Sewing I: Reversible Tote Bags Class

With Briana Di Natale

Sewing machines are provided for this class. Please do NOT bring your sewing machine. If you want to bring your sewing machine, checkout our Knowing Your Sewing Machine class.

Learn essential sewing techniques and create a high-quality tote bag to keep or gift! In this beginner-friendly class, you’ll gain the skills to complete a sewing project from start to finish, all while learning sewing machine basics. This workshop will lay the foundation for countless projects, from simple clothing repairs and hemming to alterations, custom designs, and even creating your own clothes. Sure, online videos are loaded with how-to-sew videos, but nothing beats learning in the company of others with an instructor helping you past any roadblocks you come to so you can progress quickly. Join this supportive beginner-friendly workshop, expand your handy DIY skillset, and connect with a community of fellow makers!

What You’ll Make: 

  • A reversible tote bag with a flat bottom that you can use for groceries, books, anything at all. You’ll be able to make this bag over and over in different sizes, or apply your new skills to many different sewing projects. Never pay for a shopping bag again, or it’s perfect as a bonus gift. 

Skills & Concepts You’ll Learn:

  • Machine operation: threading, tension, potential troubleshooting

  • Seam construction: sewing, seam allowance

  • Component creation & attachment: lining, straps

  • Special techniques: flat-bottom, hand sewing

Equipment & Tools You’ll Learn:

  • Sewing machines, irons, seam rippers, and more

Class Outline:

  1. Introduction & Setup: Machine overview, threading, settings, and safety

  2. Demonstration: Instructor demonstrates each step of project

  3. Hands-On Practice: Students work alongside instructor demonstrations, receiving help & feedback

  4. Wrap-Up: Review, troubleshooting, and Q&A

Other Class Details:

  • Prerequisites: None. No Experience Required.

  • Class Capacity: 8 maximum, 3 minimum

  • Materials Provided?: Yes

  • Age Limit: 13+ (guardian required if under 18)

  • Partner Ticket Available?: No

  • Available for a Private Class?: Yes (info)

  • Clothing/Equipment Requirements?: None

About Your Teacher

Bri Di Natale has been a dedicated sewist and knitter since 2011. Her favorite projects to create are clothing and accessories. She almost exclusively wears things that she has made herself.

Briana learned to sew from her mother who attended FIDM in Los Angeles when she was a child. She grew up surrounded by her mother's patterns, pins on the floor and wearing clothing she sewed for her. Her grandmother is also a sewist and quilter so sewing is in her blood and soul. She has a giddy passion for encouraging and teaching others to sew.

See some of her work @frolicinthefiber or at frolicinthefiber.etsy.com