Learn my systematic way to use sewing patterns, so you can achieve more sewing wins and fewer sewing fails.
Sewing patterns are the #1 tool to help you create the wardrobe of your dreams, but what's the best way to use them to sew clothes you'll love?
Learn my systematic approach to making sense of any sewing pattern, and never feel defeated by another sewing pattern ever again.
Sewists often ask me...
How do I read and interpret measurement charts?
What do I do if the pattern doesn't come with a measurements chart?
Why do I keep making patterns way too big? Or way too small?
Can I sew up my garment in a different way than the pattern instructions tell me to? Why or why not?
I don't understand what a sewing instruction means. What should I do now?
I have a clear idea of the garment I want to sew, but I'm not sure which sewing pattern will work best to achieve my vision. How do I pick the right one?
I have a piece of fabric I'm dying to use, but I'm not sure which sewing pattern will work best for my fabric. How can I make sure my fabric and my sewing pattern will work well together?
My garments seem to turn out ok, but I always feel like I'm winging it. How can I build my confidence while working on projects so I have more fun and spend less time stressing?
The garments I sew never turn out like I think they will. What am I doing wrong?
Well guess what. I was right there with you!
I taught myself how to sew in an independent study class in high school using dollar-bin fabrics and $0.99 Simplicity sewing patterns, and I had all the same questions too! Sadly, after making several failed garments, I gave up fashion sewing for years. It wasn't until I needed an after-work hobby in my twenties that I gave sewing clothes another try. Turns out I liked it so much that I switched careers, became a professional sewist and patternmaker, and then opened Workroom Social to bring together my industry perspective and experience in adult-skills-training to teach grown-ups how to sew their own clothes at home.
And I'm still here with you—here to answer all these questions and more.
Sewing Patterns Mastered (TM) is the class I wish I could have taken when I first started sewing my own clothes. It's a class I'd still register for now, even with my years of experience, because I understand the importance of organization, systems, and problem-solving—and I love learning different ways of approaching these things.
In this class we build a foundation in how to use sewing patterns as a tool to create your own clothes, giving you the confidence to work with any of the thousands of sewing patterns available today. Being able to read, understand, and make confident decisions about your sewing pattern is the start to creating a successful garment—and when you encounter a sewing fail, because we all experience failure, if you can make sense of your sewing pattern, you will know exactly how and why your project went wrong.
Think critically about your project so you can make decisions with confidence.
Organize your project and develop your own sewing game plan to help you achieve more sewing wins and fewer sewing fails.
Read and make sense of sewing pattern instructions and sewing pattern markings.
Read and understand measurement charts.
Measure your sewing pattern and measure yourself.
Select the best sewing pattern for your fabric and desired design details.
Approach fitting a garment as you sew it.
Deal with dissatisfaction and disappointment in a project that doesn't go the way you hope.
Hear From Past Students
Rebecca / Fall 2020 Cohort
I signed up for Sewing Patterns Mastered to get my sewjo back. I already knew how to read commercial patterns, but I told myself, it couldn't hurt to relearn some basics. I'm so glad that I made the right decision! I cannot express how happy I am that I took this amazing class.
Before Sewing Patterns Mastered I just bought patterns that were on trend without knowing how to analyze whether or not they could help me achieve the style I actually wanted. I ended up purchasing so many patterns that just weren't exactly my style. In class I learned how to evaluate a sewing pattern and compare it with my needs, so I could better predict the end result. I also learned how to analyze my fabric choices, ensuring my patterns and fabrics worked well together.
Additionally, this class somehow eliminated my fear and dislike of dealing with body measurements. The Measurements Calculator that Jennifer created makes using measurements fun, and has helped me feel more willing to accept changes in my body.
I have to say that the Sewing Patterns Mastered method does require more time in planning and research before you actually start sewing (the most fun part for me), but it's really worth it! The results are so great. I am way happier with my final garments than I have been before. I have made 6 outfits using this method, and I even made some for my friends. Every outfit I've made using this method is very close to the style I've envisioned. With a system in hand, I actually produce my outfits faster, and I'm more brave to try new styles. I am so happy that I got my sewjo back, and with more knowledge and confidence.
