fashion lab: learn-to-sew series

with make workshop founder diana rupp
New York magazine's 2009 "BEST OF NEW YORK: SEWING classes" +
author of SEW: the sew everything workshop

by popular demand: a 3-part learn-to-sew series that teaches all the basics of fashion sewing in one easy package! the plan is to meet for two hours once a week for seven weeks. this structured curriculum is offered for those of you who want an intensive and progressive introduction to the world of fashion sewing, with a focus on:

x stitch how to read (and successfully follow!) a commercial pattern

x stitch layout and cutting fabric the right way

x stitch developing good machine sewing skills and working habits

x stitchprofessional seam finishing and pressing techniques

x stitchthe ability to install an invisible zipper with complete confidence

x stitchmaking simple adjustments to patterns for a perfect fit

x stitchthe ins-and-outs of lining a garment

x stitchand handsewing skills for couture-quality hems!

descriptions for the three projects we'll be making as well as sample pics are below. please email us with questions.

part I: tokyo tie bag

x stitch tokyo tie bag from SEW: sew everything workshop x stitch

a few pics of the tokyo tie bag sewn by MAKE students!

take your basic machine threading and sewing skills up a notch by learning how to cut and layout a pattern, pivot, stitch around curves and make a fancy french seam. the end result? a super cute bag that's an ideal gift, and it only takes 2 hours to stitch! (click on the link above to see it or check out p. 170 of the book.) one 2-hour class. supply list.  

part 2: sewing I: make a skirt

x stitch some sample skirt pics, naughty secretary and pencil x stitch

ready to get started with your first "real" garment? we'll show you how to make a cute and very wearable straight OR pencil skirt--it's your choice!--from start to finish. you'll shop for fabric and gather a basic sewing kit together before class, and then be taught how to layout, cut, and follow a commercial-style pattern, as well as basic sewing techniques like darts, seam finishing, installing an invisible zipper and how to handstitch a couture-quality hem. elementary tailoring tricks will also be demonstrated and we can adjust the pattern to fit your body if need be. three 2-hour classes. supply list.  

part 3: sewing II: girly go to dress

x stitch click here to see some samples of what we'll be making! x stitch

(psst! you can also find a pattern and instructions for this dress in
SEW: sew everything workshop)

an original design by make workshop founder diana rupp: the girly go to dress! review and improve upon all the skills and techniques taught in the previous workshops from staystitching to darts to the invisible zipper, plus you'll learn to install a completely finished bodice. the best part? you'll know how to make many more after the class is over and your wardrobe will be complete! three 2-hour classes. supply list.  

$500 (seven 2-hour classes) + supplies (click on links above for what to bring to each class)

note: if you're more or less comfortable threading a sewing machine, you're ready for this class. if you've never worked on a sewing machine, or don't remember how to (which is not uncommon) then you'll need to take an intro to sewing machine before starting fashion lab. if you have any questions about your skill level, please refer to the intro class description (click on link above) or send us an email. we'll be happy to advise you!

x stitch sorry, sessions A + B are sold out! x stitch

*please note session B skips aug 13

A thu jun 3|10|17* jul 1|8|15|22
6:30pm – 8:30pm
B wed jul 7|14|21|28 aug 4|11|18
6:30pm – 8:30pm
C tue aug 17|24|31 sep 7|14|21|28
6:30pm – 8:30pm
D wed sep 8|15|22|29 oct 6|13|20
6:30pm – 8:30pm
E mon sep 27 oct 4|11|18|25 nov 1|8
6:30pm – 8:30pm
F tue oct 5|12|19|26 nov 2|9|16
6:30pm – 8:30pm