Sewing with Knits: Basic T-shirt with Marla Kazell

Sew a great-fitting T-shirt, from your own T-shirt pattern, and get comfortable sewing any knit garment.

About this Class

Knits are comfortable and easy to wear. And they’re easy to sew, too! Learn just how easy with Portland-area sewing expert Marla Kazell. Her professional focus is on fit and construction, and after this in-person weekend of lectures, fitting, and sewing, you’ll have a great-fitting T-shirt pattern, at least one new T-shirt, and the knowledge you need to sew any knit garment with confidence.

First up will be finding the “Goldilocks” fit for a basic T-shirt pattern: not too tight, not too baggy. Next, you’ll choose the right needle and thread for a perfect seam on a regular sewing machine, plus techniques for dealing with stretch. Finally, you’ll sew your T-shirt with Marla’s guidance. 

To dive into details about modifying your pattern for different looks, be sure to also sign up for Beyond the Basic T: Necklines with Marla Kazell.

Details

• Skill Level: All levels, beginners welcome!
• A materials fee of $5 is included in the price of class and covers pattern paper, tape, and paper scissors for making pattern adjustments, provided by BARN. Other material requirements are listed below.
• We'll take a break mid-day, so bring a lunch. BARN has a refrigerator and microwave on the lower level.
• Note: The number of students is limited so Marla can give each student personal attention.
• Download and print a copy of the free “Core T-Shirt” from Closet Core before class.
  
• If you are confident about your size, you can also trace the pattern onto pattern paper. If you have any questions about choosing your size, you can consult with Marla in class and then trace your pattern.
• Here are some tips on preparing your pattern.

Materials

Students should bring:

• Your copy of the Core T-Shirt pattern from Closet Core (see above)

• Your sewing machine (or reserve one of BARN’s)

• Standard sewing tools: fabric scissors, pins, marking tools, etc.

• Knit fabric for constructing your T-shirt(s) - check the pattern for the amount

• Polyester thread that coordinates with your fabric

• A new 70/10 jersey/ballpoint sewing machine needle

• A notebook and pen/pencil for taking notes

• OPTIONAL: New twin needle for knits that fits your machine

Prerequisites

None for the class, but if you're reserving a BARN sewing machine, you must have completed any session of Learn How to Use the Fiber Studio Sewing Machines or Orientation to Fiber Sewing Machines.

Class Policies

• Ages 14 and up are welcome. 

• View BARN’s current COVID-19 health and safety protocols.

• BARN is committed to accessibility. Tuition assistance is available. Fill out the application before registering.

• For those who might need physical assistance, learn more about our Companion Program.

Instructor

Marla Kazell has been sewing professionally for 36 years and creates beautiful couture clothing for special clients in her custom clothing business in Tigard, Ore. Marla learned to sew in 7th grade home economics class and began her career in the sewing industry as a sample seamstress at Stretch and Sew in Eugene. As she developed her custom clothing business, Marla continued to learn all she could about fitting, fashion, and sewing with many well-known teachers, including 12 years of study with couture expert Bobbie Carr. Marla shares her expertise in classes and workshops across the country.