Closet Remix: Garment Copying & Upcycling_Sep 8-Dec 15

 

There’s something about the fit, comfort, and style of certain garments in our wardrobes that makes them truly priceless. If you have a favorite top, pair of pants, dress, or skirt you wish you could recreate—or clothing you would love to transform into something fresh and original—this sewing class is for you.

Participants will learn how to use existing garments to make patterns from. This is a great way to create new versions of the pieces they love, without the complexity of traditional pattern drafting. Upcycling techniques that give overlooked, outdated, or damaged clothing a new life through thoughtful redesign and personalization will also be taught.

Rather than beginning with flat paper patterns, this class introduces an approachable, garment-based process for working directly from clothing participants already own. Students will learn how to observe and translate shape, fit, and construction while developing the creative confidence to reimagine garments through new fabrics, colors, textures, and design details.

During this session, students will learn how to:

• Copy the silhouette of a favorite garment to create a simple, reusable sewing template
• Use that template to sew a new version of the original piece
• Select fabrics that work well with the garment’s shape, structure, and intended fit
• Understand seam placement, grain direction, and fabric behavior through hands-on practice
• Transform existing clothing by reshaping, combining, or adding new elements
• Incorporate custom details such as contrasting panels, patchwork, appliqué, pockets, trims, embroidery, and decorative stitching
• Repurpose fabric and usable details from older garments in creative new ways
• Strengthen and finish redesigned pieces so they are both wearable and durable
• Make intentional design choices that reflect their individual style

This class does not cover traditional flat pattern drafting from scratch. Instead, it focuses on approachable, time-efficient pattern copying and upcycling techniques that students can continue using at home. It is ideal for creative makers who want to recreate favorite clothing, develop their personal style, reduce textile waste, and turn existing garments into one-of-a-kind pieces.

Prerequisite: Students must have completed Sewing 101 or possess equivalent foundational sewing-machine skills.