Sewing 101: Cut and Sew for Beginners

This 4-week course, with a 3-hour class every week, is designed specifically for a beginner. Students will learn basic sewing terminology, become comfortable using the sewing machine, explore different fabric qualities, and understand safe ways to use the equipment.

Beginners will get a thorough introduction to basic sewing and garment construction. Over the span of this course, students will become familiar with different machine stitches and their functions and the use of cutting, sewing, and pressing tools and equipment.

Students will learn alteration basics and techniques for ripping, marking, and pinning, as well as how to measure for alterations.

Students will be creating interesting projects using different fabrics and trims, such as: napkin making, zippered bag, and sewing an apron.

This course can help someone learn skills for a possible job, to be able to decorate their house or to make handmade gifts!

An additional tool kit is available for purchase at $40, including all nessecary tools for the class:

• Good fabric shears
• Paper scissors
• Thread snippers
• Pins and clips
• Pin holder
• Safety pins
• Seam ripper
• Tape measure
• Clear plastic ruler
• FriXion Pen or other heat erasable pen
• Tweezers
• Pencil, paper pad, eraser
• Tailors Chalk
• Thimble
• Hand needles
• Needle threader
• Wrist pin cushion

• Participants will learn and become comfortable with basic cutting, sewing, and pressing equipment
• Be able to make projects with fabrics
• Students will learn a new skill each day of the class: how to sew a napkin, how to sew a zippered bag, how to sew an apron and the skills necessary to carry out their own alterations.
• This class serves as a prerequisite for advanced courses in A2's Fiber Arts Shop.

Students who are getting started on their sewing journey! Students are welcome to bring their own sewing machine and/or any of the required tools listed below. Students must be 16 years or older. All students under 18 must be accompanied by and under the direct supervision of a responsible adult.

• Fabric
• Sewing Machines
• Access to A2's Fiber Arts Shop and tools for the duration of the session.

Helena has been in the apparel manufacturing business for over 40 years. Entering the field as a stitcher, she worked her way up to designing technical apparel patterns for Brands like Susan Bristol, JJill, Brass Clothing, Bennet & Co, and Sterlingwear. She has been teaching technical pattern-making since 2012. In her spare time, she quilts, paints watercolors, and is an extreme gardener.