Workshops

Once you have the basic sewing machine skills class behind you (or you already know how to sew on a machine), we welcome you to sign up for any of these workshops.  Many of them help to support our work at North Florida Sewing Center and a few are “just for fun.”   Of course we think all of them are FUN!

Please let us know if you would like to become one of our volunteer teachers. 

Tell us what you would like to teach, or get trained by us to teach the beginner curriculum.  We are always looking to expand our offerings.

You can also let us know what sorts of classes you would like to take.  Email nfsewingcenter@gmail.com .

Classes to Help North Florida Sewing Center Projects

Holder-Making – This class is for anyone interested in helping NFSC make holders for the washable pads we distribute locally and internationally.   90 minutes.  Age 12 to adult.  Minors must be accompanied by an adult chaperone.

Rotary Cutting – This is an essential skills class for anyone interested in accurately cutting out fabrics in quantity.  NFSC volunteers rotary cut inserts, bags, binding pieces, sashing, and more.  There are tricks to do this well and safely – we will teach it all.  We need more volunteers interested in rotary cutting.  This is part of the non-sewing skills curriculum taught to interns.   1 hour class.    Minimum age is 14 (minors need an adult chaperone). 

Quilting Skills – Also Help Support North Florida Sewing Center Quilt Production  

We teach a variety of blocks and quilt assembly skills so we can continue the production of quilts that are given to people transitioning out of homelessness as well as quilts for hospitalized children.  Most of the quilts we produce are created collaboratively.  Some volunteers work on blocks or tops.  Some do assembly.  Others quilt and others do the binding.  You can find the job you like the best and let others do the rest. 

Here are some of our quilting skills classes - all of which are suitable for age 12 to adult:

Quilt-As-You-Go – These string-pieced blocks use up scraps and are so much fun - very easy and forgiving for those that struggle with consistent seam allowances.  QAYG is perfect for new sewists.  Each block is already quilted, so they assemble a little differently than typical top, batting, and backing quilts.   You can learn to make blocks in a one hour class but will need at least another hour to learn how they are put together.  This is a great technique to learn if you don’t have access to a quilting machine.

Potato Chip Blocks – If you can sew a ¼ inch seam allowance, you can make a potato chip block.  Using 32 rectangles of scrap fabrics cut 2 ½ x 4 ½ inch, you will make a 16” square block.  You can use random fabrics or follow a color theme.  It takes only 12 blocks (plus sashing) to make a quilt big enough for an adult to sleep under.  This is a great project for a group to collaborate on.  The best part is that we have many boxes of already cut out rectangles sorted by colors so all you need to do is sew!  It takes less than an hour to learn the block but you will need another hour or two to learn how to assemble the whole quilt top.  By the way, it’s called the Potato Chip block because no one can make just one!

Panel Quilts – Learn a quick and easy way to assemble a quilt top!  Take an attractive quilt panel and add borders around it to reach the desired size.  (50” x 70” is our minimum size for adult quilts)  All you need is batting, backing, and binding and your quilt bundle is ready for the quilting machine.  This class takes about two hours.

Cut the Corners – Learn to work with 2 ½ inch squares to make a very attractive block.  Details to follow. 

Quilting Machines – NFSC has two active quilting machines.  There is a stationary long-arm in Archer United Methodist Church and a long-arm machine with a 9 foot frame in Gainesville, in the room next to the sewing center.  We are happy to train new adult volunteers to work these machines.  Typically there is a backlog of quilt bundles awaiting quilting so we can use more volunteers on these machines.  This training is offered by appointment.  nfsewingcenter@gmail.com to request training.

Binding – Once the top, batting, and backing are assembled and quilted, the final step is binding the raw edges all around.   Some of us believe this is the sweetest part of quilting because it means completion.   The binding class teaches how to stitch together multiple 2 ½ inch strips (on an angle), iron in half, attach to the quilt using a sewing machine, and then fold over and stitch down.  We teach two ways to complete the stitch down – on the machine and by hand using the ladder stitch (invisible stitching).  NFSC is looking for more volunteers to help with binding as so many quilts are being completed each month.   This class takes about 90 minutes.

