Choosing the Right Online Sewing and Pattern Cutting Class: A Guide for committed sewists
Are You Ready to Elevate Your Fashion Skills? Consider These Factors Before Choosing an Online Class!
Sewing is a wonderful skill that can be used to create something entirely new or breathe fresh life into something old and unloved. Patternmaking opens up a world of being able to design anything that you wish for, right from your imagination. Sewing and pattercutting are a constant journey of creativity, patience, and passion, especially for those who thrive on learning new techniques and refining their craft. Whether you're an experienced sewist or just starting out, the idea of joining an online fashion school can be super appealing. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right one for you? Let me share with you the things that I've learned! Let's get into it!
1.A Global Classroom
One of the greatest benefits of enrolling in an online sewing class is the opportunity to learn from a diverse range of instructors worldwide. You could find yourself being taught by a renowned sewist from across the globe whom you admire and would never have had the chance to meet in person. This international exposure connects you with a global community of like-minded enthusiasts. Love finding a sewing sis from the other side of the world!
2. Building a Community Beyond Borders
Another fantastic aspect of online sewing classes is the community. Learning in a digital space allows you to meet fellow sewists you wouldn't ordinarily encounter at your local college or sewing group. This sense of community can be incredibly rewarding, providing you with support, inspiration, and friendship as you progress in your sewing journey. It will have you working hard to afford the airfare to see them!
When choosing a class, if you're a social kind of person, look for a class that fosters a strong sense of community through discussion boards, social media groups, or live sessions. It makes learning much more enjoyable.
3. Research the Tutor and Their Teaching Style
Before committing to a course, spend some time researching the instructor. Visit their Instagram, YouTube channel, or any other platforms where they share content. Do you like their teaching style? Are their explanations clear and easy to understand? Does their voice sound like nails on a chalkboard to you? Many courses offer introductory tasters which can give you a feel for the tutor's approach.
Remember, the best instructor for someone else might not be the best for you. Find a teacher whose style resonates with you and matches how you prefer to learn.
4. Assess the Course Structure and Your Lifestyle
You know yourself best! How are you going to maintain enthusiasm and how can the course structure help you with this? Some require strict adherence to deadlines, with mandatory homework submissions by certain dates, while others offer more flexibility, allowing you to learn at your own pace. Consider your lifestyle and how a course’s demands fit into it. If you are juggling multiple responsibilities, a self-paced course might be more suitable. Try to find innovative ways to build study time into your day, even if you have to study in the bath! For ideas on how I multitask, see the blog post How I multitask and study
Don’t dismiss a course immediately if it seems demanding—contact the tutor, express your concerns, and explore what options are available to you.
5. Clarify Your Learning Goals
Before signing up, clearly define what you hope to gain from the course. Are you looking to master a specific technique, or are you seeking a comprehensive foundation in sewing and pattern cutting? Some curriculums cover a broad range of topics, while others are more specialized. Knowing your goals will help you choose a course that aligns with your aspirations.
It's also worth considering whether you need a refresher on certain basics. Sometimes, revisiting foundational techniques can be incredibly beneficial, even if you feel like you already know them. There's always a different way or even better way to do something.
6. Consider the Cost and Payment Options
So, are you feeling short of cash? Some courses offer exceptional value but may be outside your budget. Many course providers offer payment plans or layaway schemes that allow you to pay in installments. This can make a higher-cost course more accessible.
7. Check Reviews and Testimonials
Past participants’ experiences can provide invaluable insights into what a course offers. Look for testimonials or reviews online. Do they mention learning outcomes that align with what you’re looking for? If so, that course might be a good fit for you. Be mindful of both positive and negative feedback to get a balanced view.
8. Understand the Course Administration and Duration
Different courses have different administrative structures—some might last for a fixed term, while others operate on a rolling basis or offer lifetime access. Consider which structure works best for your schedule. A fixed-term course might be more intensive but could also provide a more structured learning environment. On the other hand, a more flexible course might better suit people with unpredictable schedules.
9. Engage and Participate Fully
To truly benefit from an online sewing course, participation is key. If the course includes live sessions, try to join with your camera on, engage in discussions, and interact with fellow students. Ask questions, comment on others' work, and share your experiences. The class can learn from each others questions and put names to faces!
If you're an introvert, you might be tempted to stay in the background, but remember that active participation is much more friendly.
10. Lifelong Learning
With sewing and pattern making there is so much to learn that no-one can ever know it all!
Bonus Tips: Making the Most of Your Online Sewing Class
- Practice Regularly: Dedicate time each week to practice what you learn.
- Take Notes: Keep a dedicated notebook or digital document to jot down tips, techniques, and ideas.
- Stay Connected: Keep in touch with your classmates and tutor even after the course ends.
Book Recommendation:
For detailed pattern-making guides, check out the Patternmaking for Fashion Design book on Amazon. It's a great resource to complement your online course!
Looking for great courses to try?
❤️ Online fashion class I can recommend:
Confident Patterncutting & Grading
Great tools/Tech
❤️ Suggested tools /tech AOC 27B2H2 27” Frameless IPS Monitor, FHD 1920x1080
Brother Sewing and Quilting Machine, Computerized, 165 Built-in Stitches, LCD Display
Logitech MX Master 3 Advanced Wireless Mouse
Super size Mat - 48" x 96" Professional Cutting Mat; Double-Sided Green/Black; Self-Healing
Conclusion
Choosing the right online sewing or pattern cutting class can significantly impact your sewing journey. By considering these factors—tutor style, community, cost, curriculum, and participation—you can ensure that your online learning experience is not only enjoyable but also rewarding.
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Disclosure:
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase at Amazon or other retailers. This is at no additional cost to you.
© Miss J Sews 2024. The information contained herein is provided for information purposes only; the contents are not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents herein. We disclaim, to the full extent permissible by law, all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents herein.