Curriculum Overview
Chapter 0: Welcome to Sewing Patterns Mastered!
Chapter 1: Introduction to Sewing Patterns Mastered
Chapter 2: About Sewing Patterns
Chapter 3: Designing Your Garment and Choosing the Right Sewing Pattern
Chapter 4: Research, Organize, and Make a Sewing Plan
Chapter 5: Choosing A Pattern Size
Chaper 6: Tips for Pattern Changes, Fitting, and Sewing
Chapter 7: After You've Completed Your Project
Chapter 8: What Next?
Enrollment Options for Spring 2021
Enrollment opens February 23. Class starts March 3. Scroll down to see the full schedule.
Option 1—$227 SOLD OUT!
Enroll for access to Sewing Patterns Mastered. All students get...
• Course content including video lessons, handouts, and digital tools • 4 Live Q+A Sessions • 3 Live Sewing Sessions • 1 Live Show and Tell Celebration • Access to our private community for students
Option 2—$277 SOLD OUT!
Option 2 enrollment gets Option 1 items PLUS 3 Live Fitting Help Sessions.
Join your classmates to learn fitting strategies that can help you get a better fit from your sewing pattern.
LIMITED AVAILABILITY
Option 3—$357 SOLD OUT!
Option 3 enrollment gets Options 1 and 2 items PLUS a 30-minute 1:1 sewing session with Jennifer!
Troubleshoot a sewing problem together, get private fitting help, or request a specific sewing demo. 1:1 sessions expire on March 31, 2022 (next year).
LIMITED AVAILABILITY
Enrollment Closes March 3
Due to the interactive nature of this class, seats are limited for the Spring 2021 cohort, especially Option 2 and 3 enrollments. Get your spot before they're gone.
Personally, I learned a lot in Sewing Patterns Mastered, but if I had to talk about just one thing, it'd for sure be the Measurements Calculator. That tool is fantastic! It makes you look at pattern differently—in a way I have never seen before, but wish I had from the beginning of my sewing journey! If you want to have more confidence in the final result of your garment, you need to understand the pattern before you choose a size and sew it, and the Measurements Calculator helped me better understand the sewing pattern itself.
I think this class is for any level sewist. If you are a beginner, you'll be happy to have these tools right from the beginning, and it will make you want to sew even more. And if you are a more advanced sewer, it's always good to rethink some essential stuff because we tend to think that solutions have to be complicated! This class was really helpful in so many ways.
This class is designed for...
Sewists who want to achieve more sewing wins
If you find yourself frustrated halfway through a project—stuck and not sure what to do next—I designed this class for you! Don't add another work-in-progress to the WIP bin. Learn how to tackle any sewing pattern using my system so you never get stuck again.
Sewists who want to feel more confident starting a new sewing pattern
If you start every new sewing pattern unsure how the final garment will turn out, I designed this class for you! Whether you want more confidence matching the right fabric to the right pattern or choosing the right size for your body, I will teach you how to work through all the decisions you'll have to make when sewing up a new pattern.
Hobby sewists who aren't making their own clothes...YET!
If you quilt or do other hobby sewing and want to start sewing your own clothes, this class might be a good fit for you. There are thousands of clothing patterns out there, and every company makes their patterns and instructions a little differently. If you have a basic idea of how clothes are sewn together, you can learn how to plan and problem solve as you work through making a garment.
Included in This Online Class
All students receive...
Video Lessons with Closed Captions
On-demand video lessons with closed-captioning. Watch lessons from the comfort of your own sewing room, and follow along with written transcripts (also great for note taking).
4 Live Q+A Sessions with Jennifer
I'm excited to answer your questions about using sewing patterns together! Full schedule below. Exact times are determined by student availability. Live sessions will be held on Zoom and recorded for student playback.
3 Live Sewing Sessions
Live Sewing Sessions are a great opportunity to meet and socialize with your classmates, ask for feedback on your work, and schedule some dedicated time for you to sew. Students set up their computers or mobile devices in their sewing spaces to participate in small group chats while they work on their projects.
Planning + Organizing Tools
Printable and digital tools to help you plan, organize, and record details of your sewing projects.
