1. Learn to Sew
If you wish to learn to sew there is no time like the present. Enroll now at Jennys Sewing Studio. For class information click on this link.

2. When you learn to sew, I show you sewing skills you use everyday whether you want to sew clothing, crafts, home décor, or quilting.

3. Each skill learned, builds on another skill
Each skill learned, builds on another skill. As you learn to sew a seam or pivot the corners you add the skill to sew things like pockets, pillows and collars. To become a good sewer you need to practice the basic skills.

4. Learn to use your sewing machine!
In the beginner class you will learn to thread the machine and use straight stitch, change the feet and needle plus adjust stitch length and width.

5. I teach a 2 hour class on machine skills
I teach a 2 hour class on machine skills. I cover changing feet, gathering, zig-zag use, applique, sewing on a button, making a buttonhole, mending, overedge and blindhem.

6. I can help you purchase your first machine by showing you the features that will benefit the most.

7. Learn to use your sewing machine
Learn to use your sewing machine. There are many tutorials on line to teach you how.

8. You can schedule a 2 or 3 hour session on sewing machine accessories and how to use them.
The cording foot can be used to sew cord with decorative stitches or used as a gathering foot.
The ruffler works wonders with ruffles for country curtains and pillows.

9. Over edge foot is used with the over edge stitch built in your sewing machine. You can finish seams and keep fabric from raveling . You can also use this foot to make a knit seam.
The narrow rolled hemmer foot is great for hemming ruffles and lightweight garments where the hem needs to be small.

10. The gathering foot works best on lightweight fabrics and makes shirring easy.
Use the circular stitcher to create decorative effects on your fabric.

11. The blind hem foot makes sewing a sporty hem in pants, shirts and drapery easy. The adjustable gauge keeps the foot close to the fold. As you sew using the blind hem stitch, it picks the fold every 5 stitches for a perfect hem.
The button sew on foot positions and holds the button securely as your sewing machine sews it in place. I usually use the zig zag stitch for this task.

12. Pick the right needles for your machine.
Consider the fabric, the most common fabric types are knits and wovens.
Consider the weight of the fabric.
The needle size should reflect the fabric.
light size 11/70 , medium size 14/90, heavy size 16/100

13. Here is some of the equipment you will need!

14. Fabric markers like a wash away pen
Clover chalk in white for dark colors
Seam presser

15. Here are pictures of more of the equipment I use.

18. Thread
Buy a good quality all purpose all sew polyester thread! Spools are usually 250meters or 500meters
I like Swiss Metrosene and Gutermann and you can use Coats and Clark.

19. Buy good Quality scissors. They will last a life time
Buy good Quality scissors. They will last a life time. Make sure the shears are heavy enough to cut through heavy and dense fabrics with ease.
Bent handle Shears are created for cutting out your fabric and pattern, If you are sewing with a lot of jersey knits you will need serrated shears.
You will need to purchase some 5” or 6” trimmers for notching and clipping seams and cutting threads.
Pinking shears are great for seam finishes and notching outside curves.

20. Even if you do not iron your clothing anymore, you will need a good steam iron to sew with. It does not have to have a lot of bells and whistles but the iron has to give good steam. Buy a plug in iron. Cordless irons do not work for sewers.

21. I use a pressing mat. This one is great as I can turn it over to use the rotary cutting mat on the other side. If I need dimension for sleeves or darts I have a pressing ham and a sleeve roll. I use a paper towel as a pressing sheet and wet it when I need steam.

22. Here is a picture of the rotary cutter, ruler and mat
Here is a picture of the rotary cutter, ruler and mat. All are essential in using the cutting system. The rotary cutter is surgically sharp so it is important to follow all the safety rulers.

23. 12” and 6” and 6 ½” plastic see through rulers come in handy
12” and 6” and 6 ½” plastic see through rulers come in handy. Most rulers are marked every 1”, ½” and ¼”. Ruler also have a 45 and 60 degree angle markings for triangles. 24” x 6” rulers are perfect for the rotary cutter. You will need a 24” X 18” mat if you want to learn strip piecing.

24. Here are some projects made using the rotary cutter to make strips.

27. You can find it on Amazon.com
The Singer Sewing Book is my favorite reference!
You can find it on Amazon.com

28. Learn to do straight stitch and how to keep your sewing even and straight.

29. Use the 5/8” guide on your needle plate

30. Seam gauge magnets work great to keep the seam straight

31. The sew easy gauge foot makes sewing a 5/8” seam easy.

32. Pivot with the needle down

33. Placing the presser foot next to the fabric edge gives you a guide for a ¼” seam.

34. Adjust your needle position on straight stitch using the width setting
Adjust your needle position on straight stitch using the width setting. On my machine 4.5 gives me a perfect ¼” seam

35. To sew straight I always press the hem in place and then find a press foot position to maintain. Here the left fold is against the edge of the foot.

