Discover the Best Sewing Classes Online
Sewing is a craft that involves stitching fabric together using a needle and thread. Forms of sewing include hand sewing and machine sewing. It is used as a means to create and mend garments or as a fun art activity. There are a number of stitching techniques used when sewing, which ranges from beginner to more advanced methods.
Why You Should Learn Sewing Online
Sewing has both mental and physical benefits. Many sewers refer to it as a stress-relieving activity. When you are sewing, you are focusing on one singular task, which allows the mind to relax. The thought that goes into planning a sewing project also allows for creative thinking and a large degree of productivity. People who enjoy sewing turn to online communities and forums to share their projects and receive feedback from others, making this a very communal activity.
Sewing is useful for improving hand-eye coordination due to the fine attention to detail required when sewing. Those who suffer from arthritis and other pain in the hands and fingers have also noticed that sewing loosens the joints. This craft also requires lots of sitting, which in turn encourages sewers to practice proper body posture. The combination of both mental and physical benefits that can be gained from sewing makes this a great activity for those who wish to relieve stress on their minds and bodies.
Virtual Sewing Classes
Online sewing classes are incredibly accessible to beginner sewers. They can be attended from the comfort of your home or office, eliminating the need to commute for a class, and they are typically offered at a range of times and dates. Online sewing classes are also able to offer a wider variety of class types, whereas in-person classes are subject to instructor availability.
Current online sewing classes being offered teach participants ways to enhance their sewing projects and branch out to similar crafts. Embroidery is one way that sewers build upon their projects. For anyone interested in learning this craft and furthering their understanding of using needle and thread to create art, The Evanston Art Center offers the Art of Contemporary Embroidery. Although this class takes place over Zoom, it, like other online sewing classes, is interactive. The class page references all materials participants need before their session, including an embroidery hoop.
Anyone with an interest in learning how to mend their clothes may look forward to Sashiko Mending, a virtual class offered by the 92nd Street Y. Alongside an instructor, participants will learn about sashiko, a traditional Japanese mending style. This style was a popular method of mending kimonos during the Edo period in Japan. It is currently making a comeback among sewers as a method of repairing clothes. Beginner-level sewers are welcome to take the class as beginner-level techniques will be taught.
Weaving is another craft that might be of interest. The Chicago Botanic Garden is hosting an online introductory session to weaving. This is a beginner-level course that looks to instill a deep appreciation in participants of the art and history of weaving. Participants will learn about traditional tapestry weaving approaches. A supply list is provided by the school on the class page. The instructor will guide anyone unable to procure a loom through weaving with cardboard.
Private Online Group Sewing Classes
Is your business or organization interested in scheduling an arts and crafts class as a fun team-building activity? If so, CourseHorse offers live online group arts, crafts, and design classes. They are currently offering a number of these classes focused on embroidery and macrame that can accommodate between 100 and 500 people.
Their virtual Modern Embroidery Art class is the perfect place for your team to learn about the basics of embroidery. An instructor will walk your team of up to 500 through the process of starting an embroidery project. This includes preparing an embroidery hoop, selecting the right thread, and properly starting and ending an embroidery project. No prior experience with stitching is required; participants will be led through basic stitches.
CourseHorse is currently offering two classes focused on the art of tying knots: macrame. Both workshops will allow participants to create their own macrame projects. In the virtual Macrame Workshop groups will be led by an instructor through the practice of creating a plant hanger, making it a great option for participants with an interest in plants. This course can accommodate up to 500 people.
Another group option for teams interested in macrame is the virtual Macrame Moon Dream Catcher class. Basic macrame skills will be taught in this class, as with the other macrame workshop, however, the project teams will be working on a moon-shaped dream catcher. After a relaxing class forming a dream catcher, participants will end the class with a usable dream catcher that they may hang up in their homes or on their patios. This class accommodates up to 100 people, making it ideal for smaller teams.
CourseHorse can also do custom classes that best suit your group’s needs and interests. If you’re unsure what those interests are, they also provide 20-minute demos for $100. Groups are then able to get a glimpse of what a class is like before fully committing to it. CourseHorse will also work to fully accommodate your group size. They offer classes that may host a wide range of group sizes and your organization may also change the group size after booking. You may request to reschedule your class for free up to 48 hours before the session.
All materials needed for your class are provided by CourseHorse. The addresses of participants are collected ahead of the session and material kits are mailed out to them. CourseHorse also supports multiple platforms for class delivery. Zoom is one such platform, along with Google Meets, Microsoft Teams, and WebEx.
Online vs. In-Person Sewing Classes
In-person and online classes offer different benefits which should be considered ahead of choosing one or the other. In-person classes may be easier to follow for those who need direct hands-on instruction. In-person classes also are more likely than online classes to supply all the necessary materials. Online classes are more accessible. They can be attended from anywhere, including your own home, adding a wider degree of flexibility than in-person classes.
Can I Learn Sewing for Free Online?
There are online tutorials and videos that can teach you how to sew online for free. In addition, avid sewers often join online sewing communities and forums to update each other on their projects and ask for advice. This can be very helpful for interested learners that don’t have the time for formal classes. However, formal training from an expert will help most people learn to sew faster and better, as they have an instructor at their disposal.
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