Sew Teach Me 1
Student Application
Student Projects
Get started by clicking on and printing the Student Application Form above. Next fill out the form, scan and email it to SewTeachMeBend@gmail.com
Once your form has been received you will be contacted by a match coordinator.
Please send any questions to the Sew Teach Me email above.
#1 – Get to Know Your Sewing Machine
Students will get hands-on experience with the sewing machine as they discover how it works from the inside out! Using the manual as their guide, they’ll practice winding the bobbin, threading the machine, using the hand wheel and pedal, sewing in reverse, and experimenting with a variety of stitches. To practice their new skills, each student will turn an embroidered name tag into a personalized creation, choosing their own felt backing and ribbon to wear proudly during
Sew Teach Me™ sessions.
#2 – Make a Pillowcase
Students will jump into their first real sewing project by creating a pillowcase they can actually use and be proud of! They’ll choose from a colorful variety of kits, then practice sewing straight lines, working with different seam allowances, and learning the fun “burrito” or “hot dog” roll technique. By the end of the project, each student will go home with a finished pillowcase—and the confidence that comes from making something all their own.
#3 – Make a Sewing Tool Caddy
In this project, each student will choose from a variety of premade kits to create a sewing or tool caddy, both useful and uniquely their own. While doing this students will learn how to fuse interfacing to fabric, round corners for a polished look, and add topstitching for a professional finish. They will customize the divided pockets to fit the caddy’s purpose – whether it holds sewing supplies, art tools, gadgets, or something totally unexpected. With a little creativity, some students have even turned their caddy into an apron.
#4 – Make a Pillow Pal
The final STM1 project, a Pillow Pal, is a fun, hands-on project that gives students their first opportunity to work with an original Sew Teach Me pattern. Students will bring their own character to life as they trace the pattern onto fabric, cut it out, stitch around curves, and design a unique face. They’ll also stuff the body, arms, and legs to create soft, dimensional shapes, then practice hand-sewing techniques to neatly close the body. By the end, each student will have a one-of-a-kind Pillow Pal and new sewing skills to be proud of.
Sew Teach Me 2
Sew Teach Me™ 2 is our continuing education for students that have completed all of Sew Teach Me™1 and want to continue to expand their sewing skills. Four additional projects will be taught in a classroom setting with one or two students per mentor with a maximum of six students per session. It will still be taught at Anvil on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month. A $5 donation is requested for each of these projects.
#1 – Drawstring Backpack
#2 – Zipper Pouch
#3 – Notepad Cover
Ready to make note-taking way more fun? Create a bright, cheerful Notepad Cover that keeps everything in one handy spot—with room for pens and pencils plus a 5” x 7” notepad tucked inside. Students will add soft batting for padding, sew on a pocket with handy dividers, and build confidence with neat, straight topstitching. It’s a practical project with plenty of personality!
#4 – Tote Bag
Who doesn’t love a tote bag? This awesome
11″ x 13″ bag is just the right size for books, crafts, snacks, treasures, or anything a student may want to carry. Each bag is fully lined, and students get to design a big outside pocket—single or double—for extra storage and style. With bright, contrasting fabrics and fun topstitching, every tote becomes a one-of-a-kind creation!
Student Resources
We’re so excited for you to begin this creative sewing adventure! With each project you complete, you’ll build new skills and make something special with your own hands. When you finish, you can download the pattern and sew another one at home—for someone in your family, a friend, or even yourself!
Click on the Sew Teach Me 1 pattern link below to print it.
Click on the Sew Teach Me 2 pattern link below to print it.
A few resources for beginner-friendly sewing projects with more coming: