Learn a variety of hand sewing techniques – stitches, seams, hems, and other finishes – to build strong, beautiful cut-and-sew knit clothing.
So many of us live our days wearing stretchy knit clothing. Can you imagine the satisfaction of stitching these garments entirely by hand? With just a few good stitches, you’ll be empowered to make a whole closetful of beautiful, comfortable clothes.
In this in-person, one-day workshop, Louisa Owen Sonstroem will teach students the basic stitches, seams, hems, and other techniques needed to construct clothes from cut-and-sew knit fabrics such as jersey, rib, ponte, terry, and more. Through a series of simple swatches, students will learn and practice the skills to build hand-sewn knit clothes that are attractive, hard-wearing, stretchy, and comfortable. These techniques build clothes that are sturdy enough for workouts, washing machines, and everyday life, but they’re also beautiful enough for special moments.
This is a skill-building class rather than a project-focused class. Students will build personal libraries of technique swatches to inform all of their future hand-sewn knit garment projects, including t-shirts, tank tops, sweatshirts, leggings, sweatpants, underwear, bras, bathing suits, etc. Variations and experimentation will be encouraged. Louisa will display various sample garments and show how class techniques were applied to construct them.
All are welcome in this class. However, some previous garment sewing experience will be helpful.
All basic materials are included and will be provided for class, but students can bring along any preferred special sewing tools such as thimbles.
Date + Time
Saturday, October 4th, 2025, 11am – 4pm
Location
Tatter Textile Library: 505 Carroll Street, #2B, Brooklyn, NY 11215
Cost
$120
Class Materials
All materials are included with class purchase
Our Teacher
Louisa Owen Sonstroem considers garment-making skills to be deeply empowering. By day, she works in technical design and patternmaking, most recently for Eileen Fisher and Macy’s. In her spare time, Louisa also writes and teaches about patternmaking and hand stitching clothing. Previous works have included a self-published book called Hand Sewing Clothing: A Guide, as well as two seasons of “Patternmaking in Public Places,” an outreach project she started to democratize access to patternmaking skills. This year, Louisa is celebrating the August release of her newest book, The Handsewn Wardrobe: A Complete Guide to Making Your Own Clothes, from Patternmaking to the Finishing Stitches, in collaboration with Storey Publishing.