In this three-part beginner program, youth will learn the parts of a sewing machine, practice sewing, and sew a simple felt item!

4-H will provide the facility and guidance. Participants* may bring their own sewing machine or utilize one of ours. Join us to build new skills and complete a sewing project for fair or just for fun!

*Youth must be accompanied by an adult.  Adults do not need to have any sewing experience.  

Ages: 8-18 (as of 9/1/23)

Meets: 9:30 a.m.-11:15 a.m. on October 14, 21, and 28

Location: Kane County Extension Office, 535 S Randall Rd, St. Charles

Cost to participate: $5 per youth

Registration required. Space is limited! Youth on fall session waiting list will be given first priority to be in classes being planned for the winter.

How to register:

• Already enrolled in 4-H? Register for this event using your ZSuite account.
  • Sign in using your primary profile to be taken to the event registration page.
• Not involved in 4-H? Use this event registration form.
  • Interested in creating a ZSuite account to make future event registration easier? Learn more here.

Questions: Contact Lydia Nickels, 4-H Program Coordinator, at lydian@illinois.edu or 630-584-6166.

Beginner 1 vs. Beginner 2

Beginner I Class: No prerequisite. Youth must be accompanied by an adult. Adults do not need to have any sewing experience. May bring your own machine or use one of ours.

• Learn how to operate a sewing machine and sew a simple felt item.
• Use new skills to sew a cotton fabric drawstring bag eligible for showing at the fair.
• If time permits, sew an additional item to practice skills.

Students may use the instructor's fabric provided for free or will need to purchase their own fabric for the drawstring bag project.

Beginner 2 Class: This level is intended for youth who have some experience using a sewing machine. Ideally, a student should have made at least two of the items on this list or similar items: pillow, pillow case, stuffed animal, small patchwork blanket, and drawstring bag. Students may bring their own machine or use one of ours. Adults are encouraged to accompany youth and learn with them. Prerequisite skills needed:

• Know the names of and how to operate the parts of a sewing machine used to sew a straight stitch forward and in reverse.
• Be able to sew a 1/2-inch seam independently and fairly accurately following a straight line and a gentle curve.
• Know how to make a pivot turn with a sewing machine.
• Be able to cut 24 inches of fabric in a straight line with moderate precision.
• We will learn how to use a pattern to make pajama bottoms eligible for showing in the Clothing 1 category at the fair.
• There is no fee to take the class but students will be expected to purchase a pattern, fabric, thread, and elastic, etc. A materials list will be given upon registration

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, contact the event organizer. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting your access needs.