Calling Cute Sisters for suggestions - I have been asked to teach adults to sew - once a week over 6 weeks. I'm to include both hand and machine techniques. Any ideas for useful, beginner projects? Also which techniques would you find useful to know?

How long are each of the classes?

I would let them do a pillow or even a pillow slip to start with.
Once you get the people in the class, ask them what they would like to learn.
Then you take it from there.
Give them homework to do, so that they bring the complete project the following week and they can show the rest of the class.

Best of luck with your classes.
Hugs Yvonne

1 comment

by olly 27 Jan 2012

Thanks for the suggestion. Each class is two and a half hours long.

I gave lessons at the shop I worked at. Started with a pillow with a zipper in it and a ruffle with lace on top. Everyone loved that. Next we made a simple vest that had interfacing in it. How to cut it out then sew. After that how to remove a zipper from a pair of pants and replace it. Was fully booked at every class. Lots of fun and everyone said they were ready to make a dress or blouse on their own. Many of them did with no problem. Really fun. Good luck.

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by olly 27 Jan 2012

Thanks for the suggestion. I think I will include some repair work in the class as well - hemming, darning, zip replacement. Thanks for the advice.

The thing tht I always wanted to learn - but never have - what is the easiest way to make a knot at the the end of thread when you are hand stitching. And any thing that you can think of to make something simple - that might also need hand stitching to finish it up - say a pillow after stuffing it - that sort of hand stitching is always nice to know the correct way to do.

Learning a great decorative stitch that is useful with projects that they might be making - such as: pillows, dish towels, skirts, aprons or the like. I nice decortive stitch can really set off a home made project.

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by olly 27 Jan 2012

Thanks for the advice Shirlene. I wish we were closer - I know how to make a great knot at the end of the sewing thread - I call it my "designer knot". It is so easy and never comes loose.

maybe teach to hem pants and jeans or other alterations. As these are costly to ones that don't sew. Also , one of those casserole carriers from 2 place mats like Lillian used to make. She sewed them 3 sides together and made button holes on the open side and inserted wooden long handled spoons. Kay

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by olly 27 Jan 2012

Thanks Kay. I think hemming is a good idea. I was astounded at the price a neighbour paid a tailor to take up a hem.

I would do an Apron too - I agree with SEWMON.
I did one from The DIY Dish and it's 'sew' great. I'll include the webpage with the free pattern for you. Pincushions, needle holders, a chatelaine or anything to do with holding your sewing goodies would be good too.

Good luck with it all Coral. Love and blessings Chris

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by olly 27 Jan 2012

Thanks Chris. I was not aware of this website. I will spend some time today having a good look through their patterns.

Olly i do a class at my Church and i have got the ladies doing quilt as you go placemats. Good for using up any scraps. Also coasters . Very easy.
For handstitching why not get them to trace with waterpen a design then when it is stitched , get them to sew it into a pillow. Where are you teaching? Good luck Pauline Sydney :)

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by olly 27 Jan 2012

Thanks Pauline. The idea with the waterpen is great. The classes will be at the local high school in the evenings.

4H for me too. We started with an apron that ties around the waist. It uses gathering, straight seams, hand sewing for the final seam of the waistband or you could stitch in the ditch. We also made a laundry bag that hangs on a hanger (still have it and use it). Pin cushion. Pillows.

2 comments

by sewmom 26 Jan 2012

An elastic waist skirt. You could do hand sewing on the hem or closing the elastic casing.

by olly 27 Jan 2012

Wow, thanks for the ideas, An elastic waisted skirt sounds easy enough for a beginner. Also, it includes hand as well as machine sewing skills. As a matter of interest, what is 4H?

I always go back to my 4-H days and make a sewing box, needle holder and pin cushion, that way you got the basic hand stitches, and then a pillow, or other simple machine project. Good Luck and Have fun!

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by olly 27 Jan 2012

Thanks. I think that sewing should be fun. I am leaning towards a pillow of sorts at this stage. Depending on the capabilities of the class, we may get a few items done.Excuse my ignorance, but what is 4-H?