Sustainable Sewing Lessons in Chicago
Join the 6-week Sustainable Sewing Course to keep garments out of landfills, while learning or improvising basic mending and machine sewing skills!
Cost: $499. Interest-free payment plans available.
In-person: Saturday, June 6th – July 11th from 10 am-2 pm
Sustainable Sewing Classes in Chicago
Join the Sustainable Sewing Workshop to keep garments out of landfills while learning or improvising basic mending and machine sewing skills. In this 6-week course, attendees will be immersed in hands-on teaching , to learn the basics of mending/ hand sewing and machine sewing.
Each year, 874,000 tons of clothing end up in Illinois’ landfills — this course is one of the ways Sustainable Fashion Week Chicago is positively disrupting the cycle and changing the local fashion industry.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their own sewing machine if they already own one. If they need one for class, select the option on the registration form. There is no extra cost.
By the end of this course, attendees will learn:
- Basic hand sewing skills
- How to use a sewing machine
- Proper care for various garments based on its fabric
- How to make their first item
What makes this course sustainable?
Built on a circular model, this course does not generate new textile waste or pollution!
Sustainable Fashion Week Chicago sources all of the course materials, fabrics, and equipment from high-quality secondhand partners — to extend each item’s lifecycle and prevent it from ending up in Illinois landfills.
Attendees will use garments on loan from the free community store, La Tiendita, to learn how to sew buttons, repair zippers, patch holes, mend basic tears, and more. From there, the clothes will later be return to the mutual-aid group and be distributed to our neighbors in need.
Eligibility: who can join?
Anyone 18 years and older who is interested in learning more about sustainable fashion and being a part of the solution is encouraged and welcome to join. There is no fashion or sustainability knowledge or experience needed. Ideal for beginners or those looking to master the basics.
Location
The location will be announced in spring.
Registration Deadline: May 30, 2026
Questions?
Please email the team, info[@]sfwchicago.com with the subject line “Question: Sewing Course”