Cut & Sew Studio - a sewing design workshop

Time to Sew!

Make Learning to Sew your NEW YEAR'S resolution! Lot's of classes - want to learn the basics, make your own clothes, do alterations, or make accessories? All types of classes . . . Just send me an email with what you want to sign up for!

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Open Studio...

One of the unique aspects of Cut & Sew Studio is in the open studio time offered. Whether you just don't have the space at home, or you're not ready to invest in a sewing machine, or maybe you simply want to come and have fun with your friends, please join us for open studio time. Come with friends to work on a project, get advice from instructors and fellow students, have fun! Sew! And show off your skills! Please see calendar for open studio time and please call in advance to ensure that a machine is reserved for you. Free Open Studio is also available when working on several service projects offered at Cut & Sew, please ask for details....

In The News. . .

The Studio. . .

The idea for Cut & Sew Studio came about when I merged my love of sewing with my desire to teach. With the growing interest that people have been showing in learning how to sew, and a lack of spaces from which to learn in Pittsburgh, the idea for Cut & Sew was born. I wanted to create a fun, social sewing environment where students can take a class, work on independent projects while meeting with others who are passionate about sewing as well as those who are just beginning to learn. All the tools are provided at the studio. So whether you are an experienced or a newbee, there is no need to transport a machine or supplies. At Cut & Sew you will find the space and all the necessary equipment to get your project done.

The Location. . .

124 S. Highland Ave
Suite 210
Pittsburgh PA 15206
412-865-6565

The Studio is right around the corner from Whole Foods on the 2nd floor of the Werner Building, Suite 210. Same building as the Shadow Lounge and on the same block as the Red Room Café and Lounge

View a map of the area
Information East Liberty

The Hours. . .

The Studio is not open on a drop in basis, but rather by appointment as we want to ensure availability of sewing equipment and space for every student who wishes to stop by and work on a project. Please see the calendar for open studio time as well as scheduled classes and call/email to register in advance. We recommend that you register as early as possible for a class or open studio time to ensure that you have a spot, but also to ensure that the class is not canceled due to insufficient enrollment. Also, if you are interested in setting up private instruction time, please call/email to arrange as this will be done during non-class hours

Catherine Batcho. . .

I still remember the first mechanical sewing machine I ever got. I was in 1st grade, it was a child's machine-but it worked nonetheless. After making many pillows and funny looking dolls, I soon upgraded to an actual sewing machine. My parents never knew then that the decision to buy me this machine would be so influential in my life. My first project, which I remember well, was making poodle skirts for my two sisters, Sarah and Ellen, to wear for Halloween. I think we still have those skirts actually! At the time, sewing classes were rare, if not non existent, I set out to teach myself (with some assistance from family and friends, and surprisingly even from my dad!) My love of sewing continued to grow as I later went on to study fashion design at Philadelphia University (then known as Philadelphia College of Textiles & Science). After four amazing years in the fashion design program, studying under some of the best and most inspiring professors, I went on to work in the fashion industry. I began my experience working for a local Philadelphia Bridal designer and boutique, Maria Romia (if you

are ever looking for an amazing wedding dress and happen to be in Philly, check it out www.mariaromiabridal.com). This was followed by another move, this time to working in NY City for Liz Claiborne and later for New York and Company. Here I gained experience working in both design/product development and technical design.

I am extremely passionate about sewing, I could easily stay up all night working on a project and be completely happy (despite possible exhaustion!). It is so rewarding to take raw materials, individual separate items, fabrics and make them into something wearable or useful. To have a vision of what you want to make and see if become a reality, to be the one creating it, is such an amazing thing. Sewing is a truly rewarding experience.

Registration. . .

Once the class schedule is posted, students should register for classes as far in advance as possible. Please note that if class size is too small to hold, the class may be canceled; by registering we will have a more accurate reading of the interest in a particular class. However, if a class needs to be cancelled due to insufficient enrollment, notice of cancellation will be made 4 days in advance. In the event that a class cancellation is made by the Studio, the students enrolled will be refunded the full amount of the class.

Cancel/Transfer. . .

Canceling or Transferring a Class Registration (by student): Class registration may be canceled and a refund will be given in the form of a "class voucher" for the total amount of the class if the cancellation is made at least 5 calendar days from the class start date (not including class start date). That voucher will be valid for 6 months to reschedule for a different class. Customers will need to make up the difference in class price (if needed). If the original class scheduled is more expensive then the later class, the difference will continue to be held as a voucher for future classes within the original slotted 6 month time period. If the voucher is not used within 6 months it is lost. However, if a cancellation is made less than 5 days from the scheduled class there will be no refund given for the class. Also, no refunds will be given for missed classes.

Payment. . .

At this time we are accepting cash and check only. Payments for classes must be made at time of registration. If payment is sent in the mail, the class reservation will be held for 7 business days until the payment is received. If payment is not received you will be contacted so that you will know that your spot is no longer being held for that class. Please note that for late registrations (less then 1 week from class start date) cash will be the only accepted form of payment.

Please make checks payable to: Cut & Sew Studio.
For payments not made in person, please mail to:
124 S. Highland Ave, Suite 210, Pittsburgh PA 15206

The Classes:

Below is a sampling of courses that have been offered in the past.
Please refer to the Calendar link on the left to view the current class offerings.

Newbie
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Private Instruction
Famliy Instruction
Private Parties

If you have never used a sewing machine before, or if you haven't touched one since you were little, then you're a newbie, this is where you'll want to start. All newbies must take the intro to sewing course

Current Classes

Introduction to Sewing
WineCraft Night

If you are comfortable using a sewing machine, you understand and know how to use the basic parts of the machine, can thread a machine and wind a bobbin, adjust stitch length and width and have some basic sewing skills you are ready for courses at this level

Current Classes

Make a Drawstring Backpack
Basic Hand Bag
Stitch, Stitch, Stitch
Baby Duck Robe
Drawstring Pajama pants
Pillow Detail Workshop

At this level you will build on your knowledge by experimenting with new fabrics and construction techniques

Current Classes

Basic Alterations
Zippers, Zippers, Zippers
Seams, Seams, Seams
Hems, Hems, Hems
Basic Knit Tee

These classes will dive more into pattern manipulation, fit and construction techniques. A thorough understanding of sewing construction and machine use is required

Current Classes

Pattern & Fit

If you require one on one private assistance this is offered during non-class and non-open studio hours as instructor will be available solely to assist student with individual attention. Please call for appointment and rates

For children under 10 years of age the studio offers special family instruction classes for a parent and one or more young children. Please contact us for class details, pricing and scheduling information.

Cut & Sew offers studio rental for parties too!! Please call for additional information