FAQ

ABOUT US

Q: Where are you located?
A:
1225 Yonge Street, Toronto
We’re at Summerhill Avenue, which is south of St. Clair Avenue, on the east side. We’re one block north of Summerhill subway station, and if you’re driving in, there’s both free and metered parking on the neighbouring streets.

Q: What are your hours of operation?
A: We offer classes pretty much every day of the week. Check out our schedule to find the class days and times that are best for you. If you’re looking to pop by the studio to check out the space, ask us questions, or to say hello, we’re at our Yonge Street studio every Wednesday and Sunday from 2 – 6 p.m. for drop-ins.

Q: How do I reach someone if I have more questions?
A:You can give us a call at 416.901.0758, or email us at [email protected].

Q: What are the qualifications of your instructors?
A:We believe in providing our students with the best instructors around. Each instructor at The Sewing Studio has a contagious passion for sewing, an extensive sewing background (many have been sewing since they were in elementary school!), and most of our instructors have studied with the top fashion design programs in the country. Our instructors all work (or have worked) as professional seamstresses, excelling in fashion and/or home décor. We’ve put them through an intensive two-month training program, and they’re all blessed with incredible patience. Did we mention they love sewing? To us—and to our students—that’s key!

ABOUT OUR CLASSES

Q: How many people are in a class?
A: It’s pretty hard to sew without elbow room, right? That’s why we keep our classes to a maximum of eight students. You’ll enjoy the intimate setting of a small class, plus more one-on-one time with your instructor.

Q: How long are the classes?
A: Most of our classes are two hours in length, and programs run anywhere from four to eight weeks. Check out our Program Deposit Breakdown spreadsheet for the specific duration and class length of each program.

Q: What is the age range of your students?
A: Our kid and teen classes are filled with (you guessed it) kids and teens. But our other classes see a wide variety of students, and there are no age restrictions for classes at The Sewing Studio. Most of our students who sign up for Introductory Sewing are between the ages of 25 and 40, but there are a lot of younger students who succeed in the program as well as more mature students.

Q: What is your class cancellation policy?
A:If you are unable to attend the class in which you are enrolled, you must let us know at least 7 days before the class’ scheduled start date. At that point, you can either have your deposit sent back to you (less a $25 administration fee), or you can put the full deposit amount toward another class or session. If you register for a class or program within one week of the scheduled start date, or if you cancel your attendance within one week of the start date, no portion of your deposit will be returned to you.

CHOOSING A CLASS

Q: I’ve never touched a sewing machine before. What class is best for me?
A: Introductory Sewing is our most popular beginner program. Introductory Sewing is the first course that The Sewing Studio offered back in 2004. It remains our most popular, and our most comprehensive course. You’ll learn sewing machine basics, numerous stitches and seam finishes, and fabric fundamentals. Plus, you’ll learn to read and work with a commercial pattern. Your final project for the course is a custom skirt made by you! If eight weeks of in-depth sewing seems daunting, try one of our Quick Start programs—they’re only four weeks long.

Q: How do I know if I should take Introductory Sewing or Quick Start?
A: If you want to learn to follow a pattern, and if you’re looking for a thorough, comprehensive sewing program that will give you the skills and knowledge to sew any project on your own at home, we recommend signing up for Introductory Sewing. If you’re looking to learn the basics, make projects right away, and feel comfortable working on a sewing machine, choose Quick Start.

Still don’t know? If you’re not sure that sewing’s for you, try our shorter program, Quick Start. If (read: when!) you fall in love with needle and thread, you can then take Introductory Sewing to build your sewing foundation. On the flip side, if you start with Introductory Sewing, but don’t feel you’re ready for an intermediate course right after, sign up for Quick Start to solidify your skills and build your confidence on the sewing machine.

