Registration is Open for Fall 2026

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Sign-Up Today!

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Registration is Open for Fall 2026 〰️ Sign-Up Today! 〰️

Sewing and Textile Art Classes

at The Richmond Cultural Centre

Current Schedule
About our classes
FAQ
Location

Current Schedule 2026

Four women standing outdoors on a rooftop garden, holding tote bags and smiling. There are plants and flowers behind them with a brick building and a crane in the background.

PAJAMA PANTS *NEW*

November 1 - 15 2026 (3 sessions)
Sundays at 1:30PM - 4:00PM

Create a pair of cozy pajama pants while advancing sewing skills. Practice garment construction techniques like adjusting the pattern size, seam finishes with a serger, inserting elastic waistbands and hemming.

Pre-requisite: Any Sewing - Beginner or Sewing - Beginner/Intermediate workshop or equivalent; must be able to confidently operate a sewing machine.

JOIN WAITLIST

QUILTED BLANKET

November 8 - December 13 2026 (6 sessions)
Sundays at 10:30AM - 1:00PM

Learn the basics of quilting from start to finish while exploring creative design skills and experimenting with colors, prints and patterns. Plan layouts and practice strip piecing techniques for efficient, precise sewing. Work towards a finished handmade quilted blanket.

Pre-requisite: Any Sewing - Beginner or Sewing - Beginner/Intermediate workshop or equivalent; must be able to confidently operate a sewing machine.

REGISTER HERE

FOUNDATIONAL SKILLS

(formerly “Sewing Beginner”)

September 10 2026 - October 8 2026 (5 sessions)
Thursdays at 6:00PM -8:30PM

September 27 2026 - November 12026 (5 sessions)
Sundays at 10:00AM -1:00PM

Gain confidence and foundational sewing skills in this beginner-friendly class with hands-on instruction and guidance. Practice safely and effectively operating a sewing machine, handling fabric and using patterns. Projects include a drawstring pouch, a fabric bucket and a reversible tote bag with applique embellishments.

Pre-requisite: None

JOIN WAITLIST FOR SEPT 10

JOIN WAITLIST FOR SEPT 27

PILLOWCASE SET WITH
FRENCH SEAMS *NEW*

October 22 + 29 292026 (2 sessions)
Thursdays at 6:00PM - 8:30PM

Create pillowcases featuring the personal touch of a contrasting cuff and trim and the professional finish of French seams. Build sewing confidence and take home a one-of-a-kind set of pillowcases!

Pre-requisite: Sewing - Beginner or equivalent; must be able to confidently operate a sewing machine.

JOIN WAITLIST 

TOTE BAG DESIGN *NEW*

November 5 - December 10 2026 (6 sessions)
Sundays at 1:30PM - 4:00PM

Advance sewing techniques and build confidence working with new tools and materials. Practice pattern drafting and pocket construction, while crafting a customized tote bag.

Pre-requisite: Any Sewing - Beginner or Sewing - Beginner/Intermediate workshop or equivalent; must be able to confidently operate a sewing machine.

REGISTER HERE

HOLIDAY GIFTS

December 6 2026 (3 sessions)
Sundays at 1:30PM - 4:00PM

Craft festive Christmas stockings or pot holders from scratch, perfect for the holiday season. Gain confidence in cutting and sewing and practice embellishing fabric to create a cherished keepsake or gift for others.

Pre-requisite: Sewing - Beginner or equivalent; must be able to confidently operate a sewing machine.

REGISTER HERE

A small fabric waist bag with a blue zipper and a yellow adjustable strap, placed on a red and white patterned surface.

SEWING BEGINNER/ INTERMEDIATE

Aug 9 - 30 2026 (4 sessions)
Sundays at 1:30 PM - 4:00PM

September 13 2026 - October 26 2026 (5 sessions)
Sundays at 1:30 PM - 4:00PM
(renamed to “Zippered Pouch and Belt Bag Workshop”)

Advance sewing techniques through hands-on practice with zippers, webbing and structured construction. Strengthen skills while creating practical projects such as an apron and zipper pouch, time-permitting. Gain confidence working with new tools and materials. Supplies included.

Pre-requisite: Sewing - Beginner or equivalent; must be able to confidently operate a sewing machine.

REGISTER FOR AUG (3 SPOTS LEFT!)

REGISTER FOR SEPT

HEMMING CLOTHES

November 29 2026 (1 session)
Sunday at 1:30PM - 4:00PM

Perfect the essentials of hemming clothes, including pants and skirts, in this practical workshop. Learn how to neatly measure, cut and sew hems by machine to improve fit and bring new life to garments.

Pre-requisite: Sewing - Beginner or equivalent; must be able to confidently operate a sewing machine.

REGISTER HERE 

IMPROV PIECING *NEW*

Aug 13 2026 (1 session)
Thursday at 6:00PM - 8:30PM

Sew freely and playfully in this improv piecing class! Explore design possibilities while experimenting with colors, patterns and shapes. Follow artistic instincts without worrying about rules or perfection. This technique is a creative way to repurpose scraps and transform them into a completely unique creation.

