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Beginner - The Essential Shirt

Beginner - The Essential Shirt

Regular price $125.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $125.00 USD
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Our essential shirt is a great beginner sewing class, introducing you to the world of garment sewing! In this 4 hour class you will learn to sew and make our Topstitch Essential Shirt pattern. (The pattern features a tunic version as well, but in class, we make the shirt.) You'll learn all the basics of sewing, including learning the parts of the sewing machine and how to use them, learn how to wind a bobbin, thread the machine and troubleshoot common issues. 

Once you've threaded the machine you'll learn how to cut out your pattern, learn the basics of understanding seam allowance, straight stitching and sewing along curves. We'll provide the pattern and specific instructions and guide you along the way to make a the shirt. It is a casual, boxy pullover and in size XS - 6XL. It is very simple in its design and construction but it can be modified and tweaked in infinite ways once you learn to sew it in its original form. 

With no fitting challenges and no fiddly closures, it's a perfect intro project! The pattern and sewing tools included at class.

If you purchase a fabric kit, we will have a selection of fabrics for you to choose from when you arrive!

Skills you will learn: 

  • How to understand a sewing machine
  • How to sew
  • Concepts of reading a sewing pattern
  • The concept of seam allowance
  • How to sew to a particular seam allowance
  • How to pin and cut fabric
  • How to sew in a straight line and how to sew curves
  • You'll make a shirt from start to finish! 

Skills expected: None, just an open mind! 

Materials: We make it easy on you! You can purchase a materials kit for any class. You'll have a choice of fabrics, which you will receive at class. If you prefer to bring your own supplies, see the details below on what you'll need. Scroll down at checkout and choose your kit. 

If you don't purchase a materials kit: You'll need 2 yards of pre-washed fabric such as cotton or linen. 

Materials providedThe Essential shirt sewing pattern, a sewing machine, coordinating thread, fabric shears, pins, marking tools, measuring tape and an iron.

Max number of people for class: 6

What people say about the Essential Shirt! 

So! Much! Fun! Leigh is awesome, the space is lovely. Definitely taking another class. I needed a break from real life and the shirt class for beginners was a perfect escape. And I walked out with a cute shirt that I made! -Amanda B

I took a beginner class at Topstitch (The Essential Shirt) and it was so well done! We started right on time and the instructor was incredibly knowledgeable and I loved how the class was set up and managed. I will be back!!! -Heather R

I’d like to holler from the rooftops “I MADE THIS SHIRT!!!!” I am SO proud of myself! I feel powerful and fierce and excited for where this is headed. -Tara N

I love the essential shirt because has such nice finishing. It’s perfect as-is but also very customizable! I have painted it, cut into the pattern to color-block it, and I’ve added fun ruffle sleeves. I’ve also lengthened it to a dress and added square patch pockets. It’s a great beginner pattern but even sewing experts will be able to use it as a staple wardrobe pattern! -Katie K


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