make workshop was named New York Magazine's
"BEST OF NEW YORK (nyc): SEWING classes" (2009)

sewing

always wanted to learn how to sew? you've come to the right place! all of our classes teach professional-quality work habits and techniques, so there's always something to inspire and challenge you. if you're a complete beginner, a 2-hour intro to sewing machine is the best place to start. from there you can either enroll in an intensive 7-week intensive fashion lab series or sign up for project-based sewing workshops in the following categories:

x stitch intro to sewing machine

x stitch accessories

x stitch alterations

x stitch home decor

x stitch fashion

x stitch kids' clothes

x stitch lingerie

x stitch skill building workshops

more intermediate-to-advanced seamsers might also be interested in checking out our patternmaking workshops.

last, but not least, MAKE is proud to offer private one-on-one or group sewing and patternmaking classes for adults, kids + teens with founder and SEW: the sew everything workshop author diana rupp. please send us an email with your availability and what you'd like to learn to make and we'll get back to you asap.

intro to sewing machine

with diana rupp, author of SEW: the sew everything workshop

x stitch click for a project pic: 1, 2 x stitch

if you've never ever touched a sewing machine, or the last time was in junior high school home ec, here's the perfect workshop to develop some basic machine sewing skills. identify the parts, what to look for when purchasing a new machine, and how to make a simple fabric wallet.
note: feel free to bring your own machine if you'd like to learn how to use it, otherwise we have have one for you!
x stitch good news: this class or equivalent experience is all that's required for signing up for beginner project classes like pillow making, our sewing I workshops (see below) or the fashion lab x stitch

one 2-hour class

(all supplies included + wallet pattern and resource list!)

$80

 

x stitch sorry, session A + B are sold out! only 1 spot in session E! x stitch

A tue jul 20
6:30pm – 8:30pm
B fri jul 23
4:00pm – 6:00pm
C sat jul 24
12:00pm – 2:00pm
D wed jul 28
11:00am – 1:00pm
E thu aug 5
6:30pm – 8:30pm
F fri aug 6
4:00pm – 6:00pm
G sat aug 7
12:00pm – 2:00pm
H wed aug 11
11:00am – 1:00pm
I fri aug 20
4:00pm – 6:00pm
J sat aug 21
12:00pm – 2:00pm
K mon aug 23
6:30pm – 8:30pm
L wed sep 1
6:30pm – 8:30pm
M fri sep 10
4:00pm – 6:00pm
N sat sep 11
12:00pm – 2:00pm
O mon sep 13
6:30pm – 8:30pm
P wed sep 15
11:00am – 1:00pm
Q fri sep 24
6:30pm – 8:30pm
R sat sep 25
12:00pm – 2:00pm

accessories

tokyo tie bag

x stitch tokyo tie bag from SEW: sew everything workshop x stitch

new! a few pics of the tokyo tie bag sewn by MAKE students!

take your fabric prep and machine skills up a notch by learning how to cut and layout a pattern, pivot, stitch around curves and make a fancy french seam. the end result? a super cute bag that's an ideal gift, and it only takes 2 hours to stitch! (click on the link above to see it or check out p. 170 of the book.) before enrolling please know how to thread a machine--if you're a bit rusty that's okay. this learn-to-sew project is suitable for complete beginners and can be taken as the first part of the fashion lab series (see schedule) or on its own.

one 2-hour class

supplies

 

A tue aug 17
6:30pm – 8:30pm

 

men's tie

x stitchpower tie from SEW: sew everything workshop x stitch

not sure what to give your favorite guy, but know you want to make something handmade with love? here's your chance to spend a few hours on a sewing machine and whip up a dapper gift they'll always remember. we'll show you how to stitch a lined and interfaced tie and how to create custom labels for your project. please note: this workshop is suitable for beginners, but be able to thread a machine. if you've never sewn before, simply take an intro to sewing machine first, and we'll teach you the rest! note: you can make a hipster-friendly "skinny" version of this project!

one 3-hour class

$150 + supplies


note: this class is also available as a private lesson. please send us an email if you're interested!

      next class TBA

zippered hobo handbag

x stitch here's a pic! x stitch

have you ever dreamed of having your own line of handbags? or do you just want to make them for fun? either way, we'll show you basic bag-making tricks and techniques using our favorite hobo bag pattern from SEW: sew everything workshop. note: this project involves a zipper and drop-in lining; machine threading experience is mandatory. if you don't have these skills, sign up for an intro to sewing machine workshop so you'll be prepared.

two 3-hour classes

$240 + supplies

note: this class is also available as a private lesson. please send us an email if you're interested!

