Garment Construction classes
Start your garment sewing journey right here! Sincere Studio's garment sewing program is designed around inclusivity, creativity, and empowerment through sewing, altering, and mending clothing. Whether it's creating a comfy boxy top or sewing your first pair of pants, you'll be supported each step of the way in a warm and friendly environment.
All classes are gender-neutral and plus-size friendly, with patterns that accommodate up to at least a 50" bust and 64" hip. If your measurements are larger than what the pattern accommodates, send us a message and we'll source an alternate pattern for you!
Garment sewing classes require taking at least Intro to Sewing (or having the equivalent skill set). Specific pre-requisite information can be found in class descriptions.
Garment Sewing Foundations
Level 1 | $60 | 2hrs | Ages 16+
Recommended but not required: Intro to Sewing (or equivalent)
-----There is no sewing or project made in this class-----
Are you garment sewing curious, but uncertain where to start? This lecture based class is perfect for anyone who wants to start sewing their own clothes, but feels overwhelmed by all the options, terminology, and new information. We’ll give you a crash course on everything you need to know so you have solid footing to start your garment making journey.
Topics covered:
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The differences between paper and PDF patterns
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Indie Patterns vs Big Four Patterns
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What to look for when deciding on a pattern
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Whether to trace or to cut pattern pieces
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Pattern markings & their meanings
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Choosing fabrics for your pattern
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Best practices for fabric prep
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Cutting layouts and how to efficiently use fabric to reduce waste
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How to measure your body and choose a size
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Size inclusive & gender inclusive indie pattern designers
Optional Materials:
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Pen + notebook for note-taking
Sincere Studio will provide:
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Handout booklet containing information covered in class
Intro to Garment
Sewing I - Boxers
Level 2 | $125 | 3hrs | Ages 16+
Required experience: Intro to Sewing (or equivalent skill level)
Dip your toe into garment sewing with these simple boxers! This class is perfect project after you've taken Intro to Sewing. For the beginner, who wants to dabble in making their own clothes. We'll be using the Bow Boxers pattern from Matchy Matchy Sewing Club, a gender-neutral and plus size friendly that can be made with or without the bow accents!
Topics covered:
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Laying out, reading, and interpreting a pattern
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Measuring your body and using a pattern size chart
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Simple garment construction techniques including straight and curved seams
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Finishing seams with a zigzag stitch
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Hemming
Required Materials (purchase and bring to class):
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Bow Boxers Pattern from Matchy Matchy Sewing Club (purchase digital PDF pattern, print instructions file or bring a laptop/tablet to read them off of; Sincere Studio will print the pattern for you)
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Pre-washed fabric (wash before class)
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(our fave fabric stores)
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Recommended fabrics
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light to midweight linen or linen blends
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cotton voile, lawn, or shirting
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quilting cotton or muslin if you want make a test/practice garment first
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Amounts - If your hips measure...
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34"-51" you'll need 1.5 yards
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52"-64" you'll need 2.75 yards
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Sincere Studio has a limited amount of practice fabric that is free of charge for anyone who wants to use it.
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Sincere Studio will provide:
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Elastic
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Polyester thread
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all tools and machines
Intro to Garment Sewing II - Boxy Top
Level 2 | $140 | 4hrs | Ages 16+
Required: Intro to Sewing and Intro to Sewing II OR Intro to Sewing plus 1-3 small/medium projects OR equivalent skill level
In this class we will work step by step through the process of sewing a simple boxy top. Students will gain important sewing skills and confidence and will leave class with a brand new wardrobe staple to show off to their friends. Gender neutral and plus size friendly pattern!
Topics covered:
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Laying out, reading, and interpreting a pattern
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Measuring your body and using a pattern size chart
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Sewing from a pattern, including straight and curved seams
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Finishing seams with a zigzag stitch
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Working with and attaching bias binding
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Sewing on a patch pocket
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Hemming a garment
Required Materials (purchase and bring to class):
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Lazy Top Pattern by Tropical Research
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purchase digital PDF pattern, print instructions file or bring a laptop/tablet to read them off of; Sincere Studio will print the pattern for you
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If you fall outside the size range of this pattern, please let us know so we can provide an alternattive pattern
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Pre-washed fabric (wash before class)
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(our fave fabric stores)
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Amount 1.5-2yards (approximate amounts for your size will be listed in the instructions file of the pattern)
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Recommended fabrics
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light-weight cotton, light to medium weight linen (3 - 5 oz) or linen/cotton blend woven fabric (no jersey, knit, or stretchy fabrics)
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OR quilting cotton or muslin if you want make a test/practice garment first
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Sincere Studio has a limited amount of practice fabric that is free of charge for anyone who wants to use it.
