Learn to Use Your Sewing Machine

Come join me at my Studio on E 23rd Street in Oakland, for an exciting evening learning to use your sewing machine. Class size is capped at 6 to ensure you all have a great experience.

In this class, local maker and textile artist Bea Byrne will guide you through the basics.

• Setting up your machine for sewing
• Threading your machine
• Winding a bobbin
• Changing your bobbin
• Straight stitching
• Zig zag stitching
• Going forward and backwards
• Making a simple tote bag

Maybe you got a machine as a gift, or inherited it, or have always wanted to use one. This is your chance to get to grips with the basics! You will need to have a working domestic "regular" sewing machine with a power cord and a foot pedal. If you are wondering which machine to get/buy as a beginner there are suggestions below.

Bring your machine, power cord and foot pedal, and everything else will be provided. If you have fabric you would like to use for the tote bag you will need half a yard (18"x44"). You'll leave with a much better understanding of your machine AND a list of sources for supplies so you can find what you need (or want) to continue sewing.

Your First Machine

Please note that if you arrive with an unsuitable machine you can still take part in the class but may need to share a machine. This class is not for industrial machines, sergers, overlockers or topstitchers.

• It is fine to have a vintage/older machine. To save money (and the planet) look on BuyNothing, Facebook Maketplace or CraigsList for people giving away machines.
• If you have an older machine but it "needs some TLC" I recommend Berkeley Vacuum & Sewing Center to get it serviced. There is an awesome fabric store on the same block - Stonemountain & Daughter.
• Common brands for modern machines are Brother, Singer, Janome, Bernina, Husqvarna Viking, Juki and Pfaff.
• A new starter machine will cost $80-$150. Don't spend more than this until you are sure what type of sewist you are, as this will decide which other features you need. Here are two machines I would recommend: Brother FB17, Singer MX60 . (affiliate links)
• DO NOT buy a "mini" or hand-held machine.

Ages: 10-15 year olds need to be accompanied by an adult. 16+ are welcome to attend solo.

Supplies Needed: Your machine, power cord and foot pedal. All tools and supplies for this class are included but you can bring your own fabric for the tote bag if desired.

Parking: Street parking available.

Instructor Bio: Bea Byrne is a maker, textile artist, and instructor located in Oakland, CA. Hailing originally from the UK, Bea spent time working and teaching in both London and Tokyo before finally landing in the Bay Area. She offers workshops in many areas of the apparel arts (sewing, quilting, embroidery, jewelry making, and more), as well as consults with artists to help them increase their visibility online and to develop new and additional income streams related to their art. To see more of Bea's wide range of work, visit https://beabyrne.com and follow her insta at @beabyrneartist.

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Host or Publisher Alex Byrne