Measurements Calculator
I've created a digital tool to help students better understand how their body measurements relate to sewing pattern measurements. Using this tool, students can predict alterations they might make before they even cut out their pattern.
Access to Discussions and Private Community
Students are invited to post questions in this course's discussion areas to receive feedback from other students and Jennifer.
About Live Sewing Sessions
Meet and socialize with classmates, ask for feedback on your work, and schedule some dedicated time for you to sew.
Is sewing on Zoom weird and awkward?
If you've never participated in an online work session like this before, you might feel nervous or unsure if it's something you'll enjoy. I hope you'll acknowledge those feelings, then move past them to give a Live Sewing Session a try! Here's what some past students have said about our Live Sewing Sessions.
—I am a pretty introverted person and I wasn't sure if I'd want to be in a 'chatty group.' In the end my group was lovely and I could keep mostly quiet and still feel connected to the conversation.
—I was a little worried that it might be awkward. It was not awkward at all!
—I thought it would be weird to sew from a distance in maybe awkward silence? I am also bad with technology, so I wasn't sure how I would manage. It wasn't weird at all, in fact quire natural. All the good advice you provided at the beginning of each sessions was very helpful at improving communication among participants.
—I wasn't sure about spending a whole weekend on Zoom since I have extreme Zoom burnout from my job. It turned out to be totally fine, because we were sewing during all the sessions and just chatting in the background instead of staring at the screen, it didn't feel like being on Zoom.
—[At first I was worried about] meeting and spending time with new people. I was also unsure how big the groups would be, and worried about managing conversation with too many people on Zoom. The group size was perfect, and the new people I met were amazing. Feeling great about it.
About Live Fitting Help Sessions (Option 2 + 3 Students)
Learn fitting strategies that can help you get a better fit from your sewing pattern.
Just like ready-to-wear, sewing patterns don't fit everyone straight out of the envelope. Learning which fit adjustments you can use and how to make those changes to your sewing pattern are invaluable skills for any sewist. It's empowering to make clothes that fit your body the way you want!
I'm here to help you achieve the fit you want, regardless of what other people think. Students who enroll in Option 2 or 3 can bring their project muslin to these group fit sessions, where together we can work through your fitting strategies and techniques to build a clearer understanding of how pattern changes might affect the fit of your garment. Students get personalized assistance for their projects and also learn by observing their classmates' projects in the group.
It often takes multiple iterations of a muslin to get a garment to fit you just the way you want, and different fabrications of a pattern will result in different kinds of fit. Option 2 and 3 students can join 3 Live Fitting Sessions, giving you the chance to experiment with different alteration strategies over time.
Enrollment Options for Spring 2021
Enrollment opens February 23. Class starts March 3. Scroll down to see the full schedule.
Option 1—$227 SOLD OUT!
Enroll for access to Sewing Patterns Mastered. All students get...
• Course content including video lessons, handouts, and digital tools • 4 Live Q+A Sessions • 3 Live Sewing Sessions • 1 Live Show and Tell Celebration • Access to our private community for students
Option 2—$277 SOLD OUT!
Option 2 enrollment gets Option 1 items PLUS 3 Live Fitting Help Sessions.
Join your classmates to learn fitting strategies that can help you get a better fit from your sewing pattern.
LIMITED AVAILABILITY
Option 3—$357 SOLD OUT!
Option 3 enrollment gets Options 1 and 2 items PLUS a 30-minute 1:1 sewing session with Jennifer!
Troubleshoot a sewing problem together, get private fitting help, or request a specific sewing demo. 1:1 sessions expire on March 31, 2022 (next year).
LIMITED AVAILABILITY
Enrollment Closes March 3
Due to the interactive nature of this class, seats are limited for the Spring 2021 cohort, especially Option 2 and 3 enrollments. Get your spot before they're gone.
Before Sewing Patterns Mastered I was a rule follower. This class gave me the confidence to change things up a bit. Now, when I come across something I want to change, I can hear Jennifer's words of encouragement in my mind.
The class handouts really helped me organize my thoughts and create a detailed plan of attack for my projects. Jennifer emphasizes the planning stage of sewing and outlines the steps to this process very well.
