Creative Sewing Lessons in Raleigh

Beginning Sewing: Channel Stitched Pillow

5 week class, 2 sessions offered:

March 21 – April18, 2023   Tues AM        10:00 am – 12:00 pm         

March 23 – April 20, 2023  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.

Garment Sewing: Hems

March 9, 2023         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

March 2, 2023         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.

Garment Sewing: Preparing to Sew

January 26 – February 9, 2023 Thurs 6:30 – 8:30 pm (3 weeks)

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: Holiday Gift Bag

December 3, 2022     Sat 1:00 – 4:00 pm

Sewing for the holidays is fun and this is a great project for getting into the holiday spirit! Set your gifts apart with the personal touch of a custom-sewn gift bag with your choice of holiday themed fabric. In this workshop, you will create a unique gift bag and leave with the skills to make more bags on your own. No prior sewing experience is necessary. We will be using Sertoma’s sewing machines. Supply list available on Sertoma’s webpage.

Beginning Sewing: Holiday Table Runner

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

If you’re a holiday decorator, this is a nice class to kick-off the holiday season. You’ll love how this project enables you to create a unique look for your holiday table. In this fun workshop, you will sew a table runner while learning some fundamental sewing skills that will enable you to progress to other home decor projects. No prior sewing experience is necessary. We will be using Sertoma’s sewing machines. Supply list available on Sertoma’s webpage.

  • Ages: 18 Yrs. and up

Garment Sewing: Hems

November 17, 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

November 10, 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.

Garment Sewing: Preparing to Sew

October 20 – November 3, 2022 Thurs 6:30 – 8:30 pm (3 weeks)

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

September 24, 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 $36 + $5 supply fee for pattern & apron ties
    • Non-Resident $51 + $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.

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