Sewing Rules Foundations in Hand Sewing Course
Course Overview
I am passionate about passing on what I have learned about sewing to learners of all ages!
Through this 5-module Foundations in Hand Sewing Course I will teach you how to sew, so that when you are finished you can decide what to sew!
The goal of this hand sewing course is not to teach you everything there is to know about hand sewing. There’s always more to learn! My vision is to equip you with the core skills and essential knowledge so that you can go forth to confidently pursue any hand sewing project you set your mind to do!
When you complete all 5 self-paced, home-based modules of the Sewing Rules Foundations in Hand Sewing Course, you will have mastered the foundations of hand sewing and will be ready to confidently “leave the nest” and “fly solo” on a wide variety of hand sewing projects.
Q&A about the Foundations in Hand Sewing Course:
Why should anyone bother to learn hand sewing?
Because it is a . . .
Portable art with low start-up costs!
Practical life skill!
Bridge to sewing machine use!
Relaxing stress reliever!
Fun focus builder!
Who can benefit from this 5-module hand sewing course?
Anyone who is able to read English and carefully use scissors can successfully complete these modules independently.
All others can successfully complete them with assistance.
Since this course consists of 5 modules, can I pick and choose which modules I want to purchase?
Yes, the tutorial kits can be purchased individually (as they become available). Purchasing one module does not commit you to purchasing the others.
However, you must complete all of the modules in the correct order so that you can benefit from the systematic instruction inherent in this course, achieving the goals and growth they offer.
If I can’t complete the whole course, is there any point in doing just one or two modules?
Yes! Even if you only do the first module, you will still reap so many benefits! In addition to getting exposed to the basics of hand sewing, you will also grow in many transferable skills that can enrich many other areas of your life, such as:
planning
record keeping
written expression
following precise instructions
measuring and spatial reasoning
paying attention to detail
thinking in patterns
If there are any other questions I can answer for you about this course, please let me know!
Available 2023
Foundations in Hand Sewing
Module 0
Getting to Know Terms and Skills
Confidence and Creativity in a Curated Kit
Self paced. Home based.
Over 20 hours of instruction in hand sewing
plus curated tools and materials
all sent to your home.
Available 2023
A Quick “Flyover” of Module 0: Getting to Know Terms and Skills
Cardboard cut-outs? Fabric strips? Glue? Don’t let the humble contents of this module fool you. The unassuming elements are intentional. They are intended to disarm any “I can’t do this” feelings you might have about learning the art of hand sewing. They also allow you to focus on the process itself and not have to worry about where your needle went, how to untangle knotted thread, or where to hold a floppy piece of fabric.
You will also notice I don’t show any pictures of the finished projects you will make with this kit. Again, this is intentional. All Sewing Rules tutorial kits are more focused on processes than they are on products.
Following the instructions laid out in each Flight Plan (booklet of instructions that comes with each project kit) will build your confidence and creativity far more than if you simply copy a model.
Rather than planting an image in your imagination, I want you to have the freedom to envision and create your own unique version of each project.
What age range is this kit good for?
Hand sewing is an easy-to-learn art for all ages with endless applications! Once we master it we have within our reach more projects than we can complete in a lifetime! That’s one of the reasons I love teaching hand sewing: it is so accessible to any age. It is easy enough for kids to master, and challenging enough for adults to find interesting.
Because hand sewing is an art for all ages, I’ve made this hand sewing tutorial kit with a similar age range in mind.
Kids won’t feel that it is over their head.
Adults won’t feel like they are being talked down to.
If someone can read English and use scissors, this kit is for them—whatever their age! (If someone can assist them in the areas of reading and cutting, then even those who aren’t skilled in these areas can do well with this tutorial kit.)
Still not sure if the kit will be too hard/easy for you, or the person you are thinking of buying it for? Take a look at the “Peek Inside a Flight Plan" in the gallery below, and the overview sheet below that. I hope these will help you get a clearer idea of what the instructions and tasks are like, and how I will gently mentor you through to success step-by-step.
If you have any questions about this module, don’t hesitate to contact me!
Modules 0- 4: What’s Covered?
Each module of Foundations in Hand Sewing builds on the previous one, moving from the known to the unknown. So they must be completed in order.
Module 0: Getting to Know Terms and Skills
Module 1: Getting to Know Needles and Woven Fabrics
Module 2: Decorating and Joining Rectangles
Module 3: Turning and Filling Geometric Shapes
Module 4: Decorating and Filling Curved Shapes
As you progress from module to module, you will notice several changes.
The quality of materials and tools will change from module to module.
Through a gradual progression from larger to smaller materials and tools, your fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination will grow more refined and precise.
The needles will progress from safe/flexible to sharp/firm.
The thread you use will become finer.
Your fabric will go from a firm, non-cloth option (cardboard!), to an open weave that is easily pierced, then to real fabric!
In other words, you will not be sewing on cardboard with chunky fabric strips forever—unless, of course, you want to!
The difficulty of projects and complexity of skills will increase.
You will master terms and techniques in one module, and then in the next module you will get to apply that same knowledge to more advanced and complex projects.
You will also get to learn and practice a new skill (or skills) in each module, and the 4 projects in each module will gradually hone your ability in that skill by challenging you to practice it with greater complexity than you did in the previous project.
Release Dates for
Modules 0 - 4
I will be launching Modules 0 and 1 in 2023! Check back here for status updates.
Some Words from Other Sewing Enthusiasts
that Inspired me to Create Sewing Rules!
“Through fiber arts, you can learn about history, geography, math, and art.
In this day and age when we almost constantly have a phone in our hand, I want to teach the skills and inspiration that will make you want to set down the phone and pick up a needle and thread!”
—Cassie Stephens, from Stitch + String Lab for Kids.
“Sewing provides a rewarding, creative outlet for anyone of any age.
The thrill of bringing ideas to life from needle, thread, and fabric is one of life’s great joys.”
— Linda Wright, from The Mary Frances Sewing Book: 100th Anniversary Edition.
“Sewing is a set of skills that can be applied to patterns.
No one can learn all she needs to know in one sitting or even one year of sewing. There are levels of skill that are gained over time, as comfort with the machinery, and dexterity, and familiarity with the properties of sewing are internalized and mastered. Sewing is not about the dress patterns or quilts. Sewing is a set of skills that can be applied to patterns.”
—Julie Bogart, from Brave Writer, “How Writing is Like Sewing”.