Sewing 101: Cut and Sew for beginners

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.

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.

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

The materials fee for this class is $135. This is separate from the ticket price and is to reimburse the instructor for any tools or materials used in this class. This will be paid once, directly to the instructor at the start of the first class meeting. This instructor accepts cash or payments through Venmo.

• Participants will learn and become comfortable with basic cutting, sewing, and pressing equipment
• Be able to make projects with fabrics
• Be ready to graduate to other classes such as SEWING 201 or QUILTING 101.

All materials for class projects will be supplied, including fabric and sewing machines. Students are welcome to bring their own sewing machine to learn on.

Some tools will be available to borrow in the studio. If you would like to own your tools, they will be available for purchase separately or as a kit. The cost of this kit is $40.00

• Good fabric shears
• Paper scissors
• Thread snippers
• Pins and clips
• Pin holder (Magnetic is the safest choice)
• 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

If you don’t own these tools, do not worry. You will be able to purchase any tools you are missing individually or buy a kit with the most needed tools. The cost of this kit is $40.00

Students must be 16 years or older. All students under 18 must be accompanied by and under the direct supervision of a responsible adult.

Students must wear closed-toe shoes. No flip-flops.

Students must wear clothes that cannot get caught in equipment. Wearing an apron is preferred.

Learn more about our class and ticket cancelation policies here.

Please email [email protected] with any questions.

*Sales end 24 hours before the start of the class to allow the instructor and staff time to prep.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Artisan's Asylum, 96 Holton Street, Boston, United States