In this article, you will find a comprehensive list of in-person and online classes for learning sewing. Enjoy and happy sewing and crafting!
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Table of Contents
- What Are the Best Online Classes for Learning Sewing in 2022?
- What Are the Best Books for Learning Sewing in 2022?
- What Are the Best Local Classes for Learning Sewing in 2022?
For a more complete list of creative hobbies, and an idea of where our new direction might take us, please see our (somewhat) complete list of Creative Hobbies, Arts and Crafts for Adults: A Complete Guide.
Why an Article on the Best Sewing Classes?
Quite surprisingly, in my fairly extensive research and digging around I have realized that there is very little available on the web right now about finding craft classes and instruction, workshops or open studio space for the various kinds of crafting.
In fact, if you want to find the best in person or virtual classes for, in this case, learning how to sew, it might be quite a bit more difficult than you imagine.
So I thought it would be super helpful to both us newbies and all those sewing enthusiasts out there to put together a list of the best available sewing classes – including group and private lessons – for 16 cities and metro areas around the United States, and to include some of the best online classes and books as well. But first…
What Is Sewing?
Recommended:
- Best Heavy Duty Sewing Machine: A Stitch Artist’s Guide
- Best Small Sewing Machine: A Stitch Artist’s Guide
Too basic of a question? Yeah, probably, but still it might be helpful to really define what we’re talking about here, to make sure we’re all on the same (web)page.
Sewing is the art and/or craft of assembling fabric or other materials using needle and thread, either by hand or using a sewing machine. Sewing can also refer to the repair of fabrics or materials in a similar fashion, and to various detailing, embroidery or other decorative work.
An ancient art, sewing is a skill many of us take for granted, especially if we’ve learned from our mothers or grandmothers – or, of course, from our fathers or grandfathers.
But for many of us who may not have had this blessing, the process of even basic hand sewing, like setting hems or repairing our clothing, can be quite intimidating, and when you throw in patterns, full garments, a complex sewing machine, fancy stitches and invisible zippers – to name but a very few of the more advanced parts of sewing – it can get quite overwhelming.
But even without getting into piping, bias tape, curves, French seams, rotary cutters or professional looking button plackets, facings and waistbands, fashion design and manufacture, and just concentrating on the most basic aspects of sewing, like:
- Threading a needle
- Starting a stitch
- Basic Supplies and Accessories
- Selecting fabric
- Smooth and straight sewing
- Knotting and cutting
- Specific sewing projects
- And even basic sewing machine operation
…it is so much better to learn the right way, and to have a good, stable and skilled foundation on which everything else can be built – a good instructor and a good class.
Whether you are a beginner, are looking for the next sewing project,, or want to explore the most advanced techniques and professional, next-level effects and finishes, a great sewing class – with a good, experienced and supportive teacher and well-designed and valuable content – can make all the difference!
What is the Best Way to Learn Sewing?
I wanted to make sure that you could quickly and easily find the right instruction and right teacher for learning how to sew, whether you want an online class, a local class or private teacher, just to gain some valuable sewing experience, or even the best books on learning sewing, so I put together this guide to answer some basic questions:
What is the best way to learn how to sew?
What is the best way to learn how to use a sewing machine?
How can I learn how to make my own clothing?
Are there sewing classes near me?
What are the best sewing lessons in my area?
What are the best private sewing lessons in my area?
What are the best virtual classes for learning sewing?
What are the best beginner books for learning sewing?
What are the best advanced books for learning sewing?
For local classes, I will concentrate on 16 cities and their metropolitan areas, with two subsections for each city, and so you will find below the best sewing lesson and the best private sewing lessons for the following cities:
Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Minneapolis / Saint Paul, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Francisco, Seattle
Following the listings of best local sewing classes I will mention a few of the very best online sewing courses you can take, and then recommend a few of my favorite books for teaching yourself how to sew.
What Are the Best Online Classes for Learning Sewing in 2022?
Not everybody is able to go to physical classes, because of location, schedule, social distancing / enforced isolation, or other reasons. Luckily there are a lot of other good options, and online learning is one of the best – especially if you can find a good teacher, good course content and well produced classes. And with sewing in particular, online classes can be a particularly good fit – just like all the clothing you will be making!
So when people ask me specifically:
What is the best online class for Learning Sewing?
What is the best online school for arts and crafts?
How can I learn sewing online?
Are there any really good online learning platforms?
