Registration is Open for Fall 2025

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Sign-Up Today!

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Registration is Open for Fall 2025 〰️ Sign-Up Today! 〰️

Sewing and Textile Art Classes

at The Richmond Arts Centre

Current Schedule 2025

HOW TO USE A SEWING MACHINE 101

Sept 14 2025 (1 session)
Sunday 10:30PM - 1:00PM

Sept 28 2025 (1 session)
Sunday 10:30PM - 1:00PM

Oct 30 2025 (1 session)
Thursday 6:00PM - 8:30PM

Build confidence using a sewing machine in this beginner-friendly workshop. Learn essential skills like threading, machine settings and stitching straight lines. Supplies included. Sewing machine and equipment provided each session.

No experience required.

REGISTER FOR SEPT 14

REGISTER FOR SEPT 28

REGISTER FOR OCT 30

SEWING BASICS 1

Sept 18 2025 - Oct 16 2025 (5 sessions)
Thursdays at 6:00PM -8:30PM

Build foundational sewing skills while completing beginner-friendly projects such as a tote bag, fabric bucket and drawstring pouch, time-permitting. Practice using patterns and a sewing machine, and handling fabric safely and effectively. Gain confidence through guided, hands-on experience. Supplies included. Sewing machine and equipment provided each session.

No experience required.

JOIN WAITLIST

SEWING BASICS 2

Oct 26 2025 - Nov 30 2025 (6 sessions)
Sundays at 10:30 PM - 1:00PM

Nov 6 2025 - Dec 11 2025 (6 sessions)
Thursdays at 6:00 PM - 8:30PM

Advance sewing techniques through hands-on practice with zippers, webbing and structured construction. Strengthen skills while creating practical projects such as a belt bag, apron and zipper pouch, time-permitting. Gain confidence working with new tools and materials. Supplies included. Sewing machine and equipment provided each session.

Pre-requisite: Sewing Basics 1 or equivalent.

REGISTER FOR OCT 26

REGISTER FOR NOV 11

NEW HEMMING PANTS AND CLOTHES

Dec 7 + 14 2025 (2 sessions)
Sundays at 10:30AM -1:00PM

Master the essentials of hemming pants, clothes and other small repairs in this practical workshop. Learn how to measure, cut and sew hems neatly by machine to extend the life of clothing. Bring pants or clothing, thread and notions. Supplies not included. Sewing machine, serger and equipment provided each session.

Pre-requisite: How to Use a Sewing Machine 101, Sewing Basics 1 or equivalent.

REGISTER NOW

NEW QUILTING BASICS: QUILTED BAG

Sept 14 2025 - Nov 2 2025 (6 sessions)
Sundays at 1:45PM - 4:15PM

Learn the foundations of quilting while creating a functional and stylish tote bag. Participants will explore design, cutting, piecing and assembly techniques. Bring fabric, thread and notions. Supplies not included. Sewing machine, serger and equipment provided each session.

Pre-requisite: Sewing Basics 1 or equivalent.

REGISTER NOW

SEWING HOLIDAY GIFTS

Dec 7 + 14 2025 (2 sessions)
Sundays at 10:30AM -1:00PM

Sew handmade holiday gifts in this festive workshop. Learn creative techniques for sewing and finishing a fun and useful projects like an apron, pot holders or Christmas Stockings. Bring fabric, thread and notions. Sewing machine, serger and equipment provided each session.

Pre-requisite: Sewing Basics 1 or equivalent.

REGISTER NOW

PROJECT LAB (Open Studio)

Aug 28 2025 (1 session)
Thursday at 6:00PM -8:30PM

Oct 23 2025 (1 session)
Thursday at 6:00PM -8:30PM

Dec 14 2025 (1 session)
Sunday at 1:45PM -4:15PM

Dec 18 2025 (1 session)
Thursday at 6:00PM -8:30PM

This open-level studio invites participants to explore their creativity with guidance and feedback. Use the provided materials or bring in your own sewing projects to work on, with access to equipment and expert support. Whether you're seeking technical sewing advice, brainstorming new ideas, or refining your skills, this flexible class encourages self-expression and creativity. You can come and go during the session as it works best for your schedule. Engage in a collaborative atmosphere while working at your own pace, and discover new inspiration and possibilities in every stitch. Bring your own fabric, thread, sewing patterns and notions. Sewing machine, Serger and equipment provided each session.

Pre-requisite: Sewing Basics or previous sewing machine experience.