Bags - Some to Help NFSC Projects and some for fun!

We offer training in the production of various types of bags.

NFSC Bags – We make three kinds of bags to hold our reusable pads that are given out during distributions.  

We make a bag from PUL (waterproof fabric) that includes a front pocket that is used primarily in developing countries where plastic bags are not abundant.  These are used to hold a full set of pads and instructions. 

For local distributions, we make a long cotton drawstring bag that holds a full set (3 holders, 10 inserts).  We also make a small cotton sample bag to hold one holder and two inserts.   Each bag also contains instructions on the use of the pads.

The sample bags are made during the beginner sewing machine classes.  To learn to make the others, just ask one of our staff volunteers to show you.  We are always in need of volunteers to make these bags.  No charge for a class – just start helping produce these please!

Orphan Block Tote Bags – Learn to sew a lined cotton tote bag with padded handles and squared bottom.   To make it a bit fancy, we teach how to use up orphan blocks by framing them with borders to coordinate with the rest of the bag.  We have an overflowing tub of blocks “leftover” from quilting projects to choose from.  We will show you how to add pockets to your bags if you like.  This is a 2 hour class suitable for new sewists.  You will take home one tote bag but we encourage you to make more that we will donate to charities. 

Zipper Pouches – This is a great opportunity to master zipper installation while making a practical pouch to store your necessities.  They also make great gifts.  The instructors have a zipper foot for each student to use if needed so now is your chance to learn how to do zippers without fear!  Students will make and take at least two pouches during the 3 hour class.  All supplies will be provided. 

Charm Pack Bags – Make a fun and colorful bag using charm pack squares.  Details to follow.

Water Resistant Bags – These are made from our PUL (polyurethane laminate) scraps.  PUL is a waterproof fabric but with seams attaching the scraps we can say they are water resistant.   These pouches and bags are made in a variety of sizes and closed with a drawstring.  Help produce these for charity but you can take one home for yourself.  Handy for keeping toiletries, damp items, laundry, etc.  2 hour class with all supplies provided. 

Backpack with Drawstring – These are made to donate to charities that support children, but you can make one for yourself as well.   Details will follow.

Hats - Did you know you lose 90% of your body heat through the head?  Hats are Important!

 Our volunteers make hats by crocheting, knitting, and weaving.  These are donated to people who are low-income, homeless, or have lost their hair due to medical treatments.   But we can also make hats by sewing fabric. 

Fleece Hats – These are quick and easy to make – suitable for new sewists.  You will learn to cut out the fleece and stitch it together for very soft and cozy hats.  We make adult and children’s sizes to donate.  We provide all supplies.   If you take the 1 hour class, you can keep one hat for yourself and the rest will be donated.   You can also learn to make these during a free fleece hat-making service day. 

Beginner Crochet Hats – This is part of the beginner crocheting class that we offer.   Learn basic crochet stitching and once you master the double crochet stitch, you can make a hat.  2 hour class with hook and yarn provided so you can make hats for people who are homeless.

We need more instructors for knitting and crocheting classes. 

Please volunteer if this is something you know how to do!

Miscellaneous Classes

Fidget Mats – We are making fidget mats for local Hospice programs to be used by adults with dementia.  If you know how to use a sewing machine, you can learn to make these during our Fidget Mat service days. 

Pillowcases – Learn to make cotton pillowcases using French seams and a decorative flange.   We teach the “burrito” method of assembly.  These are made with mostly juvenile fabrics to donate to children in hospitals.  When you sign up for the two hour class, you can take one home with you and the rest will be donated.   All supplies are provided. 

Memory Bears – These are stuffed bears made from a loved one’s clothing after they pass away.  Our Hospice partners provide the clothing to make these bears.  Details to follow.

Do you have a class to teach? 

We are always looking for new volunteer instructors and new projects to teach at the North Florida Sewing Center!