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May - June 2021
Most of our classes are currently held ONLINE using Zoom
Some classes are held IN-STORE
Check each class listing for details!
Students in our classes take 15% off all regularly-priced fabrics at our store for the duration of your class!
Basic Sergery & Beyond - Online OR In-Store!
Do you have a serger you don’t know how to use? Are you a little confused about threading? Take the fear out of serging and get comfortable with what could become your favorite sewing tool. Sessions cover machine and stitch knowledge, threading, rolled hem, flatlock, techniques, serging a basic tee and more.
A child sized, cut out tee will be provided to practice your new skills (pick up at Treadle). Construction techniques will be emphasized.
Skill Level: All
Instructor: Material Girls Debbie & Kristin
ONLINE Tuesdays 1:00 - 3:00 May 18, 25, June 8 Fee: $85
IN-STORE Wednesdays 10:00 - 12:00 June 16, 23, 30 Fee: $95
Please see our covid safety guidelines for in-person classes here.
Beautiful Seams & Hems Online
Wonky hems and fraying seam allowances make your garment look more homemade than handmade. Elevate your sewing with these vital finishing steps. Learn to sew baby hems for sheers, hand blind hems, separate hem facings, French seams, flat-felled seams, bias-bound edges, and so much more! Make your garments sturdy and beautiful inside and out!
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Instructor: Elizabeth
Fee: $45
Mondays 6:00 - 8:00 June 14, 21
Beginning Sewing Online
If you're new to sewing, start here! We'll be with you every step of the way as you learn how to thread and set up your sewing machine, how to read a sewing pattern, and as you sew a simple project!
Fee: $98
Skill Level: Beginner
Instructor: Elizabeth
Fee: $98
Tuesdays & Fridays 6:00 - 8:00 May 18, 21, 25, 28
Tuesdays & Fridays 6:00 - 8:00 June 8, 11, 15, 18
Best Bust Fit Online
Focus on fitting the bust! The majority of women need to make bust adjustments to commercial patterns. Plenty of fit issues stem from poor bust fit: buttons pulling, wrinkles and drag lines around the bust, pointy darts, uneven hemlines, baggy backs, too much fabric in the upper chest, or gaping armholes. In this lecture and discussion class, we'll show you how to make a Full Bust Adjustment or Small Bust Adjustment, how to custom-shape darts, how to rotate your dart intake, and more. Be ready to ask questions and take notes!
Skill Level: Intermediate
Instructor: Elizabeth
Fee: $35
Monday 6:00 - 8:00 May 17
Bring Your Mockup Online
Let us help you check the fit. If you’ve sewn your muslin mockup but just need some experienced eyes to help figure out what’s wrong, this is the session for you. We’ll also talk about transferring the changes to your pattern and what to do next!
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Instructor: Elizabeth
Fee: $30
Saturday 10:00 - 12:00 May 22
Collar Techniques Online
In this hands-on class you will be supplied with a kit containing several collars and we will go step by step through the techniques for a wrapped collar, one seam collar, and collar-into-stand methods of construction. You may want to have a shirt cut out or have your pattern handy at class so you can adapt your pattern for these great techniques.
Skill Level: All
Instructor: Material Girls Debbie & Kristin
Fee: $35
Tuesday 1:00 - 3:00 May 11
Coming Back to Sewing - In-Store
Garment sewing for the first time or getting back into it - we’ll outline the things that will make the adventure a bit less hazardous and more satisfying. Garment sewing isn’t for the faint of heart, but seen as a pursuit rather than a pass/fail event and armed with what we’ve learned over the years, you will fall in love with the craft and art of sewing. Choosing your size, indie patterns, PDF printing, knits and new fabrics, fit issues, and techniques are some of the topics we’ll cover in this discussion-based class.
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Instructor: Material Girls Debbie & Kristin
Fee: $55
Wednesdays 1:00 - 3:00 June 23 & 30
Please see our covid safety guidelines for in-person classes here.
Continuing On Online
Let’s keep sewing together! Whether you’ve been sewing for years or just finished our Beginning Sewing class, you can join us for this five-week session of community, support, creativity, and fun! Learn tips, tricks, and techniques to improve your sewing skills as you construct a garment of your choice. Challenge yourself with a project you might not tackle alone – your instructor will guide you through step by step.
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner and up
Instructor: Elizabeth
Fee: $125
Fridays 2:00 - 4:00 May 21, 28, June 4, 11, 18
Drape Your Perfect Tank Online
Say goodbye to gaping armholes and sloppy fit. We’re going to sew the perfect woven tank top for summer. Learn to drape a simple custom pattern on your dress form or your own body - it’s easier than you think! Add French seams and a clean bias binding, and you’ll want to make a whole closet full.
