Sewing 102: Intro to Garment Making Course (Feb 2025)

Sewing 102: Intro to Garment Making - Best for moderate sewists who are interested in a hands on introduction to garment making or anyone who has taken our Sewing 101 course. 6 Classes - 7 Weeks (because of 4th of July) - Complete a pair of shorts, pants or a skirt - Bring your own machine or borrow one of ours!

Over the course of this 6 week class, you will create a pair of shorts, pants, or a skirt, with an elastic waist and optional pockets while gaining the foundational sewing skills needed to sew a garment.

Sewing 101 or equivalent experience is required. Students should know how to thread a machine, make a straight stitch, use seam allowance, and have basic knowledge of how to cut fabric. If you do! Then you can join!

This is a safe space for queer folks and all bodies! (The patterns are inclusive of all styles, shapes and identities.

Students will sew one of the following patterns of their choice.

• Plus Size pant or skirt
• Straight sized Femme pants (can be made into shorts)
• Straight sized Femme skirt
• Masc pants/shorts

The class will cover:

• Taking body measurements
• Selecting a sewing pattern and choosing the right size based on your measurements
• How to find a pattern at the fabric store
• How to read a pattern (yardage, size, measurements, fabric suggestions, notions, etc.)
• Choosing the right fabric, thread, needle, and notions for your garment
• Making basic adjustments to a pattern for size purposes, as needed, or adding pockets to a garment if desired
• Cutting a garment using a commercial pattern (using the cutting layout diagram in pattern instructions, pinning pattern to fabric or using pattern weights, identifying the selvedge, cutting according to grain line, cutting notches, transferring markings)
• How to read and interpret commercial sewing pattern instructions
• Using a ⅝” seam allowance, and trimming or notching seams as needed
• Using an overlock/serger machine basics (how to serge a seam only)
• Pressing/ironing a garment as you sew
• Sewing pockets
• Inserting elastic into a casing
• Hemming a garment
• Final fit and basic alterations, as needed and if time allows

Participants to bring:

• (Required) Sewing tools kit (if not already purchased) via The Nest. If you do not have a sewing kit, please purchase one as an add on at checkout. If you do not want to purchase one, you must bring: Pincushion, Hand Sewing Needles, Size Inclusive 120" Tape Measure, Seam Gauge, Seam Ripper, Pins, Fabric Scissors ,Thread Snips, Needle Threader, White Tailor's Chalk, Black Tailor's Chalk , Sewing needles THESE SUPPLIES ARE REQUIRED TO BRING OR PURCHASE AS AN ADD ON.
• (Optional) sewing machine Participants are encouraged to bring their own machine if they already have one so that they may learn its particular functionality but we have enough for all

Class Structure: Hands-on machine sewing class lead by Sewist, Louise Sutton. During this intimate course you will meet with them and 3 other learners for six classes over the course of 7 weeks. This course has class that falls on the 4th of July so, we will skip that week and reconvene on the 11th. Classes meet every week for 2-2 .5 hours from 6-8:00 (8:30) pm.

Course Dates: Tuesdays, Feb 5, 12,19, 26, March 5, 12.

Meet your Instructor : Louise Sutton, Sewist

Louise is a seasoned tailor at The Nest and a versatile stitcher with a background that spans diverse sewing projects, from crafting leather bags to creating couture garments for New York Fashion Week, and even contributing to costumes at Florida's theme parks. With over 15 years of extensive experience in factory settings, Louise is well-versed in industrial sewing and manufacturing, consistently delivering professional and enduring results.

Beyond their technical expertise, Louise is a fervent advocate for garment workers' rights, placing a strong emphasis on fair labor conditions and sustainable sewing practices. Their commitment to positive change within the industry is evident in their belief that makers have the power to influence transformation. Louise sees the foundation of this change in sewing education and an increased awareness of the potential impact of mending and alterations. Through their journey in the sewing world, Louise strives to inspire others to recognize the broader implications of their craft and contribute to a more ethical and sustainable future.

Host or Publisher The Nest