Sewing Fundamentals I

Build Confidence at the Machine. Create with Purpose.

Ready to learn how to sew — or finally feel confident using your sewing machine? Sewing Fundamentals I is a six-week, hands-on series designed for beginners and early sewists who want to build a strong foundation in machine sewing while creating beautiful, practical projects along the way.

This progressive course walks you step-by-step through essential sewing skills, from machine operation and fabric basics to reading commercial patterns and constructing your first wearable garment. By the end of the series, you won’t just understand how sewing works — you’ll leave with finished projects, new confidence, and the skills to keep creating on your own.

What You’ll Learn & Make:

  • Sewing machine operation, threading, troubleshooting, and safety

  • Fabric basics, cutting techniques, and seam finishes

  • Product construction through guided projects including a tote bag, zippered pouch, and lounge pants

  • How to read and prepare a commercial sewing pattern

  • Garment construction fundamentals and finishing techniques

Course Structure:

  • 6 weekly classes (2 hours each)

  • Optional open lab time after each class for additional project support

  • Small class sizes with individualized instruction

What’s Included:

  • Sewing machines and tools provided

  • Most fabrics, notions, and supplies included

  • Supportive instruction from experienced teaching artists

  • A welcoming, community-centered studio environment

Participants are welcome to bring their own sewing machine or fabrics if they prefer.

This series is ideal for:

  • Brand-new beginners

  • Self-taught sewists looking to strengthen fundamentals

  • Anyone ready to move from simple projects to wearable garments

Come stitch with us — and discover how empowering it feels to make something with your own hands.

LEARN MORE

Look for our bags in use in the community: distributed at CentroVilla25, Cleveland Roots, Hood Honey, St. Luke’s Food Pantry, St. Vincent Charity Community Health Center’s Food Pantry, University Settlement’s Food Pantry, and Urban Farm Doctors…and don’t forget to BYOBag!

Sew for Sustainable Stores! (S4SS)

A special thank you to all of our Cleveland Sews volunteers that helped us sew many bags for this incredible project!

Sowing the seeds of hope.

  Sewing the social fabric of community.

Who is Cleveland Sews?

  • Cleveland Sews provides programming to community groups to cultivate trade skills and bolster Cleveland’s creative economy. Programs focus on skills in design, sewing, and textile manufacturing.

  • Specializing in creative material reuse, Cleveland Sews prepares individuals to enter sustainable manufacturing jobs. We endeavor to revitalize our neighborhoods for generations to come while preserving the environment.

  • From our refurbished facilities, to our urban farm, to our upcycled products, a circular economy lies at the heart of all of our work. Cleveland Sews strives towards a more equitable and less wasteful future.

Learn more
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View our biannual report
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