…based on my experience and feedback from lots of other makers in the community I have the following recommendations:
Skillshare
Get Skillshare FREE for 1 month (Click "redeem" on top)
Find what fascinates you as you explore these sewing classes.
You may already be familiar with Skillshare, since they are becoming one of the most popular, best known and most highly rated learning platforms online – and quite well known for arts and craft classes.
You may not know, though, that Skillshare has some of the best classes for sewing – absolutely loads of them, in fact! – including both the basics and more advanced tips and techniques.
Domestika
Not as big or as well known as the giants, like Skillshare or Udemy, Domestica still has a comparable level of excellence overall, with really fantastic teachers who are very clear and easy to understand and maintain a perfect flow and pace.
The courses are beautifully produced and often quite beautiful visually as well, and there is a great feeling of creative community and common experience.
Udemy
Another giant of online learning, Udemy also has tons and tons of sewing classes, pretty much all of them very good quality – well produced and well presented, and taught by people who really know their stuff.
Ronkita
A very special online platform devoted entirely to teaching students how to sew, Yeah, these days there are lots of individuals teaching all kinds of arts, crafts and creative hobbies of all sorts online, but few have the kind of experience, patience, wonderful energy or clarity Vanessa at Ronkita offers to all of her students all the time.
Very highly recommended, and you can find more information here – Ronkita Online Sewing Classes
YouTube
It must be said that YouTube has some pretty amazing free content, and the sewing tutorials and classes are, or at least can be, pretty awesome. Another great thing about YouTube is the search engine, which when you’re searching for something as basic and popular as, say, “learning sewing” comes up with brilliant results right at the top of the page.
But if that all isn’t easy enough for you, just click on this link and you’ll see what I mean!
If you’d like even more specific recommendations, please check out a couple of my favorite YouTube sewing channels:
Made to Sew YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/user/madetosew
Anita by Design YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc3bcyZ9Q4HGODXAbL3fGMQ
The Last Stitch YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/ThelaststitchTV
What Are the Best Books for Learning Sewing in 2022?
- Sewing Basics: Simple Techniques and Projects for First-Time Sewers
Sew Me! Beginner-Friendly Easy-to-Follow Directions to Learn as You Sew, from Sewing Seams to Installing Zippers
Can I learn sewing on my own?
Where can I find nice sewing projects and insopirations?
And we’ll close out this comprehensive online guide to the best resources for learning sewing with a short list of some of my favorite books on the subject.
I had originally planned to list beginners and advanced books on sewing separately, but as I reviewed my own personal picks I realized that I greatly prefer books that offer both – ones that start at a basic, total beginner level, assuming no experience or knowledge, but also include advanced techniques, and often a lot of other resources, ideas and inspirations for people of all levels.
So while the first few books are really geared more at newbies, you will find that, even if you have no prior experience, any of these books will be a great choice and a wonderful resource.
What Are the Best Local Classes for Learning Sewing in 2022?
Anybody can use one of the countless online specialty search services for finding local classes and private sessions to join – like groupon or yelp – and in fact they do usually offer good, fairly complete and up to date listings of class offerings in the area – and you might even find a private lesson or teacher, or open sewing time. So you might want to check out some of the leading ones, like:
Usually these search services are really easy to use, by simply typing in what you’re looking for – “pottery classes” or “open studio” – and the area, city or state – “Monowi, Nebraska” or “New York, New York”- and then it’s just enter, wait and wade through the somewhat random listings.
Or, better yet, you can instead simply scroll down and find your area in the list below and try one of these recommendations. You can contact them to get any questions answered, find out when you can begin classes, or for information about special workshops, open sewing times, even in some cases private classes, parties or in home events – and more.
