Sew with Knits with Jo Bell

About this event

Learn to sew using stretchy knit fabric with Jo Bell, owner of Past + Future Craft Exchange. In this class, each student will make both a t-shirt/sweater and a pair of underwear.

Topics covered:

+ Choosing your materials; different kinds of fabric and their benefits and challenges.

+ Measuring yourself and choosing your size.

+ Cutting out your project; reading and following patterns; grainline; different ways of transferring patterns.

+ Making adjustments to fit; grading between sizes.

+ Techniques involved in assembling each garment: joining and finishing seams, attaching collars and cuffs, applying elastic, hemming knits.

Prerequisites:

+ Completing the 2.5-hour class Sewing Machine Basics is recommended for those who are new to sewing. Upcoming dates: Sep 23 , Oct 1.

+ You will have the option of using a serger machine, but all patterns can be completed using only a regular sewing machine. If you'd like to learn more about operating a serger before this class, we have a class for that, too! Serger Basics on November 18.

Date + time: Thursdays from 6 to 8pm. November 12, November 19, December 3, December 10. (Eight hours total)

Location : 506 Main Street Unit 18 Westbrook Maine. Free parking available on-site. Accessible entrance and restrooms.

Materials Needed:

+ Paper copy of Jackson Tee and Pullover by Helen's Closet

+ Paper copy of one of the following underwear patterns: Acacia by Megan Nielsen , Hipster by Wardrobe by Me , Brief Underpants by Wardrobe by Me .

Note: when you purchase any of the patterns above, you will receive a PDF file. These files can be printed on a home printer and taped together, or sent to a shop to print on large-scale paper .

+ Fabric, notions, and thread (more information can be found on the pattern websites; please reach out with any questions.

+ Your working sewing machine, machine manual, accessory feet, jersey needles, and bobbins**

+ Fabric scissors, seam ripper, thread snips, tape measure, (these tools can be borrowed from Past + Future while in class but may be needed at home to complete homework.)

**We now offer sewing machines to use during class. Please let us know if you plan to borrow one of our machines.

Age requirement: This class is suitable for ages 16 and up. Students as young as 12 may join with a guardian; both people need to register and pay for the class.

Refund policy: Read the full policy here. By registering for this class, you are agreeing to the policy.

Jo Bell (she/her) learned to sew from her mother at a young age in their basement sewing room in Washington state. Jo worked as a professional stitcher for many years before she was hired by Common Threads of Maine, a nonprofit professional sewing school that she ran for over three years. Jo lives in Portland with her husband and two sassy siamese cats.