We’ve made a list of some of the most common questions we get at the studio. Click the links below for more info:
Supplies and Materials
Sewing Machines
What Class to Choose
Registration Questions
Sewing for Kids
Books, Blogs, and Other Resources
Supplies and Materials
What do I need to bring with me to the studio?
For most classes, you will need to bring fabric, thread, and a pattern for any project you are working on. However, some classes (like Intro to Sewing and the kid’s classes) do not require that you bring anything with you. If you’re not sure what you need, be sure to review the description for the class you are enrolled in, as materials are listed on the class page.
Do I have to have my own sewing machine?
No, you are welcome to use the machines at the studio for your class. You can also rent a machine for a few weeks or a month to practice at home.
Can I bring my machine?
Yes, please feel free to do so. Just be prepared to carry it from your car and up a flight of stairs to the studio.
What are the starter supplies you would recommend?
Check out the list of suggested supplies here. All of these can be purchased at fabric stores and at the studio as well.
What are some good fabric stores in the area?
Exquisite Fabrics is the only store within the DC boundaries, and carries mostly fashion fabrics. G Street Fabrics, Joann Fabrics, and Hancock fabrics all have multiple locations in
Do you have any good recommendations on sewing machines? What should I look for in a machine?
Leslie, the owner of Stitch Lab in Austin Texas, has an excellent page of information on sewing machines, found here. We agree 100% with her reviews and advice.
Where can I get my machine serviced in the DC area?
Brother Sew & Vac in Cleveland Park does machine repairs and is metro accessible. They also sell vintage machines. In addition, you can look up the local dealers for your brand of machine, as many of them offer machine servicing. Some fabric stores do as well.
What are the machines you use the the studio?
We use the Janome 11590 (exactly the same as the Kenmore 16231), which are simple, smooth and have a fun little tortoise and hare to help you control your speed as you learn to sew.
I’m not sure what class is best for me. What would you suggest?
We typically remember choosing classes based on your interests and goals. You can find a list of classes by category here. If you haven’t used a sewing machine before or haven’t used one for a really long time, Intro to Sewing would probably be a good place to start. If you feel like you’re okay handling a sewing machine but just want to brush up a little before launching into a bigger project, you might try Beginner’s Step Two.
I want to learn how to design my own clothes and/or accessories. What classes do I need to take?
Check out this information on Learning to Design at the bottom of the classes page.
Registration Questions
If I register for a class and need to reschedule, what can I do?
You can cancel or reschedule your participation in a class for a full refund or a credit, up to 72 hours before the class. The same applies to private lessons. If you need to cancel/reschedule I less than 72 hours, we will only be able to provide a refund or a credit if we can find another person to fill your spot. This policy keeps us from having to inflate enrollment, enabling us to keep class sizes small so that all students receive personal attention and quality instruction. If you need to cancel or reschedule, please contact us here.
What are my chances of getting in from the waiting list?
We usually take at least one or two people from the waiting list for each class, so it’s worthwhile to register if you are really interested. We will usually contact you by email and phone if a space is available. If you are willing to join a class, even up to a few hours before the class starts, it can be worth following up again in case we get day-of cancellations.
Sewing for Kids
How old does my daughter or son need to be to learn to sew?
The youngest kids we work with are about 7 years old, which is the age at which their hands are building the dexterity they need to be able to handle fabric, a needle, and even a sewing machine.
I have a teenager interested in sewing/design. Should he or she enroll in group classes with other adults, or private lessons?
This depends on the individual — most mature teens are usually fine in a class with adults. If you think your teen might do better with more personalized attention, private lessons would be a better option.
What’s a good sewing machine for a child?
The same one as for an adult. A machine with speed control is very helpful, especially as they build eye-hand coordination. A smaller-sized machine is not necessarily better or safer than an adult size, and your child may grow out of out of it quickly.
Books, Blogs, and Other Resources
If you haven’t done so already, check out the Toolkit section of this site. We have a list there of recommended books and also several websites, tutorials, and pages that explain some very useful sewing info!