Class Levels

Our classes are one of 4 levels:

1 beginner

• no sewing experience expected or required at all
• a sewing machine may as well be an object from outer space
• reading a sewing pattern is like reading Japanese (assuming you don’t know Japanese)
• you’ve never pinned or cut fabric with the intention of sewing it

2 advanced beginner

• you have some sewing experience and have used a sewing machine within the last two years
• you understand the parts of a sewing machine and how to use them
• you know how to thread a sewing machine and wind a bobbin
• you understand how to sew to a particular seam allowance
• you can sew a straight stitch 
• you’ve sewn a few craft projects and possibly some simple garments

3 intermediate

• you know how to do all of the advanced beginner skills listed above
• you’ve sewn some craft projects and possibly some advanced beginner garments
• you know how to sew curves and pivot at corners
• you can read a commercial sewing pattern
• you know how to sew darts
• you know how to set sleeves 
• you know a few hemming techniques
• you can create a buttonhole
• you’ve sewn pockets 
• you know how to sew on a waistband
• you know how to sew on bias binding

4 advanced

• you know how to do all of the intermediate skills listed above
• you know how to insert an invisible zipper
• you know how to use facings and line a garment
• you know how to use interfacings
• you’ve sewn with various types of fabrics 
• you can sew collars and cuffs
• you are capable of small fitting adjustments 
• you are curious about advanced dressmaking, tailoring and fitting techniques