Upcycling and Sustainable Sewing Classes

Classes

Sewing on a button seems such a trivial thing, but knowing how to do it can reduce the amount of textile waste from landfill or incineration.

Textile waste is a growing component of the waste landscape. It’s found strewn across the Atacama desert in Chile, it’s shipped around the globe on cargo ships, and it’s taking up space in landfills everywhere. The problem grows exponentially when considering that 60% of clothing made over the last decade is petroleum based synthetics. When washed and dried in machines these textiles shed loads of microplastics into the air, water and soil.

We’re teaching sewing and upcycling skills to youth and adults as a way to keep these textiles out of the waste stream. We teach the care of clothing to minimize microplastics and how to identify quality fabrics that will last a lifetime with some repair skills.

See our events calendar for an overall view of all our Mend-it cafes and classes, you can also check out our classes below.

Sustainable Sewing Classes

  • Sustainable Sewing: Get to Know Your Sewing Machine


    Saturday, November 8, 2025 1:00 – 3:30 PM

    In this beginner-focused hands-on class, you’ll learn the basics of machine sewing including, getting to know the parts of a machine, sewing machine maintenance (how to clean, change a needle, and wind a bobbin), and how to use a sewing machine to create a small project using fabric scraps and secondhand items. Use of machines, and all supplies are included.

    Class Location:
    Spokane Zero Waste Classroom

    2026 Hamilton Street (cross street Ermina)

    Spokane, WA 99207

    Sign Up

  • Sustainable Sewing: Make Reusable Gift Bags


    Saturday, November 15, 2025 12:30 – 3:30 PM

    In this hands-on class, you’ll increase your foundational sewing skills by creating 3 types of gift bags: an unlined drawstring bag, flat bag with handles, and a standard style gift bag with handles. You’ll learn how to sew French seams, how to add a drawstring, how to add boxed corners, and how to create a bag with a lining. Basic machine sewing skills are necessary. Use of machines, and all supplies are included.

    Class Location: 
    Spokane Zero Waste Classroom

    2026 Hamilton Street (cross street Ermina)

    Spokane, WA 99207

    Sign Up