Have you ever felt overwhelmed standing in front of a wall of fabric, unsure where to even begin? Or picked up two different tops when shopping for clothing and wondered what the difference rayon vs polyester could make? Do you want to know why people are willing to pay the extra cost for a suit made from 100% wool? This class is here to help. Come demystify the world of textiles and build the foundational knowledge you need to make confident choices for your next sewing project or expanding your wardrobe.
We’ll explore common fabric types by fiber content and construction—from cotton to polyester, silk to rayon, wovens to knits—and learn to identify differences in weight, drape, and stretch as we touch all the things. Weather permitting, we’ll even head outside for a fiber burn test to see fabric identification in action. You’ll discover which fabrics work best for different types of projects, how to recognize them, and where to find them.
Once we have covered how to identify your fabrics, we will then discuss how to work with them by diving into the practical side of fabric handling, giving you the knowledge and tools to approach various textiles with confidence. From the cutting table to the finished project, we will talk about how different fabrics respond to various cutting tools and techniques, choosing the right needles and thread for your fabric, understanding how your sewing machine’s settings will affect the fabric (or even which machine you use!), and selecting the presser feet that will make your work easier and cleaner. We'll look at pressing settings that protect delicate fibers while getting the job done. Finally we'll examine care labels to decode what they actually mean and how to wash, dry, and care for specific fiber types so whether you purchase or sewing your own garments, you will know how to care for specific fiber types to ensure your garments look great in the years to come.
Perquisites: None but this class is designed to compliment Intro to Domestic Sewing Machines and Understanding and Reading Patterns
Cancellation Policy: 48 hours in advance
Age Requirement: 10+ (All minors must be accompanied by an adult guardian)
Sign off: None
Safety Dress Code: N/A
Meet your instructor: With nearly two decades as an educator under her belt, it's clear Danielle loves teaching. She's shared her expertise through workshops on everything from beginner sewing to operating specialty machines, pattern drafting, textile selection, and intricate embroidery techniques. But Danielle's true creative joy lies in bringing beloved Star Wars characters to life through meticulously crafted costumes. She's competed across the country, always challenging herself to top her previous creations, and invariably getting distracted by a new galactic passion project.
Class must have 4 participants sign up to run. If this does not happen those who have paid will be issued a full refund.
