Sewing Machine Basics

2 sessions offered:

June 4, 2022            Sat      1:00 – 4:00 pm

July 16, 2022        Sat      1:00 – 4:00 pm

Sewing machines are wonderful tools, but they are also complex and can be intimidating for beginners. This hands-on class offers a fun and supportive environment where beginners will gain the confidence to set up and use a sewing machine. We will cover machine set-up, operation, accessories, safety and basic maintenance. We will also address your particular sewing goals and offer advice on sewing machines and supplies to consider as you progress. Note: This class does not cover computerized or embroidery machines. We will be using Sertoma’s sewing machines.

Garment Sewing: Hems

Aug 11, 2022         Thurs      6:30 – 9:00 pm

A successful hem does more than just adjust the garment’s length. The right hem can help the garment hang and move as intended. A skillfully made hem can prolong the life of the piece by providing appropriate support to the garment. In this class, we will be sewing samples of several of the most versatile hem techniques that are applicable to a variety of hem locations – sleeve and shirt hems as well as pants and skirt hems. You will learn how to determine which hem technique to use based on garment type and fabric characteristics. This class will also introduce you to some sewing machine presser feet and specialty tools which make sewing hems easier and more successful. This class is part of a series for sewists who want to advance their sewing skills by exploring the techniques of garment making in more detail. To complete the class exercises you will need to be comfortable using a sewing machine and have basic sewing skills. A supply fee of $12 is paid to the instructor for the materials needed to sew the class samples. We will be using Sertoma’s sewing machines..

Garment Sewing: Seam Finishes

July 28, 2022         Thurs      6:30 – 9:00 pm

Applying a seam finish to the raw edges of your fabric will improve the look of your garment and increase its durability and longevity. In this class, we will be sewing samples of various seam finishes, focusing on those that will be most useful across a range of garment styles. You will learn how to choose a seam finish based on garment type and fabric characteristics. This class will also introduce you to some specialty sewing machine presser feet that will make finishing your seams quicker and easier. This class is part of a series for sewists who want to advance their sewing skills by exploring the techniques of garment making in more detail. To complete the class exercises you will need to be comfortable using a sewing machine and have basic sewing skills. A supply fee of $12 is paid to the instructor for the materials needed to sew the class samples. We will be using Sertoma’s sewing machines.

Beginning Sewing: Zippered Pillow

Two sessions offered:
May 31 – June 28, 2022 Tues 10:00 am – 12:00 pm (5 weeks)
June 2 – June 30, 2022 Thurs 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm (5 weeks)

Register for this class and together we will create your own special pillow with a zippered closure!  You will also learn how to make a pillow insert, which will enable you to create your own custom sized pillows. You will learn the basics of operating a sewing machine and develop the fundamental sewing skills necessary for progressing to more advanced projects. No prior sewing experience is necessary. We will be using Sertoma’s sewing machines. The supply list is available on Sertoma’s webpage. A $13 supply fee for pillow form materials and interfacing is due to instructor at the beginning of class.

Quilting Basics: Piecing with a Sewing Machine

April 9, 2022         Sat      1:00 – 4:00 pm

The goal of this class is to introduce you to quilting and help you discover whether you enjoy it. We will do this by exploring one of the fundamental quilting skills: piecing. Piecing is the process of joining cut fabric pieces together into a quilt block (the basic unit which composes a quilt). If you find you like piecing, you will enjoy the rest of the quilting process as well. Please note this class is focused on learning one of the many necessary quilting skills – we won’t be completing a quilt. We will be sewing several different types of quilt blocks focusing on developing your piecing skills. No prior sewing experience is necessary. We will be using Sertoma’s sewing machines.

Beginning Sewing: Channel Stitched Pillow

5 week class, 2 sessions offered:

March 22 – April 19, 2022   Tues AM        10:00 am – 12:00 pm         

March 24 – April 21, 2022  Thurs PM       6:30 – 8:30 pm   

Channel stitching is a great technique for adding visual and textural interest to pillows. In this beginner class, you will learn how to construct a pillow and use interfacing to give it structure and a professional finish. You will use a walking foot – one of the most versatile of all sewing machine feet – to customize your pillow with channel stitching. You will also learn the basics of operating a sewing machine and develop fundamental sewing skills necessary for progressing to more advanced projects. No prior sewing experience is necessary. We will be using Sertoma’s sewing machines.

Sewing Machine – Beyond the Basics

March 19, 2022         Sat      1:00 – 4:00 pm

Take your basic understanding of a sewing machine to the next level. This hands-on class offers a fun and supportive environment where beginners will explore various specialty stitches and presser feet. We will also discuss some of the more advanced sewing tools and accessories you may want to add to your supplies. This class is intended for students who can confidently and independently thread and operate a sewing machine. Note: this class does not cover computerized or embroidery machines. We will be using Sertoma’s sewing machines.

Garment Sewing: Preparing to Sew

Feb 24 – March 10, 2022 Thurs PM 6:30 – 8:30 pm

If you are excited about sewing clothes but not sure how to get started, this class will help you find your path. We will cover the preparatory steps necessary to make your garment sewing projects both successful and enjoyable. You will learn the ins and outs of patterns as well as how to choose fabric and supplies. The class will also cover what essential tools you need as you get started and what tools would be helpful to add as you progress in your skills. Please note that this class is focused on getting ready to sew – we will not be sewing a garment.

Beginning Sewing: Sew an Apron

Feb 19, 2022            Sat      1:00 – 4:00 pm        

In this fun beginner’s class, you will gain experience tracing and cutting from a basic apron pattern, sewing with a consistent seam allowance and other fundamental sewing skills that are essential for progressing to more advanced projects. The goal of this one day workshop is for participants to leave with a completed apron and a personalized pattern to use in making other aprons. No prior sewing experience is necessary. We will be using Sertoma’s sewing machines.

  • Ages: 18 Yrs. and up
  • Location: Fibers Studio at the Sertoma Arts Center  1400 W Millbrook Rd, Raleigh, NC 27612
  • Fees:
    • Raleigh Resident $30 + $5 supply fee for pattern & apron ties
    • Non-Resident $45 + $5 supply fee for pattern & apron ties
    • Supply list is available on Sertoma’s webpage or on the Supply Lists page here
  • Register through the Raleigh RecLink website or call Sertoma Arts Center at 919-996-2329. Contact me (Joy.Kelley@gmail.com) at 919-345-1556 with any questions.

Sewing Machine Basics

2 sessions offered:

Feb 5, 2022            Sat      1:00 – 4:00 pm

March 5, 2022        Sat      1:00 – 4:00 pm

March 26, 2022      Sat      1:00 – 4:00 pm

Sewing machines are wonderful tools, but they are also complex and can be intimidating for beginners. This hands-on class offers a fun and supportive environment where beginners will gain the confidence to set up and use a sewing machine. We will cover machine set-up, operation, accessories, safety and basic maintenance. We will also address your particular sewing goals and offer advice on sewing machines and supplies to consider as you progress. Note: This class does not cover computerized or embroidery machines. We will be using Sertoma’s sewing machines.