Little Stitchers + Teen Program
Frequently Asked Questions
Browse through our FAQ for answers to common questions about our kids + teen program. If you can't find what you need, we're here to assist - simply click the "Contact Us" button at the bottom of the page.
Program Details & Structure
Below are some of are common questions about our Little Stitchers + Teen Sewing program.
Our Little Stitchers and Teen Sewing Programs are designed as a step-by-step skill-building journey. Each 6-week session introduces new techniques while reinforcing the basics, so your child grows in confidence and creativity at their own pace.
- Format: Classes run once a week for 1.5 hours, on the same day and time for 6 weeks.
- Projects: Students typically complete two projects per session – often one wearable garment and one craft or accessory.
- Self-paced learning: Each child works at their own pace within our structured curriculum. Faster learners can move ahead, while beginners can take their time.
- Progress tracking: We keep a progress book at the studio for each student, so instructors always know what skills and projects they’ve completed and what’s next.
- All materials included: Fabric and notions are supplied for every project – students just bring their personal sewing toolkit.
- Cost: $250 for a 6-week session.
If your child is brand new, they’ll first complete our Kids and Teens Intro (prerequisite) Workshop (a one-time 2.5 hour class). Once completed, they’ll be eligible for all future kids and teen programs, including 6-week sessions, camps, and special workshops.
Welcome! Here’s how it works for first-time families:
You’ll begin by registering through our New Student Enrolment page. Enrolment is separated by age:
- Little Stitchers: Ages 7–12
- Teen Program: Ages 13–17
When you enroll, you’ll choose your preferred day and time for your child’s 6-week session (1.5 hours each week). The session includes instruction to complete 2 sewing projects, all materials for the projects, and their studio progress book.
As part of New Student Enrollment, you’ll also be prompted to add the Kids and Teen Intro (prerequisite) course — a one-time, 2.5-hour class that teaches machine setup, basic stitches, safety, and studio orientation. Once your child completes the prerequisite, they’ll be eligible for all of our programs going forward, including 6-week sessions, camps, and one-day workshops.
💡 Bundle & Save: If you register for the Prerequisite Workshop and your child’s first 6-week session at the same time, you’ll automatically receive a $25 discount in your cart.
We offer 6–8 new projects each year, designed to help kids steadily build skills and confidence. Each two projects make up a Unit.
- In their first year, students usually complete Units 1–4 (about 8 projects).
- If your child continues with us, they’ll move on to Units 5 and beyond in following years, always learning new techniques and taking on fresh projects.
- Most projects include at least one wearable garment plus an accessory or craft item.
This way, students enrolled continuously will have the opportunity to work through every project we create while progressing step by step in their sewing journey.
Additionally, your child will have the opportunity to join mini-camps, March Break camps, Summer Camps, and Kids Night Out events — all featuring brand-new projects that aren’t part of the regular Units. This means students are always challenged with fresh and exciting makes.
Our program is designed to teach real, practical sewing skills that build from the basics to more advanced techniques over time. Students will learn:
- How to confidently use a sewing machine – threading, stitching, and safe practices.
- Working with different fabrics – from cottons to trickier textiles as their skills grow.
- Making their own clothes and accessories – experiencing the pride of creating wearable projects.
- Upcycling and mending – including hand-sewing techniques like patching and simple repairs.
We teach in a stepwise progression, so your child won’t learn everything in just one 6-week session. Instead, each session introduces new skills and fresh projects, keeping them excited while ensuring a strong foundation that grows with every unit.
If your child has completed their first 6-week session (projects striped pillow/shirt for Little Stitchers, or the striped pillow/pouch for Teens), you’ll sign them up through our Returning Student Enrollment page.
- Choose the day and time that works best for your family.
- On the first day of class, we’ll have your child’s progress book ready in the studio so we can pick up right where they left off.
- They’ll continue in our stepwise program, completing the next set of two projects (one Unit). Each year brings 6–8 new projects, so there’s always something fresh and exciting to sew.
- All materials are included — your child just needs to bring their sewing toolkit.
Returning students do not need to repeat the prerequisite workshop — they are already eligible for all of our future programs.
Yes — your child does not need to complete a full 6-week unit before joining a one-day workshop. However, they must first take our Kids and Teens Intro (prerequisite) Workshop (a one-time, 2.5-hour class).
Once they’ve completed the prerequisite, they’re eligible for all of our programs — including one-day workshops, mini-camps, PA Day camps, March Break camp, Summer camps, and Kids Night Out events — even if they aren’t enrolled in the 6-week courses.
👉 If you’re enrolling your child in a mini-camp or one-day workshop and add the prerequisite course at the same time, you’ll receive a $25 discount automatically in your cart
Yes — all new students are required to complete our Kids and Teen Intro (prerequisite) Class, even if they’ve sewn before.
