Beginner Sewing Drop-In is perfect for beginner to advanced beginner sewists (must have taken Intro to Machine Sewing or know how to use a sewing machine). Whether you're just starting your sewing journey, looking for some accountability, or need help with specific parts of your project, you’ll get the support you need—and pick up new tips and tricks along the way.

Everyone who attends our Drop-In sessions leaves with more confidence, new skills, and progress made. Each session is a step forward in becoming a more advanced, capable sewist.

If you are interested in our program you can purchase a 1, 3, or 6-session pass and use it to attend any of our scheduled drop-in sessions (we run at least 3 per week).

That means you can attend sessions back-to-back, weekly, biweekly, or whenever it fits your schedule—total flexibility. Bring your own project at any stage, and we’ll be there to help you move forward with confidence.

Wherever you're at, we've got your back.

All of the Drop-In sessions are "guided" which means there is an experienced instructor available to help you throughout the session—whether you need support reading a pattern, troubleshooting a fit or step, or learning a new technique—while you work at your own pace on your chosen project.

Each session is 3 hours long, giving you plenty of time to make progress on your project without feeling rushed. You can arrive and leave at anytime during the 3 hours.

We host at minimum 3x Drop-In Sessions per week, usually 2 weekday time slots and 1 weekend time slot. Check out our summer schedule.

All sessions are held in the Main Fabric studio in Dundas, ON. The address is 43 Cootes Drive in the building that hosts another shop called Tessi & Co.

Yes! Each session is guided by an instructor who can assist with questions, techniques, troubleshooting, and fitting advice.

The program will run until September 30, 2025. After that date, any unused credits will expire and cannot be redeemed. If we decide to continue offering Drop-In Sessions beyond September 2025, we’ll happily extend the expiry on any remaining credits.

To join our Drop-In Sewing Sessions, you’ll need to register through our partner booking app, Pembee. Follow [this link] to create an account with Main Fabric on Pembee. Once registered, you’ll be able to view our full drop-in schedule and purchase a 3-class pass ($99), a 6-class pass ($180), or book a single session for $40.

If you purchase a pass, your credits will be stored in your account and can be used to book any upcoming session. The schedule is very flexible, with multiple sessions each week—including evenings and weekends. Registration is mandatory, and you can book up to 12 hours in advance.

You can also download the Pembee App on your phone to make booking even easier and keep track of your upcoming sessions right from your phone.

Absolutely! If you’ve sewn before but need a refresher, you’re more than welcome to join. An instructor will be there to guide you, answer questions, and help you rebuild that sewing muscle memory so you can feel confident at the machine again.

We recommend starting with our Intro to Machine Sewing class. You'll learn everything you need to know to confidently use a sewing machine, from threading to stitching, and you'll even make a zippered pouch—perfect for storing your sewing tools.

Once you've completed the Intro class, you're ready to join our Beginner Sewing Drop-In Sessions and start working on the projects of your choice.

👉 Learn more about our Intro Class

Bring the sewing pattern or project you want to work on and your prewashed fabric. If you’re not sure what fabric to use—or haven’t chosen one yet—that’s totally fine! We can help you pick the right fabric and figure out what additional supplies you’ll need during your session.

You’re also welcome to bring a project you’ve already started—whether you're stuck on a tricky step or just need support to keep going, we’re here to help.

At the studio, we provide sewing machines, irons, scissors, seam rippers, chalk, and other basic tools for you to use. Just bring what’s specific to your project, and we’ve got the rest covered.

Yes, registration is required. You can book your spot up to 12 hours before the session on the Pembee App. If the timing is within 12 hours please call or email the studio for availability. Walk-ins are not permitted to ensure equipment and instructor availability and instructor availability.

You can cancel your registration up to 12 hours before the session without penalty. Cancellations made within 12 hours of the session—or if you don’t show up—will result in the loss of one class credit.

Credits purchased through the Main Fabric - Pembee website are non-refundable and expire September 30th 2025.Unused credits will be forfeited and can not be refunded.

