Beginner Sewing for Busy People: Sewing Machine Basics
2024-03-01 17:30 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Mable House Arts Center
4-Class Series: Fridays, March 1, 8, 15 and 22. Time: 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER (https://secure.rec1.com/GA/cobb-county-ga/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTI5MTIzOTQ=)
You are busy but want to create with the sewing machine. This beginner class is for you! Learn how the sewing machine works and how to measure, stitch and create home decor items and bags from fabric using a sewing machine. Students should bring their own sewing machines with manual controls and the instruction manual. The sewing machines used should be less than 30 years old and confirmed to be in good working order before class. No repair service is offered. A limited number of class machines are available for use for $20 per term. Please contact the instructor one week prior to class to use a provided sewing machine. A supply list will provide a list of additional supplies needed. Students will be shown how to develop a “Sewing Supply Box” and will want to purchase their own items for it. Students should bring in their own fabric as described - typically 100% cotton.
In-person sewing instruction from other providers in the Atlanta area ranges from $300 - $400 for a 4-session class, so this is priced below the market rate.

Class 1 - March 1st: Bordered Tea Towel/Bread Basket Towel. Skill: hemming.

Class 2 - March 8th: Envelope Pillow Cover. This project will result in a square handmade removable pillow cover. Skills: 3-D construction with removable cover and hemming.

Class 3 - March 16th: Envelope Pillow Cover with Piping. This handmade removable pillow cover will include decorative piping to contrast and dress up the pillow cover. Skills: 3-D construction with removable cover, hemming, sewn-in corded piping. .
Class 4: March 22: Tote Bag with Pocket Option. Learn to sew a handy tote bag with a sturdy carrying strap and the option to add a pocket.

Supplies needed for class:
Sewing Kit
If you don’t have everything on the list below, just be sure you at least have the parts included in a Basic Sewing Kit like this one from Singer: Singer Beginners Sewing Kit

- Sewing box (can be a box of plastic, cardboard or a basket w/lid)
- Extra bobbins to fit your sewing machine
- Sewing Machine needles (Size 80/12 or 90/14)
- Pincushion for straight pins or Magnetic Pin Holder
- Fabric Scissors (any brand only use these on fabric)
- Regular scissors (any brand only use these for paper)
- Measuring Tape
- Hem Gauge
- Hand sewing needles
- Pins (40-50 straight pins)
- Seam ripper w/cover
- Optional: Pinking shears to finish inside edgesSewing Machine Requirements (These are suggestions for the most appropriate sewing machine for this class. These are basic machines with options to select simple stitching. Elaborate electronic or embroidery machines, sergers, etc. will be too complicated for these projects. Simple is good.)

- Portable/easy-to-carry
- Zig-zag stitching
- Back-stitching option in good working condition (is more important than the age of the machine.) Old machines kept in good condition or tuned-up in the shop should be fine.
- Pressure foot control
- Drop-in Bobbin
- Speed control adjustment (to slow down or speed up stitch speed)
- Zig-zag stitching
- Back-stitching option
- Button-hole option/foot attachment
- Sewing Machine needles (Size 80/12 or 90/14)
- Zipper-foot included
Popular Beginner Sewing Machine Models:
- Brother XM2701 Lightweight Sewing Machine
- Janome: Easy-to-Use Sewing Machine w/Metal Frame
- Singer M3220 (sold at Walmart - or a similar model from another retailer.)
Note: Look for features like Easy-to-thread, Reverse/Backstitch, 8+ stitch selector (including buttonhole, zig-zag stitch), adjustable stitch width and length selection.