Q: I’ve sewn before, so I don’t consider myself an absolute beginner. Which courses are suitable?
A: Because we’re fanatics about the intricacies of sewing and the proper technical way of doing things, even if you’ve sewn before in the past, we recommend taking one of our beginner classes, Introductory Sewing or Quick Start. You’ll brush up on your skills, refine sewing details, learn a LOT (our instructors are extremely knowledgeable and amazing sources of tips and tricks), and you’ll definitely notice an improvement in your sewing and in the look and finish of your final projects. Introductory Sewing is a prerequisite for most of our intermediate and advanced classes. If you just want a quick refresher, Quick Start is a good course for you.

Q: I’ve taken (or am taking) Introductory Sewing and I want to keep learning. What do you suggest as a next step?
A: The studio is your sewing-oyster! Oh the places you will go! You can take both Ready-to-wear, Ready-to-Wear: Copy your clothes, or Sewing PLUS. You can also take any of the workshops or Quick Start. So many options, so little time!

Q: I want to sign up for one of your intermediate programs, but I haven’t taken the prerequisite Introductory Sewing or Quick Start. Can I still sign up?
A: That depends. Can you thread any sewing machine and load a bobbin with ease? Have a read through the course outline of the prerequisite program(s). If the course content is second nature to you, then you can probably skip ahead to our intermediate programs. Keep in mind you need to feel comfortable working independently with fabric grain, patterns, zippers, etc. Ask us if you’re not sure how your skills measure up.

Q: I’m not interested in fashion, but I do want to sew! I want to learn pillows, curtains, and all that fun home stuff.
A:While we are your haute spot when it comes to learning how to sew a one-of-a-kind skirt, we are also the haute spot for chic home décor. Take a look at our Quick Start: House ‘n Home class and our Home Sweet Home Feature Course. Your pad will certainly get a personalized touch!

Q: Can I take Introductory Sewing and another class at the same time?
A:While we believe it’s best to focus on Introductory Sewing when you’re starting out, you can easily sign up for Feature Courses, Feature Workshops, or another beginner class without feeling behind or lost. We do not recommend taking Introductory Sewing and an intermediate class in the same session.

Q: I need help with my portfolio for my post-secondary applications. Can you help me out with that?
A: Sure thing. Why not sign up for our Elite Fashion Prep! This intensive course is for all fashion-savvy teens who want to get into fashion school. Learn to sew and do fashion illustration, create two portfolio-ready garments, and get the scoop on what makes a standout application. In this course, you’ll prep for studying fashion by completing two garments for your best fashion school application.

REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT

Q: How do I register?
A: We do all of our registrations online. Fill out a registration request form to make sure there is still space in the class day and time you want. We’ll email you within 24 hours to let you know if there’s room in the class, and we’ll include a link to a secure payment page. You’ll then click on the link to submit a 50% nonrefundable deposit. See? Easy. Your registration is not complete (and your spot in the class isn’t guaranteed) until you submit your payment by credit card through the online link. Once we’ve received your payment, we’ll send you a welcome letter with final details about the course.

Q: How soon can I register?
A: Once you see a class up on the schedule, it’s fair game to register. Word to the wise: Do it ASAP! Our sewing classes are POP-U-LAR. Don’t let someone else get your spot.

Q: How do I know if I’m registered for a class?
A: We send each student a welcome letter by email once your payment has been received. This letter has important details including what to bring to class and where to source materials. Plus, it confirms the deposit you paid and what your balance is. Haven’t received a welcome letter? Make sure you’ve submitted your payment online, and allow for 24 hours.

Q: What if the class I want is full?
A:Your best bet is to register as soon as you can, BUT, on our Registration Page, we ask you to list your best two choices for classes. We will always do our best to accommodate you and your first choice, but if that day and time is full, we will automatically place you in your second choice!

Q: I’m having difficulties with my online payment. Help!
A: There are a few things you should check. 1: Is the address you’ve entered the proper mailing address associated with your card? 2: Yes, technology is unpredictable. If you continue having troubles securing your seat and paying your deposit online, give us a call at 416-901-0758 and we can help you get registered.

