Beginner Sewing Program
An in-depth series of classes that covers how to use your sewing machine, sewing tools and a wide variety of sewing techniques.
The Beginner Sewing Program is six, 3-hour classes that includes projects and curriculum from my other beginner classes combined in a series that covers techniques in great detail. The focus is on the development of fundamental sewing skills that you'll use to create apparel, accessories and decor.
What You'll Learn
- Common sewing terminology
- Operation, parts, and functionality of a sewing machine
- Using paper and digital (PDF) sewing patterns
- Techniques for making garments, accessories and decor
- Hemming and seam finishing
- Fabric selection
- Many tips and insight of the sewing industry
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
- 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
I will provide you with the list of fabric and any other materials that will be needed for each project after registration.Fabric requirements will vary based on sizes.
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
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.
Payment Plan
This program is available to be paid for in three installments. After registration is confirmed I'll send you an invoice for the total amount that you can pay in partial payments. A payment of ⅓ will be due before the first class, then another ⅓ payment before the third class, and the final payment due before the fifth class.
Online Sewing Classes
Choose from options for live, instructor-led sewing lessons over video chat or some recorded classes that are available to watch on-demand when you want.
Live Instructor-led
I developed a unique virtual learning experience to make it as close as possible to being in person. I make the same project along with you, answer your questions, and show you the actions from multiple cameras as I personally guide you step by step.
Recorded On-demand Video
Some 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.
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
New registrations for instructor-led classes are temporarily closed
Thanks for your interest in taking sewing classes with me! Due to extremely high demand I am currently not available to take on more students. When open spots become available I will re-open registration. If you would like to be notified when registration is available please subscribe to the Ronkita Design newsletter below.