36. The sewing machine free arm makes sewing a hem easier

37. Once you invest in your sewing machine consider a ¾ spool serger
Once you invest in your sewing machine consider a ¾ spool serger. This machine is great for seam finishes and ¼” knit seams. You can even do decorative edges. Here are a few ideas how to use a serger.

38. A serger is perfect for seam finishes on a curtain or garment
A serger is perfect for seam finishes on a curtain or garment. A 3 thread serge keeps the fabric from raveling, can be decorative and is a work horse on ruffles.

42. Learn to Sew
Step one is to learn the sewing machine and some basic sewing equipment.
Step two is to learn basic seams. 5/8” is standard garment seam. ¼” is a standard craft and quilt piecing seam.
Step three is to learn some technique like hemming, forming a casing, pivoting, trimming, gathering, hand sewing and putting in a zipper.
Step four picking the appropriate pattern, sizing a pattern and purchasing fabric.
Step five is reading a pattern , understanding the symbols, fabric layout, cutting the fabric once you lay it out and marking guide markings on the pattern.
Step six is construction

43. A beginner project I start everyone on is a pin cushion
A beginner project I start everyone on is a pin cushion. If you can make a pin cushion you can sew! Cut 2 squares about 6 or 7”. Place them right sides together. Use a ¼” seam and pivot at the corners. Leave an opening to turn the project. Stuff and hand sew the opening.
You have just learned to make a pillow and a pocket.

44. Try some easy projects from Jenny’s Sewing Studio.
Projects are free!
Learn to make a placemat set for each season!

46. Make a purse from a placemat. They are really cute and easy to do.

48. Make a Back Pack from prequilted fabric.
Here is a free pattern!

49. Inserting a Zipper is easy if you know the right steps!
Consider the type of zipper application you will need before you start your project.
For a dress or top you can do a center zipper application. A casual or sport garment will use a left or right lap application. If you are making slacks with a front opening you will need a fly application.

50. If you are making a purse or a pillow or a craft, the zipper is usually exposed and the insertion is a skill I teach as a basic skill builder in beginning sewing.

51. Lazy Girl run around bag

52. Jenny’s Shopping Assistant bag
Put your phone, your cash, credit cards and coupons in this 7” x 9” purse and you are ready for the market. It is sew easy to make!

53. I made 15 of these monogrammed bags for my friends and family for Christmas! I hope they like them!

54. Everyone can use a new pillow
Everyone can use a new pillow. I have made many personalized pillows as gifts and for custom “remembrance projects”

56. Invisible Zipper! If you are doing a formal garment you might consider an invisible zipper.

57. If you like Kittens and Cats like I do you will love this free cat pattern.

59. Place your fabric on a fold, right sides together
Place your fabric on a fold, right sides together. Trace the pattern to the wrong side of your fabric and sew on the drawn line. Trim, leaving a ¼” seam. Leave an opening at the bottom edge to turn the cat inside out. Free pattern at this link.

60. Make your own pillow case or give it as a gift
Make your own pillow case or give it as a gift! The more trim the better.

61. I offer a class on the quilted fabric purse. Here is the pattern
I offer a class on the quilted fabric purse. Here is the pattern. If you want to make the purse a strip pieced project buy 5 or 6 fat quarters instead of the top fabric.

62. You can shop for patterns to make garments from many pattern companies like Butterick, Vogue, Simplicity and McCalls.
Look for patterns that are marked Easy and have less than 6 pattern pieces!

63. Here are patterns I suggest for my Beginner Class
Here are patterns I suggest for my Beginner Class! Learn to pick the fabric, notions, and read the envelop and pick your size. Here is Butterick 3460

65. Butterick B6440

71. Once you understand how to use your machine, sew basic seams and how to read and use a pattern, you are ready to sew clothing.
There are a few things to consider. The key word now is FIT!
Think about your body type. Here are a few examples. See where you fit in.

