Sew a Hand-stitched Shirt

An in person class with Cal Patch

Mar 3, 9:00am-12:00pm & 1:30-4:30pm

Learn how to stitch a shirt completely by hand, this simple approach makes sewing as portable as your knitting or crochet! Adding hand-sewing to your skill set will enhance your wardrobe and your life!

Sewing on a machine is quick and practical, but many people find it difficult to dedicate the time and space required to make it a regular habit. When you move your sewing practice into the realm of handwork (like knitting, crochet, and embroidery), you can stitch anywhere! Stitch-up garments whenever you have a few spare minutes, say on the couch at night while watching a movie. Always have a carry-along project handy. Amazingly, you may find you can finish a hand-sewn garment sooner than a machine-sewn one.

We will work with a pattern for a simple, boxy top (see supply list for options) and learn how to sew seams, finish necklines, and hem edges with only your hands and a needle and thread. Several methods for each type of seam will be shown, so you may also create a sampler of extra techniques.

Both decorative and functional stitching techniques will take your slow-fashion wardrobe to the next level, and add an element of meditative calm to your life. On future projects you may combine your new skills with machine sewing, or sew entirely by hand

Special skills or knowledge needed to take this workshop:
No prerequisite skills, though an understanding of basic sewing principles will be helpful. You will need to have your garment pieces (front and back only, skip any facings) cut out before start of class.

Supply List
• Fabric: light-to-medium-weight woven cotton. Quantity as indicated for your size** on pattern, but 2 yards is probably sufficient for most. Solid fabric is best to see your stitches, but print is ok too.
• 1 fat quarter or approximately 12” to 18” square of similar or same fabric for sampler
(could be a scrap left over after cutting)
• Bias tape, 1 yard of 1⁄2” single-fold, can be self-made or packaged
• All-purpose thread, can be contrast (to see your stitches) or matching
• Hand-sewing needles in a few sizes, or your favorite size
• Sewing Basics: Needles, Thread, Sharp scissors, Notebook, Pen or pencil with eraser, Tape measure, Seam ripper, Pins
• Pattern for simple top*
  *Please use one of the following patterns:
Boxy Tee/Drapy Tunic drafted in a previous class with Cal, or from her online video class, or tutorial found on her website: https://calpatch.com (please just use the basic pattern, without the additional seams and pockets)
Lou Box Top https://www.sewdiy.com/shop/lou-box-top-pdf-pattern
Fen Top https://fancytigercrafts.com/collections/patterns/products/fen-pdf-pattern
Maya Top https://www.etsy.com/listing/206020747/pdf-maya-dress-and-top-sewing-pattern
All Well Box Top https://www.etsy.com/listing/713038843/all-well-box-top-sewing-pattern-hacking
Wiksten Shift Top https://shopwiksten.com/products/womens-modern-shift-dress-top-sewing-pattern
(NOTE: please use simple version without gathered back seam)
Shirt No. 1 https://shop.100actsofsewing.com/products/100-acts-of-sewing-shirt-no-1-sewing-pattern
*These are loose-fitting tops, so you should be fine to choose the size called for according to your measurements. But if you are very concerned about a perfect fit, you may wish to machine-stitch a muslin/fit sample first to confirm size.
Optional:
• A ruler
• Marking tool (tailor’s chalk, wax, etc) in a color that will show up on your fabric
• If it’s possible have access to an iron during class (in another room is fine)
• If you have a thimble you’ve been wanting to start using, our class would be a great time for that!