Joann Fabrics Sewing Classes: Learn to Sew Like a Pro (2026 Guide)

Learning to sew opens up a world of creative possibilities—from fixing torn clothes to making custom curtains or even designing your own garments. JOANN Fabrics used to offer hands-on sewing instruction in stores across the country, helping thousands of beginners master their machines and build confidence with fabric.

With JOANN stores now closed, many sewers wonder where to find quality sewing classes. The good news? You have more options than ever before. Online sewing classes, local craft workshops, and alternative retailers like Michaels all offer structured learning paths from beginner to advanced levels.

This guide shows you exactly where to find sewing instruction today, what each option costs, and how to choose the right learning format for your skill level and goals.

What JOANN Sewing Classes Used to Offer

JOANN’s in-store sewing classes created a supportive learning environment where beginners could touch machines, ask questions immediately, and get instant feedback on their technique.

The Old JOANN Class Structure

Beginner sewing classes covered sewing fundamentals:

How to thread a sewing machine properly
Bobbin winding and loading
Basic straight stitch and zigzag stitch
Understanding presser feet
Reading simple sewing patterns
Practicing on scrap fabric before real projects

Intermediate classes built skills:

Pattern reading for garments
Understanding different fabric types and how they sew
Zipper insertion techniques
Buttonhole stitching
Basic garment construction
Home decor sewing projects

Advanced workshops tackled complex techniques:

Quilting basics and piecing
Creating fitted garments
Working with difficult fabrics
Professional finishing techniques

Classes typically ran 2-4 hours and cost $20-$40. All materials were included, and machines were provided so students didn’t need to own equipment before starting.

Why JOANN Classes Worked Well

Hands-on learning made the difference. Instructors demonstrated techniques on actual machines, then watched students practice immediately. If you threaded incorrectly or your stitches looked uneven, someone helped fix it right away.

Small class sizes (usually 6-10 students) meant personal attention. Instructors could answer your specific questions about your Brother sewing machine or help troubleshoot why your Singer was skipping stitches.

Built-in shopping was convenient. After learning a technique, you could buy the exact fabric, thread, and notions you needed from the store before heading home to practice.

Where to Take Sewing Classes Now (2026 Options)

JOANN’s closure left a gap, but several alternatives fill that space with their own advantages.

Michaels Sewing Classes & Craft Workshops

Michaels craft stores now offer the closest replacement to JOANN’s in-store classes, though their sewing selection is more limited. They also carry essential sewing machine accessories you’ll need for your first projects

What Michaels Offers:

Beginner sewing machine basics (2-3 hour sessions)
Simple project classes (pillows, tote bags, zipper pouches)
Occasional intermediate workshops
Craft classes online through their website

Michael’s Class Advantages:

Still in-store, hands-on instruction
Machines usually provided
Small group settings
Materials often included in class fee

Michael’s Limitations:

Fewer advanced sewing classes than JOANN had
The focus leans toward general crafts, not specialized sewing
Smaller sewing machine selection in stores
Not all locations offer sewing-specific classes

Cost: $25-$50 per class, typically

How to Find: Check Michaels.com for your local store’s schedule, or call and ask specifically about sewing classes (not just general crafts). OR you get it from Amazon, as it wont compromise on quality

Online Sewing Classes: The Most Flexible Option

Online sewing education has exploded in quality and variety. You get expert instruction without leaving home, and you can pause, rewind, and rewatch lessons as many times as needed.

Top Online Sewing Class Platforms:

Craftsy (Bluprint):

300+ sewing courses
Beginner to advanced levels
Unlimited access after purchase ($20-$80 per course)
Covers garment construction, quilting, alterations, pattern drafting
Step-by-step sewing lessons with close-up camera angles

Skillshare:

Subscription model ($32/month or $168/year)
Hundreds of sewing classes included
Great for exploring different techniques
Community feedback on projects
Video sewing tutorials you can watch on phone or computer

Udemy:

Pay-per-course model ($15-$100, frequent sales)
Lifetime access to purchased courses
Beginner sewing courses start around $20
Self-paced sewing courses with downloadable resources

YouTube (Free):

Thousands of free video tutorials
Channels like Professor Pincushion, Evelyn Wood, and Made to Sew offer complete beginner series
No structured curriculum, but great for specific techniques
Watch someone thread a Brother CS6000i or fix tension on a Singer Heavy Duty 4423

CreativeLive:

Live sewing workshops you can watch free during broadcast
Recorded classes available for purchase
Professional instructors, high production quality
Covers niche topics like sewing for cosplay or making swimwear

Local Sewing Classes: Independent Shops & Community Centers

Local fabric stores, quilting shops, and community centers often run small sewing classes that provide the hands-on experience online courses can’t match.

