Next Tuesday, the 9th, I will be teaching some young folks how to sew. The maker space I belong to received a grant to buy instructional kits for various shop areas. My area got 6 beginner sewing machines and I’ll be teaching groups of 4 to 6 students the basics of machine sewing.

This is our first year doing this summer camp, so it will be a learning experience for almost everyone. I’ve taught classes before. I did a paper making class for some elementary students and their parents as part of a public library program. I’ve taught simple printmaking, bookbinding, and a sun-catcher class to a group of variously challenged adults as part of an outreach program.

I’ve done basic book making classes for members and the public at the maker space several times as well as helping a troop of Girl Scouts with bookbinding. I have two classes scheduled for beginning paper making. These are paid classes where I provide the tools and supplies. I don’t actually make much money on these classes except to cover the cost of supplies. These particular classes are the first where I’ve offered a two-tier pricing – one for adults and half-price for ages 5 to 17.

For the Summer Camp, I plan to start with a simple pattern to show them the basics of reading a pattern. They won’t get much practical experience with the pattern, but I want to show them basics like seam allowances and markings and fabric grain. I’ll have some kits made up for making either a pillow case or stuff sack. I’m not certain if I will let them use an iron to press the fabric.

I’ll explain the parts of the sewing machine, how to wind a bobbin, and how to thread the machine. I’ll demonstrate each step and let the students try the steps. Next, I’ll explain the guide markings on the throat plate and how to tell if they are sewing straight. I’ll show them how to tell the right/wrong sides of the fabric and how to pin the seams together. I’ll give a demo on starting and ending seams.

They should have an hour to make the pillowcases and stuff bags. I’ll post pictures of the bags. The students might be holding them up, but there won’t be faces showing. I don’t post pictures of kids without parental approval.