Discover the Best Sewing Classes in Seattle
Sewing has been used as a means of creating clothing since the Paleolithic period when people would stitch together animal hides to make garments. This practical craft requires the use of sewing needles, thread, and a machine if you’re machine sewing. There are also specialty tools that can be used to add details and accessories to the pieces you’ve stitched.
Seeing can be done by hand or machine. Sewing machines were invented during the Industrial Revolution and became affordable in the West by the 20th century. As these machines became more commonplace in the clothing industry, hand sewing became primarily a hobby. Today, however, hand and machine sewing are both done by hobbyists. People may learn to sew for fun, because they want to be able to repair their clothes, or so that they can create sellable garments and accessories.
If you live in the Seattle area and are interested in learning how to sew, see if there are classes taught at a local sewing shop or community center. Sewing clubs and organizations also exist and will hold sewing events for beginner and experienced sewers to meet up and sew together.
Why You Should Learn Sewing in Seattle
Sewing is good for relieving stress. Like most crafts, sewing requires your full attention. This, in combination with the constant motion of your hands required to sew, can take your mind off the stressors in your life. The close attention paid to making your project can also aid in improving your hand-eye coordination. When you sew, your brain and hands will be focused on the task at hand, improving the connection between them.
If you’re looking to become more creative or explore the boundaries of your creativity, sewing can help. To create your sewing projects, you’ll need to understand how to design them. If you need a pattern, you’ll either need to make one or draw inspiration from the internet or your wardrobe.
Hobbyists will oftentimes sell the garments they’ve sewn online or will take commissions. People are willing to buy custom-made items made by experienced sewers. Once you understand how to start and finish a product on your own, you can consider selling your pieces online as a side gig.
In-Person Sewing Classes in Seattle
There are in-person sewing classes in the Seattle area that can teach you the basics of sewing as well as more advanced techniques and stitches. These classes are taught by expert instructors who will answer any questions you have and provide you with feedback. Classes may be attended by beginner or experienced sewers that you can socialize and share tips and tricks with as well.
Many in-person sewing classes will supply you with some or all of the materials you need to sew. You can find out if a class requires you to procure the necessary materials on the class page. At a minimum, you would need to supply yourself with sewing needles and thread. If you’re taking a machine sewing class, however, you may be required to bring a sewing machine to class. You can buy a sewing machine first or secondhand, but you must learn how to use the specific machine that you’ve purchased.
You can check out the sewing classes that are new and returning to Seattle on CourseHorse. Previous classes have helped participants build on their existing sewing skills and learn new stitching techniques. There has even been a family sewing class offered for children aged five years or older and their guardians.
Virtual Sewing Classes
If you do well learning remotely, you can sign up for a virtual sewing class. These are also great learning alternatives if there are no in-person classes in your area or if you can’t commute to an in-person class. Virtual classes are taught by live instructors. You and your fellow participants will receive guidance from them as well as constructive feedback.
Virtual sewing classes typically require you to procure all necessary materials, although some classes may send you a materials kit. If you’re taking a machine sewing class, make sure that you can procure one before the first session and know how to operate the specific model you have bought.
The New York Sewing Center has a virtual class that covers the basics of sewing. You’ll spend four sessions learning about terminology, sewing techniques, and how to use sewing equipment. If you’re interested in starting projects on your own once you have the hang of sewing, this class can help. You’ll learn about pattern making, which is used to design garments.
If you’d like a longer class, Santa Monica College hosts a five-session home sewing boot camp. You’ll work on several projects step-by-step throughout the boot camp. This will prepare you to construct projects on your own. At the end of the five sessions, you’ll have made a tote bag and a pair of drawstring shorts or pants.
Crocheting and knitting use different tools and techniques than sewing, but all three are crafts that work with textiles. If you’re interested in exploring crocheting and knitting, the 92nd Street Y has two classes you may be interested in: Crochet for Beginners and Knitting for Beginners.
Private Group Sewing Classes in Seattle
Is your business or organization interested in private group sewing classes? These classes are great team-building activities. CourseHorse offers private group sewing classes that can be formatted to encourage communication and teamwork among your team.
You can reach out to CourseHorse about these classes through the contact form on their website. You’ll be able to customize classes to your liking and discuss the activity that your group will be working on. You’ll also be able to learn about other craft classes that CourseHorse can deliver to you, like their virtual Macramé workshop.
CourseHorse does not charge booking fees and allows free cancellations up to two weeks before the class is scheduled. They accommodate a range of group sizes as well. If you don’t have a finalized headcount upon booking the class, CourseHorse will allow you to provide the minimum group size and update the number later.
If you are unsure if a class will be right for your group, you can pay $100 for a 20-minute demo of the class before committing to booking it. CourseHorse supports Zoom, WebEx, Google Meets, and Microsoft Teams. They recommend using Zoom, but other online video platforms may be used if you provide the meeting details.
