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The best sewing classes in NYC for wannabe fashionistas

Aspiring designers can learn everything from basic stitches to hand-dyeing techniques in these sewing classes in NYC

Annalise Mantz
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Annalise Mantz
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Ready to make your mark on the fashion world? Kickstart your budding career in one of these fashion design and sewing classes in NYC. Once you know your way around a needle and thread, anything is possible. Trendsetters won’t need to spend hours hunting for exactly what they want at the best clothing stores in NYC and alumni of the best crafting classes in NYC will find that learning to sew seems like the logical next step. Who knows? You might even wind up with your own show at New York Fashion Week one day. After all, even Coco Chanel and Marc Jacobs had to start somewhere.

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to classes in NYC

Best sewing classes in NYC

Any Sewing Class at New York Sewing Center
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1. Any Sewing Class at New York Sewing Center

Learning to sew can be a very useful skill to pick up. Not only will you be able to express yourself creatively and create fashion designs that speak to your individual sense of style, but you can also save time and money by making alterations and repairs to your clothes at home. You can even take up upcycling and be more environmentally conscious as you sew your own clothing. New York Sewing Center offers a wide range of classes, ranging from beginner machine sewing class to advanced technique courses focusing on specific skills to more artistic hand sewing classes (learning things like knitting and macrame). If you want to learn to sew for practical or creative reasons, you should consider a class at New York Sewing Center.

2. Sewing 101: Basics at New York Sewing Center

If you are interested in learning to sew, but aren’t sure where to begin, this introductory sewing class is a perfect way to learn. Students will get hands-on experience personalizing garments, reading commercial patterns, choosing fabrics and half a dozen stitch and seam finishes. To get a feel for the basics of sewing, you’ll use a commercial pattern to stitch a pair of drawstring pants or a skirt, including setting the waistband and ensuring the proper fit.  If you want to immerse yourself in the world of sewing, a course like this is a good place to start.

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Machine Sewing at 92nd Street Y
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3. Machine Sewing at 92nd Street Y

Machine Sewing for Beginners at 92nd Street Y is an introductory sewing course that aims at helping students navigate their way around a sewing machine. Most large scale sewing projects will require you to be comfortable using a sewing machine and this course is a great way to learn different kinds of stitches, seams and techniques that one can execute on a sewing machine. You’ll get hands-on experience working with a machine and an instructor will guide you through the step-by-step process of getting your bearings straight as you work on a simple project (like a tote bag).

Sewing Machine Basics Workshop
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4. Sewing Machine Basics Workshop

While there is a certain mystique to sewing by hand, anyone serious about making significant alterations or new pieces will need to learn their way around a sewing machine. In this sewing machine basics workshop, you’ll get hands-on training with a sewing machine, learning 6 stitches and the basic terminology of sewing. Plus, since this is a hands-on course, you’ll learn these skills by getting practical experience as you sew your own tote bag that you can take with you once you are done with the class.

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5. Machine Sewing II at 92nd Street Y

If you are looking to improve your sewing machine proficiency, you can enroll in this advanced machine sewing course at the 92nd Street Y. You’ll focus on sewing with knit fabrics, zippers, and professional seam finishes and you’ll complete a T-shirt project that you can wear as soon as the class ends. This class focuses on practical sewing skills and you’ll leave the course ready to start working on complex projects or learn more advanced machine sewing skills.

Sip & Sew for Beginners
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6. Sip & Sew for Beginners

There is virtually no activity that is not improved by the presence of wine and sewing is no exception. In this introductory sewing course, students will learn the basics of machine sewing while enjoying a glass or two of their favorite varietal of wine. This event is a relaxing way to spend an evening (either alone or with friends) and it can be a fun group celebration or event if you are feeling adventurous. By the end of the course, you will have made your very own denim tote bag, perfect for carrying around the bottle of wine you brought to class.

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Sewing and Dyeing Techniques for Upcycling Textiles
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7. Sewing and Dyeing Techniques for Upcycling Textiles

In recent years, upcycling has become a popular recreational hobby, since it is good for both the environment and your wallet.  In this course, you’ll learn how you can take old clothing and upcycle them into new outfits from the comfort of a home sewing machine. You’ll learn basic sewing skills as you create a small pillow out of repurposed materials and you’ll get tips and advice on how you can make upcycling a regular part of your fashion and home decor experience. This course will introduce you to basic sewing techniques and give you focused lessons on how repurposing old fabric can be a creative expression and an opportunity to save money and the planet.

