Learn to Sew Your Clothes
a project-based Learning Path
Sewing masterclasses at your fingertips
Learn to sew your clothes, with wardrobe-building courses that take you from complete beginner to completely confident.
Take them in order for a seamless learning path, or choose a course based on the specific skills you want to develop.
Which Learn to Sew course is right for me?
We have courses for sewists of all levels, from complete beginner to advanced.
Unsure about where to begin? Our Guided Placement for Sewists (GPS) will locate your perfect starting point on the Learn to Sew Your Clothes pathway.
You’ll love learning with us if:
- You want the benefits of an in-person sewing class, from the comfort of home, on your schedule.
- You want stylist-designed projects that teach invaluable skills while enhancing your wardrobe with cool, unique pieces.
- You want to feel supported, technically and emotionally, in a private online community.
- You value expert instruction, but also FUN: you’ll love learning (and laughing) alongside Shaerie and Sophia.
- You want a clear, logical path to advancing your skillset in a stress-free way.
here’s how it works:
Each course is a stand-alone class – a “stop” on a carefully designed, logical learning path, from novice to advanced intermediate.
Each subsequent sewing course (and pattern) was designed to build upon the skills learned previously.
Take as many or as few courses as you’d like.
Figure out which course is the best starting point for you by using our Guided Placement for Sewists, or “Sewing GPS.”
for complete beginners
Intro to Sewing
What kind of machine should I get? How do I use it? What in the world is a bobbin? You’ll know all these answers and more by the end of this course – you’ll be a competent sewing machine operator!
But that’s not all. You’ll learn all about fabric during a virtual field trip to a fabric shop, and understand what all those charts and symbols mean on a sewing pattern.
the nocturne pants
Sewing Basics 1
Project: Sew the Nocturne Pajama Pants
Pajama pants are the BEST first project – low stakes, very useful, and a perfect form of self-care. The Nocturne Pajama Pants are perfect for loungewear, but depending on the fabric you choose, you can also wear them out and about. The pants feature a simple, comfortable paper bag waist, with the option of a lower rise, basic elastic waistband. The pockets, of course, are deep and luxurious.
the nocturne top
Sewing Basics 2
Project: Learn to sew an easy top
The Nocturne Top’s distinctive notched and gathered yoke can just as easily be paired with jeans as it can be with pajama pants. This cozy, pullover top with a slight high-low hem can be made with short or long sleeves depending on the season.
seam finishes and more
Beyond Sewing Basics
Project: Sew the Studio Tunic
A layering marvel, the Studio Tunic will be your go-to companion with leggings, jeans, over tees or under cropped sweaters. Pop it on as an apron in your art studio or workshop, or simply add it to any outfit, instantly upping your cool art teacher vibes. Did we mention you’ll love the pockets? Choose between scoop and v-neck options.
working with knits
Learn to Sew with Knits
Project: Sew a pair of Limestone Leggings and a Crop Top
The super cozy, super practical Limestone Leggings and Top set will demystify sewing with stretchy fabric. And good thing, because knits are simply the most comfortable fabrics to wear. Fill in any gaps in your loungewear drawer with these essential wardrobe pieces, You’ll be surprised how quick these are to sew!
a versatile dress pattern
Fit and Sew Bodices
Project: Fit and sew the Hinterland Dress
The iconic handmade dress, our much-loved Hinterland, provides an ideal opportunity to delve into how to fit a bodice. The Hinterland offers a timeless, comfortable, and elegant silhouette. Featuring three sleeve options, partial or full button down plackets (as well as a no-placket option), customizable length, and inseam pockets, this is a pattern workhorse that spans the seasons.
best-selling, well-fit pants
Fit and Sew Pants
Project: Fit and sew the Chanterelle Pants, plus Zipper Expansion pack
The Chanterelle Pants provide an ideal opportunity to delve into pants fitting, thanks to their straightforward silhouette.
Featuring 3 elastic waist views and a zipper fly option, the Chanterelle is an adaptable wardrobe workhorse.