This one-time, 2.5-hour class ensures that every student:
- Learns our studio’s specific machines and safe practices
- Gets oriented to our tools, space, and expectations
- Builds a common foundation with the rest of the group
Even experienced sewists usually find it helpful to review the basics in a new environment, and it allows our instructors to assess each student’s comfort level. Once the prerequisite is complete, your child will be ready to join any of our 6-week sessions, mini-camps, or special workshops — and they won’t need to take it again.
Yes! Teen Units 1–3 explore a range of projects, including bags, quilting, hand-stitching, and garments. Starting with Unit 4, teens can choose a focus area—bags, clothing, or quilting—and will complete 1–2 projects per session in their chosen category. They can switch focus each session if desired.
Class Logistics and Age
Below are some common questions missed classes, spectating, and enrollment age.
We do our best to catch students up after their missed class, usually we are able to do so. We also offer a 2-hour make-up class at a low cost, after the unit is complete, so they can finish any missed work and stay on track before their next unit.
Each class has a maximum of 8 students, with 2 instructors—ensuring a 4:1 student-to-teacher ratio for personalized guidance.
Students may enroll if they turn 7 before the end of the session (season). They must also be able to follow instructions and work independently. Please contact us with any questions.
- Fall Session: Must turn 7 by Dec 31
- Winter Session: Must turn 7 by Mar 31
- Spring Session: Must turn 7 by Jun 30
If your child turns 13 during the session, they can join our Teen Program.
- If they’ve completed Unit 1 of Little Stitchers, they can begin with Teen Unit 2 (clothing-focused).
- If they’ve taken multiple Little Stitchers units, we recommend Teen Unit 3, which offers a unique set of advanced projects.
Our program is designed to build confidence and independence, so we kindly ask that parents do not stay in the studio during class.
While your child is sewing, you can enjoy:
- Main Fabric shares space with Tessi & Co, a curated recycled clothing store and cafe with tea/coffee and treats.
- 2 min walk, McDonald’s and Tim Hortons
- 10 min walk, Dundas downtown with a selection of shops and cafes, and Library with indoor play area
- Short Drive: Dundas Driving Park - play equipment for siblings
- Local Shopping: Metro, Fortinos and Canadian Tire
Yes! Children who benefit from additional support can thrive in these creative environments. The hands-on, focused nature of sewing can be a great fit for a wide range of learning styles and needs.
That said, it’s important to know that students in our program are expected to use a sewing machine with periodic supervision—not continuous one-on-one support. If your child may need additional assistance to safely and confidently participate in this kind of environment, we required you to reach out to us before registering.
If you are confident your child can use the equioment safely, we require you to reach out to us before registering. This allows us to prepare appropriately so that your child, our instructors, and the rest of the class can all have a positive and successful experience. We're happy to work with you to create a plan that supports your child’s needs in the studio.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the button at the bottom of this page — we’re here to help.
Tools, Materials, and Requirements
Below are some common questions about what students need to bring and other costs besides the course cost.
A personal sewing toolkit is required. You can assemble one yourself or purchase our curated Sewing Toolkit, which includes high-quality tools. All sewing materials and notions for projects are included in the course fee. Toolkits are only purchased one time before Unit 1, subsequent units don't have any additional purchases.
All project materials, fabric, notions, and thread are included in the course fee—no hidden costs!
Each student must have a basic toolkit to use in class and at home. We’ve curated a high-quality Sewing Toolkit that includes everything your child needs, including fabric shears, snips, pins, a ruler, marking tools, and more. While you’re not required to purchase our kit, all students must bring the required items:
View the full list or purchase our toolkit [here].
Materials are the items that get used up during sewing projects—like fabric, thread, zippers, elastic, and buttons. These are provided as part of your course fee and change depending on the project.
Tools, on the other hand, are the reusable items your child will need for every class—like scissors, pins, rulers, and marking pens. These are not included in the course fee and must be brought to class each week. You can either assemble your own or purchase our curated Little Stitchers Toolkit at a discounted price.
Yes — all new students are required to complete our Kids and Teen Intro (prerequisite) Class, even if they’ve sewn before.
This one-time, 2.5-hour class ensures that every student:
- Learns our studio’s specific machines and safe practices
- Gets oriented to our tools, space, and expectations
- Builds a common foundation with the rest of the group
Even experienced sewists usually find it helpful to review the basics in a new environment, and it allows our instructors to assess each student’s comfort level. Once the prerequisite is complete, your child will be ready to join any of our 6-week sessions, mini-camps, or special workshops — and they won’t need to take it again.
No—students must bring proper fabric shears that are sharp and used only for fabric. Dull or incorrect scissors can make it very difficult for students to cut accurately. Our Beginner Toolkit includes LDH scissors, available in left- or right-handed versions.