Where to Look:

Independent Fabric Stores:

Call local fabric shops and ask about their class schedule
Many offer beginner machine basics plus project-based workshops
Usually $30-$60 per class
Materials typically extra, but you’re shopping where you’re learning

Quilting Shops:

Specialize in quilting basics but often teach general machine skills
Strong community feeling
Free “sit and sew” sessions sometimes available

Community Centers & Libraries:

Affordable classes ($15-$40)
Often taught by experienced local sewers
Check city recreation department websites

Adult Education Programs:

School districts sometimes offer evening sewing classes
Multi-week courses (6-8 weeks typical)
Very affordable ($50-$150 for full course)

Private Instructors:

Search “sewing lessons near me” online
One-on-one or small group instruction
Most personalized learning
$40-$80 per hour typically

Comparing Your Class Options

Option	Cost	Hands-On?	Convenience	Best For
Michaels Classes	$25–$50	Yes	Must travel, fixed schedule	Beginners wanting in-person guidance
Online Courses (Craftsy)	$20–$80 each	No	Learn anytime, unlimited rewatch	Self-motivated learners, specific skills
Skillshare / Udemy	$15–$168	No	Very flexible	Exploring different techniques
YouTube	Free	No	Watch anytime	Supplementing other learning
Local Fabric Shops	$30–$60	Yes	Must travel, small groups	Hands-on learners, community connection
Private Lessons	$40–$80/hour	Yes	Flexible scheduling	Personalized instruction, specific projects

Choosing the Right Sewing Class for Your Skill Level

Start with classes that match where you are now, not where you hope to be eventually. Jumping into intermediate garment construction before mastering straight stitches leads to frustration.

Complete Beginners: Start Here

If you’ve never touched a sewing machine or only did simple projects years ago, you need foundation skills first. Start with simple projects using easy fabrics like cotton fleece or felt and follow the steps bellow

Look for classes covering:

Sewing machine basics (parts, threading, winding bobbins)
How different presser feet work
Practicing straight lines and curves
Simple projects like pillowcases or drawstring bags
Understanding basic sewing patterns

Best format for beginners: In-person classes at Michaels or local shops let you ask questions immediately when confused. Online works if you’re comfortable learning from videos and have a machine at home to practice.

Recommended first projects:

Cloth napkins (practicing straight seams)
Tote bags (handles teach turning and pressing)
Simple skirts (introduction to waistbands and hems)
Pillow covers (zippers optional, teaches measuring)

Intermediate Sewers: Building Skills

You’ve completed 3-5 simple projects successfully and want to tackle more complex sewing like working with upholstery fabric or creating fitted garments

Look for classes teaching:

Reading and adjusting sewing patterns
Working with different fabric types (knits, silks, heavy canvas)
Installing zippers smoothly
Making professional buttonholes
Basic garment fitting
Lining techniques

Best format: Mix online courses for detailed technique explanations with occasional local workshops for hands-on practice with challenging skills like zipper insertion.

Projects at this level:

Simple dresses or skirts with zippers
Quilted table runners
Lined tote bags
Pajama pants with elastic waistbands
Simple curtains with lining

Advanced Sewers: Mastering Complexity

You sew regularly and want to perfect professional techniques or learn specialized skills.

Look for classes on:

Pattern drafting and alteration
Tailoring techniques
Working with difficult fabrics
Advanced quilting (free-motion quilting, intricate piecing)
Couture sewing techniques
Making specific items (bras, swimwear, leather goods)

Best format: Specialized online courses from experts, or intensive weekend workshops at quilting conferences or sewing retreats.

What You Need Before Your First Sewing Class

For In-Person Classes (Michaels, Local Shops)

You’ll need basic sewing supplies and fabric for your project. For rustic or natural projects, consider burlap fabric, which is forgiving for beginners.

Usually provided:

Sewing machine (Singer, Brother, or Janome typically)
Basic presser feet
Thread for practice
Scrap fabric for testing

You might need to bring:

Notebook and pen for taking notes
Fabric for your project (check class requirements)
Basic sewing supplies list if specified

Always ask beforehand what’s included versus what you should bring. Nothing’s worse than showing up without required materials.

For Online Sewing Classes

You’ll need:

Your own sewing machine
Basic sewing kit (scissors, pins, seam ripper, measuring tape)
Fabric appropriate for lesson projects
Good lighting in your sewing area
Computer or tablet to watch lessons

Optional but helpful:

Second screen or phone to watch while sewing
Printer for pattern pieces or reference sheets
Notebook for tracking what you learn

How Much Do Sewing Classes Cost in 2026?

Understanding typical pricing helps you budget and spot good deals.

