inside z|art dept, 1136 N. Speer Blvd. • Denver, Colorado • 80204 • HISSstudio @ gmail.com
Classes are Tuesdays 6:30-7:30pm, Thursdays 6:30-7:30pm, and Sundays 2-7pm
Click on the class title which will take you to our Eventbrite page to register, or check our calendar page for dates!
**Please note: class registration closes 24hrs before each class. If you wish to attend a class that has closed registration, please call or email to find out
if there is space in the class. Thanks!**
Are you a "Newbie"? Start Here!
Ok, so you don't own a machine, don't WANT to own a machine, but you'd like to be able to fix some of those nagging problems that occur with clothing...buttons fall off, hems come out, a sweater gets a snag, a small hole in your favorite shirt. You know, the kind of repairs mom or grandma would have scolded you for paying the dry cleaner to do, and with poor results!
Welcome to the DOOMSDAY CLASS, where we focus on giving you those basic skills in case of the zombie apocalypse (or to appease granny). You will learn how to: sew a button on properly, fix a hem that came out of your dress slacks or skirt, move a snap, hook, or button to adjust fit, and how to fix small holes/snags in sweaters and shirts. No machines used, just good old fashioned hand sewing with a needle, thread, scissors and a marking pencil.
Save yourself the cost at the dry cleaner, and learn a few self-sufficient mending skills that will amaze your friends! Or at least, make you feel good about yourself!
Introduction to sewing - make a hand sewing needle case
Never used a sewing machine? Maybe used one once years ago? Curious if sewing is a hobby you'd like to try? This is your starting point. Sew a very basic project, learn a little about sewing, and find out if you want to pursue more with this easy and fun introduction to sewing. Perfect for those who are curious!
This is a very laid back and fun class for anyone who wants to have a good time and learn about sewing!
Beginner Sewing Skills
Have a sewing machine you inherited, or haven't used in a really long time? Have taken a few classes before but need a refresher? Start here and get the basics for your skills foundation.
Learn the basic stitches of the machine, proper cleaning techniques, identify the main parts of a machine and how they work, learn how to properly thread your machine for jam-free sewing. Plus we'll identify some common problems that are easy to solve on the fly!
Student Materials: Notepad & Pen
A MUST for beginners! Learn about the main tools used in the sewing process, how to use them to your maximum benefit, and what tools work best for specific projects. Perfect for those looking to set up a sewing area in their home without wasting space or blowing the budget!
Student Materials: Notepad & Pen
There's "ironing" and then there's PRESSING. Do you know the difference? Learn to get the most out of your iron and board, and what pressing tools to consider when building your sewing tool chest. If you want to take your sewng to the next level of professionalism quickly and easily, this is the class to take!
Student Materials: Notepad & Pen
We recommend taking Know your tools and Pressing 101 before taking this class
There's more to a great seam and edge finish than stitching a line and ironing it flat. Learn 3 different seam finishes, how to properly press your seams, and how to get a professional finish every time!
Student Materials: Notepad & Pen
We recommend taking Know your tools and Pressing 101 before taking this class
Finished edges give a crisp, well executed look to any project. Learn how to narrow edge hem, blindstitch a hem, and create some fun finishes without pulling your hair out!
Student Materials: Notepad & Pen
Freaked out by the amount of fabric choices? Not sure if a fabric will work for your project? Can't tell a lawn from a lamé? This class will unlock the secrets of the fabric bolt, help guide you through almost any fabric store, and help you avoid picking the wrong fabric for your project.
Student Materials: Notepad & Pen
There's a wealth of information on just the pattern envelope, let alone the instruction sheet! If it's all greek to you, then you need this class! Learn how to properly buy correct fabric yardage, how to figure out what notions you need, how to read the instructions for right/wrong fabric side, basting, and selvedge, and how to transfer marks from your pattern for maximum accuracy in pattern assembly.
Student Materials: Notepad & Pen, Pattern of your choice, recommend getting one at thrift store so you can write notes on & keep for reference
We recommend taking How to Read and Use Patterns and Learn about Fabrics before taking this class
Cutting out your pattern from fabric
How to properly pin, cut, and mark your fabric from a pattern. Sounds easy, right? It is, but avoid the pitfalls of mismatched fabric pieces, crooked or warped pieces, missing pieces and more with this tutorial.
