Intro to Sewing Course
Everything you need to feel confident on a sewing machine and ready to take on more projects.
The intro to sewing course is three, 3-hour classes covering the fundamentals that will introduce you to the basics of sewing, plus you'll advance your sewing skills by learning techniques for bags and garment making.
Looking at the sewing course for your child?
The Intro to Sewing Course for Kids teaches many of the same concepts and techniques but is packaged in shorter lessons with simpler projects. Three-hour sewing lessons can be challenging for younger kids, and this course is designed specifically for them to learn about their sewing machine and essential sewing skills.
What You'll Learn
- Common sewing terminology
- Patterns and the information they contain
- Basic operation, parts, and functionality of a sewing machine
- Fabric grain lines and direction
- Seam allowance
- Straight stitching
- Seam matching
- Sewing circles using a free arm and alternate techniques for sewing cylinders
- Introduced to interfacing
- Bag lining
- Pattern matching
- Working with curves
- Create and place pockets
- Introduced to making garments
- Test fittings
- Hemming
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
All Projects
- Sewing machine - Please review the tools & supplies list carefully for any machine hardware requirements or contact us with any questions.
- Sewing kit:
- Pins or clips
- Pin cushion (if you're using pins)
- Scissors
- Snips
- Seam ripper
- Fabric markers or chalk
- Measuring tape
- Ruler
- Cutting mat
- Rotary cutter
- Extra sewing machine needles
- Find links to these common sewing kit items in the shop.
- All-purpose thread
Project 1 - Throw Pillow Cover
- 16" x 16" pillow form/insert
- 1/2 yard of cotton fabric
Project 2 - Tote Bag
- Quilting cotton:
- 1 yard of fabric for the outside of the bag
- 1 yard of fabric for the inside of the bag
Project 3 - Pajama Shorts or Pants
- Flannel or quilting cotton - Fabric requirements will vary based on sizes. I will help guide you on the necessary fabric after registration.
- 1/2" or 3/4" elastic
Remember to pre-wash and dry your fabric before class.
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 Chat
In-person
In-home Lessons
Public 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.
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Zone 1 = $20 / trip |
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Zone 2 = $40 / trip |
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Zone 3 = $60 / trip |
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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.