Format	Typical Cost	What’s Included	Best Value?
Michaels Single Class	$25–$50	Machine, materials, 2–4 hours	Good for trying sewing
Local Shop Workshop	$30–$60	Instruction, sometimes materials	Mid-range
Online Course (Craftsy)	$20–$80	Lifetime access, downloadable guides	Excellent for repeated use
Skillshare Subscription	$168/year	Unlimited classes	Best if taking multiple courses
YouTube Tutorials	Free	Just video instruction	Can’t beat free
Private Lessons	$40–$80/hour	Personalized attention	Worth it for specific help
Community Center Course	$50–$150	6–8 week curriculum	Best structure for money

Money-Saving Tips:

Start with YouTube to see if you like sewing before paying
Wait for sales on Craftsy and Udemy (courses often drop to $15-$20)
Share subscriptions with sewing friends (Skillshare allows multiple devices)
Check library for free sewing books and DVD tutorials

Buy course + machine bundles if starting completely fresh

Learn Sewing Without JOANN: Your Action Plan

Week 1-2: Master Your Machine

Goal: Understand your sewing machine completely

Resources:

Watch YouTube video specific to your machine model
Take “Sewing Machine Basics” course on Skillshare (search your brand)
Practice threading, winding bobbins, changing needles
Sew straight lines on paper (no thread) to control speed

Practice projects:

Sew on paper following printed lines
Stitch fabric scraps together
Try different stitch lengths and widths

Week 3-4: First Real Projects

Goal: Complete 2-3 simple items successfully

Take a class:

Michaels “Beginner Sewing” class (if available locally)
OR Craftsy’s “Absolute Beginner Sewing” course
OR YouTube series from Professor Pincushion

Projects to complete:

Cloth napkins (four 18″ squares with folded hems)
Pillowcase (basic envelope style, no zipper)
Drawstring bag

Month 2: Build Confidence

Goal: Work with patterns and different fabrics

Classes to take:

“Reading Sewing Patterns” online course
Local shop’s “Tote Bag Workshop” or similar
YouTube tutorials on specific techniques as needed

Projects:

Simple tote bag from pattern
Elastic-waist skirt or shorts
Zippered pouch (introduces zippers gradually)

Month 3+: Expand Skills

Goal: Try new techniques and challenging projects

Continue learning through:

Specialized courses for specific interests (quilting, garment sewing, etc.)
Monthly local workshops for hands-on practice
Online sewing communities for feedback and encouragement

Sewing Class Alternatives: Creative Learning Options

Beyond traditional classes, other paths teach sewing skills effectively.

Sewing Subscription Boxes

Monthly boxes like SewBunny or Seamwork Magazine include:

New pattern each month
Detailed instructions
Community forum for questions
$15-$25/month

Great for self-directed learners who need structure and fresh project ideas.

Virtual Sewing Circles

Online groups meet via Zoom to sew together:

Real-time help when you’re stuck
Social aspect makes sewing less lonely
Usually free or low cost
Search Facebook for “virtual sewing circle” + your time zone

Pattern Company Tutorials

Many pattern designers offer free sewalongs:

Step-by-step blog posts or videos
Uses their specific pattern
Community hashtags show others’ progress
Tilly and the Buttons, Grainline Studio, and Closet Core excel at this

Sewing Challenges

30-day or seasonal challenges push skill development:

Me-Made-May: Wear something you sewed every day in May
Sew Your Own Wardrobe: Follow prompts to build capsule collection

Quilt Alongs: Community quilts the same pattern together

Comparing Michaels Sewing Classes to the Old JOANN Format

Since Michaels is the main in-store alternative now, here’s the honest comparison.

What’s Similar:

Small group, hands-on instruction
Machines provided for beginners
Materials often included in fee
Can ask questions during class
Shop for supplies immediately after

What Michaels Does Better:

Sometimes better deals/coupons on supplies
Craft rewards program
More craft variety if you have multiple hobbies

What JOANN Did Better:

More sewing-specific classes
Larger sewing machine selection in stores
Staff more focused on sewing expertise
More advanced workshops
Dedicated sewing classroom space

The Reality: Michaels fills about 60% of what JOANN offered for sewing classes. For the remaining 40%, you’ll need online courses or local alternatives.

How to Get the Most from Online Sewing Classes

Online learning works beautifully for sewing IF you approach it right. Here’s how to succeed.

Set Up Your Learning Space

You need:

Sewing machine on stable table
Computer/tablet positioned where you can see while sewing
Good overhead lighting (prevents eyestrain)
Space to lay out fabric
Supplies within arm’s reach

Don’t try sewing on the couch while watching on your phone. Proper setup prevents frustration and injury.

Take Notes While Watching

Write down:

Key measurements or ratios (seam allowances, hem depths)
Tips the instructor mentions
When to press versus just pin
Your own observations (“bobbin tension looked loose here”)

You’ll reference these notes constantly while sewing projects.

Join the Course Community

Most paid courses include forums or Facebook groups. Use them!

Post photos of your work for feedback
Ask questions when stuck
See how others solved problems
Stay motivated by seeing others’ progress

Practice Each Technique Immediately

Don’t just watch 5 lessons in a row. Watch one technique, then practice it before moving forward. Sewing is muscle memory—watching doesn’t build that memory, doing does.

Rewatch Sections

Unlike in-person classes, you can rewind. If zipper insertion didn’t make sense the first time, watch it again. And again. No shame in that—it’s the advantage of online learning