Did you know that sewing is one of the oldest of the textile arts and has been practiced since the stone ages! Sewing is a valuable skill to have, whether you want to sew a button back on a shirt, repair a torn dress, re-size clothing, or you want to create projects. Sewing is also a relaxing hobby that actually has many benefits. Here are just a few benefits of sewing:
- Have you ever bought clothes that you love but don’t quite fit correctly? Sewing enables you to make alterations to clothes so that they fit your body.
- Making your own clothes can save you a lot of money and it is better for the planet.
- Sewing is a great outlet for creativity.
- Feeling a sense of accomplishment when wearing clothing you have made or repaired.
- Sewing improves hand-eye coordination.
- Improves dexterity in your hands and fingers.
Convinced? Want to learn how to sew? Enroll in one of the great online sewing courses below and start your new hobby today! Not sure about sewing? Want to try a different craft? Take a look at our jewelry making courses, knitting classes, and crochet courses.
Quick Links:
- Sewing 101
- Sewing Patterns 101: Learn to Read Sewing Patterns
- Serger 101: Machine Basics For Sewing with Serger
- Easy Sewing Projects for Beginners
- Advance Your Sewing Skills
- Sewing Essentials
- Kids Sewing 101
- Sewing Pattern Alterations: Fixing Fit Issues
Best Online Sewing Classes (2020)
1. Sewing 101
Created by Margaret Smith
Rating: 4.4 out of 5 (800+ ratings)
6,370+ students enrolled
A great online sewing class for beginners by the top-rated sewing teacher Margaret Smith. By the end of this course, you will have the confidence to create those projects you previously would only have ever dreamed about!
You’ll Learn:
- Sewing machine basics.
- How to thread a sewing machine and how to wind a bobbin.
- How to cut out fabric, pin fabric, and how to get it ready to sew.
- Sew in a straight line.
- Learn a multitude of seam finishes and stitches.
- How to sew the four basic seams.
- How to choose fabric and thread.
- How to use a pattern book.
- How to read a sewing pattern.
- And much much more!
Requirements:
- You need to have the use of a sewing machine.
- You need to have the use of an iron and ironing board.
- You’ll need scissors, fabric scissors, all-purpose craft scissors, a tape measure, straight pins, thread, a fabric marker or chalk and a seam ripper.
“My favorite course… This was the best course related to sewing that I have ever had. Very informative and hands-on. Thank you so much.”
“This course was thorough and clear. I feel like I got a strong foundation of basic sewing knowledge. I rate this course Excellent! Thank you.”
“The course was informative, detailed, and very easy to follow which I appreciated. Just starting out I have learned a lot. Thank you!”
Reviews from students of this course.
2. Sewing Patterns 101: Learn to Read Sewing Patterns
Created by Ariana Bauer
Rating: 4.7 out of 5 (150+ ratings)
1,360+ students enrolled
Great class for the beginner who wants to learn the fundamentals of sewing patterns. Your instructor Ariana Bauer will teach you to read PDF patterns as well as traditional, antique, and vintage patterns. Ariana will also teach you how to decide which pattern to choose and whether you’ll be able to sew it. Once you’ve completed this sewing class, you will be reading sewing patterns like a professional. Highly recommended.
You’ll Learn:
- How to read traditional sewing patterns.
- How to read antique and vintage dot sewing patterns.
- How to read PDF sewing patterns.
- How to assemble PDF sewing patterns.
- How to select a sewing pattern that fits.
- And much much more!
Requirements:
- A love of sewing!.
- No prior knowledge is necessary.
“This was a great course! Quick and easy and she explains everything so well. Really well done and covers various pattern types.”
“I am a novice and this instructor is thorough and very easy to follow!”
“Very informative. I learned a lot; especially about all the different brands of patterns.”
Reviews from students of this course.
3. Serger 101: Machine Basics For Sewing with Serger
Created by Margaret Smith
Rating: 4.7 out of 5 (69+ ratings)
548+ students enrolled
This excellent sewing class by the top-rated sewing instructor Margaret Smith will teach you everything you need to know to become proficient in serging. Margaret says that it is only by learning the basics of serging that you’ll understand how versatile the serger can actually be. So learn to get the most out of your serger today by taking this online class.
Who Is This Course For:
- Anyone who wants to learn how to confidently and proficiently use a serger.
You’ll Learn:
- How the serger works.
- How to thread the serger.
- Discover the capabilities of the serger.
- How to create nine different types of basic stitches.
- Learn the correct stitches to use for a wide range of fabrics and designs.
- How to troubleshoot poor tension, fabric rippling, skipped stitches, and more.
- How to serge corners, curves, and other techniques.
- And much much more!
Requirements:
- No prior knowledge is necessary.
“Completely new to a serger, this has been extremely helpful.”
“Very helpful and informative. It got me using my serger quickly and confidently.”
“Excellent course!! I’ve received my serger and after this course, I feel quite excited about getting started.”
Reviews from students of this course.
