How to Read a Sewing Pattern
Learn everything that is involved with using vintage, modern and downloadable PDF sewing patterns so you can feel confident creating new projects from patterns.
This class will help you break down everything that is in a pattern. To cover the wide range of patterns available, we'll review vintage, modern and downloadable PDF patterns.
You will NOT cut out pattern pieces or make a project in this class but will learn about the language and nuances of sewing patterns.
To learn more about digital PDF patterns and how to use them, check out the How to Use a PDF Pattern class. If you like, you can sign up for both of these classes and combine them into one, 3-hour class.
What You'll Learn
- Pattern numbers
- Line drawings
- Consider style variations
- Check for all pattern sizes included
- Fabric suggestions
- Notions needed
- Fabric amount
- Finished garment measurements
- Cutting correct size
- Finding correct size
- Measurements (bust for tops/dresses, hip for pants, waist for skirt)
- Pattern pieces
- Pattern placement on material
- Grainline
- Cut on fold
- Cut mirrored
- Notches
- Darts
- Pleats
- Marks
- Pinning fabric to pattern
- Directional fabric
- Plaids/stripes
- Right Sides Together (RST) / Wrong Sides Together (WST)
- Legends
- Pinning for sewing
- Cut
- Ironing pattern
- Grading
Prerequisites
This class is for the absolute beginner with no experience or someone who wants a refresher on the tools or techniques shown in this class.
Tools & Supplies
- Pattern examples will be shown
- You don't need your sewing machine
- Have something to take notes, lots of information will be covered
Learning Options
Learn from me in a live lesson where I'll personally guide you.
Private Class
Live, instructor-led private sewing class scheduled at a time that is best for you.
Number of StudentsSee discounted price for multiple students
Online
Live Video ChatIn-person
In-home LessonsPublic Class
To provide a personalized experience and accommodate busy schedules I primarily teach private sewing classes and this class does not currently have any public dates available, but you can request it as a private sewing class.
See registration details below.
Duration
Discounts
Instructor-led Private Classes/Lessons
Discounts are available when you sign-up multiple people for private classes or personalized lessons so get friends or family members together too. Select the number of students above to see the discounted price per person.
Online Sewing Classes
My custom, multi-camera system provides an immersive learning experience to make it as close as possible to being in person.
Live Instructor-led
In live sewing classes I make the same project along with you to guide you through each step. My system with multiple cameras enables me to toggle seamlessly to different points of view to show the sewing machine, tools, processes, and project from different perspectives for an immersive experience.
Recorded On-demand Video
Some sewing classes are available to enroll in to watch online and learn at your own pace. The techniques and projects shown are similar to the live classes. Follow along from your computer or mobile device when you want and return to pick up where you left off.
Learn more about my online learning options or register below for live, instructor led.
In-person Sewing Classes
The option to travel to you is based on my availability when you want to schedule the lesson and the travel fee is charged per trip.
Zone 1 = $20 / trip | |
Zone 2 = $40 / trip | |
Zone 3 = $60 / trip | |
Zone 4 = $80 / trip | |
Custom fee for outside of the standard travel zones |
About the Instructor
Vanessa has been teaching children and adults for over 20 years and offers beginner to advanced sewing lessons to students locally and virtually across the country. She's also an instructor in the Fashion Design Program at Austin Community College and is a member of the Fashion Design Advisory Committee. Previously, Vanessa was an instructor at The Stitch Lab where she taught intro and specialty sewing classes, gave private lessons, hosted parties, and ran summer camps.
Vanessa is a full-time designer and seamstress working with clients on a wide variety of custom sewing and product development projects for fashion, wearable tech, decor, accessories and soft goods that keep her current with the latest sewing trends and technologies. She is also a machine service technician and has detailed knowledge of a wide range of sewing machines that enables her to personalize sewing lessons for the types of machines students are using.
Register
Before confirming lessons with new students, in-person and online, I first schedule a 15-min, no-cost introduction video call to introduce myself, learn more about your sewing goals, and answer any questions you have. This way you can get to know me too and make sure the experience is right for you or your child before committing to lessons. If you're interested in online sewing lessons I also demonstrate what the learning experience is like in my virtual lessons.
Please complete the form below by selecting from available dates/times to schedule the introduction video call.