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1.5 yard ½ inch double fold bias tape
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Spool of matching thread (students are welcome to use Sincere Studio's thread, however colors available may not match your fabric perfectly. Some stitching on these patterns will be visible from the outside)
Sincere Studio will provide:
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Polyester thread
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all tools and machines
Garment Sewing: Elastic Waist Pants
Level 3 | $245 | two 4hr session | Ages 16+
Required: Intro to Sewing and Intro to garment sewing OR Intro to Sewing and 2-3 small/medium projects, including at least one project using a sewing patterns OR equivalent skill level
Comfy elastic waist pants are the perfect entry point into pants-making! In this class students will choose from two patterns: The Free Range Slacks, which are a simple relaxed fit design, drafted for a cis woman's body, with a wide leg or tapered leg view and interesting construction details, or The Rambler Pants, which are designed for a cis man's body, have a faux fly and a slightly tapered leg. Elastic waist pants are like secret pajamas, comfy enough for lounging, but super stylish and cute on all types of bodies.
Topics covered:
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Techniques for using complex sewing patterns
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Beginner pants construction techniques such as pockets and creating elastic channels
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Topstitching techniques
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Working with fusible interfacing
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Finishing seams with a serger
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Hemming pants
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Inserting elastic into a channel.
Required Materials (purchase and bring to class):
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Your choice of pants pattern:
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Sew House Seven Free Range Slacks Pattern (23”- 65” hip)
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If you fall outside the size range of either of these pants patterns, please reach out and we can help source an alternate pattern.
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purchase digital PDF pattern and print instructions file or bring a laptop/tablet to read them off of; Sincere Studio will print the pattern for you
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- Pre-washed Fabric (wash before class)
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Amounts - the instructions file of your pattern will tell you how much fabric you need to buy for the size you plan on making. If you are having trouble figuring out how much to buy, please get in touch!
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choose bottom weight fabrics that are not too heavy (6-10oz): midweight cotton-linen blends, lightweight canvas, midweight cotton twill
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Spool of matching thread (students are welcome to use Sincere Studio's thread, however colors available may not match your fabric perfectly. Some stitching on these patterns will be visible from the outside)
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Sincere Studio has a limited amount of practice fabric that is free of charge for anyone who wants to use it.
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Sincere Studio will provide:
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1½ ” no roll waistband elastic
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Polyester thread
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all tools and machines
Sewing Basics - Hemming
Note: This class does not cover t-shirts/stretchy materials or bias-cut garments
Level 1 | $60 | 2hrs | Ages 16+
Required: Intro to Sewing and Intro to Sewing II OR Intro to Sewing plus 1-3 small/medium projects OR equivalent skill level
We’ve all got that pile, you know the one! All of the curtains, pants, dresses, skirts, and tops that would be absolutely perfect if they were just the tiniest bit shorter. Learn this basic sewing skill and start using all those items that have been languishing unhemmed to their greatest potential. Hems covered will be basic and not suitable for more formal garments like slacks or trousers. If you have questions on whether your garment will be appropriate for this class, please send us a message!
For hemming t-shirts and other stretch material see Sewing with Knits - Hemming a T-shirt
Topics covered:
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Measuring and calculating a basic hem
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Techniques for cutting hems
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Using tools like seam gauges, hot hemmers, and tailors chalk
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How to hem woven garments like tops, skirts, or dresses
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How to hem casual pants and jeans (not slacks or trousers)
Required Materials (bring to class):
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1-2 items you’d like to hem (curtains, pants, casual woven tops, woven dress/skirt, jeans) No stretchy, knit fabrics and no t-shirts please!
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Spool of matching polyester thread (students are welcome to use Sincere Studio's thread, however colors available may not match your fabric perfectly. Some stitching on these patterns will be visible from the outside)
Sincere Studio will provide:
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Polyester thread
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all tools and machines
Sewing with Knits: Hemming a T-shirt
Level 2 | $60 | 2.5hrs | Ages 16+
Required: Intro to Sewing and Intro to Sewing II/Intro to garment sewing OR Intro to Sewing and 2-3 small/medium projects OR equivalent skill level
Finally, a t-shirt that fits! In this class, students will learn how to hem a t-shirt step-by-step. This includes accurate cutting, pressing, and using a twin needle to hem to the exact length wanted. Please bring an old t-shirt you don't mind practicing on. Students will receive a twin needle to take home.
Topics covered:
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Different types of twin needles
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Techniques for hemming stretchy materials to retain stretch
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Setting up twin needles in a sewing machine
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Accurate measuring and cutting to ensure a straight hem
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Pressing techniques
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Pressing tools including hot hemmers, tailors' hams, clappers, starch and more
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Using tools such as seam gauges for accurate hems
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Sewing "in the round" using the machine's free arm
Required Materials (purchase and bring to class):
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1 practice t-shirt
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Spool of matching polyester thread (students are welcome to use Sincere Studio's thread, however colors available may not match your fabric perfectly. Some stitching on these patterns will be visible from the outside)
Sincere Studio will provide:
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Twin needles
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Polyester thread
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all tools and machines