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Instructor: Elizabeth
Fee: $55
Thursdays 6:00 - 8:00 May 27 & June 3
Easy Tee Online
If you feel comfortable sewing with wovens, give this easy t-shirt a try. We’ll make it simple with straightforward patterns and foolproof techniques. Your perfect first tee, the easy way! No serger needed, but your sewing machine MUST have a zigzag stitch.
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Instructor: Elizabeth
Fee: $55
Tuesdays 6:00 - 8:00 May 4, 11
Free Monthly Online Sewing Talks
May: Do I need a serger?
Coverstitch? Overlock? Flatlock? Rolled hem? What will a serger do that my sewing machine isn’t already doing? What do I need to know before I go shopping? This and more from the teachers of Basic & Beyond Sergery.
Saturday 10:30 May 15
June: Humans Have Curves
Fabric is flat, but humans have curves, so how do we create dimension in our garments? It’s part pattern choice, part sewing technique. You’ll feel more confident tackling darts and curved seams after this talk.
Saturday 10:30 June 19
Jalie Eleonore Pull-on Pant - In-Store
A breeze to sew and wear, skinny jeans are a wardrobe staple. Make yours from stretch denim/twill or ponte knit and the Jalie Eleonore pattern. Without a zipper, the techniques are pretty easy! This is just the best pattern for crotch fit, close to thigh, close to ready to wear, that we can find!!
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Instructor: Material Girls Debbie & Kristin
Fee: $95
Wednesdays 1:00 - 3:00 June 2, 9, 16
Please see our covid safety guidelines for in-person classes here.
Let’s Tie One On Online
We’re making aprons! Protect your clothes in the kitchen or garden and look cute, too. No patterns needed - we’ll be cutting simple shapes to measurements.
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Instructor: Elizabeth
Fee: $35
Saturday 1:00 - 4:00 June 5
Post Sergery: Woven Top Online
Make the Melrose Top by Itch to Stitch (pattern provided) and serge/sew an easy to wear summer top. We’ll cover techniques for bias neck binding, French seams, and band application, plus learn hands-on how to order and work with a large format printing of a PDF pattern.
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Instructor: Material Girls Debbie & Kristin
Fee: $48
Tuesdays 10:00 - 12:00 May 18 & 25
Post Sergery: A Knit Tee for Me! - In-Store
You made a no-stress tee for a child in Basic Sergery. Now it’s time to tackle a tee that you will actually wear! We’ll supply the tee pattern from Itch to Stitch; it has a variety of necklines and silhouettes to keep you serging all summer long. We’ll cover techniques for measuring your body to choose a pattern size, fit issues, neckband application, hems, plus learn hands-on how to order and work with a large format printing of a PDF pattern.
You don’t have to be a Basic & Beyond graduate but you do need to know how to get a 4 thread stitch on your serger :)
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Instructor: Material Girls Debbie & Kristin
Fee: $55
Wednesdays 10:00 - 12:00 June 2 & 9
Please see our covid safety guidelines for in-person classes here.
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Sewing Salons Online
We’re here to help! Bring that project you just can’t seem to finish, get a walkthrough on a tricky technique, get tips to decode pattern directions, or just receive some extra support. You can also use a salon to make up a missed session from another class.
Skill Level: All
Instructor: Elizabeth
Fee: $25
Thursday 2:00 - 4:00 May 6
Saturday 1:00 - 3:00 June 19
Thanks, it has Pockets! Online
Nothing’s more disappointing than a garment without pockets! But don’t despair - you can add pockets to any project. Learn both patch and in-seam styles, plus tips for sewing them neatly and easily, and receive a PDF of universal pocket patterns to sew into anything!
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Instructor: Elizabeth
Fee: $35
Saturday 1:00 - 3:00 June 12
T-Shirt Dress Online
The perfect combination of knit and woven make this dress a spring and summer staple! You’ll use a basic knit t-shirt pattern for the top with a self-drafted woven skirt. We’ll make it easy, and you can add pockets, too!
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Instructor: Elizabeth
Fee: $50
Thursdays 6:00 - 8:00 June 10, 17
The Underarm Gusset Online
This little-known fitting and design detail makes a fun addition to your sleeve! Borrow a centuries-old technique to improve your range of movement and comfort. We’ll cover a simple gusset as well as a clean-finished version done with flat-felled seams.
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Instructor: Elizabeth
Fee: $30
Sunday 12:00 - 2:00 May 16
Zipper Success Online
Stuck on zippers? You don’t have to be! Learn the easiest ways to install both traditional and invisible zippers in any project.