Q: What forms of payment do you accept?
A: We do all of our registrations online, and accept payments online by credit card. If this isn’t an option for you, we can accept cash or cheque (payable to The Sewing Studio) for the registration of a program. Keep in mind, spaces cannot be reserved, and are only guaranteed once a deposit has been received. What does that mean? You’ve got to act fast because someone else could be at home paying online for the spot you want.

If you decide you’d like to pay your deposit by cash or cheque, let us know in the notes field of the registration request page.

Q: How much is the deposit for my class?
A: The non-refundable deposit required to hold your spot in a class is approximately 50% of the course fee. To see the specific deposit amounts for each class, check out our Program and Deposit Breakdown spreadsheet.

Q: I don’t want to have to worry about paying a balance the first day – can I pay in full now via PayPal?
A: Absolutely!

Q: I read all about that 25% off Savings Program. How do I get in on that?
A:If you want to take advantage of the discount, all you need to do is sign up for three classes and pay for each in FULL at the same time. First, you will want to send an email to [email protected]. Let us know which three classes you want to take. We will then let you know if they are available and the price you are to pay in order to get the 25% off.

Q: Okay – I’ll sign up for three – but only two classes are available this session. What about that third class?
A: We are super organized and detailed at the studio. When you register for three classes, we place you in the class(es) that is currently happening and then log into our files the class (or classes) that you paid for but aren’t scheduled to start until the next session. When the next session comes along, and if the class fits your schedule, just send us an email letting us know and we will apply your payment to secure your spot!

SCHEDULING

Q: I can’t figure out your class schedule. How does it work?
A: Our schedule shows only the days and times when a program begins. A coloured square marks the first day of a course. This means that when you see a bunch of classes in one particular week of the month, that’s the start of a new session. (We cycle through our classes—and start a new session—every two months.) Check out the colour guide on the left hand side of the schedule page. The squares in the calendar are colour-coded to let you know how long each program runs.

Q: I registered for a class, but the day and time no longer works – can I change up the day I attend?
A: Probably, as long as you’re switching to another date and time in the same session. Let us know which day and time you would like to switch to, and if there’s space available, we’ll switch you over.

Q: Can I attend your Introductory Sewing program twice each week so that I can complete the course in four weeks?
A: Nope. Once you sign up for a class and pick the time and day that works best for you, that’s the time and day you’ll be attending class for the duration of the program. And for good reason: Each week, we cover a different set of materials in order to keep all of the classes learning at the same pace. This means that the lesson you learn on Monday is the same lesson the other class learns on Tuesday and on Wednesday and on Thursday and… well, you get it.

Q: I just missed the start date. When is the next set of classes being offered?
A: Our courses are scheduled in eight-week sessions and run year-round. So don’t worry; if you missed the start date of a class, you won’t have to wait too much longer. We try to post our schedule at least two months in advance to give you lots of time to register and plan. Sign up for our email newsletter to be kept informed of schedule updates.

Q: I need to miss a class. What can I do?
A: Although it’s best to attend all of your classes, we do allow for you to make up a maximum of two classes while taking Introductory Sewing. If the space is available, you can make up a missed class by attending another day and time THE SAME WEEK that you miss your class. This will ensure that you stay on track with the course content and the pace of the program. When you know you are going to miss a class, you will need to fill out the form at lovesewing.com/missedclass IN ADVANCE in order to schedule a makeup class. Missed classes can not be refunded or transferred to a future program.
Many intermediate programs and some beginner and teen programs only run once in a session. This means there are no opportunities for you to make up a missed class. Please keep that in mind and only sign up for a program once you know you are able to attend all classes. Missed classes can not be refunded or transferred to a future program.

OTHER SERVICES

Q: I’m focused and determined. Do your instructors offer private lessons to help me with a tough project?
A: YES! We do offer private lessons. It’s a great way to get in more sewing time, work through your garment, and finish it all up in time to send out your applications. To book a private lesson with one of our instructors, send an email to [email protected]!

Q: Where can I buy the machines we use in class?

A: From us! The Janome machines we use in studio are great machines; we use them for a reason. Ask your instructor, or email us at [email protected] for machine prices and more information.