Make It Sew: Beginner Skills Workshop

Skill Level: Beginner

Ages: 16+

Build confidence with your sewing machine while creating a small collection of practical projects. In this 4-week series, you’ll choose 3–4 projects from the list below and complete them at your own pace with guided instruction.

Not all projects can be completed during class time. You’re welcome to do a little “homework” between sessions to fit in more!

Class Overview

This series focuses on:

• Sewing machine setup and confidence

• Accurate cutting and seam allowances

• Pressing and finishing techniques

• Reading and following simple patterns

• Building skills through repetition across different project types

Each project lists an estimated class time to help you plan your selections.

Project Options & Materials

Tessuti Apron (Free Pattern) — ~2 classes

• Fabric: 1.5–2 m canvas (54"–60" wide preferred)
  Narrower fabric will require piecing the bottom corners (totally okay!)

• Pocket (optional): 1 Fat Quarter (FQ) contrast or same fabric

• Matching thread

Merchant & Mills Hot Water Bottle Cover (Free Pattern) — ~1–1.5 classes

• Outer: 1/2 m (flannel, fleece, or cozy fabric recommended)

• Inner (optional): 1/2 m quilting cotton/light fabric

• Optional pinking shears

• Matching thread

Exact measurements are also provided in the pattern.

Notebook / E-Reader Sleeve (Free Pattern) — ~1 class

• Fabric: 2 FQ (outer + lining) or 1/2 m same fabric

• Bias tape for outer edge

• Closure: button, snap, magnetic snap, or elastic/buttonhole

• Matching thread

Hot Pad — ~1–1.5 classes

• Batting: ~12" × 12" scrap

• Fabric: ~12" × 12" scrap or pieced scraps

• Bias tape or fabric strips to bind edges

• Matching thread

Basic Slippers — ~1.5 classes

• Outer: 1 FQ (slightly thicker/sturdier fabric)

• Inner: 1 FQ quilting cotton or 1/2 m same fabric

• Batting: 1/2–1 m (can be pieced; doubling up is optional and cozy!)

• Matching thread

Cushion Covers — ~1–1.5 classes

• Fabric: 1/2–1 m depending on cushion size
  (12", 14", 16", 18", 20")

• Optional pinking shears

• Matching thread

Sewing Machine Dust Cover — ~1.5 classes

• Fabric: ~1 m
  (Line it if you like = double the fabric)

• Optional pinking shears

• Matching thread

What You’ll Learn

Across your chosen projects, you will practice:

• Pattern reading and layout

• Rotary cutting and measuring

• Seam allowances and accuracy

• Pressing for professional results

• Turning, topstitching, and finishing techniques

• Installing simple closures (buttons, snaps, elastic)

• Working with batting, binding, and layers

What to Bring

You may bring:

• Sewing machine in good working order with a fresh needle

• Thread

• Fabric scissors

• Rotary cutter, ruler, and mat

• Pins, seam ripper, and basic notions

• Fabric and supplies for your chosen projects

Classroom machines may be available—please call ahead to reserve one.

Pattern Links

• Tessuti Apron — Free Pattern (provided in class)

• Merchant & Mills Hot Water Bottle Cover — Free Pattern (provided in class)

• Bernina Notebook/E-Reader Sleeve — Free Pattern (link provided in class)

This series is a relaxed, encouraging way to grow your sewing skills while making useful projects you’ll be proud to use every day.