Sewing for Beginners
All you need to know to start sewing gorgeous clothing with ease
What Will You Learn
Hands-on, on-site learning in North Miami
Here's what is included in your course:
- You will be introduced to sewing equipment, tools, threads, needles and sewing trims
- You will learn all the basic techniques for hand sewing, machine sewing, stitches and seam finishes
- You will become familiar with the professional vocabulary for sewing terms and definitions
- A wide collection of practical exercises so you may add them to your own Stitch Album/Reference Book*
- Your own Stitch Album/Reference Book
- 14 on-site sections of 3 hours each. Available term dates listed further below.
- Access to the online version (more than 25 hours of video lessons) in our Virtual Classroom, so you can watch the video lessons as many times as you need to learn further and complete all homework
- Certification of Completion by The Fashion Institute of South Florida
Student Testimonials
For years I have been dreaming about becoming a fashion designer but always found it to be unattainable. This school has changed that. I leave every class so confident and excited about what I have learned and can’t wait to come back. The schedule, class size, cost, and talent of the professors are almost too good to be true. But trust me, they are.
"Hello Fashionistas! I really like taking classes at The Fashion Institute of South Florida. After many years of looking around for a good, affordable and flexible fashion school in Miami, I’m lucky enough to have found this. I have been learning so much with the classes and the schedule is very convenient for me. $$ is super inexpensive but yet professional. I’m almost ready to enter to fashion world and launch my own clothing label! All thanks to The Fashion Institute of South Florida!"
"I really enjoyed this course. It opened my thoughts and provided lots of new inspirational ideas. I always wanted to learn about fashion and what goes into garment production, so this course was exactly what I was looking for. The teachers are very friendly and they will help you with everything you need. Rucht was the best, she'll teach you everything she knows about fashion."
Sewing Basics for TRUE "Beginners"
For those with zero experience or prior exposure to sewing
Learn from the experts how to sew a perfect garment.
The Fashion Institute of South Florida is the first and only fashion school created by and for South Floridians, with the goal of enriching the lives of all who are involved in Florida's fashion industry.
You’ll learn from the experts teaching the Sewing for Beginners course, the basics on how to sew, how to use hand or machine sewing techniques, stitches, and seam finishes for gorgeous garments.
Learn from the experts how to sew a perfect garment.
Create a wholesome, beautiful Stitch Album/Reference Book you're proud of with the expert guidance by fashion pros, who were once right where you're at right now.
There's absolutely no need to go at it all alone. We're here to support you at the start of your fashion journey saving you precious time and energy!
Add high fashion detail to your creations with confidence.
Learn the basics you need for sewing from professionals in the fashion industry, during this comprehensive, hands-on course.
You'll be able to start confidently creating high-end, intricate pieces that would have taken you months to learn on your own.
You've Been Dreaming about Becoming a
Fashion Designer
But haven't figured out where or how to start
Fortunately, there's the Fashion Institute of South Florida exactly for people like you. Those who dream big and want to say ...
... yes to their dreams
... yes to their talent
... yes to the limitless possibilities that await them
Goodbye incompleteness & lack of details.
Tired of watching tutorials on youtube that seem to give you only bits of a giant puzzle, often hard to follow or lacking details?
Longing for a guiding hand that will help you develop solid basic sewing skills from the getgo?
Then "Sewing for Beginners" is the course you want. Enroll now and quickly become perfectly confident in your sewing abilities.
Overcome procrastination, the time to start is now.
Whether you're looking to create your own clothing line or just want to learn about fabric and design, you want to start with solid basics now.
Our Sewing for Beginners course will give you detailed, hands-on and practical opportunities for you to move on through your sewing learning journey in a fun and supportive environment.
Imagine Your Possibilities Once You Achieve Exceptional Sewing Fundamentals
Supporting your journey into simple sewing, apparel design and fabulous garment construction
- A course with superior detailed, visually and hands-on references you will have for years to come each time you would like a refresher
- Start with small and simple projects such as a tote bag then move on to some of the more complex sewing projects like doing your own clothes
- Improve your sewing proficiency as well as your confidence knowing that all the guidance you need is at your fingertips
- Know all about fabrics, correct needle sizes for fabrics, stitches, zippers, patterns, tools, and good tricks to enhance sewing.
- Enjoy sewing your own beautiful clothes with handy tips and clear, concise instructions and explanations
- Belong to a community of fellow fashionistas that support you and cheer you on!