The Best Local Group Classes / Workshops for Learning Sewing in Atlanta
Fabricate Studios
1537-B Howell Mill Rd
Atlanta, GA 30318
404-981-4665
Sewing Classes – Fabricate Studios
Sewingmachine.Com
228 Ottley Dr
Atlanta, GA 30324
(800) 426-2246
(404) 261-4240
Sewing Classes Georgia [Atlanta, West Point] Learn How to Sew – SewingMachine.com
Spool School
3112 Main Street, Suite 50, Duluth GA 30096
770-315-4991
The Beehive
1250 Caroline Street, C120
Atlanta, GA 30307
404-581-9261
The Best Private Classes / Teachers for Learning Sewing in Atlanta
Atlanta Sewing Academy
2731 Woodland Terrace, SE, Apt 324
Smyrna, GA 30080
(404) 374-7833
The Best Local Group Classes / Workshops for Learning Sewing in Austin
Austin Sewing Machines and Quilting
1601 S IH-35, Suite 300
Round Rock, Texas 78664
(512) 310-7349
Quilting & Sewing Classes, Events in Austin, TX
Sew Much More
3010 W. Anderson Lane @ Shoal Creek
Austin, Texas 78757
(512) 452-3166
All Classes – Sew Much More – Austin, Texas
Sew True Studio
400 W Whitestone Blvd. Suite C
Cedar Park, TX 78613
(512) 423-3472
The Best Private Classes / Teachers for Learning Sewing in Austin
Austin School of Fashion Design
1015 W University Ave. Suite 507
Georgetown, TX 78628
920-345-6652
ilonka.sp@austinschooloffashiondesign.com
LEARN HOW TO SEW I – PRIVATE CLASSES IN PERSON
The Best Local Group Classes / Workshops for Learning Sewing in Boston
Newton Sewing Studio
161 North St
Newtonville, MA 02460
617-213-0344
The Creative Sewing Studio
420 South Washington St.
North Attleboro, MA 02760
508-446-4406
creativesewingstudio@gmail.com
Zoya Designs
1267 Broadway Street
Somerville, MA 02144
(617) 475-0470
SEWING SCHOOL — Zoya Designs, INC 1267 Broadway Somerville MA 617-475-0470
The Best Private Classes / Teachers for Learning Sewing in Boston
Laura’s Sewing School
785 Massachusetts Ave
Arlington, MA 02476
781-646-2463
Laura’s Sewing School Private Sewing Lessons
The Best Local Group Classes / Workshops for Learning Sewing in Chicago
Ciao Bella Sewing
874 Greenbay Road, Suite 100
Winnetka, IL 60093
847-456-5720
Classes & Events | Ciao Bella Sewing | Chicago’s North Shore
Lillstreet Arts Center
4401 N. Ravenswood Ave.
Chicago, IL 60640
Sewing Classes 2022 | Lillstreet Art Center
Making It SewFun
9107 S. Western Avenue
Chicago, IL 60643
773.505.4936
Making It SewFun | Sewing School | Chicago | Sign Up
Sew Crafty Studio
3845 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60613
773-698-8071
Classes for Adults — Sew Crafty Studio
The Best Private Classes / Teachers for Learning Sewing in Chicago
Making It SewFun
9107 S. Western Avenue
Chicago, IL 60643
773.505.4936
Making It SewFun | Sewing School | Chicago | Sign Up
The Best Local Group Classes / Workshops for Learning Sewing in Cincinnati
Silk Road Textiles
6106 Hamilton Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45224
513-541-3700
Sew Easy Sewing Studio
11427 Lebanon Rd
Cincinnati, Ohio 45241
Sew-Ezy Registration Policy & Information for All Classes
Studio Tessuti
4426 Brazee Street
Cincinnati, OH 45209
(330) 310-1457
The Best Private Classes / Teachers for Learning Sewing in Cincinnati
Studio Tessuti
4426 Brazee Street
Cincinnati, OH 45209
(330) 310-1457
The Best Local Group Classes / Workshops for Learning Sewing in Dallas
C. Adele Creations
1409 Botham Jean Blvd
Dallas, TX 75215
214-649-3217
Carol’s Sewing Classes