Student Materials: Notepad & Pen, Pattern of your choice, recommend getting one at thrift store so you can write notes on & keep for reference, a fabric with a pattern or print on it to cut out
We recommend taking Simple Seams and/or Edge finishing before taking this class
Learn the basics about zippers, 3 different ways to insert zippers into a garment, proper care, and how to shorten a zipper in this toothy tutorial
Student Materials: Notepad & Pen, 1 metal zipper, 1 nylon zipper, 1 invisible zipper
"...thanks for the tutorial Tish! I stopped at the store for a pattern sale today and told my boyfriend to go look for an invisible zipper foot... He said, 'how am I supposed to find it if it's invisible?'" -Jaime
Do you bungle your buttonholes? Never made a buttonhole, and are scared to ruin a project? This class will guide you through the buttonhole process to give you store-bought results.
Student Materials: Notepad & Pen
We recommend taking Simple Seams and/or Edge finishing before taking this class
Pockets are a wonderful addition to pants, skirts, and bags. Learn how to add side seam pockets to pants and skirts, or patch pockets to jackets, bags, and more.
Student Materials: Notepad & Pen
We recommend taking Seams and/or edge finishing before taking this class
Stretch your knowledge of Elastic
Elastic has many uses, from no-fault gathering to waistbands and even tailoring! In this class we'll discuss various method of applying elastic to your project, and how to get the best results!
Student Materials: Notepad & Pen, 3 kinds of elastic: 1" wide, 1/4 or 1/2" wide, and thin tube elastic
We've covered buttonholes and zippers, but let's talk buttons, hooks and eyes, snaps, and velcro. Learn which fastener is right for your project, and how to properly attach it for best results!
Student Materials: Notepad & Pen
Oops! how to fix some common sewing snafus
Biffed a buttonhole? Screwed up a seam? Skirt too short? Learn a few tricks to fix those "oopsies" well all encounter in our sewing lives.
Student Materials: Notepad & Pen
Looking to check the fit of a garment without the endless "on and off" as you are making it? Tired of friends asking why you are fixing seams in your unmentionables again to save on fitting time? Then you need to make a dress form! Very basic approach to a simple but helpful dress form on a tight budget, which will allow you to easily check your fit on the fly of most garments. This is a great class to bring a friend to!
Student Materials: Duct Tape, snug fitting turtleneck, stuffing (grocery plastic bags work great)
**Disclaimer: in order to complete this class, you will wear a tight fitting long sleeved shirt or turtleneck, and will have duct tape added to the shirt to create a hard outer shell that will be used as your body double dress form. If you are not comfortable with the idea of fellow students helping to add tape to your form as you wear it, or are uncomfortable in situations where movement is limited, this may not be the class for you.
Beginner Projects
Beginning sewing - Make a Tote Bag
Make a grocery tote for lunches, shopping, or whatever and solidify the basics of seams, edge finishes, and buttonholes.
Student Materials: Washed & pressed old sheet set, or 1 yard fabric washed & pressed, recommended fabric: sturdy cotton print, lightweight denim, NO KNITS!! 1 or 2 buttons 3/4" or bigger, thread
The Skirt Class may take some students two class sessions, based on the student's experience and sewing rate. If you do not finish your skirt in one class, just sign up for the next Skirt class to finish it!
Beginning Sewing - skirt, 2 part class
Make a basic A-line skirt from a pattern, solidifying the skills of seams, edge finishes, zippers, and pattern cutting.
New sewers will need 2 classes to finish this project, so plan on taking both skirt assembly 1 and 2 on the calendar!
Student Materials: It's So Easy pattern # 2312
Washed & Pressed Fabric according to pattern requirements, zipper, thread
Classes that make good sets if you are looking to expand your knowledge with several classes
Learn about fabrics
How to use Patterns
Cutting out your fabric
Seams
Edge finishes
Pressing 101
Sewing Machine Basics
Know your Tools
Pressing 101
Fasteners
Buttonholes 101
Zippers 101
Where do I get materials I need for class?
Most of the beginning sewing classes only require you to bring a notepad & pen to take notes.
However, a few of the classes to require student purchase of materials. those materials are highlighted in GREEN.
We suggest signing up for store discounts and shopping around for the best deal on all items. Here are a few helpful links to sign up for coupon offers and special promotions.
We like to save money, and we think you do too!
Visit us Directly on Eventbrite!