Pre-requisite: Sewing - Beginner or equivalent; must be able to confidently operate a sewing machine.

REGISTER HERE

QUILTED THROW PILLOW

Aug 9 - 30 2026 (4 sessions)
Sundays at 10:30AM - 1:00PM

Learn the basics of quilting from start to finish while exploring creative design skills. Plan layouts, practice quick piecing techniques and experiment by combining colors, prints and patterns. Create a charming, quilted throw pillow and gain the skills and confidence for future projects.

Pre-requisite: Sewing - Beginner or equivalent; must be able to confidently operate a sewing machine.

REGISTER HERE (2 SPOTS LEFT!)

Room with tables and chairs, safety equipment, artwork on walls, and a kitchenette area.

HOW TO USE A SEWING MACHINE 101

Aug 20 2026 (1 session)
Thursday at 6:00PM - 8:30PM

September 13 2026 (1 session)
Sunday at 10:30AM - 1:00PM

December 17 2026 (1 session)
Thursday at 6:00PM - 8:30PM

Say hello to everything a sewing machine has to offer! Learn to select settings, operate the machine and develop essential skills like threading and stitching straight lines. Practice proper technique, develop safe habits and build strong foundational knowledge.

Pre-requisite: None

JOIN WAITLIST HERE

REGISTER FOR SEPT

REGISTER FOR DEC

OPEN STUDIO

August 27 2026 (1 session)
Thursdays at 6:00PM - 8:30PM

October 15 2026 (1 session)
Thursdays at 6:00PM - 8:30PM

November 22 2026 (1 session)
Sundays at 1:30PM - 4:00PM

December 20 2026 (1 session)
Sundays at 10:30AM - 1:00PM

Bring sewing projects to work on with access to equipment and expert support in this self-directed open studio. Ask questions, receive technical sewing advice, brainstorm new ideas and refine skills while working at an individual pace. Come and go during the session as works best for personal projects and scheduling needs. Supplies not included; bring in-progress project and materials. Sewing machine, serger and iron provided.

Pre-requisite: Sewing - Beginner or equivalent; must be able to confidently operate a sewing machine.

REGISTER FOR AUG 27 (2 SPOTS LEFT!)

REGISTER FOR OCT 15

REGISTER FOR NOV 22

REGISTER FOR DEC 20

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 Programs 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

  • Five fabric tote bags hanging on a metal fence outdoors with trees and buildings in the background.

    Sewing Basics - Tote Bag

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

  • A cute embroidered design of a mouse's head with a thought bubble above it with a wedge of cheese, on a light blue fabric background.

    Sewing Beginner - Appliqué

    Sample of a student’s cute appliqué embelishment added to their tote bag.

  • A fabric storage bin with a wavy gray and white pattern, placed on a concrete surface outdoors, with green plants and a seating area in the background.

    Sewing Basics - Fabric Bucket

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

  • Group of nine women dressed in colorful costumes for a Halloween celebration, posing indoors in a room with tables, chairs, and bulletin boards.

    Sewing Basics - Halloween Edition

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

  • Several empty decorated gift boxes with tape and fabric handles on a table.

    Custom Tote Bag

    Paper prototypes for each student’s custom design tote.

  • A hand holding a gray tote bag with dark gray handles, hanging against a plain gray wall.

    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!

  • A person working on a quilting project, holding a colorful fabric patchwork on a cutting mat with scissors, a rotary cutter, and fabric scraps scattered around.

    Upcycled Fabrics

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

  • Hand holding a stacked set of fabric bowls inside a store or warehouse with shelves and tables in the background.

    Upcycled Fabrics

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

  • Felt flower applique with yellow background, featuring a red flower, blue flower, and blue leaves.

    Upcycled Fabrics

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

  • Two women standing indoors, each holding a Christmas stocking with a red plaid pattern and a decorative bow, smiling at the camera.

    Christmas Stockings

    Samples of amazing student work from the holiday season!

  • A quilting project in progress with fabric squares and a partially assembled geometric quilt pattern on a gray surface.

    Quilted Throw Pillow

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

  • Five felt cutouts on a beige surface: a yellow circle with a black cat face and pink nose, a small square with a mountain, sun and hand icon, a dark blue house shape, a small circular target with black, white, and pink rings, and a small square with a mountain and sun icon.

    Appliqué Samples

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

  • Two quilted tote bags with fabric handles resting on a navy blue fabric surface.

    Quilted Tote Bag

    This beginner quilting class introduced students to the strip piecing method to create their quilted blocks.

  • Close-up of a woven fabric with strips of blue, cream, and patterned black-and-white fabric creating a checkered pattern.

    Quilted Tote Bag

    During the design process, strip pieced blocks are shifted and reconfigured until each student is pleased with their composition.

  • Close-up of a colorful quilt with a geometric pattern of squares and rectangles in red, blue, pink, green, and white.

    Nine-Patch Quilted Blanket

    Introductory quilting class for students to learn the entire creative process involves with quilt making.

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 Programs:

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

Location

The Richmond Cultural Centre
7700 Minoru Gate
Richmond, BC
V6Y 1R9

Please direct any class related inquiries to Richmond Arts Programs:

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