Essentials of Sewing

Sewing is a skill that can feel like a superpower! The ability to create your own garments, quilts, and everyday items offers both creative freedom and practical confidence. While getting started can feel intimidating, this class is designed to help you build skills and confidence as you get to know your sewing machine. You’ll practice a variety of techniques by creating sample swatches and a few reusable drawstring bags to take home.

Starting at the very beginning, we’ll cover how to thread your machine, wind and load a bobbin, troubleshoot tension, sew straight and zigzag stitches, and practice basic hand sewing and binding. You’ll also learn proper seam pressing, how to identify and choose fabric types, how to lay out and cut fabric, and where to find tools and resources for continued learning. Time permitting, we’ll discuss individual project ideas and next steps for your sewing journey.

This course is ideal for beginners or anyone looking for a refresher on sewing machine use and care.

Instructor will provide the following:

• Fabric for practice sewing

• Thread and sewing tools

Additional tools available for use and purchase in class.

Students are asked to bring:

• A working sewing machine. Please make sure your machine works before attending class.

• Sewing machine manual. If you don’t have the original printed manual, most are available to buy online, or are free as PDF downloads. If you have trouble finding yours, contact the instructor.

• Optionally, any basic sewing tools you have: fabric scissors, straight pins, thread snips, tape measure, slide ruler.

• Since your class runs over the lunch hour, we recommend you bring lunch or click HERE to learn about local eating opportunities.

NOTE: This class takes place in a scent-free space; we ask students refrain from wearing any scented products.

Skill Level 

No experience required.

Age Requirement

Students ages 16 and older are welcome to attend this class. Students ages 16 and 17 may attend without a parent/guardian in attendance as long as MMFS is provided with written parental permission by email to info@marinemillsfolkschool.org.

Location Details 

Marine Mills Folk School

550 Pine St.

Marine on St. Croix, MN 55047

Cost Details

Tuition: $150 

Materials Fee: $25

Total Cost: $175

NOTE: Be aware we may cancel class if a minimum number of registrations is not reached. We work to balance teachers’ need to plan for a class with students’ busy schedules — not an easy task. Please register as early as possible! If interested, you can find our cancellation policy HERE.