Knowing that I can always refer back to the video lessons is unlike any other class I have taken. I like that I can retake the parts I need refreshing in. Thank you for adding to my bag of tools to becoming a confident sewist.
Spring 2021 Class Schedule
February 11–February 14
Early enrollment open
February 23–March 2
Enrollment open
Wednesday, March 3
Registration closes and class begins
Chapters 1–3 go live
Sunday, March 7
Live Q+A—Kick-off virtual social and focus on Chapters 1–3 Exact time to be determined based on student availability.
Monday, March 8
Chapter 4 goes live
Wednesday, March 10
Live Q+A—Focus on Chapter 4 Exact time to be determined based on student availability
Monday, March 15
Chapter 5 goes live
Thursday, March 18
Live Q+A—Focus on Chapter 5 Exact time to be determined based on student availability
Sunday, March 21
Live Fit Help Session (for Option 2 + 3 Students) Exact time to be determined based on student availability
Live Sewing Session Exact time to be determined based on student availability
Tuesday, March 23
Chapters 6–8 go live
Thursday, March 25
Live Q+A—Focus on Chapters 6–8 Exact time to be determined based on student availability
Saturday, March 27
Live Fit Help Session (for Option 2 + 3 Students) Exact time to be determined based on student availability
Live Sewing Session Exact time to be determined based on student availability
Friday, April 2
Live Fit Help Session (for Option 2 + 3 Students) Exact time to be determined based on student availability
Live Sewing Session Exact time to be determined based on student availability
Thursday, April 8
Show and Tell Celebration 🥳 Exact time to be determined based on student availability
After Thursday, March 25
You keep on-demand access to class and class materials. Go back through the class as much as and as often as you like!
About Your Instructor
Hi! I'm Jennifer, founder of Workroom Social, and I am so excited to bring you my first, independently produced online class.
At Workroom Social we teach adults just like you how to sew clothes that fit their individual styles and unique body shapes and sizes. After ten years of teaching sewing, I started to think critically about the questions our students ask, and I realized that most of their sewing problems could be solved with a stronger understanding of the first part of the whole clothes-making process—how to use sewing patterns.
Sewing Patterns Mastered is the class I wish I could have taken when I first started sewing my own clothes. I taught myself how to sew in an independent study class in high school using dollar-bin fabrics and $0.99 Simplicity sewing patterns.
After racking up multiple sewing fails—making garments that couldn't fit me, were constructed incorrectly, and quite frankly, looked terrible—I told myself sewing clothes wasn't for me and stuck to quilting for the next 10 years. It wasn't until I needed an after-work hobby in my twenties that I gave sewing clothes another try. Turns out I liked it so much that I switched careers, became a professional sewist and patternmaker, and then opened Workroom Social to bring together my industry perspective and experience in adult skills training to teach people how to sew their own clothes at home.
Since then I have used hundreds of sewing patterns, and I've developed a systematic way to work through any sewing pattern, made by any company. And now I'm teaching you my step-by-step method in Sewing Patterns Mastered.
Frequently Asked Questions
This is exactly what I need! How do I register?
Early enrollment for the Spring 2021 cohort is open through February 14.
Regular enrollment for the Spring 2021 cohort is open from February 23–March 3.
Click the Enroll now button below to sign up.
Class starts on March 3 for the Spring 2021 cohort.
How long will I have access to the class?
Students receive lifetime access to the class and class materials. Live sessions are recorded for on-demand playback.
Is this a live online class or a pre-recorded online class that I can watch on-demand?
Sewing Patterns Mastered is a hyrbrid live/pre-recorded online class. All the lessons are pre-recorded so you can watch them whenever it’s convenient for you. Students get lifetime access so you can take the class 5 times if you want! Or take it once, but start it after your cohort's official start date. The choice is yours. Do what works best for you. There are several live sessions with me and your classmates. These lives sessions are only offered during your cohort's schedule. Because of this live component, there is closed enrollment and a class schedule. I made the class in this format because I want to have a connection with each class cohort, and I understand that everyone’s schedule is a little different. I want students to have the opportunity for live experiences with the flexibility of an on-demand class structure. Live sessions will be held on Zoom and recorded for student playback.
I see a schedule for this class. Do I have to follow the schedule?
