Translating Patterns for Hand Sewing

Most sewing patterns’ instructions are intended for machine sewing. If you’re eager to stitch clothing by hand, though, you can easily translate those patterns so that they are just right for hand sewing.

In this one-session class, instructor Louisa Owen Sonstroem will guide you through the questions, techniques, and experiments she uses to assess, plan, and convert preexisting patterns. Learn how to interpret sewing pattern instructions, diagram a hand-sewn garment by creating an annotated flat sketch, experiment and assign the right stitches for the right places, plan out the order of operation, and adjust the pattern pieces as needed.

This class focuses on the planning and interpreting stages. In the last part of class, Louisa will share a few versatile, strong, useful hand-sewing stitches that will serve you well on any project. While it is not a comprehensive course in garment construction, students will come away with a clear sense of how to translate preexisting sewing patterns for their hands, and with a beginner’s toolkit of stitches.

Date

Saturday, September 26th, 2026

Time

11:00 – 2:00 pm ET

Cost

$120

Location

Tatter Textile Library: 505 Carroll Street, #2B, Brooklyn, NY 11215

Class Materials

All materials are included with ticket purchase, but if you have a sewing pattern you would like to practice “translating,” and perhaps any scraps of fabric that would be appropriate for that pattern, feel free to bring them.