Choosing projects for beginning sewing classes

Posted on by Teresa

Where does one start?

First, I conducted an online search to see what other sewing lounges, quilt shops and sewing machine dealers are offering for newbie adult students. I studied the projects, found similar patterns and watched YouTube videos for more inspiration. I also thought about my own experiences teaching kids how to sew.

Next, I asked myself, “What skills do I need to cover to make sure students are ready for Quilting 101 and other classes offered by the SQTM that require knowing how to use a sewing machine?” I was also tasked with teaching students how to read a pattern, if possible. Three Saturday sessions are allotted for these classes.

Beginning Sewing Curriculum Outline

  • Sewing knowledge: (1) How to operate a machine, (2) basic sewing terminology, (3) how to follow/read a pattern and (4) how to prepare and cut pieces for a project.
  • Foundational sewing skills: Sew a straight, consistent seam with a specific seam allowance, topstitch 1/8″ or 1/4″ away from an edge, backstitching, pivoting at corners, trimming corners, turning an item inside out and poking out the corners, closing the opening and pressing.
  • Next level sewing skills: zipper insertion, curved seams, applying fusible interfacing, boxing corners, how to sew straps and double folded hems.
  • Nice to know: sewing on buttons by machine, making buttonholes and raw-edge applique.

What we’ll be making:

  • Class 1: Meet your sewing machine – winding a bobbin, threading, selecting stitches, changing needle, sharing good general sewing practices. First project will be a simple placemat. Students can make additional placemats at home independently.
  • Class 2: Oversize tote bag – Simple wide tote bag with deep boxed corners. Learn how to make straps, box corners, apply fusible interfacing, topstitching, working with linings, reinforcement stitching, proper pressing techniques. Slip pockets and contrasting layers on outer bag are optional.
  • Class 3: Zipper pouch – Project bag size, lined with softly curved corners. Learn how to insert a zipper (zipper tabs optional), basic pouch construction techniques and how to sew curved edges with small darts.

If students are interested, I’ll do mini-lessons on sewing buttons by machine and raw edge applique as we go along. They can decide whether or not they wish to incorporate these techniques into their projects. The Education Committee thought it best to leave buttonholes for a later time. I agree.

For beginner classes, I typically use instruction sheets/patterns that I’ve drafted over the years for common projects. Occasionally, I need to direct students where to obtain a digital copy of the pattern we’ll be using in class. If using a printed pattern, I often buy them on sale from the big box store or directly from the designer. I also share about resources available through the local public library and the Libby app. The goal here is to keep costs reasonable. Once students have a basic pattern, they can learn how to customize their creations from any number of YouTube videos, blog tutorials, IG, and Pinterest.