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

  • Gift Card

    Purchase a gift card for a friend or family member to use at future Spokane Zero Waste Sustainable Sewing Classes.

  • Come dye with me: Zero Waste Natural Dyes


    Turn kitchen scraps and holiday leftovers into gorgeous fabric dyes! Get hands-on experience preparing, using, and customizing natural colors that last.

    Sun, Oct 25th 10am-2pm

  • Intro to Knitting

    You too can be one of those people in a coffee shop quietly crafting something beautiful with two sticks, but first you gotta learn the basics.

    Sat, Nov 7, 2026 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

  • Intro into Machine Sewing

    Intro into Machine Sewing


    In this beginner-focused hands-on class, you’ll learn the basics of machine sewing including, getting to know the parts of a machine, change a needle, and wind a bobbin, and how to use a sewing machine

    Sat, Nov 7, 2026 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM

  • Intro into Machine Sewing

    In this beginner-focused hands-on class, you’ll learn the basics of machine sewing including, getting to know the parts of a machine, change a needle, and wind a bobbin, and how to use a sewing machine

    Tues Nov 10, 2026 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM

  • Make Reusable Gift Bags

    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.

    Sat, Nov 14, 2026 1:00 – 3:30 PM

  • Visible Mending III

    Learn how to give your favorite clothing and textiles a second life through the art of visible mending. Hand mender Silke Kluth returns to lead you on an exploration of amazing ways to use the blanket stitch

    Sun, Nov 15, 2026 1:00 – 3:30 PM

  • Intro to Crochet

    In this class you'll learn the basics of how to crochet. Join crafter Cindi Durgan as she leads you through making a crocheted bookmarker.
    All materials are provided

    Sat, Nov 21, 2026

    10:00 AM – 12:00 PM