Classes Q & A

You can always find the class schedule on our site here: Upcoming Class Schedule.

***DON’T FORGET! You receive a 10% discount on all purchases made for the duration of your class. For example, if your class is two Wednesdays, you would receive a 10% discount from the Tuesday before (since we’re closed on Mondays) through the Sunday after the second last class meeting. Be sure the let the staff know which class you’re taking.

How do I register for a class?

Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis and requires full payment to secure your spot. Call 503.287.bolt(2658) or drop by during business hours to get signed up. You can also e-mail us, but we may not get to our e-mail very quickly.

What does the class fee include?

The “instruction cost” that is listed with the class announcement is just that, it does not include your supplies unless otherwise specified. We keep copies of the supply lists on hand at the store and you are welcome to take a look to see what is required. Please remember you get a discount on your supplies when purchasing them for class, so let us know that you’re in the class when you come in to shop.

Is My Class One-Day or Multi-Day?

A little clarification on our schedules: if a class has multiple dates listed with an “and” in between that means the class spans all of those days, you don’t choose one of them to come to, you enjoy them all! If multiple dates are listed, and it says “or” in between, you get to chose which one you will attend.

Do I know enough to take the class I am interested in?

Skill levels are listed after each class description. We currently offer mostly beginning classes, because that is what we’ve been hearing from our customers. Please feel free to let us know of class ideas you would be interested in — tell us when you visit, or send an email to info@boltfabricboutique.com. If you’re unsure of which skill level you are, here’s where we’re coming from, and if you still are unsure, talk to us.

Learn to Sew / Beginner: you’ve learned to thread your machine and make the needle move. You know how to wind and change a bobbin, sort of. If you haven’t yet taken your machine out of the box, ask us if this is an appropriate level for you.
Novice: You’ve sewn a little, mostly straight seams, read through a pattern, maybe could use some help with that, or just some more practice with keeping your stitches straight. You’ve finished your pillows and want to tackle a skirt — with elastic.
Moderate: You’re comfortable reading a pattern, have made a number of projects. Want to learn how to keep your zippers neat, make even darts, and successful alterations. You’re venturing into more complicated patterns (e.g., fitted and lined blazers, trousers, no elastic here).
Advanced: You use a pattern just as the starting point, and jump off from there. You want to learn to make patterns, be more precise with your alterations, do more detail work. You tackle challenging patterns with joy.

What do I need to bring to class?

Most of our classes will require the use of a sewing machine. Every student needs to have her/his own functioning sewing machine that she knows how to make work. If you need help getting to this point, let us know, we’re happy to help if we can.

You should bring your own scissors to all classes, along with a couple of hand sewing needles and thread, a ruler, and a tape measure. We will provide you with a list of supplies needed for the class approximately 10 days before class starts. Remember, Students receive a 10% discount for class supplies purchased from Bolt!

Other details to keep in mind

All hands-on sewing classes are limited to 6 students.
Students must provide full payment to hold their spot in the class.
If you have to cancel, please do so early on. Payments are refundable up to 10 days before the class starts. Should you cancel with less than 10 days before the beginning of class you will forfiet 50% of the class cost if we are not able to fill your vacated spot. If you do not show for class (and don’t cancel) you forfeit your entire payment.
If we have to cancel a class, you will certainly receive a full refund.