Our essential shirt is a great beginner sewing class, introducing you to the world of garment sewing. In this 4-hour class you will learn to sew and make our Topstitch Essential Shirt pattern. You will learn all the basics of sewing, including learning the parts of the sewing machine and how to use them, learn how to wind a bobbin, thread the machine and troubleshoot common issues. Once you’ve threaded the machine you’ll learn how to cut out your pattern, learn the basics of understanding seam allowance, straight stitching and sewing along curves. We’ll provide the pattern and specific instructions and guide you along the way to make a the shirt. It is a boxy, kimono sleeved pullover. With no fitting challenges and no fiddly closures, it’s a perfect intro project. The pattern and sewing tools included at class. Fabric not included. Please bring 1.5 yards of pre-washed fabric to class. It is best suited for fabrics such as cotton lawn, double gauze, voile or linen. NOTE: Fabric can shrink after washing so you may want a little more than 1.5 yds especially if your fabric has a width less than 50″. Ask a staff member if you’re unsure about your fabric shrinkage.

Skills you will learn: The skills you will learn in the class are how to understand a sewing machine, the concept of seam allowance and how to sew to a particular seam allowance, how to pin and cut fabric, how to sew in a straight line and how to sew curves.

Skills expected: None, just an open mind!

Materials needed: 1.5 yards of pre-washed fabric such as cotton lawn, double gauze, voile or linen.

Materials provided: The Essential shirt sewing pattern, a sewing machine, coordinating thread, fabric shears, pins, marking tools, measuring tape and an iron.