"With your learn to sew courses, I just felt like somebody was holding my hand every step of the way. Now, I feel like I could sew anything!"
- Alisha E.
"I just finished my first pair of pants! They are so comfortable and I learned so much. Thank you for the great course, Sew Liberated team!"
- Kristin
"I love my Nocturne Top! I can't believe how much this course has supported my learning style and my ability to sew."
- Lynn H.
"My first ever sewing project! I am thrilled with how it turned out. Much thanks to the Sew Liberated team for putting together such awesome, approachable, and encouraging courses.
- Anna
Why learn to sew or improve your sewing skills?
That’s a great question, especially when you can buy or thrift your clothing with the click of a button. But there are a number of benefits that ONLY come from learning to sew your clothes.
- Better fit for your body.
- A new appreciation for the importance of how we clothe ourselves.
- A supportive community.
- Better fit for your style.
- A sense of agency when so much in our lives feels out of our control.
- Practice solving problems in new ways.
what our students are saying
The method of instruction - following the trajectory of an instructor teaching an actual student - makes it very easy to follow and understand. And having the community of other people in the class is an added bonus - a place to ask questions and get support. I could not be happier with my experience so far!
This is a wonderful platform and the community is simply amazing! I am so grateful to be a part of it! I really love the way the lessons have been set up and I'm really loving that I can easily go back to a section and re-watch it just in case I missed something.
For rookies like me, the companion course to the Studio Tunic pattern is essential. The [course's] lighting and camera work are exceptional. The cast is superior: Shaerie is articulate and concise. Sophia is focused and calm. Together they're a congenial team. I learned so much from this excellent video course.
I have tried to learn pattern drafting from books, and have taken pattern drafting courses at community college, but not until Sew Liberated courses have I felt confident that I'm learning the concepts. Honestly, these are absolutely the best courses anywhere! Great designers, great teachers, and great website. You all rock!
I can't even tell you how much I have enjoyed your courses! My sister and I did the Studio Tunic together and now we are waiting impatiently for the Hinterland. Thank you so much for all your inspiration!
I just took the Beyond Sewing Basics course, which I loved! Shaerie is one of the best teachers I have ever seen and one of the reasons I signed up for the course.
Teaching people how to sew their own clothes is Shaerie Mead’s jam, and she’s been doing it for decades.
In addition to being a patternmaker and designer of her clothing line, Iona, she owned the much-loved Sew LA, a workshop space where she taught hundreds and hundreds of folks how to sew.
Shaerie’s clear, detailed, and approachable teaching style will put you at ease and deliver so many “ah-ha!” moments. She really gets how beginners learn, and she’s got your back.
There’s little Meg loves more than bringing mindfulness and a little bit of humor to the practice of sewing.
She brings her background as a progressive educator to the design and back end of the Learn to Sew Your Clothes series, and can’t wait to pop into the lessons here and there to inject her expertise in sewing and creative styling.
Click here to learn more about Meg, the founder of Sew Liberated.
You won’t be alone on your journey! You’ll learn by watching upbeat and intrepid Sophia learn to sew.
She’ll ask all the important beginner questions that are on your mind. Thanks to Sophia’s candid learning curve, you’ll realize that everyone makes little mistakes, and it’s ok! Mistakes are simply the way we hone new skills.
You’ll be delighted to observe Sophia blossom as a sewist as the lessons progress, right alongside you.
One of the first independent sewing pattern companies, Sew Liberated has been doing this since 2007. But we aren’t just informed by needle and thread. Meg has a Masters in Education, and brings her knowledge and passion for how people learn to everything that Sew Liberated produces: from beautifully clear instructions to designing learning journeys.
Combined, Meg and Shaerie have over 50 years of experience in both sewing and sewing education.
Course participants also have access to the boundless knowledge of Sew Liberated’s professional patternmaker and fitting whiz, Judith, in the online course community.
learn to sew with friends
Join over 2500 students who have experienced the warmth and connection of Sew Liberated’s online course communities.
