Stitch Lounge

I LOVED THIS PLACE! Took a few classes before it closed and they were great! Well run, excellent teachers with a wealth of knowledge. I am so pumped to hear that Kelly has a new place to hold classes, hooray!

I just took the Basics class at Stitch with my friends. I had so much fun learning a whole new craft with my friends. I walked into the place having never touched a sewing machine before. I was really nervous that I wouldn’t get the concept of sewing, but now I am eager to take another class.

Love it, love it, love it! I’ve taken both Basics I & II, the furry vest, reading a commercial pattern, and the peasant dress. Home Ec was not for me. Sewing especially made me bawl when I was a teenager and caused me great angst so I approach this stuff pretty cautiously.
The basics get you thru what you need to know and is well paced. The commercial pattern class was a bit of a waste but not completely useless and I had trouble with the pacing in the peasant dress class, but the furry vest class was super fun and I was able to actually make two of these! The only reason I didn’t give it a five star rating is the classes seem a bit pricey and they could have better handouts.
The location is pretty easily accessible and the staff always knowledgeable. It is a little hipsterish, but we’re in SF for god’s sake! Plus, some of the hip costumey things make it more fun and less serious than it would be otherwise. I didn’t even cry when I surged and destroyed my peasant dress’ flounce so stitch must be helping me get past my troubled sewing phobic youth.

I took an «intro to the sewing machine» class here a couple months ago and it was perfect. The instructor was this adorable boy (Brian?) who patiently and clearly explained all the parts and then got us on the machines. By the end of the two hours, we were sewing little sachet pillows. Since then I’ve sewed a tote bag and a blanket for my tot, in addition to just fooling around. I’m sure I’ll be taking more classes here as I evolve into less rectangular projects.
I should also mention that I returned on another occasion to get some advice about buying a sewing machine and the lovely curly headed woman who helped me was super nice and didn’t try to push me to buy my machine there. I ended up going to their partner, The Sewing Machine Shop out in Walnut Creek or wherever (I got a Pfaff, btw… Love it!!).

I’m great at stitching and especially bitching, but am rather intimidated by the thought of actual sewing. I come from a long line of seamstresses, and my mom made me some amazing Halloween costumes, but still, the sight of a sewing machine makes me nervous. Something about that needle going up and down… eek!
Visiting the Stitch Lounge made me feel like I might actually be able to conquer my paranoia. It’s tiny and cute and cozy, and feels like a nice comfortable place to relax with friends and learn to sew. There was a class going on when I stopped by, and everyone seemed to in the zone and excited about their projects. Now, wish me luck and hope I don’t sew myself to the table!

So you think you wanna be a domestic goddess? Cooking: check! Cleaning: check! Sewing: oh no!
Realizing my skills in science and nonprofit management weren’t directly transferable in the world marriage market, I decided to add sewing to my compendium of domestic skills. I took a beginning sewing class and much to my delight, I still remembered how to operate a sewing machine! Hannah, our instructor, was patient and knowledgeable. I asked her what every stitch on my Janome sewing machine was for. I really loved the Janome sewing machines, by the way. I was really impressed with the thought that was put into selecting each machine: from a very beginning Janome to a full-​on serger. I was hoping they’d have more fabric in the store but it’s pretty limited to fur and expensive $ 10/​yard scraps.
Next week I’m taking the wrap dress class, then handbags. Lookout developing countries, I’m domestic and eligible!

I have mixed feelings about Stitch. Some of the staff has a bit of an über hip vibe that’s a turn off. This business is definitely geared toward the younger crowd who want to learn the basics.
I have taken a great class there. I forget the exact title but it was how to make a pattern from an existing piece of clothing you love. Kelly was great. My garment was almost an exact replica. Amazing. Other classes I’ve taken: the basics and next level up were disappointing in the teaching style and what we learned. I’ve learned much more at Stonemountain in Berkeley in the open lab workshops.
Stitch does have open time where you can rent a machine/​serger. Great for those who don’t want to or can’t invest in a machine. But if you’re going to do some major sewing you should pony up the cash for a machine in your price range.
I’m not a fan of the clothing they sell. Some of it is a bit amateurish and over the top trendy or just plain ugly. Others may love the stuff. Not for me.
Stitch can be a good option for those who know nothing about sewing. Those with a bit more experience may be frustrated.

