Sewing Class Levels at Unfold Den

How Our Sewing Class Levels Work

At Unfold Den, we believe learning to sew should feel approachable, supportive, and flexible. Our class levels are designed to help you find the right starting point, whether you’re touching a sewing machine for the first time or looking to deepen your technical skills.

You don’t need to know everything listed at a level to belong there. Think of these as skills you may already have or will build while taking classes at that level. If you’re between levels, that’s completely normal and many of our classes are designed to support growth across skill ranges.

Absolute Beginner

You’re at this level if…

You’ve never sewn with a machine before, or it’s been so long that it feels like starting from scratch. Sewing terms, tools, and machine parts feel unfamiliar or intimidating and that’s okay.

Absolute Beginner classes focus on comfort, orientation, and foundational confidence. We slow things down, explain why we do things, and create space to ask questions without pressure. 

Our Absolute Beginner classes include First Stitch: Try It Out, Intro to Sewing and Unbrand It.

Confident Beginner

You’re at this level if you can or are learning to…

  • Thread a sewing machine and wind a bobbin
  • Sew straight lines, pivot, and maintain seam allowance
  • Use straight, zig zag, and backstitch
  • Change needles and presser feet
  • Cut fabric with scissors and chalk
  • Press, pin, and seam rip (yes, this counts as a skill!)

You may also be working on:

  • Zippers
  • Box and mitered corners
  • Double fold hems
  • Interfacing and simple facings
  • Making straps
  • Reinforced stitching (box with X)

Confident Beginner classes help you move from “following steps” to understanding construction. You’re building muscle memory, accuracy, and comfort with common techniques used in everyday projects. 

Our Confident Beginner classes include Intro to Sewing, Zipper Pouches, Tote Bags, Jackson Tee and Garment Patterns 101.

Intermediate

You’re at this level if you can or are learning to…

  • Read and follow sewing patterns
  • Adjust stitch settings
  • Work with elastic and gathering
  • Finish seams cleanly
  • Sew curves and thicker fabrics
  • Add pockets, linings, and drawstrings

You’re likely also developing skills with:

  • Rotary cutters, acrylic rulers, and tailoring tools
  • Fabric types (woven vs knit, fiber content)
  • Buttons and buttonholes
  • Bias tape and binding
  • Burrito method for lining
  • Reinforced stitching (bartacks)

Intermediate classes focus on technique refinement, problem-solving, and understanding materials—giving you more independence and flexibility in your sewing practice.

Our Intermediate classes include all of our Intro to Sewing 2.0 series, such as Your First Quilt and Your First Garment Pattern, and technical skills-focused classes like Garment Patterns 101 and How to Sew a Zipper Fly. 

Advanced

You’re at this level if you’re ready to explore…

  • Sewing with fancy fabrics, like satin, silk, chiffon, lace or tulle
  • Draping
  • Pattern and fitting adjustments, like a Full Bust Adjustment (FBA) or Small Bust Adjustment (SBA), swayback adjustments, etc.
  • Machine tension and troubleshooting
  • Basic machine servicing and maintenance
  • Using a longarm machine to quilt 
  • Sewing with elastic thread

Advanced classes are for sewists who want to deepen their technical knowledge, work more intuitively with their machines, and expand what’s possible in their projects.

Still Not Sure What Level You Are?

That’s normal—and we’re happy to help. If you’re unsure where to start, reach out or attend an open house or skills-based class. Sewing isn’t linear, and there’s no “right” pace. We’re here to meet you where you are and support you as you grow.