126 Suburban Dr.
Ovilla TX 75154
972-217-3204
Petit Atelier
1722 Routh St – 9th Floor Ste 43
Dallas, TX 75201
(214)557-1471
The Best Private Classes / Teachers for Learning Sewing in Dallas
Urban Spools Sewing Lounge
1152 N Buckner Blvd #121
Dallas, TX 75218
(214) 324-5755
Sewing Classes | Quilt Shop Dallas
The Best Local Group Classes / Workshops for Learning Sewing in Denver
Fancy Tiger Crafts
59 Broadway
Denver, CO 80203
303-733-3855
Classes + Events – Fancy Tiger Crafts Co-op
HISS (Happiness is Simple Sewing) Studios
9250 W. 5th Ave
Lakewood, CO 80226
Beginning Sewing Classes | HISS Studio
Sew-ciety
1025 South Perry St. Unit 101-B
Castle Rock, Colorado 80104
720-733-8102
Sewing and Quilting Classes in Castle Rock, Colorado
Sew it All
8191 SouthPark Lane #111
Littleton, Colorado 80120
The Best Private Classes / Teachers for Learning Sewing in Denver
Sew it All
8191 SouthPark Lane #111
Littleton, Colorado 80120
The Best Local Group Classes / Workshops for Learning Sewing in Detroit
All Sewn Up! Sewing School
3 Medford Circle
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
734-971-5610
Ann Arbor Sewing Center
5235 Jackson Rd.
Ann Arbor, MI 48103
(734) 761-3094
Ann Arbor Sewing Center 2022 Classes
Sandy’s Make it Sew
28790 Plymouth Rd.
Livonia, MI 48150
734-266-2491
Sew in Detroit
3815 W Fort
Detroit, MI 48216
248-252-7827
The Best Private Classes / Teachers for Learning Sewing in Detroit
All Sewn Up! Sewing School
3 Medford Circle
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
734-971-5610
The Best Local Group Classes / Workshops for Learning Sewing in Kansas City
Harper’s Fabric & Quilt Co.
7918 Santa Fe Dr.
Overland Park, KS 66204
913-648-2739
The Sewing Labs
526 Campbell
Kansas City, MO 64106
816.888.3051
The Sewing Labs : Training Classes
Zoelees Fabrics & Sewing School
1329 NE Deer Valley Drive
Lees Summit, MO 64086
816-524-7217
The Best Private Classes / Teachers for Learning Sewing in Kansas City
Hadley Studio & School
2711 Troost Avenue
In the Treehouse
Kansas City, MO, 64109
SEWING CLASSES + WORKSHOPS — HADLEY
The Best Local Group Classes / Workshops for Learning Sewing in Los Angeles
Moving Thread
1039 Harrison Ave
Venice, CA 90291
310-699-1108
Products – Moving Thread – Sewing Classes Los Angeles
Sew FYI
201 S. Santa Fe
Suite #102
Los Angeles, CA 90012
213-537-0520
StitchSpace LA
13753 Ventura Blvd
Sherman Oaks, California 91423
818-849-6447
Tanner’s Sewing and Vacuum Center
6230 West 87th Street
Westchester, CA. 90245
310-670-2429
Adult Sewing | West Los Angeles | Tanner’s Sewing and Vacuum Center
The Best Private Classes / Teachers for Learning Sewing in Los Angeles
Moving Thread
1039 Harrison Ave
Venice, CA 90291
310-699-1108
Private Sewing Workshop – Moving Thread
The Best Local Group Classes / Workshops for Learning Sewing in Minneapolis / Saint Paul
Lakes Makerie
5257 Chicago Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55417
612-385-7345
Sewing Lounge
987 Selby Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55104
651-645-7645
Sewing Classes | Sewing Workshops | St Paul, MN
Textile Center
3000 University Ave SE
Minneapolis, MN 55414
612-436-0464
Adult Classes – Textile Center
Treadle Yard Goods
1338 Grand Ave
St. Paul, MN 55105
651-698-9690
Classes | Treadle Yard Goods | Apparel
The Best Private Classes / Teachers for Learning Sewing in Minneapolis / Saint Paul
