Startup Library: Sewing

Overview

Everything you need to sew with confidence! Join author, designer, and sewing expert Sara Alm in this comprehensive beginner’s class. Sara guides you through essential tools and materials, pattern selection, cutting, marking fabric, and more, while you create both a simple tote bag and a stylish dress.

Course Outline

1. 01: What You Need: Essentials
   Meet Sara Alm as she introduces key tools for sewing, including a sewing machine, fabric shears, and an iron.
   Duration: 12 min
2. 02: What You Need: Patterns
   Learn how to select beginner-friendly sewing patterns, measure for your correct size, and read a paper pattern envelope.
   Duration: 15 min
3. 03: What You Need: Fabrics
   Discover how to buy fabrics like a pro, understanding different types suitable for beginners and how fabric is measured.
   Duration: 11 min
4. 04: What You Need: Interfacing
   Understand the importance of interfacing for stability and learn how to adhere fusible interfacing using a steam iron.
   Duration: 11 min
5. 05: What You Need: Notions
   Choose the right thread and other essential tools, including pins, needles, and a seam ripper.
   Duration: 14 min
6. 06: Practice: Machine Threading & Operating
   Get familiar with your sewing machine by practicing winding a bobbin and selecting the right stitches for practice.
   Duration: 19 min
7. 07: Practice: Stitches & Seams
   Learn to pin, sew, and press accurate seams while mastering the concept of seam allowance and finishing raw edges.
   Duration: 16 min
8. 08: Method: Grain Line & Pattern Layout
   Prepare your fabric and learn to layout pattern pieces for cutting efficiently.
   Duration: 15 min
9. 09: Method: Cutting & Marking
   Cut your pattern pieces smoothly and accurately. Learn techniques to trace dart markings and transfer symbols to fabric.
   Duration: 12 min
10. 10: Make It: Tote Bag Part 1
    Start your first project—a tote bag—by preparing and stitching the pocket to the front and adding darts for shaping.
    Duration: 21 min
11. 11: Make It: Tote Bag Part 2
    Complete your tote bag by sewing the front and back together, turning it inside out, and adding the straps.
    Duration: 24 min
12. 12: Make It: Easy Dress: Working With the Pattern
    Build on your skills by beginning your dress project, reviewing pattern vocabulary, layouts, and customization options.
    Duration: 48 min
13. 13: Make It: Easy Dress: Darts, Shoulder Seams & Neckline Facing
    Sew bust darts and shoulder seams while preparing the neckline facing.
    Duration: 15 min
14. 14: Make It: Easy Dress: Attaching the Neckline Facing
    Create a finished neckline by attaching the prepared facing to your dress.
    Duration: 28 min
15. 15: Make It: Easy Dress: Side Seams, Pockets & Armhole Facings
    Add side-seam pockets, stitch the side seams, and finish armhole facings.
    Duration: 31 min
16. 16: Make It: Easy Dress: Hem & Belt
    Finish your dress with a well-sewn hem and create a matching fabric belt.
    Duration: 17 min
17. 17: What’s Next: Future Projects & Zipper How-To
    Explore ideas for future projects and learn how to insert a center slot zipper to tackle more advanced garments.
    Duration: 19 min