intr-to-sewing-for-kids-classes-cut-and-sew-studio-pittsburgh
Instructor: Catherine Batcho

Weekly Intro To Sewing For Kids – New Sewists (school year)

Perfect for beginner level students who have not sewn before (or with very little experience). All new students will make a pillow, drawstring backpack, and PJ Pants or shorts.  If time permits students will make an extra project (or more!) of their choice. Class Options: (please see the full date listings below).  For students age 6 through 8th grade.  Sometimes younger highschool students take this series if they don’t mind being with a younger group, but high school students may attend the adult classes as well.

  • Spring/Fall/Winter classes consist of 8 sessions.
  • Summer Camps are 1-week long.
  • Note for Winter class – if we have a snow day – extra session will be added the week following when the session ends as a makeup.  For 2026 extra class would be March 7th.  Studio will contact parents/guardians in the event of cancellation due to weather.
  • Note for Spring Session this is no class April 4th!  Mark your calendar accordingly.

Knowing that I have an opening is the only way I can open that spot up for another student. If possible, I will do my best to offer a makeup. Makeups are NOT guaranteed!

 

After registering for class, please click HERE to complete our liability waiver which will finalize your registration.

Pre-Requisites

Recommended Experience Level: No Experience – Beginner/Newbie

Supplies

Be sure to stop by Firecracker Fabrics in-store or online – our beautiful and local fabric partner shop, located right inside Cut & Sew Studio and offering all the fabrics, notions, patterns and supplies needed for class!  You can shop online at firecrackerfabrics.com, choose in-store pickup and then your supplies will be waiting for you on the first day of class, no need to pickup in advance (please allow at least 3 days before class to allow time for processing order) -, or you can stop by in person and purchase your supplies!  Please check their website for current store hours. We will make 3 projects in the order listed below.  Please have supplies for first project for the first class for weekly classes during the year (for summer camps you should purchase all supplies at once), then moving forward students should always have the supplies for the current project they are working on as well as the next project in case they finish early. Fabric Suggested for all projects – there are other fabrics that you could use, but most students choose from these options: Quilting Cottons Printed or Quilting Cottons Solid

**If you are a parent who feels a bit overwhelmed about getting supplies for class or wants an easy option for ordering online, Firecracker Fabrics now offers pre-cut kits for the Intro class!  Find them on their website HERE.  Just order the kit and your child will be all set, nothing else is needed for the 3 main class projects.

 

PROJECT #1 – PILLOW

 

  • 1/2 yard Fabric A (must be non-stretch, med-weight woven fabric. No thick fleece,faux-fur, velvet etc. Must be easy fabric for beginner sewer, cotton quilting fabric, canvas or home decor fabric is fine). This fabric will be used for two of the squares on the front of the pillow. It will also be used for half of or the entire back of the pillow.
  • 1/2 yard Fabric B (same notes as above-use contrast or coordinating fabric, whatever you like together!). This fabric will be used for 2 of the squares on the front and 1/2 of back of the pillow
  • 1 spool of all-purpose thread to match
  • one 16″ pillow form.

PROJECT #2 – DRAWSTRING BACKPACK

  • 3/4 yard of cotton quilting fabric or similar fabric – non-stretch
  • Grommets – 3/8″ in size (it will say 3/8″ on package) – typically in silver or gold. There will usually be more in the package then needed, but you need 2 sets – so if siblings or friends are in a class together they can share them if it’s a larger package.  If you purchase the grommets I have linked above it will be exactly what you need for one backpack.  Just purchase one (it already includes the set)
  • Cord — 4 yards- something to use for drawstring cord (not too thick, about ¼” diameter). (for tiny/short students you will need 3.5 yards only)
  • 1 spool of ALL-PURPOSE thread to match

Project #3 PJ Pants (or shorts)

  • 2.25 yards of woven fabric (or 1 yard for PJ shorts)
  • 1 yard of 3/4″ wide elastic
  • thread

If you have your own sewing tools at home you are welcome to bring to use for class (pins, seam ripper, scissors) – otherwise you can share the studio tools.  Please label all of your tools you bring to class! SOME STUDENTS WHO ARE QUICKER (AND USUALLY OLDER STUDENTS) MAY HAVE ADDITIONAL TIME AT THE END FOR AN EXTRA PROJECT – IF THIS HAPPENS WE CAN DISCUSS OPTIONS FOR ANOTHER PROJECT USING SCRAPS OR YOU CAN CHOOSE TO BRING ADDITIONAL SUPPLIES. Here are a few ideas for a 4th project if time permits.

Chef’s Apron/Crafting Apron

  • .75 yard of 100% cotton quilting fabric non stretch for outside
  • .75 yard 100% cotton quilting fabric non stretch as contrast for inside of apron
  • 1 spool of ALL-PURPOSE thread to match

Tote Bag

  • 3/4 yard of an exterior 100% cotton quilting fabric non stretch for outside
  • 1/2 yard of an interior 100% cotton quilting fabric non stretch for inside of bag
  • 1 spool of ALL-PURPOSE thread to match

Zipper pouch  We can use remaining scraps – you will just need a regular all-purpose closed bottom zipper 7″ or longer

Scrunchies we can use remaining scraps Need 1/4″ wide elastic – 1 yard makes a few scrunchies

Elastic Waist Skirt 1/2 yard of a woven fabric 1  yard of 3/4″ wide elastic

*Please discuss any other ideas with the instructor!

 

**Note: To save on thread you are also welcome to just get one LARGE spool of all-purpose thread to use for all your projects, you do not need a new spool for each project.  Or you could get 2 small spools to use for everything and often that can be enough.

Class Availability