Beginning sewing lessons in NE Portland, OR.

Schedule a private lesson.

Level 1: Zippered pillow cover
$85

Have you ever used a sewing machine? Maybe you’re rusty and need a refresher? Intimidated by zippers? Or maybe you got a new machine and want a fun and easy project to learn. I’m here to walk you through it!

This 3-hour class will cover:

  • Tour of the machine

  • How to thread and wind a bobbin

  • Basic stitch practice with samples to take home

  • Pressing and pinning technique

  • Learning to work with a zipper and make a hidden zippered enclosure

I will provide: a zipper, pillow form and neutral fabric for the back of the pillow.

Please bring: 3/4 yard of cotton fabric (quilting cotton, home decor or upholstery fabric is perfect - no knits).

Use a machine here or bring your own. If you’re bringing your own, please let me know in advance. The machine must be serviced and have a manual you can bring to class.

Level 2: Adjustable apron
$185

Ah, the humble apron. Maybe you think they’re a little ho-hum? The cool thing about an apron is that everything involved in making one is about 90% of the skills used to make anything else. These are the foundational techniques used over and over in every project. We’ll make an adjustable apron with pockets.

The apron series is 2 classes, 4 hours each class.

We’ll cover:

  • A refresher of basic stitches, with stitch samples to take home with you

  • How to read and prepare a pattern

  • Fabric cutting and pressing techniques

  • Creating a casing and strap

  • Assembly of the apron using clipping, notching and marking skills.

Start with this class if you’re comfortable enough with a sewing machine to know how it works, wind a bobbin, thread the machine, and hand-crank the proper way.

I will provide: the apron pattern, a machine + workspace with all the tools needed.

Please bring with you:

  • 1 ¼ yard of cotton fabric, or 1 yard in one color and ¼ yard in a contrasting color for the pockets and strap. (For a lightweight apron use quilting cotton, for a sturdier apron use a denim or canvas - no knits or synthetics).

  • All purpose polyester thread in a coordinating color.

  • Use a machine here or bring your own.

    Note: If you’re bringing your own, please let me know in advance. The machine must be serviced and have a manual you can bring to class, and you must know how to thread it and wind a bobbin. If you need a machine basics class, consider taking the Level 1 pillow class where we take a tour of the machine.

Sew What, Laura | Sewing lessons in Northeast Portland, OR