Summer Sewing Sessions
Teens are invited to join us for a series of seven two-hour sessions designed to teach some basic sewing techniques that can be used to repair and up-cycle clothing and accessories. This series embraces the values of sustainability and waste reduction, so the focus is on using available materials and fixing the things we already have! No previous experience necessary.
This program is for teens in grades 7 and up as of September 2025. Registration is required, and teens are welcome to sign up for any number of sessions! Registration opens on Monday, June 16 at 10 a.m. Click here to access our registration form.
If you have a sewing machine that you can bring to class, please do, but if not just let us know and we will place one of ours on hold for you.
Weekly themes:
Friday, July 4: Sewing Machine 101 – In this session, we will start at the beginning. You will learn all about how the sewing machine works, including how to make a bobbin, how to use the different stitch settings, and how to sew two pieces of fabric together. By the end of this session, you will have the skills to continue practicing the basics and move on to future Summer Sewing Sessions. This is a good class for total beginners but is also suitable for those who have some experience and need a refresher.
Friday, July 11: Custom Tote Bag – This is your chance to make the tote bag of your dreams! Please bring fabric/old garments of your choice (for example, an old pair of jeans) to upcycle, and any unique ideas you would like to incorporate into your design (pockets, colour/pattern blocking, different shapes). A simple pattern will be provided, but custom alterations are encouraged – bring your creativity, and we will try to help you make all your crazy ideas come true.
Friday, July 18: It’s Scrunchie Time – In this session, you will learn how to make a scrunchie. We will provide elastic and basic thread colours, you just need to bring whatever you’d like to make it out of, and matching thread if you want. Please no knits/stretchy material, as they don’t work great for this. These sew up quite quickly once you get the hang of it, so if you have time, you might even be able to make a few for your friends, or a cute little collection just for you.
Friday, July 25: Hemming 101 – This is a great essential to learn! We will teach you the top four methods for hemming pants/shorts/skirts, including regular hems, thick hems for wider pants, blind hems (hand-sewing method), and curved hems (for skirts + dresses). Warning: Once your friends and family find out about your newfound skill, you will be in high demand, but don’t worry – your secret is safe with us.
Friday, August 1: Zipper Tutorial – Zippers can be challenging, but we will walk you through an easy project and you will end up with something that you will actually use. Simple patterns will be provided to make a simple change purse/pencil case/make-up bag. Decide what you’d like to make, and bring your own fabric/garments to upcycle with the amount you’ll need for your custom zippered bag. By making your own zippered bags, you can customize the size and shape, and by choosing to use long-lasting material, you can extend the life of your creation.
Friday, August 8: Fix Your Own Gear – We’re all hard on our gear and learning how to repair it is a great way to make it last longer and avoid having to buy something new. We will use a variety of techniques like iron-on patches, adhesive tape, seam tape, sewing seams, and fixing top-stitching. We’ll also explore ways to re-imagine garments that have come to the end of their life into another useful product that you will use every day.
Friday, August 15: Customize Your Hoodie – Have you ever had an idea to customize your favourite hoodie, or upcycle an old one, but weren’t quite sure how to do it? With a few easy hacks, you can turn any hoodie into a unique, one-of-a-kind creation.