Your course includes membership in our online support group, hosted on our own website. No Facebook necessary!
You’ll love the ability to get answers to all of your questions and post project photos while making new friends who totally get your passion!
FAQs:
Will my course materials expire? Do I get lifetime access?
Yes, with your purchase you get lifetime access to the course videos and other materials – and the online support group for your course. You also get lifetime access to the downloadable PDF sewing pattern paired with the course.
When can I start?
All of our courses are on-demand, so you can begin watching and learning as soon as you sign up.
How much does it cost?
The price of our courses is comparable to what you would pay for an in-person workshop at a sewing shop, but with the following benefits:
- access to your sewing instructors long after standard class hours have ended via our robust online support group, where we can communicate via message, photos, and video questions/responses.
- the freedom to speed up, slow down, or repeat instruction as necessary.
- the ability to work from the comfort of your home, on your own schedule.
Click here for course-specific prices. All prices are in US dollars.
How do I know which course is best for me?
Simple – take the quiz!
Do I need a machine and tools to get started?
To take Intro to Sewing, you DO NOT need a machine or any tools. In the course, you’ll learn what to look for, what to avoid, and where to source your basic sewing toolkit, and how to buy fabric, among other considerations. For Sewing Basics 1 and all subsequent courses, you will need to have a machine, basic sewing toolkit, and fabric.
How do I get my patterns?
If you sign up for Sewing Basics 1 or beyond, your pattern is included in your course purchase. We will mail your pattern sheets to your door, and you will be able to access your PDF pattern (which includes your instructions) from your My Account page on Sew Liberated’s website. Downloads do not expire.
How do I know if the patterns will fit me?
We pride ourselves in having an inclusive size range. All of the patterns on the Learn to Sew Your Clothes learning path fit bust measurements up to 58.5” (147 cm), waist measurements up to 52.5” (133 cm) and hip measurements up to 61” (155 cm). We draft for a dressmaker’s C-cup (that’s a 3″ difference between your high bust measurement and your full bust measurement) and a height of 5’5″ (165 cm). Fit and Sew Bodices takes you through several types of bust, sleeve, and bodice adjustments as well.
Need help figuring out your measurements? Here’s a handy guide.
I sewed a bit decades ago, what class should I start with?
If you feel confident working with and maintaining your sewing machine, choosing garment fabrics, and working with a sewing pattern, then you can skip Intro to Sewing and start with Sewing Basics 1.
What if I am not satisfied with my courses?
We are happy to provide a 30-day money-back guarantee on our courses. Just reply to any of our emails. It won’t hurt our feelings, promise.
Save a Bundle …
… or enroll in individual courses
THE FIRST COURSE
Intro to Sewing
- Sewing Machine 101
- Set up your space
- All about fabric
- Work with patterns
- More for beginners …
COZY PJ PANTS
Sewing Basics 1
- Sew-along with us to make some PJ pants
- Make simple pants size adjustments
- Learn the fundamentals of sewing pants
COMFY PJ TOP
Sewing Basics 2
- Your second sew-along with us to make a PJ top
- Make simple size adjustments
- Learn the fundamentals of sewing tops
THE STUDIO TUNIC
Beyond Sewing Basics
- Lots of finishing and interfacing techniques
- Learn to grade between sizes
- Complete Studio Tunic sew-along
KNIT LEGGINGS AND TOP
Sew with Knits
- Learn all you need to know to comfortably work with knit fabrics
- No serger required
- Complete Limestone Leggings and Top sew-along
THE HINTERLAND DRESS
Fit and Sew Bodices
- Learn to fit a woven bodice to your body
- Bust adjustments
- Shoulder, back, and bicep adjustments
- Complete Hinterland Dress sew-along
THE CHANTERELLE PANTS
Fit and Sew Pants
- Learn to fit woven pants to your body
- Waist, hip, thigh, calf and other adjustments
- Complete Chanterelle Pants sew-along
- Zipper Fly Expansion Pack sew-along