Beginner Sewing Lessons

Your Sewing Journey Begins Here

Whether you have never used a sewing machine before or it has been years since your last project, you are welcome here.

At Sewing and Fitting Mentor, beginning sewing is about much more than completing a few projects. It is about learning skills that will serve you for years to come, understanding why techniques work, and gaining the confidence to create with success.

Our small, mentor-led classes provide a welcoming, encouraging place to learn. You won’t be rushed, compared to others, or expected to figure everything out on your own. Instead, you’ll receive patient guidance as you build your skills one stitch at a time.

As a Palmer & Pletsch Certified Sewing Instructor (CSI), Renee Bontjes combines a nationally respected teaching method with 40+ years of professional experience in sewing, fitting, dressmaking, and alteration. Whether your goal is garment sewing or practical sewing skills, you’ll build a strong foundation that will support your sewing journey for years to come.

Begin with Confidence

Every Beginning Sewing student’s sewing journey begins with our Intro to the Sewing Machine for Adults & Teens.

This class is more than a prerequisite—it’s where you become comfortable operating your sewing machine safely and confidently before beginning your first sewing projects.

You’ll learn:

• Sewing machine parts and operation
• Threading the machine and winding a bobbin
• How to avoid common sewing machine issues: thread nesting, needle unthreading, poor tension, skipped stitches, etc
• Stitch selection and basic machine settings
• Sewing straight seams, curves, corners, and accurate seam allowances
• Choosing the correct needle, thread, and fabric
• Basic sewing machine care and maintenance
• Building your beginner sewing toolkit

Starting with these fundamentals allows your Beginning Sewing classes to focus on developing sewing skills rather than learning basic machine operation.

Choose Your Sewing Journey

Every sewist begins somewhere, but not every sewist has the same destination.

Some students have always dreamed of sewing clothing that fits beautifully. Others are excited to create bags, quilts, home décor, gifts, or practical projects for everyday life.

Our Beginning Sewing program offers two journeys, each designed to build confidence through carefully sequenced lessons and hands-on practice.

Intro to Garment Making

If your dream is to sew your own wardrobe, this is the perfect place to begin.

Using the Palmer & Pletsch Learn to Sew curriculum, you’ll develop garment-making skills through a carefully planned progression of lessons and sewing samples before creating finished garments.

You’ll learn:

• Sewing terminology and construction techniques
• Accurate cutting, stitching, and pressing
• Seams, darts, facings, hems, and seam finishes
• Elastic, zippers, buttonholes, and buttons
• Fabric selection and interfacing
• Understanding commercial sewing patterns
• Building the confidence to sew garments successfully

One of the unique strengths of the Palmer & Pletsch method is the ability to learn techniques through practice samples before using them in a garment. By mastering a skill first, you’ll gain confidence without worrying about making mistakes on a special project.

After completing this curriculum, you’ll be ready to choose garments of your own as you continue into Sewing with Mentoring.

Non-Garment Beginning Sewing

If you’d rather begin with practical sewing projects, this journey may be the perfect fit.

Using The School of Sewing by Andria Lisle, you’ll complete thoughtfully designed beginner projects that gradually introduce new techniques while building confidence and creativity.

Along the way you’ll learn to:

• Read and follow sewing instructions
• Cut and mark fabric accurately
• Sew consistent seams and curves
• Use a variety of presser feet and sewing tools
• Understand different fabric types and their uses
• Select appropriate needles, thread, interfacing, and notions
• Develop the habits that lead to beautiful sewing

Whether you continue with bags, quilting, home décor, or eventually decide to sew garments, you’ll have a solid foundation to build upon.

Learn at Your Own Pace

Everyone learns differently.

Some techniques click right away, while others simply take a little more practice. That’s perfectly normal.

Because our classes are mentor-led, you’ll receive individual guidance as you progress through your chosen curriculum at a pace that feels comfortable and encouraging. You’ll learn not only how to complete a technique, but why it’s done that way, helping you become a confident, independent sewist.

You’re welcome to bring your own sewing machine or use one of the studio machines during class.

As your skills grow, we’ll also help you build your sewing toolkit gradually, so you’re only purchasing the supplies you truly need.

Continue Growing with Sewing & Mentoring

Your Beginning Sewing Journey is only the beginning.

When you’re ready, you’ll continue into Sewing with Mentoring, where your learning becomes even more personal.

Instead of following a set curriculum, you’ll choose projects that reflect your own interests while continuing to receive individualized guidance and encouragement.

You might:

• Sew garments from commercial or independent patterns
• Explore bags, quilting, or home décor
• Learn more advanced construction techniques
• Improve garment fitting skills
• Gain confidence in selecting fabrics and supplies
• Tackle projects you’ve always wanted to make—with an experienced mentor nearby whenever you need help

No matter where your sewing journey takes you, you’ll continue learning in a supportive community that celebrates progress over perfection.

Welcome to Our Sewing Community

Enrollment begins by selecting the Request Enrollment button below.

If space is available, you’ll receive an invitation to complete your registration and choose the Beginning Sewing Journey that best matches your interests.

We’ll provide guidance on curriculum materials, supplies, and everything you need to get started.

Whether you’re hoping to sew your first tote bag, make clothing that truly fits, or simply discover the joy of creating something with your own hands, we’d be honored to be part of your sewing journey.

We look forward to welcoming you to Sewing and Fitting Mentor and cheering you on—one stitch at a time.ve journey together, where every stitch is a step towards mastering the art of sewing. See you in class!

🌸 A Gentle Reminder

🌿 Fragrance-Free Studio
Sewing and Fitting Mentor Studio is a fragrance-free space for the health and comfort of all. Please avoid perfumes, scented lotions, detergents, and fabric softeners when visiting the studio. Thank you for helping us keep the air clear and welcoming for everyone.

🧵 Class Attendance Policy
Please note that there are no make-up sessions or refunds for missed classes. We encourage you to attend each session to get the most from your sewing journey!