Prerequisite: None! This workshop is for youth, ages 13-17, who have never touched a sewing machine before.

Start Sewing with SCRAP: Intro to Home Sewing Machines & Patchwork

This one-day workshop is a place for youth (ages 13-17) new to sewing with machines—a welcoming space to learn and explore.

We'll cover:

The essential tools of machine sewing
Discuss fabric types, and identify properties like grain and bias
Walk through the core anatomy and functions of an introductory to mid-budget sewing machines
Talk about stitch length and application, best practices, and seam treatments.
Apply our new knowledge to some practical, sustainable patchwork sewing!

You’ll learn how to wind bobbins, thread, remove and replace sewing needles, "pick up" the bottom thread, and start experimenting sewing on woven fabrics. Learn in a pressure-free space to experiment and play while making simple patchwork pieces to use on our garments!

Instructors Maya & Kate will show students how to operate a sewing machine with confidence and get students started sewing their first projects!

This workshop is supported by funds from the Oregon Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Every day's schedule:
Drop off: 9:45 - 10 am (Programming begins at 10am)
Lunch: 12:30 - 1 pm
Pick up: 4 - 4:15 pm (Programming ends at 4pm)

Location: The new SE SCRAP Education Studio! 619 SE 6th Ave 😊

Ticket prices:

Title I Workshop Participant (FREE!) - Registration closes on Nov 6th, 2025 at 4pm!
Workshop Participant ($50) - Registration closes on Nov 6th, 2025 at 4pm!

Not a Title I student? Apply for a general scholarship here!

Please address any questions to portlandeducation@scrapcreativereuse.org.

Cancellation & refund policy:
90% refund until three weeks before your workshop start date, 50% refund until two weeks before your workshop start date. No refunds for cancellations less than 14 days.