1. Sign up for a sewing class
Sewing has been booming lately. Numerous sewing classes have sprung up in recent years in all major cities across France, allowing you to practice without owning a sewing machine at home. You can easily find sewing classes by contacting studios, specialized schools, or independent seamstresses in your city.
The advantage of a regular sewing class is that you have a slot reserved in your schedule (whereas it's easy to not find the time when you're starting out on your own and you easily get overwhelmed by your daily life 🫠). You see yourself this way progress week after week and learn the basics while being supported by a professional.
This format also offers you the opportunity to work on more ambitious projects, spread over several weeks, unlike a " one-shot " workshop which focuses on shorter projects.
Finally, signing up for a sewing class will allow you to test different sewing machines before making your choice if you ultimately decide to buy one.
2. Book a sewing workshop
Sewing workshops are an ideal way to try this activity without commitment. Over the course of a half-day, you'll learn the basics using provided machines, guided step-by-step by a professional. At the end of the session, you'll leave with your finished project, giving you the instant satisfaction of having created something with your own hands. It's also an opportunity to share a creative moment with your loved ones and try a new activity together.
There are many sewing workshops in France, especially in major cities like Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, and Lille. With the DIY ( Do It Yourself ) trend booming, and a growing interest in sustainable fashion and clothing customization, more and more sewing studios and schools are now offering sewing workshops.
There's something for all levels: from complete beginners who want to learn the basics of sewing to more experienced sewers who would like to explore more specific techniques like embroidery or textile dyeing. Some specialize in clothing design, while others focus on sewing accessories, clothing repair, or even textile recycling. In addition to dedicated studios, many independent sewers offer workshops in their own spaces or at home. It's also possible to find one-off events at pop-ups or festivals related to fashion or DIY.
The phenomenon is particularly widespread in large cities, but workshops can also be found in more rural areas, where associations and community groups also offer this type of activity.
3. Rent a sewing machine
Renting a sewing machine can be a practical and economical solution for those who want to start sewing without immediately investing in expensive equipment. You can find sewing machines for rent in specialist sewing supply stores, craft shops, and some independent haberdasheries that offer a sewing machine rental service.
Typically, leasing includes basic training on how to use the machine, tips on how to get started, and sometimes even a basic sewing kit. The benefits of leasing are numerous: you have access to professional equipment without the financial commitment of a purchase, you can test different models before deciding on a future investment, and you often benefit from maintenance and technical support included. It's an ideal option for one-off projects or for experimenting with sewing without a long-term commitment.
Do you live in Paris? For any order placed with us, we offer free sewing machine rental with our partner Begoodz! You don't have to do anything: the Begoodz team will deliver your sewing machine directly to your home, on the date of your choice, and will come and collect it once you're finished. Find more information about our partnership here .
3. Find a fablab in your city
The word fablab is a contraction of "fabrication laboratory ." The concept was developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) by technology researcher Neil Gershenfeld. The idea is to create collaborative workspaces where people can use advanced tools and technologies to design, manufacture, and prototype objects. Since its inception, the fablab concept has spread worldwide, fostering innovation and collaboration in many fields.
Fab labs are a great opportunity to access manufacturing tools and resources without having to invest in expensive equipment. You will have access to sewing machines (both household and industrial!), and equipment such as 3D printers and laser cutters. They are often located in collaborative spaces, accessible through a simple online search or via local innovation directories.
For those short on space at home, fab labs are ideal because they eliminate the need to store a sewing machine at home. Plus, if you're self-sufficient in using the equipment, you can work on your projects freely without the constant supervision of a professional.
4. Rent a machine from an individual
If you want to get started in sewing without immediately investing in a machine, renting from a peer-to-peer can be a practical and economical option.
You can find advertisements for sewing machines available for rental on classified ad sites or platforms specializing in rental between individuals, such as the sites Kiwiiz , Allovoisins , or even the very famous LeBonCoin .
Conclusion
At < disclothed > paris, we believe that getting started in sewing shouldn't be complicated. That's why all our models are accompanied by a tutorial video detailing each step of the production process, and our illustrated assembly ranges are also Ultra-detailed and enhanced with numerous photos and explanatory diagrams. You can't go wrong!
Thanks to classes, workshops, rentals, and other fablabs, you can finally sew our designs, even if you don't own your own sewing machine. Find the option that suits you best and start creating today. Your sewing adventure begins here!
