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.

PLEASE NOTE: As of Oct. 1, 2025, a new Washington Dept of Revenue state law (ESSB 5814) requires that live classes now be taxed when sold, which means we must charge sales tax for our classes. Thank you!

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, Feb 7, 2026 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.

    Cost: 35.00 plus sales tax
    Please be sure to register for the class, it’s required due to limited spaces available.

    Class Location: 
    Spokane Zero Waste Classroom

    2026 Hamilton Street (cross street Ermina)

    Spokane, WA 99207

    Sign Up

  • Sustainable Sewing: Upcycle Using Reverse Applique


    Saturday, Feb 21, 2026 1:00 – 3:30 PM

    In this hands-on class, you'll upcycle your own garment (sweatshirt, t-shirt, jeans, tote bag) using the beginner-friendly reverse applique technique. Basic machine sewing skills are required. Use of machines and all supplies (except for your own garment) are included.

    Cost: 40.00 plus sales tax
    Please be sure to register for the class, it’s required due to limited spaces available.

    Class Location:
    Spokane Zero Waste Classroom

    2026 Hamilton Street (cross street Ermina)

    Spokane, WA 99207

    Sign Up
  • quilting class

    Sustainable Sewing: Intro to Quilting


    Saturday, Feb 28 2026 9am-3pm

    IIn this hands-on class, longtime teacher and quilter Tressa Emch will teach you how to quilt using techniques to create two styles of quilt blocks, which you will sew together to make a finished reusable tote bag. Confident machine sewing skills are required. Use of machines and all supplies are included.

    Use of machines, and all supplies are included.

    Cost: 65.00 plus sales tax
    Please be sure to register for the class, it’s required due to limited spaces available.

    Class Location:
    Spokane Zero Waste Classroom

    2026 Hamilton Street (cross street Ermina)

    Spokane, WA 99207

    Sign UP

  • Sustainable Sewing: Get to Know Your Sewing Machine


    Saturday, March 7, 2026 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.

    Cost: 35.00 plus sales tax
    Please be sure to register for the class, it’s required due to limited spaces available.

    Class Location: 
    Spokane Zero Waste Classroom

    2026 Hamilton Street (cross street Ermina)

    Spokane, WA 99207

    Sign Up

  • Sustainable Crafting: Make a Junk Journal

    Saturday, March 21, 2026

    12:00 – 2:30 PM

    In this hands-on class, you will learn the creative and therapeutic craft of junk journaling—a form of mixed-media art that uses recycled and found materials to create unique, handmade books. No experience necessary. All supplies are included. 

    Cost: 30.00 plus sales tax
    Please be sure to register for the class, it’s required due to limited spaces available.

    Class Location: 
    Spokane Zero Waste Classroom

    2026 Hamilton Street (cross street Ermina)

    Spokane, WA 99207

    Sign Up