Sewing to Sell Class Plan

Organize Your Way!

Handy Organizer  

From Sewing to Sell by Virginia Lindsay 

Class Description

Sewing to Sell–The Beginner's Guide to Starting a Craft Business encourages sewists to take the basic projects presented in the book and make them their own authentic piece worthy to sell in a craft booth or in an online shop.  This organizer can be tweaked in all sorts of ways to suit the maker and the person they are making it for!   

This project is great for all skill levels but basic sewing skills are needed.  It should take about 2 or 3 hours to complete to organizer and students will make a practical and stylish organizer to take home as inspiration to start their own handmade business!

Class Length

The Handy Organizer project could be done in a single class but taking time to discuss finding your own sewing style, shopping for fabrics in your store (if you have a selection), and discussing how to alter the pattern could stretch the class out to 2 or even 3 classes.

Class Supply List

  • Required Text: Sewing To Sell by Virginia Lindsay
  • 3 different fabrics- quilting weight is used in instructions
  • 1 piece 13.5’’ x 20’’
  • 1 piece 13.5’’ x 17.5’’
  • 1 piece 13.5’’ x 9’’
  • 1 1/8 yards fusible interfacing, 20’’ wide
  • 1 piece 13.5’’ x 10’’ cotton batting

TIP:  It’s a great idea to have students select 3 FQs from your shop to to make this organizer.  Help them mix and match to make the fabric pairings interesting.  Have them start with a favorite print and build from there to come up with a lovely and unique selection.

Classroom Preparation

Students will need their own sewing machine and pressing station.

Class Agenda

Follow the instructions on Page 121 of Sewing to Sell and show students how to:

1.   Cut out pattern pieces by using provided measurements

2.   Apply fusible interfacing

3.   Layer pockets together

4.   Sew layers all together and turn right side out.

5.   Top Stitch

6.   Perhaps show them how to present to potentials buyer with cute packaging

7.   Discuss how to change up pockets, create a different closure, add trim, etc.