Sewing Classes -Where can I go to learn?

There are more than 19 million home sewers in the U.S. with many more looking to learn the craft.  Are you one of them?  Sewing is currently experiencing a resurgence of interest, but where does one go and how does one start to learn this enjoyable and rewarding craft?

There are many good reasons sewing is back in vogue. Demographics plays a huge role. Back in the 1960’s every Baby Boomer took Home Economics and whether they wanted to or not, learned to sew. Well, at least they learned to thread a sewing machine. Many, like me, kept on sewing making oodles of things for their kids and homes. Now, a new generation of Boomer children wanting to follow in moms footsteps are picking up the craft. The thing is this generation of young adults, commonly referred to as Generation Y, represents one of the largest population cohorts in a century. So, they represent an extraordinarily large number of potential people wanting to learn to sew.

The television reality series, Project Runway and Fashion Star have also played huge roles in influencing teens and young adults to sew.  Something the home sewing industry has gladly embraced.  Many sewing machine brands, commercial patterns and a wide variety of sewing products play on the popularity of both shows and promote sewing as a modern day craft.

The craft and hobby industry, which is a $30 billion business in the U.S., has also had an impact on driving people back to their sewing machines. Unlike most business categories during the recent recession, the craft business experienced an increase in sales. According to the Craft & Hobby Association, close to 60% of all U.S. households engage in some form of crafting with home sewing ranking among the most practiced craft category.

And, then there is the internet. Websites dedicated to sewing have exploded within recent years. Sites like www.Craftsy.com, www.Burdastyle.com and www.ThreadsMagazine.com, along with an ever increasing community of sewing bloggers, have done wonders to modernize the craft and educate people how to sew.

Knowing how to sew is a useful and practical life skill. It’s a great way to save money and an outlet for expressing one’s creativity and individuality. While there are plenty of YouTube videos and websites that can teach people to sew, for the true beginner or someone wanting to get back into the craft, a real live teacher is best. Sewing for the first time requires some hand holding which the internet simply can’t provide.

The wonderful thing about sewing is that once one learns the basics, the right way, they have a foundation of techniques and skills that prepares them for sewing an endless variety of fun and useful projects. So where does one go to learn to sew? In metro Detroit, unfortunately, the options are rather slim. There simply aren’t that many places that teach people how to sew, but here is a rundown of your best options:

Haberman Fabrics.  This premier fabric retailer located in Royal Oak offers the most comprehensive selection of sewing courses in town geared to sewers of all levels, from the beginner to the experienced sewer and anyone in between. Both garment sewing and courses geared to home decor are offered, as well fun classes for kids and teens. Go to www.habermanfabrics.com for details.

Joann.  The fabric and craft retailer also offers sewing classes in all their locations for kids, teens and adults. All are tailored primarily to the beginner sewer and teach limited projects and skills. Go to www.joann.com for class schedules in your area.

Scrappy Chic. The scrapbooking mega-store in Livonia has collaborated with Simply Sewing Studio to offer beginner sewing classes in their store. The one session, 3 hour course covers all the basics one needs to learn to sew. From how to use a sewing machine, to what sewing supplies are best, fabric basics, and lessons on how to read and use a commercial pattern are included. Kids sewing camps are also planned for the summer months. Go to www.ScrappyChicLivonia.com for dates and times.

Sandy’s Make it Sew. The sewing machine retailer offers sewing classes in their Livonia location. Courses include beginner basics as well as garment sewing, quilting and kids summer sessions.  Go to www.sandysmakeitsew.com for dates and times.

Community Education. The combined Plymouth-Canton Community Education program is the only one in the western suburbs to offer any sewing classes. They offer a 4 week course for  beginners that includes all the basics of how to use a sewing machine and follow a commercial pattern.

Private Instructors. They do exist but they are hard to find and are in short number. The advantage to private sessions is they can teach whatever the student desires and students can learn at their own pace. A quick Google search reveals who is teaching private lessons in the area.