Wondering if this Course Is for You?
This course is for you if:
- You are an absolute beginner in sewing
- You've been a hobby seamstress or sewist for a while, but wish to learn more, and take hands-on lessons from experts
- You are not a total beginner. You have talent, you've taught yourself some sewing skills, mostly with books and youtube tutorials, and are now ready to learn solid skills taught by professionals in the fashion industry
- You are thinking about furthering your sewing career in the future and want to acquire outstanding basic sewing skills to build upon
- You love to invest in your personal and professional growth
- You appreciate direct, practical learning in small classrooms with loving and patient teachers
- You love or would love to make friends with fellow fashion enthusiasts in the classroom
This course is not for you if:
- You have mastered the basics of sewing and feel confident in your sewing skills
- You are not interested in learning with peers
- You do not care for a hands-on, on-site learning in small classrooms, and would rather learn by yourself online or with youtube videos
- You'd like to learn more about sewing but you're not interested in investing in your personal or professional growth at this time, maybe in the future
Required Materials
- 10 yards of printed cotton calico 43” or wider
- Fabric scissors and picking shears scissors
- A packet of sewing pins
- Hand sewing needles in different sizes
- Pin cushion
- Seam ripper
- 3-5 thread cones in different colors
- Thread clipper
- Tailor’s chalk
- Tape measurement
- A loop turner
- 60 or more cardstock paper of 80 pounds or more
- 50 or more Poly sheet protectors
- Stitch Album — Included within your registration fee — Pick up at the school on orientation day
- Mandatory Book: A Guide to Fashion Sewing. 5th edition. By Connie Amaden - Crawford
* You must have a straight stitch sewing machine to practice at home, and a printer to print some PDF patterns at home.
* We update the course material list every 4 months. Course instructors can request extra supplies not listed in the original material list.
COURSE DATES
Choose your preferred section:
Saturdays
9am - 12pm
In classroomSep 4, 11, 18 and 25th
Oct 2, 9, 16 and 30. Off-Oct 23rd
Nov 6, 13 and 20- Off, Nov 27th
Dec 4, 11 and 18th
Saturdays
1pm - 4pmIn classroom
Sep 4, 11, 18 and 25th
Oct 2, 9, 16 and 30. Off-Oct 23rd
Nov 6, 13 and 20- Off, Nov 27th
Dec 4, 11 and 18th
Mondays
10am - 1pm
In classroom
Oct 4, 11 and 18th
Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29th
Dec. 6, and 13th
To get the most from this course, we recommended a minimal additional 4 weekly hours to practice and complete homework.
Questions about the Course
Hi, I'm Rutch. I began fashion design very young designing clothes for my Barbie dolls in my native Dominican Republic.
Is this course online?
No, this course is not online. Sewing for Beginners takes place in our classroom on our premises on Miami during the course sections listed above.
The Fashion Institute of South Florida
771 NE 125 St.
North Miami, FL 33161
Although the course is not online, you will have access to the online version of the course to assist you in your learning journey.
Should I have some sewing experience to take this course?
No, you don't need any prior experience at all. We will cover all the basics so you can develop the right sewing skills from the very begining. Of course, if you do have some experience already, it is fine too, because you will be able to build upon those and perhaps go at a more comfortable pace.
Faculty
Rucht D´Oleo-Schwartz
FounderAward-Winning Fashion Designer
Marina Vaskina
Fashion DesignerAward Winning Innovation Strategist
Danilda Baez
Fashion DesignerAward Winning Fashion Illustrator
Laura Lafrance
Masters in Design Media ManagementAward Winning Teacher of Design
All our workshops and courses are entirely created and supported by The Fashion Institute of South Florida.
I invite you to unleash your fashion genius
Hi, I'm Rutch. I began fashion design very young designing clothes for my Barbie dolls in my native Dominican Republic.
Over the years, I've gotten many fashion awards. I couldn't have achieved those if I hadn't had a formal knowledge in fashion design. So when I moved to Miami, I decided to share my expertise with other budding fashionistas like you.
Today I own The Fashion Institute of South Florida. We're a vocational school that cares about each of our students. We love providing them with keen personal attention. Unlike colleges, we offer targeted “Short Fashion Courses” for those who want to excel in the fashion industry.
If developing your sewing skills sounds good great to you, I invite you to take the first step developing your precious talent. Register now! I and all our professional and caring teachers will love to help you succeed!
See you inside, 🤗