Here are our favorite Beginner Friendly sewing patterns:

- Helen's Closet - Orchard Dress (FREE)
- Helen's Closet - York Pinafore
- Helen's Closet - Donovan Skirt
- Papercut Patterns - Luna Jacket
- I AM Patterns - Artemis Jacket
- True Bias - Ogden Cami
- Closet Core Patterns - Ceilo Top and Dress
- Matchy Matchy Sewing Club - Skipper Top and Dress
- Syd Graham Patterns - Lane Pants
- Matchy Matchy Sewing Club - Weekend Chore Shorts
- Tessuti Patterns - Tessuti Apron (FREE)
- Closet Core Patterns - Core Tote Bag (FREE)

We’ve assembled a fresh collection of what’s trending this Spring and Summer 2025—perfect for sewists looking to level up their skills. Next to each pattern, you’ll find a quick note about the techniques you’ll learn when making it.

Like the skill, but not the pattern? No problem! Just let us know and we’ll help you find an alternative that suits your style and helps you grow your sewing confidence.

- Sew House Seven - Revel Topper inserting sleeves, hemming curved or faced edges
- Matchy Matchy Sewing Club – Apron Pocket Pants Sewing elasticated waistbands, making fancy ruffled pockets
-Syd Graham Patterns – Ruby Vest bias bound edges
- Friday Pattern Company – Donny Shirt sewing a collar
- Friday Pattern Company – Saltwater Slip bias cut dress, adjustable straps
- French Navy – Stratus Top - setting in sleeves, v-neck garment
- Capstone Pattern Co. Hemlock Top and Dress French seams
- BF Patterns – Mia Messenger Bag Assembling bag linings and pockets
- Sewing Therapy – Tie Dress Pattern lining a garment
- Noodlehead Patterns - Pepin Tote installing a zipper
- Helen's Closet - Ashton Top learning the burrito method

Yes, you're welcome to sew with stretch fabrics during our Drop-In Sessions—even if it’s your first time sewing with stretch.

That said, we recommend having some experience sewing garments before diving into knits or stretchy materials. If you’ve never sewn a garme'nt before, it’s best to start with a woven pattern from our "Where should I start" list above. Woven fabrics are easier to handle and a great way to build confidence before working with stretch.

Great! Once you've purchased your pattern, you’ll usually have access to two types of files: an A0 file and an A4/Letter “Print at Home” tiled file.

• A0 file, you can upload the file to us and we’ll print it for you in-store—perfect if you don’t want to tape anything together. Just be sure to send it at least a few days before your class to make sure it's ready in time.
  
• A4 or Letter-sized tiled file. Be sure to follow the pattern’s printing instructions and print at 100% scale (no scaling) so your pattern pieces are the correct size. Then, assemble the pages in order as directed.
  

Still unsure or need help? Don’t worry—reach out to us and we’ll guide you through it!

Absolutely! You’re welcome to come in during our retail hours or during your Drop-In session, and we’ll help you take accurate measurements. We’ll also look at the pattern design and talk through your fit preferences to figure out which size will work best for you. Getting the right fit is part of the process—and we’re here to support you through it!

You’re not alone! Starting something new can feel like a lot, but we’re here to make it easier. Just register for a session and bring yourself—that’s all you need to do.

We’ll help you get started with a non-garment project like our signature Main Tote, In-Store Apron Pattern, or a Quilted Pillow. These beginner-friendly projects are designed to be fun, low-stress, and totally satisfying.

Come hang out, join our community, and you’ll get your sewing legs in no time!

We totally get it—we love our collected tools at the shop too! That’s why we created a take-home kit to keep the sewing magic going.

Check out our Beginner’s Toolkit—a curated collection of our favorite and most essential items, so you can enjoy the process at home just as much as you do in the studio.

While there are some great patterns on Etsy, we recommend exercising caution. Recently, there’s been a rise in AI-generated sewing patterns that often lack proper testing, clear instructions, and beginner-friendly construction—making them frustrating and difficult to use, especially for newer sewists.

Whenever possible, we suggest choosing patterns from established independent designers—those with a clear online presence, their own website, and a track record of producing well-drafted, thoughtfully written patterns. These designers put care and experience into their work, and it shows in the final result. If you’re ever unsure, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to recommend trusted sources!

Need help deciding if a pattern is right for you? Use the button below or send us an email with the link—we’re happy to look into it and let you know if it’s a good fit for your skill level. We’ll get back to you as soon as we can!