Lakes Makerie
5257 Chicago Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55417
612-385-7345
The Best Local Group Classes / Workshops for Learning Sewing in New York
Karen’s School of Fashion
347 West 36th Street, Suite 1402
New York, NY 10018
917-696-2814
Karen’s School of Fashion Sewing Classes in NYC
SewHo
415 West Broadway 6fl S
New York, NY 10012
(917) 715-8835
The New York Sewing Center
246 W 38th Street, 9th Floor #9A
917-856-3021
New York, NY 10018
thenewyorksewingcenter@gmail.com
Classes / The New York Sewing Center
The Best Private Classes / Teachers for Learning Sewing in New York
Sew New York
Livingston St
Brooklyn Heights, NY
Classes – Semi-Private Sewing Classes at Sew New York
The New York Sewing Center
246 W 38th Street, 9th Floor #9A
917-856-3021
New York, NY 10018
thenewyorksewingcenter@gmail.com
Classes / The New York Sewing Center
The Best Local Group Classes / Workshops for Learning Sewing in Philadelphia
Butcher’s Sew Shop
800 S 8th St
Philadelphia, PA 19147
All Classes – Butcher’s Sew Shop
Cut & Sew Studio
1747 Chislett Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
(412) 865-6565
2022 Classes – Cut and Sew Studio
Made Institute
448 N 10th Street Studio 501
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(855) 623-3745
Sewing Classes | Made Institute
Pamoja Co Sewing Service
5516-B Rising Sun Avenue
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19120
(267) 279-9601
The Best Private Classes / Teachers for Learning Sewing in Philadelphia
Pamoja Co Sewing Service
5516-B Rising Sun Avenue
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19120
(267) 279-9601
Private Sewing Lessons for 2022
The Best Local Group Classes / Workshops for Learning Sewing in Phoenix
Make Sewing Studio
894 E Warner Rd. #104
Gilbert, AZ 85296
602-577-5702
Sewing Classes – makesewingstudio.com
Sewing Nuts
4250 N Scottsdale Rd
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
480-659-1222
Sewing Classes Phoenix Scottsdale
That Sewing Place
20015 E Riggs Rd.
Queen Creek, AZ 85142
(480) 597-5281
That Sewing Place AZ Sewing Lessons
The Sewin Asylum
10050 W. Bell Road #1
Sun City, AZ 85351
623-398-6235
Learning to Sew…adults or children – SewinAsylum.com
The Best Private Classes / Teachers for Learning Sewing in Phoenix
Sewing Nuts
4250 N Scottsdale Rd
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
480-659-1222
Sewing Classes Phoenix Scottsdale
The Best Local Group Classes / Workshops for Learning Sewing in San Francisco
Hello Stitch Studio
1708 University Ave
Berkeley, CA 94703
510-982-6549
Sewing Classes & Meet-ups | Hello Stitch Studio | Berkeley, CA
Marina’s Sewing School
116 La Mesa Dr.
Burlingame, CA 94010
650-685-9744
Marina’s Sewing School 2022 Classes
Sew at Walkershaw Clothing
29 West Portal Avenue
San Francisco CA 94127
415-920-1956
The Sewing Room
2434 Webb Avenue
Alameda, CA 94501
510-332-9807
Jennifer@TheSewingRoomAlameda.com
The Best Private Classes / Teachers for Learning Sewing in San Francisco
Jane Foster Sewing and Design
East Bay Area
Walnut Creek, CA
925-323-9932
Jane Foster Sewing and Design Classes in Walnut Creek, CA
The Best Local Group Classes / Workshops for Learning Sewing in Seattle
Made Sewing Academy
124 N 103rd St., Suite A
Seattle, WA 98133
206-552-9632
Made Sewing Academy Sewing Classes in Seattle
Seattle Fashion Academy
3120 NE 123rd Street
Westmore Building
Seattle, WA 98125
206-367-1837
Sewing — Seattle Fashion Academy
Seattle Makers
3300 Wallingford Ave N
Seattle WA 98103
833-2-MAKE-IT
Courses & Events Catalog – Seattle Makers
Stitches
711 E Pike St.
Seattle, WA 98122
206-709-0707
The Best Private Classes / Teachers for Learning Sewing in Seattle?
Seattle Creative Studio
12924 E Marginal Way South
Seattle, WA 98168
206-286-8108
Private Sewing Lesson – Seattle Creative Studio
Thanks so much for reading my article! I hope that this guide to the best resources for learning how to sew has been helpful, and that you have found what you are looking for – whether it be a great sewing class in your area, a great online learning platform for learning how to sew or the best sewing books.
And please let me know if you have your own favorite local class – in one of our featured cities or anywhere else – or if there are any online resources or books that you like, so we can expand this article and make it even better and more useful!
You might also be interested in our other articles in this series, which follow the exact same format in listing the best local crafting classes, the best online crafting courses and the best books for several other types of creative hobbies. You can access any of them simply by clicking the links below, or by visiting our website – Art Side of Life. Thanks again, and good crafting!
- Learn Blacksmithing – A Guide to Blacksmithing Classes Near You and Online
- Learn Glass Blowing – A Guide to Glass Blowing Classes Near You and Online
- Learn Pottery and Ceramics – A Guide to Pottery and Ceramics Classes Near You and Online
- Learn Sewing – A Guide to Sewing Classes Near You and Online
- Learn Stained Glass – A Guide to Stained Glass Classes Near You and Online
- Learn Welding – A Guide to Welding Classes Near You and Online
- Learn Woodworking – A Guide to Woodworking Classes Near You and Online
- Learn Quilting – A Guide to Quilting Classes Near You and Online
- Learn Candle Making – A Guide to Candle Making Classes Near You and Online
- Learn Crocheting – A Guide to Crocheting Classes Near You and Online
- Learn Floral Design – A Guide to Floral Design Classes Near You and Online