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Instructor: Elizabeth
Fee: $35
Thursday 2:00 - 4:00 May 27
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Fashion Sewing Club is now
~ GARMENT SEWING GROUP ~
held online!
To begin a new season (and begin our 12th! year) we have decided to change the name for our meetings - to reflect the emphasis on individual style versus “fashion” and the lack of a need to “join the club” we are calling it Garment Sewing Group which also sounds a little more “slow fashion” which, let’s face it, most of us don’t need clothes to stay at home in but need to sew as it’s our super power.
Garment Sewing Group is a monthly meeting featuring garments, pattern modification and review, and the latest news in the sewing world. You will be provided with tips, techniques and new ideas that are sure to inspire you. Current fashion, chic wear, proper fit, children’s wear and home dec are just some of the topics we will explore.
Fee for Garment Sewing Group is $10. Your first meeting is free.
Please register/pay using the link below. You may attend one or all meetings in a month and only pay for one! Plus, Group attendees get 10% off regularly-priced fabrics at Treadle on club day!
Garment Sewing Group meets at 10:30 a.m.:
Saturday May 8
Tuesday May 11
Thursday May 13
Tuesday June 8
Thursday June 10
Saturday June 12
To register for Garment Sewing Group, visit the Material Girls' website here.
For all our other classes, call us at 651.698.9690 to register.
~ HOW TO REGISTER FOR CLASSES ~
You may register by phone (651-698-9690) or in person at the store.
Full payment is required to reserve your space in class.
Please note class dates and times on your calendar! We do not make reminder calls.
Space is limited! Most classes have a limit of 6 students. Register early to reserve your space.
To keep our in-person classes safer for everyone:
We are updating our class space to allow for better ventilation, spacing, and social distancing; most classes will be limited to 4 students. Masks are required for both students and teachers.
CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS
Class fees are refundable up to ONE WEEK before class. After that time, they are non-refundable and non-transferable.
If we cancel a class, refunds or store credit will be issued to registered students.
AGE & SKILL LEVELS
All classes are appropriate for ages 14 and over, unless otherwise indicated. Skill levels are the minimum required.
Beginner: Little or no sewing experience.
Advanced Beginner: Must be familiar with your sewing machine and general sewing terms and beginning to read patterns.
Intermediate: Must be knowledgeable of your sewing machine, comfortable reading a pattern, and have an understanding of basic garment construction.
SUPPLIES
A supply list will be e-mailed to you upon registration (within 48 hrs). You should have ALL required supplies for your first class, unless otherwise noted.
You can find sewing supplies for sale at our store. Our staff will be happy to assist you in gathering your supplies!
Students in our classes take 15% off all regularly-priced fabrics at our store for the duration of your class!
Most online classes require the following BASIC ONLINE CLASS SUPPLIES:
- An internet-capable device with video, such as a laptop or smartphone
- sewing machine in good working order (and sewing machine manual)
- thread
- iron and ironing board
- bobbins
- sewing scissors
- tape measure
- straight pins
- seam ripper
- 6" seam gauge
- washable fabric marker or chalk pencil
- one package of assorted size Universal sewing machine needles
Be sure to check the detailed supply list for YOUR class!
SUPPLIES for each class:
Basic Sergery and Beyond
- BASIC SUPPLIES (see above)
- serger in good working order
- serger manual (VERY IMPORTANT - download online if you don't have one)
- ALL tools and accessories associated with your serger
- Four different colors of cone thread (helpful if it matches the four colors on serger tension dials)
- Sample fabrics kit will be provided (pick up at Treadle) along with a child-size cotton knit tee to construct in class and take home or donate.
Beautiful Seams & Hems
- BASIC SUPPLIES (see above)
-
hand sewing needles
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1 yard 100% cotton broadcloth (a subtle print will help you determine right and wrong sides)
-
¼ yard cotton knit jersey fabric
-
thread in a contrasting color
-
1 pack narrow (1/4” wide) double fold bias tape
-
blind hem presser foot for sewing machine (or zig-zag foot if you don’t have one)
-
Optional: pinking shears
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Optional but helpful: 1/4” quilt-piecing presser foot
PREP BEFORE CLASS: Please pre-cut your fabric into pieces. You'll need:
6"x6" pieces: 12 cotton broadcloth and 2 knit
12"x6" pieces: 6 cotton broadcloth and 1 knit
Beginning Sewing
- BASIC SUPPLIES (see above)
-
1/2 yard cotton muslin for practice stitching
Additionally, please budget $25 - $50 for pattern and fabric - selections will be made after first class. Cost will vary with project choice.