A mon aug 9|16
6pm – 9pm

 

alterations

skip the tailor: simple alterations

with diana rupp

tired of paying a tailor 20 bucks to shorten your skirts and pants? let diana teach you some tailoring basics including hemming (both by hand and on the machine), and how to make simple handsewing repairs such as sewing on buttons or fixing torn seams. please bring some sample garments you'd like to alter to class for discussion. no sewing experience necessary! includes all supplies.

one 2-hour class (all supplies included except as noted above)

$80

x stitch sorry, session A is sold out! x stitch

A tue jul 27
6:30pm – 8:30pm
B mon sep 20
6:30pm – 8:30pm

 

fashion

sewing I: make a skirt (pencil or naughty secretary)

with diana rupp

x stitch this class has 2 pattern options for you to choose from:
a fitted pencil skirt or a versatile straight skirt, a.k.a. the naughty secretary. samples here x stitch

x stitchnaughty secretary as seen in SEW: sew everything workshop x stitch

 

ready to get started with your first fashion project? we'll show you how to make a cute and very wearable naughty secretary OR form-fitting pencil skirt--it's your choice! you'll shop for fabric and gather a basic sewing kit together before class, and then be taught how to layout, cut, and follow a pattern, as well as basic sewing techniques like darts, seam finishing, installing an invisible zipper and how to handstitch a couture-quality hem. elementary tailoring tricks will also be demonstrated to adjust the pattern to fit your body if need be. note: this is a project-based workshop. please be acquainted with winding a bobbin and threading a machine before signing up. an intro class (see above) will teach you all you need to know! this class can also be taken as part of the fashion lab series.

three 2-hour classes

$240 + supplies

 

x stitch session A is sold out! x stitch

A wed jul 14|21|28
6:30pm – 8:30pm
B tue aug 24|31 sep 7
6:30pm – 8:30pm

sewing I: flouncy tank top

with diana rupp

x stitch sample pics: 1, 2 x stitch

a super easy gathered tank that's also super fashionable! this project is perfect for beginners who want to whip up a project in a few hours that they'll actually wear, either as a dress or over skinny jeans. as with all our entry-level sewing classes, you'll shop for fabric and gather a basic sewing kit together before class, and then be taught how to layout, cut, and follow a pattern, as well as basic sewing techniques like seam finishing and stitching hems. note: this is a project-based workshop. please be familiar with winding a bobbin and threading a machine before signing up. an intro class (see above) will teach you what you need to know!

three 2-hour classes

$240 + supplies

      next class TBA

new! sewing I: wear anywhere yoga pants

with diana rupp

x stitchas seen in SEW: sew everything workshop x stitch

 

lear how to make a cute and very wearable pair of simple drawstring pants. you'll shop for fabric and gather a basic sewing kit together before class, and then be taught how to layout, cut, and follow a pattern, as well as basic sewing techniques like seam finishing, stitching hems and making a buttonhole. note: this is a project-based workshop. please be acquainted with winding a bobbin and threading a machine before signing up. an intro class (see above) will teach you all you need to know!

three 2-hour classes or two 3-hour classes

$240 + supplies

next class TBA

sewing I: tunic dress

with diana rupp

x stitch click here to see samples from previous classes x stitch

at last: a super easy tunic that's also super fashionable! this project is perfect for beginners who want to whip up a project in a few hours that they'll actually wear, either as a dress or over skinny jeans. as with all our entry-level sewing classes, you'll shop for fabric and gather a basic sewing kit together before class, and then be taught how to layout, cut, and follow a pattern, as well as basic sewing techniques like seam finishing and stitching hems. note: this is a project-based workshop. please be familiar with winding a bobbin and threading a machine before signing up. an intro class (see above) will teach you what you need to know!

two 2.5-hour classes

$240 + supplies (as below)

  • butterick pattern 5211 (available at sewingpatterns.com or P + S must be a paper pattern; do not purchase a download. we're making style b)

  • 2 1/2 yards of lightweight linen, cotton prints, stable knits, crepe or faille

  • 1/4 yard fusible interfacing

  • scissors new or used only on fabric; I recommend buying gingher shears

  • all-purpose thread to match fabric

  • pins

  • pincushion

  • tailor's chalk in contrasting color or air-soluble fabric marking pen

  • 18" transparent sewing ruler

  • sewing gauge

 

A thu sep 2|9
6:30pm-9pm

sewing II: make a dress

with diana rupp

x stitch click here to see some samples of what we'll be making! x stitch

(psst! you can also find a pattern and instructions for this dress in
SEW: sew everything workshop)

an original design by make workshop founder diana rupp: the girly go to dress! this project was created to teach you all the beginning-to-intermediate sewing skills you've been wanting to learn, including how to follow a pattern, properly layout and cut fabric, stitch darts, install an invisible zipper and insert a bodice lining with professional-looking results. the best part? you can make many more after the class is over, so your wardrobe will be complete! this is a level II class so basic sewing machine experience is mandatory; please be comfortable threading and stitching on a machine and a ideally few simple projects under your belt before enrolling. if you have any questions or concerns about your skill level, please email us. this class can also be taken as part of the fashion lab series.

three 2-hour classes
$240 + supplies

x stitch hurry, only 1 spot in sesson A! x stitch

*session B skips one week (8/13)

A wed aug 4|11|18
6:30pm – 8:30pm
B tue sep 14|21|28
6:30pm – 8:30pm

 

special appearance! tee party with megan nicolay

x stitch check out megan's book, "generation t" x stitch

make is beyond thrilled to have craft superstar megan nicolay host one of her famous tee parties! yay. bring a bunch of old and/or ill-fitting tees and megan will show you any number of 108 ways to reconstruct them into something you'll love to wear. class fee includes a goody bag. all ages welcome!

