Discover the Best Sewing Classes in NYC
Sewing is the act of using a needle and thread to stitch together fabric. This can be done by hand or by using a sewing machine. Sewing is a popular means of creating and mending clothing and can be done by people of all ages. Aside from its practical uses, sewing is also done as a fun hobby. There are several stitches used when sewing, which makes sewing projects fall under a range of skill levels.
Why You Should Learn Sewing in NYC
Sewing is not just done to create and repair garments. It has been found to have positive mental and physical effects on those who do it consistently. The focus required when working on a sewing project makes it a stress-relieving activity. On top of this, planning out sewing projects is a way that many sewers express their creativity. Sewers in the NYC area will also get together at local clubs and organizations to socialize while sewing.
The physical benefits of sewing also draw many to this craft. It requires fine attention to detail, which helps sewers work on their hand-eye coordination. Sewing also involves the constant movement of your hands and fingers, which can aid in loosening joints. This combination of mental and physical benefits is a major draw for the craft, especially for those who already have an interest in creating practical art.
In-Person Sewing Classes & Schools in NYC
In-person schools in New York City offer classes at the beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. The New York Sewing Center, located near Penn Station, hosts an array of classes that focus on the fundamentals of sewing. For anyone interested in sewing with a machine, Sewing Machine Basics are taught in one workshop. This school also offers Sewing 101: Bootcamp which welcomes both new sewers and those looking to refresh their skills. Specialized classes are also offered by this school, where participants can learn to make pillows and even swimwear.
The New York Sewing Center also offers classes for children. These classes take into account both age and skill level. The class Kids Fashion and Sewing 101 is ideal for children ages eight through thirteen looking to spend the day learning how to use a sewing machine, the basics of sewing, and creating their own final project. Fashion School Prep offered for ages 14-19+ is geared toward an older age group that is interested in applying to fashion school. This class will prepare them to create their own portfolios as well as construct a portfolio-ready garment.
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’s class, Machine Sewing, is another option for learning the basics of using a sewing machine. Beginners will learn how to cut fabric, seam, and press. For anyone who takes this class and is looking to move to the intermediate level, Machine Sewing II is available. This class focuses on sewing with knit fabrics, zippers, and multiple-seam finishes.
Better Than Jam’s Store & Studio is in East Williamsburg, with classes focusing on the dyeing of textiles and stitching dyed fabrics together to create designs. They offer a class on shibori, a traditional Japanese hand-stitching technique. This intermediate class, Stitching Resist Shibori, is part of a series of classes working with dyed textiles.
Hand sewing is also used in the creation of shoes. For those interested in merging sewing with shoe-making, the Brooklyn Shoe Space offers the class, Hand Sewn Leather Chukka Sneaker. Beginners are welcome as they are taught to use a pattern template to create their own pair of leather chukka sneakers. This is a three-day class that provides all the necessary leather.
The NYC School of Creativity in Midtown teaches classes on basic machine sewing techniques and also hosts a private sewing class. Interested participants can reach out to schedule a private session. They will be informed of the instructor’s availability before choosing a project they would like to work on. All levels of students are accepted, and project options are available for all skill levels.
Virtual Sewing Classes & Schools
Online sewing classes are more accessible to interested sewers than in-person classes are. The use of a computer to take these classes allows participants to learn from the comfort of their own homes or office, eliminating commute times. The online delivery format also allows for a wider range of class options. Despite taking place online, virtual sewing classes still allow for live instruction.
Online sewing classes currently offered allow sewers to enhance their sewing projects using embroidery and mending techniques. Embroidery may be added to sewing projects or other garments. The Evanston Art Center offers a class in the basics of embroidery, called the Art of Contemporary Embroidery. An embroidery hoop is necessary for this class, along with other materials that the class page makes note of.
Sashiko Mending is a virtual class offered by the 92nd Street Y. This class instructs participants in sashiko, a traditional Japanese mending style. This popular method of mending kimonos during the Edo period in Japan has become useful among sewers today. Many sewers have been using this method to repair their clothes. Beginner-level techniques will be taught in this class.
Private Group Sewing Classes in NYC
Would your business or organization like to schedule an arts and crafts class as a fun and stress-relieving team-building activity? If so, CourseHorse offers live online group arts, crafts, and design classes. These classes can accommodate large group sizes which can even be changed after booking.
Their virtual Modern Embroidery Art class teaches participants the basics of embroidery. Teams of up to 500 may take this class and be guided through the art of embroidery by an instructor. They will learn how to prepare an embroidery hoop and learn about selecting the right thread for their project. Participants will learn basic stitches in this class, making it accessible to beginner-level groups.
CourseHorse is currently offering two macrame classes that teach participants the art of knot-tying. These workshops not only look to instruct groups in the art of macrame but also how to create their own piece of macrame. The virtual Macrame Workshop is a great option for teams interested in plants. This course sees participants working on creating their own plant hangers. The virtual Macrame Moon Dream Catcher class teaches basic macrame skills while participants work on creating a moon-shaped dream catcher.
If none of these options work for your group, CourseHorse can also do custom classes. They provide 20-minute demos for $100 that can help your group get an understanding of a class before committing to it. You may also request to reschedule your class for free up to 48 hours before the session.
CourseHorse provides participants with all necessary materials ahead of their session. Addresses of participants are collected so that a material kit can be mailed out to them. CourseHorse also has the benefit of supporting multiple online platforms for course delivery. These include Zoom, Google Meets, Microsoft Teams, and WebEx.
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