Sewing with Stretchy Knits: Leggings or Bike Shorts (1-day Intensive)

Please note: All class registrations are final; please view our Cancellation Policy and Covid-19 Policy for more information. By registering for this workshop, you are agreeing to abide by these policies. Thank you for supporting our small business!  

Skill level requirement: this is NOT a learn to sew class; you must have sewn in the recent past, and be confident operating a sewing machine independently. See below for more info. If you're a total beginner, check out our Sewing 101 Workshops.

Build your sewing skills! Join us for this one-day workshop and learn to sew with stretchy knit fabrics. It will open up a world of possibilities for making your own stretchy garments, from t-shirts and undies to tunics and dresses!

You'll learn the basics of sewing knits, while also learning how to use a commercial pattern as you create super comfy leggings or bike shorts!

In this class, you'll learn how to:

• Work from a sewing pattern, including size selection, cutting from pattern pieces, and more
• How to sew stretchy knit fabrics on a standard sewing machine (not a serger)
• Understand stretchy sewing basics such as proper fabric prep, pinning, cutting, ironing, thread and needle choice, machine settings, and trouble shooting
• Cut fabric and assemble a garment the right way

We'll be working with the Virginia Leggings Pattern by Megan Nielsen in this class, using the version of your choice -- choose from narrow and wide waistbands and five inseam options and cuffs that can make up bike shorts, 3/4 length leggings, or full length leggings. Whichever you choose, you'll leave class with the know-how to fill your wardrobe with many versions of these versatile bottoms!

Skill requirements: 

This is a confident beginner garment sewing workshop; you do not need to have any experience sewing clothing, but you must have basic machine-sewing skills. Our Sewing 101 class (or equivalent) is a prerequisite for this class. (You can register for one of our upcoming Sewing 101 workshops here.) If you're unsure whether you have enough sewing experience for this class, please send a brief email summarizing your sewing experience to hello@brooklyncraftcompany.com. 

Materials:

Materials needed for class are available to be purchased at our shop in person or online as a local pick up order at a 10% student discount. Please note, within 24 hrs of registering for the workshop, you will receive the discount code for the materials needed. The legging pattern and materials are not included in registration fee.  You will need: 

• The Virginia Legging Pattern by Megan Nielsen. The pre-printed pattern includes sizes 0-20 and is available for purchase at our shop or on our site. Curve sizes 14-34 available as a PDF pattern only here -- Must be printed and ready to use before class!
• 1- 3 yards (depending on your size and pattern view chosen) of stretch knit fabric with at least 40% stretch preferably containing spandex or lycra. Our ponte knits are a great option for leggings that hold their shape and don't stretch out too quickly with wear! To determine the amount of fabric required please consult the size chart on the back of the sewing pattern after taking your measurements and choose which view of the leggings/bike shorts you'd like to make. Note that sewing pattern sizes are not comparable to off the rack. 
• Matching all-purpose Thread
• 1" wide elastic for views A &C, 1/4" or 1" wide elastic for views B&D

*Please note it is always advisable to pre-wash any fabric being used for garment sewing as many fabrics can shrink To prewash, simply wash and dry the fabric as you would the finished garment. If you buy fabric the day-of class and can't pre-wash (very common for classroom settings!), please keep in mind that finished garments must always be washed cold and line dried to prevent shrinkage-- which is generally advisable with stretchy knits regardless. 

Class Details

Date & Time: Select date above (Date selected is the first of two parts)

Location: Brooklyn Craft Company, 165 Greenpoint Avenue (here’s where we’re located)
Cost: $145 includes 5 hours of instruction, and use of our BERNINA sewing machines + tools. Does NOT include pattern, fabric or other materials-- All required materials will be available for purchase at our shop at a 10% discount. 

All class registrations are final; please view our policy for more information.

MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Hillary O'Dell is a creative Jane-of-All Trades. She flexes her multitude of skills in Art and Design by: styling, teaching lessons in fashion and sewing, creating commissioned pieces from furniture to clothing, and brand identity consulting. You can find this work on instagram @EclecticEdit 

Hillary is the founder and designer for Hilandel, a design label based in New York City, specializing in custom bridal as well as offering a collection of limited-edition ready to wear pieces. Check it out on instagram at @hil.an.del and at hilandel.com 

Special Thanks...

Thank you to BERNINA for furnishing Brooklyn Craft Company's sewing machines. Visit BERNINA online at WeAllSew.com.