Best Bust Fit
-
Notebook and pencil
-
Bust Fitting PDF (will be emailed to you)
- A shirt or dress pattern you’d like to adjust
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Any patterns you have questions about
* No sewing machine required during class *
Bring Your Mockup
- BASIC SUPPLIES (see above)
- Notebook and pencil
- Optional but helpful: curved fashion ruler or flexible ruler
- A muslin mockup ready to try on and fit - PREP BEFORE CLASS - Please choose a basic, fitted pattern with simple style lines. Cut out your mockup in muslin or scrap fabric (old sheets work great!) Sew it together with machine basting stitches. Omit hems, buttonholes, and other finishing details. This mockup will be used for fitting purposes only and will not turn into a finished garment.
*No sewing machine required during class*
Collar Techniques
- BASIC SUPPLIES (see above)
-
collar kit (pick up at Treadle)
-
Sewing machine
-
Iron
-
Point turning tools
Coming Back to Sewing
- Note paper
- Patterns you may want to try (don’t purchase, just have a list :)
- A list of garments you’d like to make for yourself
- A list of your most worn garments
- Three reasons you want to sew for yourself
Continuing On
- BASIC SUPPLIES (see above)
- Anything relevant to your specific project!
Drape Your Perfect Tank
- BASIC SUPPLIES (see above)
- 2 yards plain cotton muslin
- 1 to 1 ½ yards fashion fabric for finished garment
- pattern making paper
- Note: In this class, we will be using basic draping to make a pattern. There are three options:
-
Use a dress from (if you have one, use it!)
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Have a second person help you
-
Work on your own (mirrors and a camera on a timer will be helpful)
Easy Tee
- BASIC SUPPLIES (see above)
-
COTTON JERSEY KNIT fabric - amount required by pattern
-
Polyester thread to match fabric
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Pattern Recommendations (choose pattern size by your BUST MEASUREMENT IN INCHES): Jalie 2805 or 2918, New Look 6404 or 6458, or another basic t-shirt pattern. See our recommended patterns at our Pinterest board here.
PREP BEFORE CLASS: Pre-wash and dry your fabric
Free Monthly Online Sewing Talks
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notebook and pencil
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any relevant patterns, fabrics, or garments you have questions about!
Let’s Tie One On
- BASIC SUPPLIES (see above)
-
2 yards or more cotton print fabric
-
1 yard or more cotton print or solid contrast fabric
-
Thread
PREP BEFORE CLASS: Pre-wash and dry your fabric. Using the PDF guide (will be emailed to you) choose which elements you want in your apron, and cut to the measurements indicated.
Jalie Eleanore Pull-on Pant
- BASIC SUPPLIES (see above)
- Jalie Eleonore pattern and fabric with stretch
- Thread
- Sewing machine (serger will be useful after checking garment fit)
- Sewing supplies
- Pattern tracing paper
Post Sergery: Woven Top
- BASIC SUPPLIES (see above)
- fabric as required by pattern
Post Sergery: Knit Tee for Me
- BASIC SUPPLIES (see above)
- fabric as required by pattern
Sewing Salon
- BASIC SUPPLIES (see above)
-
Anything relevant to your specific project!
Thanks, it has POCKETS!
- BASIC SUPPLIES (see above)
-
Pocket pattern PDF – will be emailed to you – please PRINT in advance
-
1 yard 100% cotton broadcloth or muslin, white or other solid light color
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100% cotton thread in a contrasting color
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Point turning tool
T-Shirt Dress
- BASIC SUPPLIES (see above)
-
Pattern Recommendations (choose pattern size by your BUST MEASUREMENT IN INCHES): Jalie 2805, New Look 6404 or 6458, or your favorite t-shirt pattern. See our recommended patterns at our Pinterest board here.
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Fabrics: Cotton Jersey Knit for top - amount required by T-shirt pattern
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Cotton or rayon woven for skirt - 1 ½ yards, or more for a fuller/longer skirt
PREP BEFORE CLASS: Pre-wash and dry your fabric.
The Underarm Gusset
- BASIC SUPPLIES (see above)
- 1/2 yard of cotton or linen woven fabric
- thread
- PREP BEFORE CLASS: fabric cutting directions will be emailed to you
Zipper Success
- BASIC SUPPLIES (see above)
-
hand sewing needles
-
½ yard 100% cotton broadcloth or muslin, white or other solid light color
-
Two 7” or 9” zippers (traditional, not invisible)
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One 7”-9” invisible zipper
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Zipper presser foot for machine
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Optional but helpful: invisible zipper presser foot
PREP BEFORE CLASS: Pre-cut your fabric into 6 pieces approximately 6” x 12” in size