Naka-Kon 2025 Sewing for Absolute Beginners

Brand new to sewing? Start here! This two hour hands-on workshop features guidance from the team at CUT/SEW on how to get started on your very first sewing project. Each student will work on their own Bernette sewing machine to produce a finished mini-pillow using basic machine and hand sewing techniques. By the end of this class, you'll have the absolute basics under your belt so you can feel confident in front of your sewing machine. This class is open to participants 16 years of age or older. Participants under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult or legal guardian. A liability waiver will also need to be signed.

In this workshop you'll learn:

• How to thread a sewing machine
• What each machine stitch is used for
• How to identify parts of your sewing machine
• Caring for your machine/troubleshooting common problems
• Straight stitching on a machine
• Basic hand sewing stitches
• Participating students will be entered into a drawing to win one of the Bernette sewing machines used in the class, as well as two free digital patterns from CUT/SEW! The machine and patterns will be given away to a student attending closing ceremonies on Sunday at-Kon.

Class Length: 2 hours

Class Cost: $35

Prerequisite Skills: None, beginner-friendly

Expectations and Etiquette:

Students who attend the workshop agree to listen and follow all instructions from the instructor and Naka-Kon staff. Students will also agree to follow health and safety guidelines provided by the instructor and Naka-Kon staff. If a student damages the equipment, instruction space or other items utilized by Naka-Kon and the workshop, they may be held financially liable. Students may be removed from the workshop at the discretion of the instructor and Naka-Kon, and will not be given a refund. Students should engage and have fun, but should not cause distractions for the instructor or the rest of the class or disrupt learning.

General Naka-Kon policies and behavioral expectations apply.

Racism, sexism, body shaming, and harassment of any kind are grounds for removal from the event, and if necessary, from the convention. If you have questions or concerns, please contact access control or a nearby staff person.

For questions regarding the event, please email [email protected].

A Naka-Kon 2025 convention membership badge is required to attend all ticketed events.

Need a badge? Visit our website at

You can exit the Overland Park Convention Center (OPCC) by the double doors at the front, near registration. From there it is a 5-10 minute walk, with a sidewalk that goes along the building. You may also use the complimentary shuttle service that picks up riders in the circle drive right in front of the Sheraton Hotel.

Host or Publisher Naka-Kon Japanese Cultural Education Association