one 2-hour class (all supplies included except as noted above)

$60

 

      next class TBA

 

home decor

2-hour pillow making workshop

with diana rupp

x stitch pics from a recent pillow workshop: 1, 2, 3, 4 x stitch

one of my all-time favorite classes! sew the kind of high-end throw pillows you see at ABC and anthropolgie--only better! you'll pick up all the skills you need for making at least one envelope pillow cover from start to finish, and be able to make many more at home. beginner sewing machine experience required; please be able to wind a bobbin and thread a machine. if you don't know how, sign up for an intro to sewing machine class first (see above) and you'll be good to go!

one 2-hour classes

$80 + supplies

 

A mon jul 26
11:00am – 1:00pm
B thu aug 19
6:30pm – 8:30pm
C fri sep 24
4:00pm – 6:00pm

piped pillow with invisible zipper

with diana rupp

x stitch pillow inspiration from diana's book, sew everything workshopx stitch

the pièce of résistance: a pillow cover replete with piping and an invisible zipper that would rival any similar style found at
high-end home furnishing boutiques. manifique! this workshop is designed to teach a number of valuable sewing skills from invisible zipper installation to working with trim and an emphasis on professional-looking results. beginner sewing machine experience required; please be able to wind a bobbin and thread a machine. if you don't know how, sign up for an intro to sewing machine class first (see above) and you'll be good to go! space is very limited for this class; please sign up early.

two 2-hour classes

$200 + supplies (as below)

  • 1 yard fabric (linen, cotton prints, silk duponi or similar; no stretch, knits or velvet). if you'd like to use different fabrics on the for the front/back buy two 1/2 yards

  • 2 yards fabric-covered piping, Wrights or similar. you must have the correct type of piping; braids will not be suitable for the technique taught in this workshop

  • 13" invisible zipper (can be longer; will teach you how to shorten)

  • 16" pillow form (bring to 2nd class)

  • all-purpose thread to match fabric

  • pins

  • pincushion

  • tailor's chalk in contrasting color or air-soluble fabric marking pen

  • 18" transparent sewing ruler

  • sewing gauge

 

x stitch hurry, only 3 spots left! x stitch

please note: this class meets on 2 back-to-back nights

A thu + fri jul 29 + 30
6:30pm – 8:30pm

 

kids' clothes

new! sewing for baby + kids: pinafore or simple pants

x stitch f or a few pics of the dress we'll be making, click here!

take your fabric prep and machine skills up a notch by learning how to cut and layout a pattern, pivot, stitch around curves and make a fully lined dress with buttonholes. the end result? a super cute dress that's an ideal gift for your favorite girl. before enrolling please know how to thread a machine--if you're a bit rusty that's okay--or pass the intro class (see above.)

two 2.5-hour classes

$200 + supplies (see below for dress; a list will be emailed to students who want to make the simple pants)


please bring the following items to class:

x stitch new look pattern 6578 (can be ordered online at sewingpatterns.com. you’ll want to bring a paper pattern with you to class, not the downloadable version.)

x stitch 2 yards of cotton fabric. one yard will be for the dress, the other for a full lining. I recommend shopping at city quilter on 25th between 6th/7th.

x stitch scissors that are new or have only been used on fabric. if you're buying scissors, we highly recommend gingher stainless steel shears

x stitch all-purpose sewing thread to match dress

x stitch pins + pincushion

x stitch two 5/8" buttons

x stitch an air soluble (disappearing) ink pen or contrasting tailors' chalk

A wed jul 14|21
11:00am – 1:30pm
B mon aug 23|30
11:00am – 1:30pm

 

lingerie

panty workshop

with designer laura mehlinger of lola haze


as featured in ideal bite, "a sassier shade of green"

x stitch new! check out some recent panty pics here! x stitch

I'm super excited to have laura in the studio to show us how to make sexy-yet-functional panties! she'll cover all the rules of lingerie-making including working with knits and lace, inserting a narrow waistband elastic, seam finishing--we'll have a serger here for a demo--and inserting a lining. the best part? you'll leave with a fully finished pair! please be able to thread a machine and sew simple seams before signing up for this project-based class.

one 2.5-hour class
$100 + $20 supply fee to be paid to instructor

 

A wed jun 23
6:30pm – 9pm

 

skill building workshops

invisible zipper 101 workshop

with diana rupp

x stitch zippered pouch as seen in SEW: sew everything workshop x stitch

want to make a project that requires a zipper, but are too intimidated to attempt the seaming-ly impossible? this workshop was created to demystify the various types of zippers and teach you the best techniques and correct presser feet for installing them, whether you're making a pillow cover or a pair of pants. class includes hands-on practice (we'll provide the zipper and scrap fabric) and a zippered pouch pattern to take home with you.
note: please be able to thread a machine as this skill is not the focus of the workshop. don't know how? sign up for an intro to sewing machine workshop first (see above.)

one 1.5-hour class

all supplies included

$60

A fri aug 20
6:30pm – 8pm