We are thrilled you're interesting in learning with us — whether you've never touched a sewing machine before or are expanding your sewing skills, you've come to the right place. Our Baltimore City Shop (located in Hampden next to the Woodberry Light Rail) has a large sewing studio (The Stitch Easy) on the first floor with an accessibility ramp. We strive to create an inclusive environment for all genders, races, ages and identities. When you are in our shop we want you to feel comfortable showing up fully as yourself. 

If you have questions that aren't answered below give us a call at (443)948-5063 or email hello@handcrafthappyhour.com

Knowing your “skill level” is a subjective thing and has as much to do with confidence and practice as it does existing knowledge. When taking a class at Handcraft Happy Hour, we define “skill level” by the techniques you’ll be learning and practicing during class. That means in “beginner” classes you’ll be working on projects and continuing to build your foundational sewing knowledge and “intermediate” classes will stretch your skills beyond beginner.

We encourage you to choose classes based on your own sewing goals — Whether you’re taking classes to continually expand your sewing skills or joining classes within your current skill set for camaraderie and accountability. We are always happy to help you decide what classes will best fit your sewing goals. Reach out with any questions.

Novice

No sewing or sewing machine experience necessary, we’ll teach you everything you need to get started. 

Beginner

Open to sewists that know the basics of using a sewing machine and can sew a straightish seam and maintain a mostly accurate seam allowance. If you’ve taken our Beginner Sewing Series or have sewn small projects on your own, you are welcome in our beginner classes.

Intermediate

Open to confident beginners and intermediate sewists who are comfortable using their sewing machine and can follow a basic pattern mostly on their own.

When taking an intermediate garment class it’s helpful if you have experience sewing hems, elastic waistbands, zippers or gathers.

Advanced

Open to sewists that can independently sew beginner projects or intermediate projects with some assistance.

When taking an advanced garment class it’s helpful if you have experience with button bands, ruffles, and collars.

After signing up for a class we understand that life happens and you may need to cancel or make up a session. The following policies were created to provide clarity, ensure our teachers receive fair pay for their time and labor and we have enough time to offer open seats to anyone on a waitlist. 

Cancelling Single-session Classes

We kindly ask that students give a minimum 72 hours notice of cancellation or rescheduling needs. This advance notice will allow us to make any necessary adjustments to our schedule and accommodate other makers.

Refunds: Class cancellations made with a 72 hour notice or more will either receive a full refund on a gift card, or a full refund minus the $5 card processing fee to the card that was used to purchase the class registration. This fee accounts for the costs associated with the transaction and ensures a smooth and secure refund process.

Cancelling Multi-session Classes

Cancellation Notice: We kindly ask that students give a minimum 1 week notice for class credit/reschedule and a 2 week cancellation notice for full refund. This advance notice will allow us to make any necessary adjustments to our schedule and accommodate other makers.

Refunds: Class cancellations made with a 2 week notice or more will either receive a full refund on a gift card, or a full refund minus the $5 card processing fee to the card that was used to purchase the class registration. This fee accounts for the costs associated with the transaction and ensures a smooth and secure refund process. Multi-week courses fill more slowly and a 72 hour notice (current single class policy) is not enough time to fill an empty spot.

Make up Classes 

If you miss a session of multi-session class we offer a discount to join up to one of our Sewcial Studies classes. Discount available when signing up in person at the shop.

• $15 off the $45 Sewcial Studies class

• Only one make up discount available per multi-session class. You’re always welcome to join Sewcial Studies at the full cost for any additional needs.

• Offer expires 60 days after the final scheduled session.