Learn how to add on-seam pockets to clothing with sewing expert, Liesl Gibson. In this class, she shares her technique for adding a pocket bag to any garment that you’re making from scratch, or even an existing garment in your wardrobe. From aligning the pockets perfectly to finishing the edges neatly, Liesl’s class will ensure that your pockets are functional, beautiful, and look like they were sewn by a pro.

In this technique workshop, Gretchen shows you a versatile technique that you can use on any pencil skirt pattern. Instead of a high waistband, you’ll learn how to add a ribbon facing that doesn’t add any bulk to the waistline, which is ideal for making pencil skirts in heavier fabrics. The hand stitching and old-fashioned materials result in a classic, tailored piece.

 

Whether you are working with invisible zippers or regular zippers, sewist and pattern designer Liesl Gibson shows you all of the basics, from shortening the length to pinning and sewing. You will learn lots of finishing techniques, too, like how to sew the remainder of a seam and finish a waist facing once the zipper is installed.

When adjusting the fit of clothes you sew for yourself, the most important measurements are across your shoulders and bust. Most commercial patterns are made to B cup, leaving a lot of us with ill-fitting tops. In this workshop, Liesl will walk you through the steps of measuring and making adjustments to your pattern for a larger bust.
 

When you follow this skirt tutorial with Anna Maria, not only will you finish with a stunner of a bias cut maxi skirt that will take you into fall and beyond – but you will also learn a bundle of techniques. Anna Maria shows you how to draft and sew a maxi skirt based on your own body measurements, as well as how to strip piece fabric to make the feathers, and then needle-turn applique them around the hem.

Deb Kreiling is the design development director for Simplicity Patterns, and in this masterful course, she tackles one of the most challenging garments: Pants. Using the Simplicity Amazing Fit Pant pattern, Deb shows you step by step how to sew a pair of pants that will fit any shape and size. Learn crucial elements like how to sew waistbands, pockets, zippers and hems, plus Deb’s tips and tricks from her 40+ years at Simplicity, including what fabrics work best for trousers and how to baste and fine-tune fit. Tackling a pant pattern may seem like a tall order, but with Deb in your sewing studio walking you through each stitch, this pattern will come together with ease.

A coat may seem like an ambitious sewing project, but Deborah Kreiling – the Design Development Director at Simplicity Patterns – breaks it down into simple steps that you can do at home. In this class, Deborah shows how to make a fit and flared coat by Leanne Marshall, featuring all of the bells and whistles: lining, princess seams, double collar, and toggles. This coat can be made in two lengths and in a variety of fabric weights for all seasons. Deborah will be with you every step of the way, sharing expert insight from her 35 years of experience at Simplicity Pattern Company. 

Make a perfect pair of basic pants customized to your own measurements. Cal Patch brings decades of garment-industry experience to the home sewer, taking tricky concepts and breaking them down into simple steps. Learn how to take your own measurements, draft your pattern, and sew up a pair of elastic-waist pants, complete with essential pockets. Cal recommends sewing them up in a medium-weight woven fabric but further customization is up to you: stitch up in a cozy flannel for around-the-house lounging or make in linen for a dressier look.

Learn how to draft your very own pattern for a custom pair of leggings, using your measurements, taken from your body, as the foundation. You'll be the designer and decide on ankle, calf or knee length, high or low waist... whatever your heart desires. Cal will show you how to take your measurements and explain the concept of "negative ease." Then you will transfer those measurements to paper with a little patternmaking mojo. At the end of this workshop, you'll be ready for Cal's workshop on sewing leggings from your freshly-drafted, custom pattern. Download the Measurements Worksheet PDF before you begin – to assist in getting proper measurements.

 

If you're looking for one garment to make that you can wear all year, the Nina Jumpsuit is the perfect transition piece through the seasons, depending on what you wear underneath and how you style it. Fashion and sewing influencer Tabitha Sewer will teach you how to sew this comfy, wide-legged jumpsuit with criss-cross straps, side pockets, and midi-length legs. It's loose-fitting, casual, and easy to throw on and still look stylish. Add a new favorite piece to your wardrobe and add some amazing new skills to your sewing knowledge, such as making your own bias tape and sewing buttonholes and buttons with your sewing machine.

made invisible for now as the pattern is no longer available - 8.27.24

The drama of this jacket belies the ease in assembly. Designer and sewist Chelsea from Friday Pattern Company walks you through sewing the Cambria Duster, a shin-length, long-sleeved piece of outerwear featuring an oversized shawl collar and high side slits. The jacket closes with oversized waist ties and you'll cover your seams with bias tape, lending a tailored effect. Work in a lightweight linen for spring and summer-wear or a heavier denim or canvas as an ideal cold-weather layering piece.    

Use your patchwork piecing skills without committing to a full-sized quilt with expert sewist Michele Muska's Dresden Plate pillow class. Learn how to use an acrylic template to make your Dresden Plate, then work hand and machine-quilted details to add texture. Finish by making your own piping and sewing the pillow envelope-style.

Not only can a lumbar pillow add a quintessential pop of color to your home, but it’s also a handy tool for learning an array of sewing techniques. In this class, Michele Muska shows you how to make your own pillow form in order to optimize customization and sew a cover with an invisible zipper. Then, you’ll work with interesting fabrics and materials like grosgrain ribbon, suede, cork, vinyl, and hook-and-loop-tape to create unique and removable belly-bands.

With its trademark slouchy silhouette, this boho bag will become your go-to everyday purse. Nicole Mallalieu is known for her professionally finished bags, and in this class she walks you through every step of sewing this classic fashion staple. Nicole shares pro tips for accurately cutting the pattern pieces, as well as useful tricks for finishing seams perfectly, sewing curves, and sewing through multiple layers – all on a home sewing machine. You'll learn how to construct a lining, add a pocket and zipper, as well as how to construct an adjustable strap and attach it to the bag with hardware. In the process of making your boho bag, you'll learn loads of essential bag making skills, which will come in handy for future projects.

Expert bag maker and pattern designer, Nicole Mallalieu, shares an array of unique tips and tricks to construct your new favorite weekend-away bag. Featuring copious straps, clasps, and pockets, this roomy bag can be customized using a combination of your favorite fabrics. Although it is highly detailed and includes many steps, Nicole’s expert knowledge and extensive teaching experience will give sewists the confidence to make this skill-building bag step by step.
 

Sewing with leather can be intimidating, but in this class, Liana shares the ins and outs of making a classic, swoon-worthy leather tote bag on your home sewing machine. No special skills or fancy tools are needed. Learn tips and tricks for picking a gorgeous piece of leather and sewing with it successfully. At the end of the class, you will have a sturdy, heirloom-worthy bag that you will want to use for years.

Pro bag maker and pattern designer, Nicole Mallalieu, shows you how to make a simple yet sturdy backpack for everyday use. You will learn a plethora of techniques, like how to use interfacing to add structure, add a lining with pockets, attach hardware and make straps from scratch. Plus you'll learn tips for reducing bulk in seams, making invisible marks with a hera marker, and other professional finishing techniques. All of these design details come together to give the bag a clean, polished look. This sporty, lightweight bag is a great project for a beginning sewist who has an eye for detail or a more advanced sewist who wants to brush up on his or her skills.