if you’ve been following me the past few years, you probably know that i have fallen in love with hand-stitching garments. i still do plenty of machine sewing for sure, especially when it comes to garments i’m making for sale or commissions, but sewing by hand has been seriously competing with my crochet for my evening couch time attention…
hand sewing lends itself beautifully to virtual teaching, both because everyone gets a front-row seat for the tiny skills, and i can format it in smaller chunks, with time to stitch in between. so for the first time i’m offering this class directly from me to you, on 3 consecutive thursday evenings in march.
to register: please email me, cal@calpatch.com, to reserve your spot and arrange payment.
2 more things you may be interested to know: right after this class ends, i will be offering the “deluxe” hand-stitched shirt 2.0 class to make the more complex denim version with collar, placket, sleeves and cuffs, pockets and a shaped hem. i know many of you have been waiting for that one, so stay tuned for that post coming up next!
also, my video version of this class with Creativebug will debut next month, so if you’d rather have it as a more concise, play it over-and-over for all eternity class (also way more affordable!), hold out for that one!
Sew A Hand-Stitched Shirt
Thursdays March 9, 16 and 23 from 6-8pm EST, live via Zoom $150
Sewing on a machine is quick and practical, but for many it’s difficult to find the dedicated time and space required to make it a regular habit. Moving your sewing practice into the realm of handwork (like knitting, crochet, and embroidery) means you can stitch up garments whenever and WHEREVER you find yourself with a few spare minutes throughout your day, or on the couch at night while watching a movie, and carry a project with you so you always have it. Amazingly, you might find you can finish a hand-sewn garment sooner than a machine-sewn one!
We will work with a pattern (see supply list below for options) for a simple, boxy top and learn how to sew seams, finish necklines and hem edges with only your hands and a needle and thread. Several methods for each type of seam will be shown, so you may also create a sampler of extra techniques.
Both decorative and functional stitching techniques will take your slow-fashion wardrobe to the next level, and add an element of meditative calm to your sewing. On future projects you can use your new skills in combination with machine sewing, or entirely on their own.
No prerequisite skills, though an understanding of basic sewing principles will be helpful. You will need to have your pieces (front and back only, skip any facings) cut out before start of class.
Sessions will be recorded, and available for 30 days after. However, if you will not be able to make the live sessions, I’d suggest taking the video workshop instead, which will debut in March (more info to come about that!)
SUPPLY LIST:
*Pattern for simple top (see list below)
Fabric: light-to-medium weight woven cotton, linen or blend. Quantity as indicated for your size** on pattern, but 2 yards is probably sufficient for most. Solid fabric is best to see your stitches, but print is ok too.
Front and Back pieces ALREADY CUT OUT of your fabric (no need for any facings included in pattern). Please use simplest version with no added seams or sleeves!
Fat quarter or approximately 12-18” square of similar or same fabric (could be a scrap left over after cutting) for sampler
Bias tape, 1 yard of ½” single-fold, can be self-made or packaged
All-purpose thread, can be contrast (to see your stitches) or matching, and/or size 8 Perle Cotton
Hand-sewing needles in a few sizes, or your favorite size
Pins
Scissors
Marking tool (chalk, wax or pencil) and ruler
Optional: Thimble
*Please use one of the following patterns:
Boxy Tee/Drapy Tunic: drafted in a previous class with Cal, or from her online video class, or tutorial found on her website (NOTE: please just do the simple version without the seam and pocket): https://calpatch.com
Lou Box Top https://www.sewdiy.com/shop/lou-box-top-pdf-pattern
Fen Top https://fancytigercrafts.com/products/fen-pdf-pattern
All Well Box Top https://www.etsy.com/listing/713038843/all-well-box-top-sewing-pattern-hacking
Maya Top https://www.etsy.com/listing/206020747/pdf-maya-dress-and-top-sewing-pattern
Shirt No. 1 https://shop.100actsofsewing.com/products/100-acts-of-sewing-shirt-no-1-sewing-pattern
Wiksten Shift Top/Dress (NOTE: please use simple version without gathered back seam. also note: this pattern has been discontinued, but you may already have it, or find a print copy at a sewing shop or on Etsy)
**These are loose-fitting tops, so you should be fine to choose the size called for according to your measurements. But if you are very concerned about a perfect fit, you may wish to machine-stitch a muslin/fit sample first to confirm size.
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