The Case of the Fearless Fabric: Designing & Finishing Handwoven Couture 2026

Class Time: Friday, April 24, 2026 2 - 6 PM

Location: St. Louis Community College - Meramec Campus, 11333 Big Bend Road, Kirkwood, MO 63122. Check in at Registration 15 minutes prior to class starting at PE Building for location.

Room: Science West, Room 209

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Instructor: Julie Benac

Have you ever hesitated, scissors in hand, afraid to cut into your precious handwoven fabric? In this detective-inspired workshop, we will boldly unravel that fear and investigate the secrets of turning handwoven cloth into striking, couture-worthy garments.

Together, we will examine garment designs built from simple, elegant shapes, perfect for narrow handwovens, and learn how to transform them into sophisticated fashion. Students will study essential seaming and finishing techniques, each one a clue that leads toward beautifully crafted, wearable art. Along the way, participants will assemble a sample book of seam techniques, a trusty reference for future sartorial investigations.

We will also explore the surprising magic of the bias how narrow handwoven fabrics, placed on the diagonal, drape with a grace that seems almost mysterious. Designs that appear complex will reveal themselves to be entirely achievable once you understand the underlying geometry.

By the end of class, you will have the confidence to cut, shape, and sew your handwoven fabrics, along with an array of garment ideas that celebrate their unique character and beauty.

Step into the atelier, dear sleuth, and prepare to crack the case of the perfect handwoven garment.

Skill Prerequisite: 
Basic sewing skills
Participants should be comfortable with:
- Using a sewing machine
- Sewing straight seams
- Pressing seams with an iron
- Basic hand-sewing (whipstitch, slipstitch, tacking)

Ability to weave simple yardage. Students should have:
- Experience weaving fabric on a rigid heddle or floor loom
- At least a small amount of handwoven cloth ready to practice with (scraps or narrow yardage work perfectly)

Comfort measuring and cutting fabric
- They don’t need garment-making experience, but they should feel comfortable using:
- Scissors or rotary cutters
- Measuring tapes/rulers
- Marking tools

Ages: High School, Adult

Supplies: Included in Class Cost:

• all hand woven, labeled swatches needed for each of the seaming techniques
• silk bias tape
• handspun yarn for couching
• paper pieces for design samples
• a laminated, spiral-bound reference booklet describing techniques with space to add samples, so nothing is forgotten!

Additional Supplies Needed: 

• Sewing Machine
• Sewing tools (pins, tape measure, scissors, etc)
• Any handwoven fabric they would like to sew on, or plan to design with
• Extension cord
• Strongly suggested but not required that students bring their own chair

Homework: N/A

Class Policies

• The class minimum is 5 students. If we are unable to fill these spots, we will cancel the class and provide a full refund.
• By signing up for this class, you have admission to Friday Night Vendor Marketplace Preview.
• If a class is sold out, click here to be placed on the Wait List.
• No refunds will be issued after April 1, 2026.
  
• For any cancellations prior to April 1, 2026, a $25 administrative fee will be assessed.