Sew L.A. Class Policies

Classes are offered at all different times and prices for many different levels of sewing. We try to be really clear about what skills you need to enjoy a particular class – please call us if you have any questions whatsoever! It will be very discouraging if you find yourself in a class that is too hard for you, even though you might really want to make the project. Our staff has mucho experience with this kind of thing, so please trust their judgment. Of course, anyone can sign up for any class they like and we do encourage you to challenge yourself, but we caution you to pay heed to the listed prerequisites. Below is a basic guideline for the class levels:

Any 100 level class is a very beginner class, as in this is your first sewing project ever or the first one since home ec. class 10 years ago. The basics of sewing are taught - tools, pinning, cutting, fabric anatomy, simple commercial patterns. If you have never sewn before, you might want to take our Machine Intro (101) class.

Any 200 level class requires that you know how to set the sewing machine up on your own and that you can sew basic stitches with no instruction. You know how to lay a pattern out on your fabric and have made a few projects to your satisfaction. You are ready for some more advanced skills like interfacing, zippers, gathering & pleating, and you can't wait to get at those more difficult patterns!

Any 300 level class is considered advanced - your stitching must be straight and even and you know how to do more than the straight stitch and zig-zag on your own machine. These classes do not focus on the mechanics of sewing but rather on how to read more difficult (and usually quite fitted) patterns that include collars and set-in sleeves. We explore advanced skills like inter/underlining, patternmaking and couture construction techniques. More difficult fabrics are encouraged.

Class Times:

All classes start and end on time. Please be prompt! If you use freeways to get to us, be aware of the rush-hour traffic for evening classes and plan accordingly. If you will be over ½ an hour late for a class, you will need to schedule a private lesson to make the class up as you will miss a significant portion of the class.

Missing a Class:

If you have to miss a class, you will want to schedule a private lesson to make the class up. Private lessons are $45 per hour. We generally build upon skills in all of our classes, so if you miss one you’ll definitely be behind. If you will be missing the last class of a series and that class is offered again within the next three months, you are welcome to sit in on the class you missed free of charge. Please let us know beforehand so we are prepared!

Transfers:

If you have signed up for a class and then can’t make it, you may transfer your tuition to another class up until 5 days before the first class would have commenced. This gives us enough time to contact a waiting list person so we can offer them your spot. If the second class is less expensive, then you will have a Sew L.A. store credit for the difference good towards classes, private lessons or Sewlab time. If you will only be missing one class from a series, see above for "Missing a Class". To transfer, call us, e-mail or stop by. If you can’t make the class and it is less than five days before the class, the following transfer fees will apply:

• 5 days or more: no charge.

• 4 days – 2 days before class begins: 25% of tuition transfer fee

• Day before the class: 50% of tuition transfer fee

• Day of the class or after the class has occurred: your tuition is forfeit

One transfer is allowed per tuition payment regardless of when you contact us.

Returns/Refunds:

If you sign up for a class and then can’t make it at all, you must inform us at least five days before the class begins. You will be issued a Sew L.A. store credit for the amount of the class (less a $10 administrative fee) good towards another class of your choice, private lessons or machine time in our Sewlab. No cash refunds! If you must cancel within four days of the class, the percentages listed above for transfers apply to the store credit amount you will be issued.

Payment:

You can pay for a class via our shopping cart linked to this website here, or you can call us at 323-665-7097 or e-mail us to reserve a class. A reservation can be held for 48 hours so you can drop by the store to pay with cash or a check. You can also just drop in the store to register for a class! Note: returned checks are subject to a $20 fee.

Class Cancellations:

Please register early for classes! We know you are all chomping at the bit to learn how to sew, but if you all wait till the day before to sign up that class will most likely be cancelled. If a class needs to be cancelled, we’ll contact everyone who has signed up beforehand as soon as we know and issue a store credit or a full refund for that class. But we don’t want to cancel classes, so sign up! Yes siree!

Please note that not all classes are offered at all times. If you’d like to take a class on a day or at a time we don’t offer, don’t hesitate to ask us! We always try to accommodate requests as best we can.