I’ve been sewing for years and now people are asking me to teach them how to sew.
I wonder if there are any helpful hints as to what and how to teach. i’ve started searching on the Internet for class syllabuses but haven’t been successful so far.
I’ve mostly been asked to teach women but I think I’d like to teach children also.
Thanks in advance! Laurel
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Sewing Classes
The Sewing Educator's Alliance, http://www.sewingeducators.com/, might be a good resource.
Also the Sewing and Craft Alliance offers a "Trained Sewing Instructor" program that covers the business end of this industry such as business expertise and teaching methods http://www.trainedsewinginstructor.com/html/overview.html
Teaching Sewing
From my experience yrs. ago...you must start with the weave of the fabric(wovens) the weft and warp..crosswise and lengthwise..and make sure after shrinkage it is straight on the grain...then patterns must be laid out w/the arrow paralell w/selvage. This is basic. Start w/a very simple pattern...your students must feel successful on their first attempts...or they'll stop. Then fitting is another big thing to learn before the student cuts the fabric...Hope this tips help. Good Luck!
fredjan
sewing classes
Laurel, I've entertained these same thoughts. And when I voice them, I'm surprised to learn that men also want to learn -- esp. young men. And I'm not just talking about theater types, although that is my crowd. So you might want to teach pillows (everybody can use, intro to several techniques they'll need to know), pj bottoms, t-shirts -- items that would appeal to women, men, and kids alike.
suggestions on teaching sewing
I think it is a good idea for the student to select what they want to make and go from there. I guess this will be a physical class? so that you can discuss the skill level of the project chosen and go on with the choice of fabric, discussing which types of fabrics are the easiest to sew with. Allow the student chose and you be the guide. That way the item is individualized and the student will end up with something they could use and enjoy long term. I think the class would be really beneficial if the student can really enjoy their end-results long-term. even if it is making a simple scarf and hemming this, you can discuss the various types of fabrics, some being warmer than others, being hypoallergenic, or more comfortable to wear, the care of the fabric, the neutral or brightness of the pattern, etc. Then the supplies can be customized to the necessity of the project.
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