72. Take measurements! It is nice to have a sewing friend do this for you.

73. I saw this on-line and it makes sense. The wisdom was from Nancy Zieman.

74. A garment should always compliment your body
A garment should always compliment your body! In the back of your mind you already know the answer to what kind of body type you have. If you are a rectangle you have a full field of choice. If you are a pear then you need to emphasize your top instead of your bottom. Hide the hips!
Take a friend and go shopping and try on the styles you want to make. Be brutally honest about the FIT. See if it is a style you can wear. Consider this before you buy the pattern.

75. Always consider the suggested fabrics on the pattern envelop.
Fabric effects fit! The fabric makes the garment.
Part of Learning to Sew is learning what the fabrics are and how to work with them. Cotton is easy, wool is easy, Medium weight knit is easy, a brocade is easy. Each fabric has it’s own issues.

76. Patterns come in body types, this is how the pattern book is organized.
Misses is the largest category so we try to work from that sizing to get the most choices.
Example: You are a petite it means you are less than 5’4”. Your back waist length, your sleeve length and your dress length need adjustment before you cut the garment. These are your fixed alterations. As you lose or gain weight they will change very little.

77. If the fabric is expensive and the pattern is new, make a muslin shell of the garment. When you sew the muslin shell use basting stitches. Mark the seams as sewn using the pattern seam line. Wrinkles point to problems. Give ease where you need it. Adjust your paper pattern before you cut.

78. You can also visit Vogue Patterns and McCall and Kwik Sew Patterns and Simplicity patterns to scan catalog ideas.

80. Once you have taken the 2 week basics class you can sign up for “Beyond the Basics”! This is a 3 hour session. Take as many sessions as you need. You can choose more difficult patterns and discuss fabric choices with the instructor.

81. Beyond the Basic Skills can include:
Facings and interfacings and waistbands
Buttonholes
Collars
In set pockets
Lining
Lapel
Fitted waistline
Princess seams
Zippers
Fitting
Cuffs

83. FABRICS: Wool Crepe, Lt. Wt. Tweed, Challis
FABRICS: Wool Crepe, Lt.Wt. Tweed, Challis. Unsuitable for obvious diagonals. *With Nap. **Without Nap. Note: Fabric requirement allows for nap, one-way design or shading. Extra fabric may be needed to match design or for shrinkage.
NOTIONS: A, B: One 22" (56 cm) Zipper and Two Hook & Eyes. A: Eight 1/2" (1.3 cm) Buttons.
Size Combinations: A5( ), E5( )

106. You can use Jenny’s sewing machine if you need the use of a sewing machine for your beginner class. I will offer you tips about the purchase of a new machine.

107. Once you feel comfortable with your machine you are ready for other projects besides clothing. Think about the Quilted Fabric Purse, a pillow or a quilt. Here are some class ideas.

112. Here is perfect class for the beginner sewer who wants to sharpen their sewing skills. Each month Jenny’s Sewing Studio will offer a skill builder project to help you “Learn to Sew”. Classes will be held at my home studio at 1030 South Schumaker Dr in Salisbury, MD.
Try your hand at applique, strip piecing, zippers, piping, and sewing with different fabrics. Make a few gifts along the way.

115. We will complete projects like mug rugs, polar fleece hats and scarves, a teddy bear, a cloth belt, place mat, hot pads, closet organizer, a wrist wallet, and more. Class will be 2 hours and there is limited seating for 6 students in each session. The “Sew Along” will be held on Thursdays. Choose between 1:30 to 3:30 pm and 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm for your “Sew along” time.

116. Kits will include materials to make a small project in class
Kits will include materials to make a small project in class. Bring your sewing machine in good working order. You will need limited sewing equipment. Bring scissors, pins, a sewing gauge and tape measure. A Sewing machine can be reserved for class. Once you enroll for the monthly session, I will you about any additional supplies you need to bring.
My first project in February 21st will be a heart shaped hot mit. I will supply the materials, batting and thread. Fabrics may vary from the pictured project. I can enroll you today after the class for the February session.

117. I will announce the project of the month in my newsletter and post the project on my blog. Free patterns and a project kit will only be available to students in class. Pictures shown are ideas only, projects will be pictured and announced about one month before each session.
Fee is $29.95 and includes the fabric kit. ( some kits will not include items like pillow forms. I will specify the kit contents.) Please enroll at least one week in advance so a kit can be assembled for you. Space is limited to 6 students per session.
Session dates for 2019 are posted here: February 21st, March 21st, April 18th, May 16th, June 20th, July 25th, September 19th, October 17th, November 14th and December 12th.