REGISTER FOR AUG 28

REGISTER FOR OCT 23

REGISTER FOR DEC 14

REGISTER FOR DEC 18

Join Our Classes Today!

  • GROW YOUR SKILLS

    Build your skill set with confidence! Project-based classes allow for new techniques to be learned, practiced, and applied. Whether you’re a first time learner or refreshing your skills, our classes aim to help you advance your skills.

  • MADE BY YOU

    Declare that you made it with your own two hands! Every class is an opportunity to be the designer and make choices that align with your aesthetic preferences. Enjoy the satisfying sense of accomplishment as you grow your knowledge and abilities.

  • A HAPPY SPACE

    Join us at the Richmond Arts Centre in Richmond, BC! Located in the Fabric Arts Studio in the Richmond Cultural Centre, our inviting space is equipped with shared sewing machines and tools. Everyone of all levels is welcome and encouraged to learn.

  • SEW WITH ME

    It can be daunting to learn something new! Allow me to be your friendly sewing guide and cleanse away those traumatic memories of home economic classes by leading you through the lessons in a supportive and stress-free environment. Pep talks and high fives are available in abundance.

Previous Class Highlights

  • Sewing Basics - Tote Bag

    Completed tote bags with custom appliqué details. Each bag is also lined and reversible!

  • Sewing Basics - Fabric Bucket

    As part of Sewing Basics, student learn how to use interfacing to add structure.

  • Sewing Basics - Halloween Edition

    The very first Sewing Basics class with their custom made Halloween costumes.

  • Custom Tote Bag

    Paper prototypes for each student’s custom design tote.

  • Custom Tote Bag

    Sample of a student’s beautiful finished product! Each student drafted their own paper pattern to execute their design!

  • Custom Tote Bag

    Each student became the designer, considering every detail- such as strap lengths, extra pockets, and fabric prints!

  • Upcycled Fabrics

    Utilizing fabric scraps, improv piecing is a very playful exercise in trusting our creative intuitions.

  • Upcycled Fabrics

    Creating a rope bowl is an impressive and satisfying method to use up strips of excess fabric.

  • Upcycled Fabrics

    A student’s iron-on appliqué patch using scrap fabrics. Even the smallest bits can be transformed into a new composition.

  • Christmas Stockings

    Samples of amazing student work from the holiday season!

  • Quilted Throw Pillow

    The satisfying process of creating a miniature mock-up to play with colour and pattern composition.

  • Appliqué Samples

    Demonstrating the versatility of double-sided fusing as a way of making “fabric stickers”

FAQs

  • The Fabric Arts Studio is equipped with sewing machines, and tools for student use (such as scissors, pins, measuring tapes, rotary cutters and chalk). Students are welcome to bring their own tools if they prefer.

    A selection of thread and fabrics are also available for class use. We also invite students to bring their own since fabric shopping/sourcing is one of the best parts of the sewing process. Material lists will be sent out a week prior to the class if it is necessary for the first session.

  • Nope! The Fabric Arts Studio is set up with 8 hearty Janome sewing machines for shared use.
    Save your back and use ours!

  • I know you’ve been longing to drag out your grandmother’s vintage Pfaff from the back of the closet! But if it hasn’t been touched in years (or decades), it most likely needs to be sent for maintenance.

    For a complete newbie, I would recommend spending the time getting familiar with our provided sewing machines first. Once you become comfortable with the main functions and threading on our machines, you will notice there is a fair amount of transferable knowledge between different types of machines. Test out your newly acquired knowledge at home and cross-reference with your machine’s trusty manual (google a copy if you don’t have it).

    If you still require help to set-up your machine, register for an Open Studio Workshop which allows for more individual attention to address these specific issues.

    If you can confidently use your own machine without assistance, you are more than welcome to haul it to class. Please make sure you bring your own bobbins and compatible machine accessories.

  • Currently, the classes offered are for 16+. I am delighted to say that the diversity of ages is well represented in each roster of students. Please do not be discouraged to learn because of your age, young or old!

    For those asking about kid’s classes, we hope to offer them in the future. Stay tuned!

  • All class related questions can be directed to the programming team at the Richmond Arts Centre:

    Phone: 604-247-8300
    Email: artscentre@richmond.ca

Location

The Richmond Arts Centre
(located inside The Richmond Cultural Centre)
7700 Minoru Gate
Richmond, BC
V6Y 1R9

Please direct any class related inquiries to the Richmond Arts Centre:

Phone: 604-247-8300
Email: artscentre@richmond.ca