UPDATE: Craftsy is now known as Bluprint and they have recently announced that they will be shutting down their website in the coming months. I have included links to them in many of my posts over the years so it will take me some time to update them with alternatives. As a general alternative, I would suggest looking at CreativeBug and Skillshare for crafty classes.
Do you want to learn to sew? It used to be that if you wanted to learn then you would need to find someone in your local community or family to teach you. But these days you can learn just about anything on the Web, including how to sew.
I’ve collected my top ten online classes for beginners today to get you started. These are from two of my favourite websites for classes – Craftsy and CreativeBug. Both have a huge range of classes for not just sewing but for quilting, crochet, painting, cake decorating and loads more. I have found all of them to be great quality teaching and clear videos that you can work through at your own pace. Most include at least one project to complete and there is usually an area where you can ask questions of the teacher and even make friends your other classmates.
Fabric Know-How: Choosing & Using your Favourite Fabrics
Sewing starts with fabric so I’ve included this class first. It will go through different types of fabric and what projects they will be best for. There is nothing worse than starting on a dress only to find that the fabric was more suited to pants!
I’ve found that bags are a great way to start sewing without having to worry about fitting a garment. (In fact, I’m still not very brave with clothes!) These basic bags will give you a way to practice using your machine on small projects so you get a quick win and build your skills.
When you’re ready to start sewing clothes, then this class is a great way to start. I really need to go through this one myself. I have bits and pieces of knowledge that I have picked up over years of watching my Mum sew cloths but I’m sure there are gaps in my skills. This is a great foundation builder class.
Pyjama pants are another easy clothes project that you can’t go wrong with – and you get to enjoy wearing them! Whether you make light cotton pants for Summer or cosy flannel ones for Winter, this class will teach you how.
Many dresses require a fair amount of fitting but this Shift Dress class will give you an easier place to start. Nicole Vasbinder also teaches the Pajama Pants class above so these two kind of go together.
When you’re ready to build your clothes making skills, then the next step is to learn how to draft your own patterns. This class will give you the basics.
If you’re keen to grow your bag making skills then this is the class to go for. Each month there is a new bag to make so you gradually learn as you go.
Then Summer Sew Fest is a whole collection of classes to sew various clothes. I love this idea of being able to choose your projects from a selection and sew the things you need most first.
I had dreams of sewing for my kids when they were small – and I did! Nothing fancy. Just simple things. But young children are very forgiving of sewing mistakes and get so excited by watching you make something just for them. This class will get you started.
Finally, if the idea of sewing clothes is still too hard for you, then perhaps consider sewing items for your home. Being able to change your cushions or curtains each season without spending a fortune in the store is a huge bonus!
There you have it. 10 classes to get you started. I’d love to now what you make first! Tag me on Instagram or Facebook and brag!
