Nashville Sewing Center
We teach classes and workshops in sewing and related textile crafts. Come learn with us!
Meet Your Instructor
I’m Lori Gann-Smith—teacher, professional costume and fashion designer, and visual artist. I’ve been teaching people of all ages to sew for over 20 years!
Before opening Nashville Sewing Center, I was the Resident Costume Designer for Nashville Repertory Theatre and before that the Fashion Design Program Director at Brenau University in Gainesville, Georgia.
I now do freelance design and custom sewing gigs as well as teach. I’m excited to see what you’d like to learn and help you achieve your sewing goals.
You can see examples of my work at www.lorigannsmith.com
What type of classes and workshops do you teach?
Basics of hand sewing and sewing machine safety and operation for adults and children. Use of simple sewing patterns, materials and tools, and more!
Basic Sewing Techniques
Intermediate machine and hand sewing including buttonholes as well as commercial pattern use and garment construction
Intermediate Sewing Techniques
Can be anything from embroidery techniques to visible mending, cord making, reverse applique, specialty garment techniques, block and screen printing, and more!
Textile Crafts
Instruction and guidance for specific projects and skills—sewing, patterning, alterations, etc.
Please request more information about private lessons on our Contact page.
Private Lessons
Suggest a class you’d like to take by visiting the Contact page!
Scroll down for our upcoming class offerings!
Get Started Here
Saturday, September 5, 9:30am - 4:30pm
Ages 16+ Limited to 4 participants
This class will introduce students to hand sewing stitches, sewing machine operation and safety as well as measuring and cutting fabric, sewing buttons, and more. You will take home a pin cushion and a small button pouch that you’ve sewn!
All tools, materials and sewing machines are provided for this class. We will have a short break for lunch, so feel free to bring your lunch or be prepared to grab something nearby.
Meets 2 Saturdays, October 3 and October 17, 9:30am - 4:30pm
16+ Limited to 4 participants
Make a skirt from start to finish using a commercial sewing pattern. Included in this class are pattern envelope basics, knowing your notions, and garment construction techniques. Measuring the body and minor fitting adjustments are included as well as zipper insertion, buttonholes, pockets and hems. Seam finishes, including using a serger, are included.
We will take a short break for lunch on both days, so please be sure to bring your lunch or be prepared to get something nearby.
A list of things to bring to class (including the appropriate type/amount of fabric) will be provided to students prior to the beginning of this class, but most tools and materials will be provided.
Saturday, September 19 9:30am - 4:30pm
14+ Limited to 4 participants
This class is a continuation of the first beginner class—there will be more sewing, this time with a pattern and you’ll be making a tote bag. You’ll learn how to cut, mark and prepare your fabric pieces for construction, learn how to apply a patch pocket and interfacing, learn how to create a lining and much more!
All tools, materials and sewing machines are provided for this class. We will have a short break for lunch, so feel free to bring your lunch or be prepared to grab something nearby.
Monday and Tuesday, November 23 and 24, 8:30am - 2:30pm
Ages 9-12 Limited to 6 participants
We’ll be using wool fibers and warm water to create felted bags! We’ll also be learning how to ply cord for straps for our bags, learning to appliquè with felt and make pom poms and other embellishments for our bags using sewing and finger knitting techniques.
Please bring a water bottle and lunch each day. All tools, materials and supplies will be provided!