operate your sewing machine is also a challenge when starting out. This is easily remedied by following a guide to the specific machine you are using. With a little patience and good instruction, sewing can be a rewarding and accessible craft.
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