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
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Sustainable Sewing: Get to Know Your Sewing Machine
Saturday, May 2, 2026 9:00 – 11:30 AM
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 Classroom2026 N. Hamilton St (cross street Ermina)
Spokane, WA 99207
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Open Sewing Lab
Saturday, May 2, 2026 12:30 – 3:00 PM
Practice makes perfect, but you don’t all have the space for a sewing room. Now you can come to the SZW Studio for your personal projects.
Need some extra space to cut out a pattern? Have questions about your own machine? Maybe you don't have a sewing machine at home and need to use one? No problem! During Open Sewing Lab you will have access to our knowledgeable sewists, sewing machines and all basic supplies including:
-cutting mats
--Counter height cutting table
-rotary cutters
-iron
-pins
-scissors
-seam rippers
With the help of our skilled sewists and access to equipment, what can’t you make?
Bring your own project and materials.
FAQ:
Can I bring my own machine? Yes! We have machines here that you're welcome to use, but if you'd rather use your own that's just fine. We'll even do our best to help troubleshoot and answer questions about your machine to the best of our abilities.
Will you be able to help me with my project? Our sewists will be around to answer basic questions, provide inspiration, and give advice but if you need help learning how to use a machine or have more in-depth project questions, check out one of our monthly classes instead.
Do I have to bring my own thread?Yes, you’ll need thread to match your fabric.
Cost: 25.00 plus sales tax
Please be sure to register for the class, it’s required due to limited spaces available.Class Location:
Spokane Zero Waste Classroom2026 N. Hamilton St (cross street Ermina)
Spokane, WA 99207
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Sustainable Sewing: Intro to Quilting
*NEW DATE: Saturday, May 23, 2026 9:00AM – 3:30 PMIn this hands-on class, longtime quilter, Tressa Emch, will introduce you to the art of quilting by teaching you how to create two styles of quilt blocks using scrap fabric, which you will sew together to make a reusable tote bag. Confident machine sewing skills are required.
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 Classroom2026 N. Hamilton St (cross street Ermina)
Spokane, WA 99207
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Sustainable Sewing: Get to Know Your Sewing Machine
Saturday, June 6th, 2026 1:00 – 3:30 PMIn 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 Classroom2026 N. Hamilton St (cross street Ermina)
Spokane, WA 99207