Confession: I’m nesting. I am. It’s winter and all I want to do is bake shit and redecorate my house. It’s irritating because, you know, I have an image to uphold. To add to the humiliation, I am finding that my nesting mode has taken on a new angle. Sewing. I want to sew.
Now I haven’t sewn anything since I was in the 8^th grade when I made a blue powder jacket in Home Ec only to have it STOLEN out of the back of the rooter bus at an away basketball game. I got an «A» on it, too. I was really proud. And if I ever catch the bastard that stole it all those years ago… stupid ass.
Anyhoo… I learned about Stitch from reading a Unilocal review by some guy that kept referring to one of the owners as «Seester». I was instantly giddy. I sent an e-​mail out to all of my friends asking if they wanted to go sewing with me and…
*crickets chirping*
Well, that’s not entirely true. There was one friend that said she’d go to a «handbags» class with me. There was only one problem… I wasn’t sure I could even remember what a sewing machine looked like much less get through a class on how to make a freaking purse.
So I took the «Über Sewing Basics I» class and you know what? Sewing is just like riding a bike. Your lines might be a little wobbly at first but you get the hang of it again and you’re good to go! I LOVED it. Kelly, the instructor was cool and had lots of good tips on how not to fuck up when you’re sewing. Just what I needed.
So my friend and I went to the handbags class. Nicole was a great instructor and I made a lovely bag with lovely (ridiculously expensive) material and all was right with the universe. I even have the pattern that I can tweek so I can make more lovely bags for everyone I know and maybe people I don’t. Because, you know, strangers need nice handbags, too. And the BF needs a murse. For Christmas. With puppies on it.
Nesting is wack. (But Stitch Lounge will help you be good at being wack.)

I was on a mission.
I found a Simplicity Built By You pattern.
I bought nice expensive fabric from Britex.
I actually took the time to pre-​wash the fabric.
Took another day just to cut the pattern.
And then… I started… and then I couldn’t go anywhere.
This Simplicity pattern was not that simple.
I googled the pattern, only to find out it would make any beginner/​moderate sewer cry and give up. I practically did. And then. I went to Stitch Lounge.
I had a private lesson on a quiet Sunday afternoon. We went over the pattern, where I was having trouble and was shown what to do. And given advice and took each part step by step. A very sweet and attentive instructor, I have now made an amazing dress with the help of Stitch. At $ 40 for an hour of private one-​on-​one it was deal!
Stitch is a great place to learn to sew and take classes. PLUS you can use their machines and serger when you sign up for studio time at $ 10 an hour. A great place in SF.

what an amazing place! I wanted to make puppets with my bf’s kids, but lacked a sewing machine. Today we trooped over to Stitch Lounge with everything cut out and pinned, and 2 hours (and a lot of reminders re: how to thread a bobbin) later, walked out with… four nascent puppets.
Eventually, I’ll buy a sewing machine, but for now it’s super-​fun to have helpful ladies and oodles of supplies in a handy-​dandy location. It was a friendly, chatty experience. Yay ladies sewing together! Sisterhood is sew powerful!

Just finished my first class here and I’m hooked. The run-​down: a lecture/​info. session where the instructor explains the basis for about an hour, then you go to the machines to practice and work on some projects.
The class instructor was patient and explained things pretty thoroughly. Though, I’m sure I made a few mistakes but at least I didn’t hurt myself or others in the process.
And by the end of the class, you finish a project, which I am embarassed to say, I am very proud of. And I know the crowds will be clamoring for my creations very soon.
So yeah, you know you want to get in on this. And by this, I mean the tiniest pillowcase imaginable. So what if the stitches aren’t straight… it is straight up Make-​up Couture. Get it while its hot. Hide your stash, give your kitten a pillow… use it for anything. I’ll start the bidding at $ 100.

Don’t be fooled by the name of this place!
It is NOT a REAL lounge! It is a SEWING lounge. Where you learn how to sew!
Went in to get a choco martini, ended up with a lovely handbag, made by no less then…
MYSELF!
Yeah, that’s right.
I am so proud of…
MYSELF!
Yeah, I know, I do a lot of self glorifying. Who else is gonna tell me ‘Wow, your bag is so hawt!!’ NO ONE! Unless you’re a liar. Cause I know my bag looks weird.
But I love it. So shh.
Within 5 hours (divided in 2 nights), I finished an almost perfectly sew together purse.
And several months later, it STILL holds together.
Thanks Stitch Lounge for accomplishing miracles and making sure my fingers are intact after the classes.

Stitch Lounge is great! You can come here to learn how to sew or just come to buy handmade items made by local designers & artists.
After getting a new sewing machine, I wanted to learn how to sew on zippers & make button holes. Luckily for me, Stitch Lounge has a class called «Zippers, Casings, and Buttonholes, Oh My!» for $ 50.
While looking for sewing classes, Stitch Lounge always came up. Also, they have their classes on week nights, which fit better for my schedule. The class was organized, passed out handouts and was very clear on each step. The instructor was well qualified with a lot of experience and was able to answer all our questions. I left the 2 ½ hour class very satisfied and confident that I could sew zippers onto clothing and make perfect buttonholes.
They only take about 6 people per class & they really fill up fast! Give it a try if you’re interested in learning to sew! Be prepared to get there a little early to circle around for parking. I was 10 minutes late to my class because I couldn’t find parking!

My friends paid $ 50 for a pillow making class. They were given itty bitty swatches of fabric (were not allowed to bring their own) and no stuffing. Apparently it’s half lecture half hands on. Yawn. I told them the mini ‘pillows’ would make great bean bags for hamsters and gerbils.
Extra star for being a woman owned business though!

I have never sewn anything before. Seriously, not a single button, rip, or hem. The fact that by the end of the Über Basics Sewing class I actually put something together is nothing short of a miracle (granted, it was pathetic. but sturdy). Great job teaching me how to sew, stitch lounge! Making stuff is fun.
Now I just wish the classes were a bit cheaper — $ 50 to learn how to use a sewing machine is pricey, but now I have something to say when my mom starts nagging me about being more domestic.