4. Easy Sewing Projects for Beginners
Created by Christie Daugherty
Rating: 4.2 out of 5 (24+ ratings)
85+ students enrolled
In this course by Christie Daugherty, you will learn how to make a mini cinch bag and a travel tissue pouch. The knowledge and experience you gain from making these two items will give the confidence and inspiration in trying more advanced projects. Great classes and judging by the reviews, her students loved this course. Highly recommended.
Who Is This Course For:
- Anyone looking for inspiration to use their sewing machine.
- Anyone who wants to build confidence in using their sewing machine.
You’ll Learn:
- How to make a travel tissue couch.
- How to make a mini cinch bag.
- The confidence to undertake more simple sewing projects.
Requirements:
- Basic sewing skills.
- Familiarity with a sewing machine.
“I think this is great for new sewers or beginners. Really enjoying this course so far.”
“So many new craft room ideas that I love. Love the step by step explaining, Easy to understand, I love everything about this. Great job!”
“Good, informative videos. Great for a beginner.”
“Very helpful and lots of tips.”
Reviews from students of this course.
5. Advance Your Sewing Skills
Created by Ashley Hough
Rating: 4.6 out of 5 (25+ ratings)
151+ students enrolled
These highly-rated sewing classes are made in conjunction with the National Sewing Circle and a National Sewing Circle Instructor called Ashley Hough. In these comprehensive sewing classes, Ashley expands on the basic techniques most beginners already know to take your sewing skills to the next level. Highly recommended.
Who Is This Course For:
- Beginners who want to advance their sewing skills.
You’ll Learn:
- The commonly used types of stitches and stitch lengths and when to use them.
- The different types of darts and pleats, how to sew them, and when to use them.
- The different types of seam finishes and when to use them.
- The different types of hemming methods including no-sew and blind hems and when to use them.
- How to sew curves and corners like a professional.
- How to sew crisp corners when using bulky fabrics.
Requirements:
- Basic sewing skills.
“Thank you for creating such a clear and concise stitching course!”
“Very clearly set out and easy to follow.”
“Excellent information presented in a very clear manner.”
“Great course! Learned a lot! Well worth taking.”
Reviews from students of this course.
6. Sewing Essentials
Created by Ashley Hough
Rating: 4.6 out of 5 (24+ ratings)
122+ students enrolled
These beginner classes by the National Sewing Circle instructor Ashley Hough will guide you through everything you need to know to get sewing with confidence. Highly recommended.
Who Is This Course For:
- Anybody who wants to get started in sewing.
- Anybody who’d like to refresh their sewing knowledge.
You’ll Learn:
- Learn the components of a sewing machine and how it works.
- How to follow the thread path to thread a sewing machine.
- How to insert a bobbin.
- Learn about the different needle and thread types and when to use each type.
- Learn about the different types of fabrics.
- Learn how to correctly cut out pattern pieces using both scissors and a rotary cutting system.
- And much more!
Requirements:
- No sewing experience necessary.
“Everything was very well explained. I have some knowledge of sewing but even like that, still lots to learn.”
“Perfect for a beginner like me.”
“This is truly a beginner course, which makes it perfect for those looking to learn the basics. She covers important topics like stitches and interfacing as well as the machine. Thank you!”
Reviews from students of this course.
7. Kids Sewing 101
Created by Margaret Smith
Rating: 4.8 out of 5 (72+ ratings)
382+ students enrolled
Online sewing classes for children that will teach your child how to sew and stitch safely and with confidence.
Who Is This Course For:
- Children from 6 – 16 that want to learn how to sew.
You’ll Learn:
- How to safely use a sewing machine.
- Learn all the parts of a sewing machine.
- You’ll complete several sewing projects.
- How to thread a sewing machine.
- How to wind a bobbin
- How to safely use an iron.
- And more!
Requirements:
- No sewing experience necessary.
- A sewing machine,fabric, scissors, and pins
“I really enjoyed the course :)”
“My daughter is 11 and really enjoying the class so far. She keeps asking me if she can watch the next lesson. The information has been well explained and easy for my daughter to follow along with.”
“My daughter enjoyed the class and learned a great deal of information. The projects are perfect.”
Reviews from students of this course.
8. Sewing Pattern Alterations: Fixing Fit Issues
Created by Ashley Hough
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (9+ ratings)
109+ students enrolled
These online sewing classes were made in conjunction with National Sewing Circle and the National Sewing Circle Instructor Ashley Hough. This course will teach you how to do pattern alterations on pattern pieces and various types and styles of clothing such as shirt necklines, fronts and backs, skirts, pants, and shirt sleeves to fix common fit issues. Highly recommended
Who Is This Course For:
- Sewers who’d like to be able to make alterations to patterns.
You’ll Learn:
- The techniques and skills needed to make pattern alterations.
- How to fix common fit issues with sleeves.
- How to alter pant and skirt sizes without changing the overall design
Requirements:
- There are no requirements for taking these classes.
“This was informative and easy to understand.”
“Great course! Just what I needed! Very informative and easy to follow. Ashley is great!”
“My daughter enjoyed the class and learned a great deal of information. The projects are perfect.”