Develop essential skills as you create exciting projects, and start sewing with confidence! Instructor Nicole Vasbinder will teach how to sew for beginners, so your first steps into stitches are nothing but successful. During class, you’ll create two cute styles of bag: a timeless foldover tote with customizable pockets, and a tasteful zippered clutch. Both are approachable projects perfect for honing your new skills! Nicole will show you how to confidently work your machine, from threading to changing the bobbin, presser foot and needle. You’ll also get tips for fuss-free troubleshooting and learn how to sew accurate seams, backstitch and pivot. Plus, get comfortable working with or without a pattern, adding fusible interfacing and installing zippers with ease!
Class Sessions
Machine Basics
22:20
Meet expert sewist Nicole Vasbinder, and preview the skills and projects covered in the class. Discover how fun -- and simple -- sewing can be as Nicole explains the fundamentals of using any sewing machine. Learn how to wind a bobbin and thread your machine. Then, find out how to adjust stitch settings to customize your projects.
Sewing Seams
12:55
Once you're comfortable with your machine, it's time to start sewing! Nicole shares tips and tricks for achieving perfectly straight seams. See how to choose the right kind of thread and pin fabrics in place. Plus, learn Nicole's techniques for backstitching and making pivot turns.
Fabric Basics & Cutting
14:30
Begin working on the first class project: a stylish foldover tote bag. Gain insight into how to select the fabric for your tote. In addition, learn the best technique for getting smooth cuts with your scissors. Then follow along as Nicole demonstrates how to measure and cut the pieces for your bag.
Foldover Tote, Part One
29:53
Continue assembling the tote bag from Lesson 3. Get step-by-step instruction on pressing and stitching the handles -- and see how to securely attach them to the bag. Enhance the design by adding a pocket before sewing the outside of the bag together.
Foldover Tote, Part Two
28:43
Put the finishing touches on your tote. Nicole shows you how to make a handy patch pocket for the inside of the bag. You'll also learn how to create a lining and stitch it to the outside fabric of the tote. Complete the design by pressing it, adding topstitching, then enjoy!
Zippered Clutch: Preparing the Pieces
10:53
Build on the skills you've learned in previous lessons to make an attractive zippered clutch. Discover an easy way to use a paper pattern to cut out fabric pieces, and get helpful tips for working with fusible interfacing. You'll also make a sturdy wrist strap for your clutch.
Zippered Clutch: Sewing & Finishing
23:35
Complete the clutch you started in Lesson 6. Nicole breaks down the process of installing a zipper into easy-to-manage steps. You'll also learn straightforward techniques for sewing side seams and sewing over the bulk of the wrist strap. Plus, see how to give your clutch shape by boxing the corners.
Your Instructor
Nicole Vasbinder
Nicole Vasbinder is a sewist and instructor who, over the past decade, has spread the joys of sewing to thousands in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. Formerly a designer and merchandiser in the garment industry, she owns and operates a fabric store and modern sewing school, StitchCraft. You can find Nicoles designs in her books, Sewing Solutions, Sewing Machine Secrets and Super Stitches Sewing.
Bonus Material
Learn to Sew: Simple Bags - Instructions and Templates
Bonus Materials available for download after purchase.
FAQs
Can I purchase a class to keep in my collection?
Yes, we do have a Shop where you can purchase classes to keep. Our Shop items are located under the Shop Tab.
How do I know what the Class covers?
Every Class has a free Preview video you can watch, to give you a flavor of the Instructor and the skills or project that will be covered. In addition, the Overview tab includes a thorough written description of the Class. And finally, each Class Session has a brief written summary of the content in that Session, including the length of each Session video. You will get a good feel for the Class content by reviewing these resources.
Do I have to be a Member of Craftsy to purchase a Class?
No you don’t. While Premium Members will receive regular offers for special deals on Craftsy content, Classes are not reserved exclusively for Members. If you buy a Class as a non-member, we’re sure you’d also enjoy having access to our full library of great projects and articles as a Member, so give it a try.
How do I purchase a Class?
