Interested in learning to sew but don’t know where to start? If you don’t have a willing neighbor or grandmother to teach you, taking sewing classes is a great way to learn this useful and fun skill! In this post I will help you determine what sewing classes are offered in your area, no matter where you live.
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There are 5 basic places you can look for sewing classes near you: quilt shops, craft stores, universities and colleges, community workshop events, and local private tutors. There are also 2 DIY sewing class alternatives if you have trouble locating one.
Of course you can also Google “Sewing Classes Near Me” and see if anything pops up, maybe you will get lucky!
Let’s jump into all the details about how to find a great sewing class!
1. Ask Your Local Sewing & Quilting Shops
If you are new to the world of sewing you might be surprised to know that in most metropolitan areas there are many shops entirely dedicated to quilting, sewing, embroidery, etc! These shops are often owned and run by seamstresses and quilters who are very passionate about sewing, and they are likely to know how/where you can learn to sew too.
Call one of your local quilt shops and ask if they have any ideas about who offers sewing classes in your area. Chances are pretty good that they themselves offer such a class!
If they don’t offer a formal class, you might still be able to learn from them. Let me share a personal story with you.
When I was a learning to sew, I went to a local dress shop for a gown fitting. During the fitting, I told the dress-maker that I was interested in learning her skill. She offered to teach me to do gown alterations as an ‘apprentice’.
What an amazing opportunity that came through small talk! The point is, it never hurts to ask. People love to share their knowledge. So don’t forget to ask your local sewing shops!
BONUS: I have also seen sewing classes offered at sewing machine repair shops!
2. Utilize Nearby Craft Stores
Do you live near any popular chain craft stores? If you do, then you probably have several options for sewing classes nearby!
Hobby Lobby, Michaels, Joann, and Mood are just a few fabric and craft stores that offer in-store sewing classes depending on your area. You can do an internet search, call, or look online for sewing class offerings.
For example, in-store classes from Joann are offered through their “Creator’s Studio”. Sign up by typing in your location and searching for any classes or events in session near you.
To find classes with Hobby Lobby, use their store locator to find your nearest store, then click on “Store Details & Classes”
3. Continue Your Formal Education
This option is a simple one but one that sometimes gets forgotten. You can learn to sew by continuing your own education!
You can take a sewing class from your local college or university, as a non-matriculating student who just wants to learn something fun. These classes will likely be more expensive, but they will also be extremely in depth and you will have lots of tools and machines at your disposal!(Plus, you can earn a bit of college credit!)
Colleges and Universities often have multiple different sewing class options, such as beginners sewing courses, costuming specialty courses, and of course fashion design and drafting courses.
Another plus to taking a formal sewing class from a university or college is that you may be able to utilize the sewing books and resources in their library!
Related: Can I Bring My Sewing Machine To College?
4. Look for Self Enrichment Workshops
A common place for sewing classes to be held is through community education classes or events. These self-enrichment classes are often hosted by cities, communities, school districts, or universities and are open to everyone who is interested in learning new skills.
These classes are almost always group classes, and may or may not have a registration fee.
To find a community education class, Google “Community Education Sewing Classes in _____” to see if there are any near you.
For example, the Boise School District offers Community Education Classes in the Fall, Winter, and Spring at one of their schools. Their classes and workshops are taught by volunteer instructors and are available to anyone who is interested in the class.
Another example is the Tri-C community education courses in Ohio. The courses include sewing classes, and are non-credit courses designed for individual development.
5. Find a one-on-one Tutor
The last way to find a sewing class near you is to look online in forums or on social media to locate a sewing tutor.
One way to do this is to join a community or town “group” on Facebook and post in the group that you are searching for a sewing class or tutor. Others in the group who know of, or offer a class can comment and help you out!
When I was offering sewing lessons, I advertised them through Facebook. Make sure to ask your friends and family as well, perhaps one of them knows how to sew and is willing to teach you!
You can also post in online sewing forums to see if anyone is from your area and knows of a class.
What if you can’t find a local sewing class?
If you live in an area where no sewing classes are available, don’t worry, you can still learn! In fact, some of the best sewers are self taught, and that is how I learned as well.
Sewing class alternative 1: Online Sewing Courses
Thanks to the power of the internet we have a wealth of options for digital and virtual courses! Sewing classes are no exception.
Online sewing classes have the benefit of being self paced because you can pause and rewatch videos as many times as you need to. They also have the benefit of being just for you– you don’t have to leave your home or learn in a group of students. You will have to provide your own sewing machine of course however, and you might not have a teacher who is available to check your work or help you troubleshoot.
Sewing Class alternative 2: Teach yourself with DIY resources
If you want to teach yourself to sew and are willing to piece together your own information, you can learn to sew for free by using all sorts of online resources. Blogs like this one, channels on YouTube, and online sewing forums are all great places to ask questions, watch videos, and learn the basics of sewing.
Related: Learn the 25 Basic Parts of your Sewing Machine & Their Functions (+ a Printable Diagram and List)
Another place to look for free sewing resources is your library. Libraries have all kinds of sewing books, from beginner books to advanced tutorials about drafting, fashion design, and more!
In addition, many beginner tutorials and sewing patterns have very detailed instructions that are easy to learn, for those who have already learned at least the very basic skills of sewing.
That wraps up the 5 places you can look for a sewing class near you. Between quilt shops, craft stores, community events, local universities, and social media, odds are good that you will locate a class that will teach you how to sew.
Of course, the best way to learn is through trial and error. So no matter which way you choose to take a sewing class, make sure you get on your sewing machine and just practice!
You ought to take part in a contest for one of the best sites on the internet.
I will recommend this blog!
I was interested in the doll faces download but I couldn’t find your sign up for emails. I decided this must be it. I love your website and found it to have wonderful ideas and education regarding sewing. Good for you and good luck with your endeavors.
Hi Linda! The sign up is in the blog post itself, but I will send you an email to make sure you got it!