Alterations workshop
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8. Alterations workshop

One of the main reasons that people learn to sew is so that they can make alterations to their clothes rather than needing to buy all new ensembles everytime styles change or your fit changes. In this alterations workshop, you’ll learn the skills you need to start making subtle and significant alterations to your clothes as you learn to adjust hemlines, add or remove ease, and achieve the ideal fit for your garments. Learn how to save money and spice up your wardrobe in this accessible and fun sewing workshop.

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Two Hour Private Sewing Lessons (Create What You Want)
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9. Two Hour Private Sewing Lessons (Create What You Want)

Sometimes, you have a project in mind that you really want to get done, but you need a bit more help to get it over the finish line. It might be a specific alteration to a suit, the perfect Halloween costume or an upcycled skirt, but whatever it is, these two hour private sewing lessons can help you achieve your goals. If you are looking for a chance to get focused training that covers the skills that you want to master, this course will be ideal for you. It is likely that you’ll want a bit of experience before entering the course, but if you are looking to up your sewing game by completing specific projects, this program is sure to be to your liking.

Sewing 101: Tote Bag at Brooklyn Craft Company
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10. Sewing 101: Tote Bag at Brooklyn Craft Company

One of the main reasons that people learn to sew is because it is a practical skill and few things are more practical than tote bags. Whether you are carrying books, groceries or just want to have an extra bag in the event you need it, tote bags are an excellent thing to have around. In this class, you’ll learn how to sew your own tote bag, so you can make your own bags (rather than waiting to donate to a public radio pledge drive). You’ll learn basic stitching patterns, tips for selecting fabric and cutting techniques to ensure that your finished bag looks perfect.

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Knitting 101
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11. Knitting 101

Whether you took up knitting as a hobby during the pandemic or you are looking for a new stress-relieving craft to learn, this course is a great way to get practical, hands-on knitting experience and training. In this course, students will learn about how (and when) to utilize different kinds of yarn and needles, how to cast and start a stitch and how to bind a finished product. After taking this class, you’ll be ready to start knitting your own hats, scarfs, gloves and even quilts.

Introduction to Shoemaking
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12. Introduction to Shoemaking

Cobblers are among the oldest professionals in the world and the work they do is vital, even if we don’t often think about it (when was the last time you really paid attention to your shoes when something wasn’t wrong with them). In this course, you’ll learn the art of shoe repair and construction, letting you save time and money as you learn to work with leather, design and construct mule shoes and learn the necessary skills that will prepare you for advanced shoemaking class.

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Craft a Custom Leather Bag
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13. Craft a Custom Leather Bag

While sewing is most commonly associated with fabrics and yarn, it is also a vital part of other practical, plastic arts, like leatherworking. In this course, students will get hands-on experience making their own leather bags, following a step-by-step process of cutting, sewing, riveting and burnishing the leather. In addition, you’ll get to work with specialized leatherworking tools for an authentic experience that you can replicate at a professional or home workshop.

Cardholder Making at Atelier by Héna
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14. Cardholder Making at Atelier by Héna

If you are looking for a practical accessory, a hand-made gift, or a way to turn your creative passion into a side hustle, you may want to consider learning the basics of cardholder making in this introductory leatherworking course. In this class, you’ll learn how to prepare, sew and fashion worked leather into bespoke card holders that you can customize and brand to be the perfect gift or personal accessory. You’ll learn how to engrave lettering into the leather and how to ensure that the cardholder is well-constructed and ready for daily use.

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Wallet Making Workshop at Brooklyn Shoe Space
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15. Wallet Making Workshop at Brooklyn Shoe Space

Likewise, you can enroll in a wallet making workshop to learn how to turn worked leather into a fashionable and practical accessory. Given their size and shape, as well as the numerous flex points and pockets they contain, wallet making can be deceptively difficult, but this class will make it easy, guiding you step by step through the process of preparing, shaping, cutting and sewing the leather into a real wallet that you can walk out of the class with. All of the materials will be provided and students will have the option to emboss letters on their waller to give it a final, personalized touch.

16. Sewing 101 Basics (Private Lessons)

Another option for novice sewers are these private basic sewing lessons offered at the New York Sewing Center. Designed for students who are just picking up a needle but aren’t sure that they want to dedicate themselves to a multi-week course. In this class, you’ll get one-on-one, personalized instruction from an experienced teacher who can guide you through the basics of hand and machine sewing. Lessons and scheduling are fairly flexible and this means that you’ll have a lot of opportunities to discover whether sewing is right for you in this accessible and enjoyable private dewing course.

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