This all-summer tank is super versatile and comes in two versions: a racer-back and a muscle tank. Amber and Jaime, the Fancy Tiger ladies, show you how to make both views using either a serger or sewing machine. The slightly flared silhouette and design details make this the perfect tank to wear on all your summer adventures. PDF patterns are provided for both versions in six sizes (from 32” – 46” bust).

Formerly known as the "Sailor Top" and now called "Cordyline", this beloved wardrobe classic has been revamped and updated for more inclusive sizing, fitting bust-sizes between 32" - 56". Designers Jaime and Amber from Fancy Tiger Crafts take you step-by-step through this iconic top, which works up beautifully in light to medium-weight woven fabrics. Cordyline is fabulously wearable and is a great skill-builder for the advanced-beginner sewist. In this class, learn how to make a gathered yoke, insert raglan sleeves, and hem raw edges, along with other useful techniques. Be sure to download the included pattern and you’ll be whipping up this sassy staple in no time

This workshop starts with the very basics of embroidery – setting up a hoop and threading needles – and dives into a visual encyclopedia of the most common stitches. Rebecca Ringquist teaches straight stitches before moving onto decorative and knotted stitches, including the elusive French knot. Along the way, she offers tips for smooth embroidery and examples from her stitched artwork as inspiration.

Learn how to sew A Verb for Keeping Warm’s most popular pattern: the Endless Summer Tunic. This flattering tunic will be a staple in your summer wardrobe and works just as well with layers in cooler seasons. The patternmaker, Tasa Gleason, walks you through the process of selecting fabric, determining your size, and working with pattern pieces to construct your garment. Learn professional finishing techniques and helpful tips along the way. Once you’ve made your first tunic, you’ll be scheming ways to make one for every month of the year. 

Blogger and sewist Rae Hoekstra (a.k.a. Made By Rae) introduces you to sewing for babies and toddlers in this three-part foundation course. Rae will teach you how to set up your sewing space, read and work with patterns, and sew a pair of little pants and a sweet little dress (patterns for sizes 0 and 3 are included with the class). You will also learn how to trace favorite t-shirts and leggings, creating brand new garments based on your old ones. Creating children’s clothing is a great way to learn the basics of garment construction, and this primer is the perfect place to start.

Learn how to make over thrift store finds with upcycling expert, Marisa Lynch. In this class, she teaches several ways to transform oversized muumuus into cute, summery dresses. What muumuus lack in style, they more than make up for in colorful prints and ample yardage, so they are perfect candidates for transformation. Marisa shares tips on how to rip out seams, hem raw edges, adjust length, shorten sleeves, and make a cute sash to cinch your waist. Once you learn these basics tricks, you’ll start to see muumuus in a whole new light.

Want to make a custom-fit wardrobe? Instead of using traditional patterns, the Improv Sewing team sews a wardrobe from a single set of pattern pieces made by tracing a well-fitting t-shirt. Sacrifice that favorite tee (the one with a little stain on it) for a closet full of favorite tops, tunics and dresses!


 

This swingy sundress is built off of a tank top so there’s no guesswork in sizing or pattern pieces to keep track of. The double layer of cotton and wool jersey adds contrasting textures, and the embroidery detail evokes old-fashioned smocking. Working with jersey means no need to hem, so your little girl will be romping around in this sundress in no time.

Sewing this darling dress gives you a chance to learn tips and techniques from Liesl, including French seams, bias binding and sewing a narrow hem. The dress works up quickly and is offered in a wide range of sizes, including small enough for a matching doll version. Download the pattern here

Learning to sew clothes can be intimidating, especially if you’re working with a multi-size pattern. Joy Macdonell of Simplicity Patterns breaks it down for you in this comprehensive course. Learn everything from how to set up your sewing machine and read a pattern to how to create darts, facings and hems—basically, all of the must-know sewing techniques that you'll use over and over again to create your own clothing. This class is the perfect introduction to garment sewing for newbies, and a great way to brush up on your skills if it’s been awhile since you last sewed.
 

Even more advanced sewists struggle with trickier techniques like inserting gathered sleeves, applying neckline facings, and finishing shaped hemlines. In this class, Deborah Kreiling of Simplicity shares a variety of professional garment sewing techniques that will help you sew your own wardrobe. Whether you’re constructing a v-neck knit-jersey top or a tailored woven blouse, Deb’s awesome tips and tricks will help you tackle any sewing pattern without feeling intimidated.
 

Got a long, tall kid or a more petite one you sew for? If the little ones in your life don’t measure exactly to pre-determined specifications on a pattern, it can be hard to figure out how to add or remove length while maintaining a garment’s proportions. Liesl will explain how to lengthen or shorten patterns for different types of garments.

This caftan is an easy-breezy wardrobe staple, made from a single rectangle of fabric with a drawstring to add a lovely shape. Liesl shows you how to sew this as a top, or longer if you’d prefer a tunic or dress. Included in her instruction is how to use interfacing on the neck facing, and hand printing the caftan for a totally customizable, elegant garment.

For this course, we'll be working with the shift dress and sleeve pattern from Cal's original Pattern Drafting work-along. Cal shows how to remove ease from your personalized master pattern so that it will work perfectly with stretchy knitted fabric. All of the basics of working with knits are covered here: you'll learn lots of different ways to sew with knit fabrics on a home sewing machine as well as loads of techniques for finishing raw edges. Cal demonstrates how to make an empire-waist dress, which can be made with short sleeves or long sleeves. As always, Cal's information-packed approach to teaching will help you understand how simple it really is to design a year-round wardrobe using all of your favorite fabrics.

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.

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.

 

Stay cozy and chic this winter with your own leggings. Cal offers tips for sewing with stretch fabrics – including different options for seams, and two different kinds of waistbands. Leggings are a warm and versatile staple, and now you can whip up different pairs to match any mood or outfit.

Sewer and quilter Ashley Nickels shows you how to create a stylish, functional carrier bag for your yoga mat. Learn how to cut out the pattern pieces, add handles, and attach D-ring hardware to hold the mat in place. Best of all, this yoga mat bag features a zippered pocket - an essential for stashing your keys and phone while you're on the mat.

This adorable baby wardrobe staple can be made for boys or girls in prints or solids. The elastic waist means no fussy closures, and the faux pocket detail adds a sweet handmade touch. After you make your first pair and see how quickly these come together, you’ll be raiding your stash so all the adorable babies you know and love can rock a pair of these pants.

 

These vintage-inspired tap pants will become a sleeping or lounging staple. Expert seamstress Gretchen shows you how to draft a pattern based on your own measurement for a customized fit. She shares her tips and tricks for how to sew with slinky fabric and how to add two different kinds of lace to the waist and hem. You'll finish off this boudoir essential with a darling little bow - then get ready to get cozy.

Now you’re ready to mix things up. Cal teaches you how to draft an A-line skirt, and she shares tailoring techniques to fill your sewing arsenal – including adding gathers, zippers, pockets, and waistbands.

What you will learn:
– How to draft and sew an A-line skirt
– Ideas for customizing
– How to slash and spread a pattern
– How to add a cutaway pocket and a patch pocket
– How to add a waistband
– How to make a gathered interior yoke seam
– How to add elastic

Create your own linen and leather bag with the expert guidance of Elke Bergeron. Elke shows you how to sew a classic bucket bag, plus she shows you how to make a beautiful leather shoulder strap and a coordinating leather tassel. This class provides a foundation in basic sewing and leather-working skills, and results in a gorgeous handbag, perfect for year-round use.