Learn to Sew a Tote Bag

In this three-hour entry level class, learn the basics of machine sewing by making a simple but elegant canvas tote bag. You will learn to follow a pattern to cut out canvas pieces and straps, learn basic stitching on a sewing machine, and then sew your pieces together into a tote bag.

• Follow a pattern to cut out canvas pieces and straps
• Learn the basics of sewing with a sewing machine
• Sew the cut pieces together into a tote bag

Beginners looking to expand their sewing skills and make something, no experience or skills required! Students are expected to be comfortable learning to operate a sewing machine, especially keeping hands away from the needle and other moving machine parts. Some fine motor skills will be necessary — like pinning together fabric, threading the machine’s needle, and guiding the machine while stitching — but we can help! To discuss any needed accommodations, contact us at education@artisansasylum.com

If you have a favorite piece of cotton print you would like to use as a contrasting pocket, please bring it! (base canvas fabric is off-white).

Students ages 12 and up. Anyone under 18 is expected to attend with an adult or legal guardian.

• Materials, tools, and sewing machines.
• Access to A2's Fiber Arts Shop for the duration of the session.

Sewing Machine

Kim Ducharme is an artisan, designer, and educator working at the intersection of textiles and technology. She spent 17 years leading Interactive Design at WGBH Educational Foundation, and then 11 years for CAST advancing their Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework towards expanding learning opportunities for all — in the classroom, in informal education spaces such as science museums and afterschool programs, and in makerspaces. She currently pursues e-textiles and wearables projects and leads workshops and maker-mentor programs for local communities to broaden participation in makerspaces and STEM.