Sewing Patterns Mastered is a hyrbrid live/pre-recorded online class, which means you don't have to follow the schedule for your cohort. All the lessons are pre-recorded so you can watch them whenever it’s convenient for you. However, there are several live sessions with me and your fellow classmates, and these are only offered for your cohort's schedule. Each live session is held on Zoom and will be recorded and uploaded to the virtual classroom, so you can watch them when it's best for you.
Will this class teach me how to sew?
No, this class will not teach you how to sew. It will teach you how to read, understand, and use sewing patterns, which is an important part of successfully sewing your own clothes. Before registering, students should know how to use a sewing machine,
understand sewing vocabulary, and have a basic idea of how clothes are
sewn together. This is our starting place, and in the class I teach how
to plan and problem solve as you work through making a garment.
Will this class teach me how to make adjustments to my sewing pattern to alter the fit?
Students who enroll in Option 2 or 3 can participate in 3 Live Fitting Help Sessions, where they will learn about how to make pattern alterations for fit.
All students learn how to read and understand measurement charts. The class also teaches how to measure yourself and sewing patterns. These are all important skills needed to fit your handmade clothes.
Can't I find this information on YouTube for free?
You can find some of the information in this class for free online. However, as an expert sewist and an expert in adult-skills-training, I used real student feedback to carefully design this class to teach you a systematic way to make sense of any home sewing pattern. When you register for this class not only do you receive the class materials, which were specifically developed to teach this topic, you also get help from me and your fellow students in our online class community. And don't forget! By registering for this class, you are supporting a small business too.
I really want to sew my own clothes, but I don't actually know how to sew yet. Is this class right for me?
Sewing Patterns Mastered teaches how to read, understand, and use sewing patterns as a tool to create your own clothes. It does not teach how to sew. With that in mind, this class would be a great complement to a sewing skills class. Check out our sewing classes at workroomsocial.com/classes.
If you'd like a recommendation for online sewing classes, email me at [email protected], and I'll tell you my favorites.
What if I want a refund on my class registration?
Due to the nature of digital products, Workroom Social does not offer refunds on class registrations. All class registrations are final sale. You can read more about our Terms, Conditions, and Refunds policy at https://workroomsocial.com/terms-and-conditions.
Enrollment Options for Spring 2021
Enrollment opens February 23. Class starts March 3. Scroll up to see the full schedule.
Option 1—$227 SOLD OUT!
Enroll for access to Sewing Patterns Mastered. All students get...
• Course content including video lessons, handouts, and digital tools • 4 Live Q+A Sessions • 3 Live Sewing Sessions • 1 Live Show and Tell Celebration • Access to our private community for students
Option 2—$277 SOLD OUT!
Option 2 enrollment gets Option 1 items PLUS 3 Live Fitting Help Sessions.
Join your classmates to learn fitting strategies that can help you get a better fit from your sewing pattern.
LIMITED AVAILABILITY
Option 3—$357 SOLD OUT!
Option 3 enrollment gets Options 1 and 2 items PLUS a 30-minute 1:1 sewing session with Jennifer!
Troubleshoot a sewing problem together, get private fitting help, or request a specific sewing demo. 1:1 sessions expire on March 31, 2022 (next year).
LIMITED AVAILABILITY
Enrollment Closes March 3
Due to the interactive nature of this class, seats are limited for the Spring 2021 cohort, especially Option 2 and 3 enrollments. Get your spot before they're gone.
I'm a visual learner, so watching Jennifer do measurements on a dress form, ready-to-wear garments, and pattern pieces themselves were really helpful to me to cement my practices in a way that an image in a book can't quite replicate. And, I get to watch them whenever I need a refresher.
Plus, the Measurements Calculator gives me another great tool to use when deciding on a size and considering design and wearing ease in a garment. All of these things will help me be more confident and ensure better results when choosing a pattern size that works with my body.
Last, I really loved the sense of community that I found in class. We've all been so isolated due to covid, and sewing itself is a fairly solitary practice, so any opportunity to meet and connect with other people who love to sew clothes is like a balm to my soul.
Jennifer has also been so helpful to me with my project and went above and beyond what I expected!
