Taking a sewing class

Stephanie Daga | Date posted: September 16th, 2011

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Dear Diary,

I’m having lots of fun learning to sew on my own. I can be as creative as I want, no judgment. I can also make as many mistakes as I want, also no judgment. That said, I’m pretty sure I’m hitting the point where I can learn more, but not on my own. It’s time to take a sewing class. The only thing is that sewing classes intimidate me. What if I work too slow? What if I work too fast? What if I don’t know what the heck my teacher is talking about?

If you have been sewing on your own for some time now but are looking to expand your skill set, it might be time to take a sewing class. Committing to a sewing class requires a lot of research, planning, and dedication, which sounds daunting, but the end result is bigger and better sewing projects. What a payoff!

Here are some tips on picking up a class and succeeding.

1. Be honest about your current level of sewing experience. Even if you know how to thread a machine and use it, it might not mean you can skip beginner-level sewing courses just yet. There is so much more than a basic straight stitch and back stitch to get you to intermediate level. Being honest about what you know and do not know will help you keep up with a sewing class in the long run.

2. Read up on the courses you are interested in, and then review their prerequisites. Learning to sew can be expensive, I get that. Carefully picking a set of sewing courses will allow you to stay on track, keep you focused, and within budget. Just make sure that you’ve completed all of the prerequisite courses. That way you can be sure you are ready and have the foundation you need for your sewing classes, or you may find yourself over your head.

3. Be dedicated. Once you know which sewing class you want to take, choose a day and time that you know works with your schedule. Nothing sets you back more than missing a sewing class. Be at your class each week and if you really can’t make a class, be sure to follow up with your instructor, get the notes and ask about options for a makeup sewing class, even if you have to pay for a lesson to get you caught up.

4. Be a responsible, A+ student! Do your homework before each sewing class. Whether you are instructed to cut something or trace another thing, get it done. Being ready and prepared for each class ensures you stay on track, and you won’t hold up the rest of your sewing class.

5. Don’t be a know-it-all. Sure, maybe you do know your stuff and taking a sewing class is just a way to get out of a rut. That’s fine. But don’t get ahead of the sewing class game plan unless your instructor says it’s okay. In addition, don’t do a step differently just because you have done it differently before and it works for you. You’d be surprised at what you can learn if you take the approach of “playing dumb” and looking at sewing from a novice standpoint.

Follow the steps above and you will enjoy your sewing classes, guaranteed!

TAGS: Motivation, Sewing, Sewing Class

Stephanie Daga

I'm the Managing Director behind the scenes at TSS; I plan events, workshops, and overall bring in the fun.

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