First you should decide that the Class is what you want. Review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content. When you’re ready to purchase and gain access to the Class, simply click the “Add to Cart” button, and proceed through the Checkout process.
How do I access/view my Class?
Once you’ve paid, you can access/view your Class by going to the MY ACCOUNT section of Craftsy. The MY ACCOUNT link is in the upper right-hand area of the website. Within your MY ACCOUNT, a section labeled “My Content” is where the class you purchased will appear, including a link to watch the video of your Class. You’ll also receive an email confirmation after your purchase, which will include a link to view your Class. You can access your Class as many times as you wish, and you’ll never lose access to your Account information. Just be sure to “Log In” for access to MY ACCOUNT.
Do I have to take the Class right away?
No. Any Class you buy will be accessible to you always. You can view your Class whenever you want, and you can view individual Sessions in whatever order you like.
Is there a limit on the times I can view my Class?
No. Your access never expires. You can view any Class you purchase as many times as you want, whenever you want.
Can I view a Class on my tablet device or mobile phone?
No problem. Most newer-model smartphones or other mobile/tablet devices with an internet connection are able to play the Class videos. Simply Log In to Craftsy, and you can view any Class you’ve bought through the MY ACCOUNT section. Or, you can click on the “View Class” link within the email confirmation you’ll receive upon your purchase.
How do I get access to the Bonus Materials for the Class?
Until you purchase a Class, the Bonus material (any extra videos, download materials, etc.) will not be accessible. Once you purchase a Class, and go to view your Class, each individual Bonus element is accessible by simply clicking on each item. You’ll find the Bonus Materials directly below your main Class viewer frame. You can access the bonus materials as many times as you like and/or save them to your device.
How does the Class Q&A Resource benefit work?
Once you purchase any Class, within the Class viewing page, you’ll have access to post a question, comment or tip in the Class Discussions. This is not a “live chat,” but Craftsy contributors will answer posted questions and provide tips regularly. You can also view other Class participants’ questions and input to take part in this virtual dialogue among others who have taken the Class and are willing to share tips, answers, or ideas.
Can I print out Class details?
For any Bonus Material that is a PDF Download, yes you can. Just click on the icon/button for the Bonus element you want and print with your local printer.
What are PDF downloads?
These are simply documents, plans, or written materials that are formatted in a way to print out and retain for reference. By simply clicking on the icon/link for any PDF Download that is included with a Class, you can print that document on your own printer or simply view the contents on your computer/mobile device.
Are there any system requirements to view the Class video content?
Your Class video content is best when viewed on a computer manufactured in the past couple of years with a good broadband Internet connection (not dialup). We also highly recommend using the latest version of Firefox, Safari, or Chrome as your Internet Browser, though recent versions of Internet Explorer will work as well. The recommended screen resolution is 1024 x 768 or larger.
Why do you need my email?
We need it to acknowledge your purchase of a Class, and send you a confirmation of your transaction. Also, to maintain your permanent access to the Class videos, you’ll need to Log In to craftsy.com. We guarantee that we will not share your email with any third parties. You may receive email updates from Craftsy from time to time, with details of new Classes and updates. You can easily unsubscribe when you receive any email.
Can I get a refund if I don’t like the Class?
Because you’ll have full access to all the materials and content that is presented in the Class immediately, we can’t offer a refund after purchase. Please review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content.
How do I contact Craftsy?
If your question is about the Class content, please use the Contact Us Link – and you'll receive feedback from the Class Instructor. Even your fellow Class participants may jump in to offer tips and advice from their experience. If you have other questions or need help, you can email us at craftsy@program-director.net or call us toll-free, at 1-888-891-7203 . Customer Service Representatives will be available Monday-Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Central time, excluding normal holidays.
Explore Classes by Nicole Vasbinder
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
You may be interested in
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
This site uses cookies, web beacons, pixels, tags, and related technologies, as described in our privacy policy and cookie notice, for purposes that may include website operation, analytics, optimizing a user's experience, and third-party advertising or marketing purposes. These technologies may automatically collect and share with third parties information about your use of this site, such as when you access a webpage or complete a purchase on our site. By clicking "GOT IT", you understand and agree to our use of these technologies.