In this 3-week mini series, you’ll gain the most useful sewing skills for everyday life—altering your own clothes! Each week focuses on one area of practical sewing: hemming, taking in and letting out, and working with denim.
During the first 45 minutes of each class, you’ll practice new techniques on scrap fabric while the instructor demonstrates professional methods and finishing details. Then, spend the remaining 75 minutes working on a garment you bring from home, with individual guidance on fit, stitching, and finishing.
By the end of the series, you’ll feel confident tackling simple alterations on your own wardrobe—from hemming pants and skirts to adjusting fit and altering jeans.
Duration: 3 Weeks — 2 hours each session
Prerequisite: Basic sewing machine knowledge (Introduction to Sewing Level 1 or equivalent)
Included: Practice materials for demos (students bring their own garments to alter each week)
Week 1: Hemming Techniques
Learn to professionally finish a hem using three common methods: double fold, blind hem, and a single-turn finished edge. We’ll discuss how to measure, mark, and press hems for the best results on different fabrics.
Students will first practice each hem type on scrap fabric, then apply what they’ve learned by hemming a garment they brought (pants, skirt, or dress).
Bring to Class: A garment you’d like to shorten or hem. (Bring 3 options, yes to knits)
Week 2: Taking In & Letting Out
Fit is everything! In this class, students learn how to identify where and how to take in or let out a garment. We’ll cover how to read seam allowances, pin for a better fit, and resew seams smoothly.
After practicing on sample fabric, students will alter a woven garment they’ve brought from home—such as a blouse, skirt, or pants—under teacher guidance.
Bring to Class: A woven garment that needs to be taken in or let out (Bring 3 options, no knits this week).
Week 3: Denim Alterations
Denim requires special handling—this week focuses on how to work with heavy fabrics like jeans/denim. Students will learn how to hem jeans with the original hem method, repair small holes, and alter the fit.
After practicing on scrap denim, students will alter or repair their own denim garment during class.
Bring to Class: Jeans to hem or repair.
Class Fee: $175