Classes at NOVA Sewing Studio are kept small (no more than 4 students) to ensure that each student receives an optimal amount of attention.  Classes are geared to all skill levels and are designed to build and develop sewing skills as well as promote creativity.  Students are encouraged to sew at their own pace.

Beginning students are introduced to a wide range of sewing terminology, techniques and practices.  Handouts are presented to reinforce the class lessons and to enable the student to build a small library of sewing information.

Sewing machines and tools are provided (students are also welcome to bring their own).  Fabrics and notions for most of the projects will be provided by the students.

In their first few classes, beginner students learn the basics of operating a sewing machine and make a garment using a simple pattern.  After that, students are free to choose other projects that build on the skills they have already acquired.  Advanced beginners and intermediate sewers are free to choose any projects they would like to undertake.

Overview of First Weeks

In this first session, students make a simple project of their choice.  While doing this sewing project, students will be learning a lot of basic skills that they can build on when doing more advanced sewing projects – and they will end up with something great to wear!   We will go as fast or as slow as the student is comfortable – they set the pace.

 WEEK 1

Students are advised to wait until after this class to choose project, pattern, and fabric.

Topics Discussed
- Measuring: taking body measurements, choosing appropriate pattern size
- Pattern selection: using pattern books, reading pattern envelope
- Determining yardage: requirements per pattern instructions
- Fabric selection: discussion of types, with/without nap, bolts sold in stores, pretreating
- Notions: choosing thread color, interfacing, buttons, zippers, needle size, etc.
- Sewing machine: different parts and their functions
- Basic machine stitches: straight stitch, backstitch, topstitch, zigzag, and basting/gathering/stay-stitch
- Sewing safety

 WEEK 2

Student brings chosen pattern, prewashed fabric and all notions.  Fabric is laid out and pattern pieces are pinned and cut.  Pattern pieces are marked and prepared for construction.

Topics Discussed
- Pattern guide sheet: how to choose pattern pieces needed,deciding on pattern layout
- Understanding pattern markings: pattern adjustments (lengthen/shorten), grainline, folds, notches and dots, darts, pleats, buttonholes, and zippers
- Fabric layout: selvage edges, grainline
- Pattern piece layout
- Pinning pattern to fabric
- Marking fabric: methods of marking, tailor tacks
- Glossary of sewing terms

 WEEK 3

Student begins the sewing and construction of garment.

Topics Discussed
- Hand stitching: various techniques
- Machine stitching: basting stitch, stitch in the ditch, understitching, stay-stitching
- Pressing: general techniques, pressing vs. ironing or steaming
- Bias basics and bindings

 WEEK 4

Student continues sewing and construction of garment as sewing techniques specific to their project are introduced, i.e., inserting zippers, fitting princess seams, etc.

Topics Discussed
- Buttonholes: kinds of button holes, calculating length, choosing placement, marking
- Darts: single-point, double-point, pressing, trimming and clipping, correct fit
- Hemming: marking hemline, preparing hem, different hem finishes, securing hem, hand and machine finishes
- Judging and refining fit

 WEEK 5 and beyond

Student continues sewing and construction of garment until project is completed.  Upon completion student can choose another project that will build on their newly-acquired sewing skills.