A year ago I asked for a sewing machine for Christmas. Having been raised in a family where all the women knew how to sew, I decided it was time to take part. Receiving my sewing machine was a three-​generation bonding moment between my grandmother, my mother and me. Then I took my machine home and stuck it in a corner.
Now you would think I started sewing up a storm with my new toy, but the truth is that while I know a lot of hand sewing techniques I’m a bit afraid of the machines. Fast-​moving sharp objects in close proximity to my vulnerable fingers — eek. After asking for advice from Unilocalers I was recommended to Stitch Lounge for basic sewing classes.
My Über Basics class was not cheap, but I very much liked the class format, the instructor and the 1.5 hours of ‘studio time’ that came with it. We learned very basic steps (threading the machine, making a bobbin, sewing a straight line) but our instructor took the time to show us not only the how to do these things but also explained why. We also learned how to complete all the tasks on several types of machines.
Stitch classes are not inexpensive — as a matter of fact they cost enough that I will only take another class as a special treat — but after my first experience I trust that the classes are well-​structured and useful and that my money would be well-​spent.

I took a purse-​making class here over a year ago. It spanned a couple of days and was pretty fun. The teacher was a veteran funky purse designer herself, and showed us all how to make a basic tote.
You have to draw out your own pattern on a manila folder, and shop for your own material and come to the next class prepared to sew the cut-​out pieces. Our teacher demonstrated everything on the machine, and was very nice.
I would change the format a bit to have the patterns cut out for students already, with a notice to bring their materials– then we could’ve started the sewing more quickly. Perhaps the two day format justifies the price of the class, but at any rate, it was fun.

So, back before I knew how to catheterize dogs***, which was before my dog had surgery, he needed diapers. Trouble is, the only doggie diapers that are readily available in stores are for nitwits who own tiny Paris Hilton type dogs who’d rather dress their dog in diapers and line their homes with «wee wee pads» than teach the animal to go to the bathroom outside!
Since my mutt with the leaky peenie is 100+ pounds, these teeny tiny diapers weren’t going to cut it. Hell, they wouldn’t have even covered his paw. So, my best solution seemed to be to make my own diapers.
Yes, yes, I know… it was suggested to me that I just go buy some «Depends» adult (people) diapers, and those probably would have worked if I’d cut a hole in them for Mutter’s tail, but… it just seems so crappy (pun intended) to be adding to landfill over a dog’s incontinence.
So, where’s a girl to go who needs to sew some giant dog diapers, but :
A) doesn’t own a sewing machine and
B) doesn’t know how to use one anyway?
As luck would have it, San Francisco is armed with just the right business — Stitch Lounge!
The women here were incredibly helpful and after an hour’s private lesson I felt competent enough with the sewing machines to get cracking on my diaper project. Within a short time my dog had excellent-​fitting diaper covers which made everything so much more manageable before his surgery.
The mutt is now fine and healthy and no longer needs the diapers, but best of all, I have a new skill (besides the catheterization) will definitely go back here soon to take more lessons and and learn how to sew new things! Hmmmm… I think I see a little hampster go-​go skirt in the offing… or possibly a polka-​dotted straight jacket for a cat (the kind they use at the vet to do things like trim kitty claws). Maybe I’ll make a tu-​tu for my friend’s tortoise…
***Mr. Mutt no longer needs to be catheterized either!

I’ve been trying to get back into sewing. After attending one of the beginning courses at Stitch I am ready to do so. The teacher I had was wonderful she gave me all sorts of advice from where to get my sewing machine fixed at to what class to take next based on my sewing goals.
They have a new class list every month. The classes are exactly the kind I was looking for. They have classes on how make purses, hats, pencil skirts and how to change clothes in you closet that you don’t wear into clothes you’d love to put on!

Upon the recommendation of Ed M. I stopped by here after my weekly Isotope jaunt.
My head barely screamed «CUTE,» before I was greeted by the super nice girl behind the counter. I explained to her, that I had heard about Stitch on Unilocal and she gave me a quick tour of the lounge and their purpose.
Not everyone is fortunate enough to have a friend to teach them how to sew, let alone have their own machine (or even have space to sew) that the Stitch Lounge is a great idea. The selection of machines they have here is very nice, even including an industrial machine for those times when your Singer just wont cut it.
I picked up a copy of next month’s schedule and perused their classes. They come in various levels, and offer a something for everyone. Of course many of the classes I could find tutorials for on the internet, but to be honest, it would sure be a lot easier to take the class here, instead of trying to puzzle out some faceless instructions. The other bonus is, that when you take a class you often come away with a finished product. How’s that for immediate gratification?
I also saw that they offer gift certificates for classes or studio time, and my wicked thinking kicked into gear. All those friends that are always asking me to make them «this» or «that» for their birthday I are definitely going to get a chance to make it for them self!
Lastly, they win the blue ribbon for cutest business card. What’s it look like? Just stop in and see for yourself.