118. I hope to see you in class soon!

119. ABOUT JENNY'S SEWING STUDIO AND JENNIFER FRIEDEL
Hello! I am a native of the Delmarva Peninsula. I graduated from Seaford High School, Seaford, Delaware. Later I graduated with a B.S. degree in Home Economics and Fashion Merchandising in 1972 from Radford University in Radford, VA.

120. After graduation, I worked as an educator and store manager for the Singer Sewing Company for 10 years.

121. I traveled across the United States training sewing instructors for the Singer Company. I also did national sewing conventions with the Singer company. I trained over a 100 Singer Sewing Instructors. I also showed dealers successful sewing ideas to take back to their stores. I was on stage several times to an audience of 1000’s in product demonstrations in many regional locations and Home Economics conventions when sewing was King in the 1970’s and 1980’s.

123. My favorite thing to do was show what a sewing machine would do
My favorite thing to do was show what a sewing machine would do. I love to sell sewing.

124. In 1982, I opened Jenny's Sewing Studio in Salisbury, MD
In 1982, I opened Jenny's Sewing Studio in Salisbury, MD. Our store was a multi-lined sewing machine dealer and repair shop. Jenny’s Sewing Studio was a quilt and fabric shop and offered sewing classes.

125. Looking back always make me smile at the great store I had in Salisbury, MD from March 1982 to June My Mom, Dad  and I really created a nice store. The store was always changing. I owned and operated Jenny’s Sewing Studio brick and mortar store for  26 years and can remember every piece of inventory like it was yesterday.  Take a look.

132. Here are a sample of projects we made at our Christmas open house!

134. Jenny’s Sewing Studio offered a block party each month and it was presented by Janet Parke.

137. Every 3 months Jenny’s Sewing Studio offered sewing machine company seminars to showcase the latest sewing products and features. Here are a few of the events.

152. Here we are at a national sewing machine and software training to certify ourselves on the latest product information. We attended Singer, Janome, Baby Lock, Bernina and Pfaff training schools.

153. In June of 2008 we closed our brick and mortar store in Salisbury MD
In June of 2008 we closed our brick and mortar store in Salisbury MD. My dad and mom were very much a part of my store. With the changing retail environment and my parents age, we made the decision with a heavy heart.

154. Here are my mom and dad known in Jenny’s Sewing Studio as “Mom” and “Dad”. My Dad was also know as “the man”! There real names are Millie and Gray Friedel. We are family and our customers were a big part of our family.

155. In 1995 Jenny’s Sewing Studio opened a virtual internet shop that services the sewing consumer around the world.
You can find me on line at:
Keep up with my sewing news at:
At my blog you can find links to our social media for Facebook, YouTube, twitter and Pinterest.

156. You can write your questions to me at: Or
Or you can text me at

157. In 2012 Jenny's Sewing Studio moved into Hancock Fabrics in Salisbury, MD to teach sewing until I met many friends and taught many new sewers there.

163. Since Jenny’s Sewing Studio is an internet company, the word of my Singer Futura classes spread far and wide. I was able to offer embroidery instruction to many consumers from places like New York, New Jersey, Virginia, North Carolina and as far as Florida and New Orleans.

165. In 2016 I have moved my studio to my home at 1030 South Schumaker Dr
In 2016 I have moved my studio to my home at 1030 South Schumaker Dr. I teach classes by enrollment and appointment only. Class information and calendar links can be found in my "One on One instruction" link in this shopping cart.

166. I offer Beginning and Intermediate sewing classes; Quilt classes; classes on how to operate your sewing machine, serger and embroidery machine; Purse classes; Knitting, Crochet, Home Decor for the beginner, Pillows, Classes on Ruffled Curtains, How to Applique by sewing machine and a 1 day seminar on the Singer Futura embroidery machine. Here are some of my students.
See our sewing class schedule at this link.

176. One on One classes give our customers the benefit of personalized sewing instruction. I can discuss what you want to learn and I can tailor the class time to fit your needs. I can choose the perfect day for your class and give you my undivided attention.

177. Let’s try a project that is fast and easy
Let’s try a project that is fast and easy. We will make a polar fleece rose. This rose is from one of my older hat patterns. Here are the steps and I have brought fabric and needle and thread for you to try. Make a pin with the rose and wear it proudly.

181. With over 41 years of hands on experience as a sewing machine educator, trainer, and sewing machine dealer, I can show you how to make sewing a fun and enjoyable hobby, inspire you to greater heights with the latest sewing products, embroidery ideas, and software. I strive to provide all of our customers with PERSONAL CARE and assistance.
Sincerely, Jennifer Friedel