Sewn Together is our community sewing program for youth, teens, and adults that weaves creativity, sustainability, and self-expression into every stitch. Participants learn foundational sewing skills while transforming upcycled materials into functional, stylish pieces, gaining confidence, collaboration, and an understanding of the environmental impact of fashion.
Course Outcomes
Empower Self-determination
Sewn Together Instill a sense of self-determination in both teens and adults by equipping them with the skills to create their own clothes, cultivating independence in personal expression and sustainability.
Community Engagement
Sewn Together encourages participants to connect with local sustainable sewing communities, encouraging a sense of shared responsibility and providing ongoing support for sustainable practices.
Eco-Conscious Sewing Techniques
Sewn Together covers sustainable sewing practices, including techniques that minimize waste, reduce energy consumption, and promote ethical production methods.
Understanding Sustainable Fabrics
Participants gain knowledge about sustainable and eco-friendly fabrics, learning to identify and choose materials that have minimal environmental impact.
Skill Development
Beyond sustainability, participants enhance their sewing skills, including advanced techniques in garment construction, finishing, and embellishments.
Promote Lifelong Learning
Encourage a passion for self determination, sewing, creativity, and sustainability, inspiring participants to continue exploring and expand their skills beyond the course duration.
Participant Testimonials
Thank you SNE Cares .. this was amazing!! My daughter & I enjoyed our time & are forever grateful for this opportunity. Moments like this are cherished & not replaceable ❤️." Kenya"re
Thank you SNE Cares .. this was amazing!! My daughter & I enjoyed our time & are forever grateful for this opportunity. Moments like this are cherished & not replaceable ❤️." Kenya"re
“Thank you, SNE Cares, for creating such an inspiring and impactful program! My daughter has absolutely loved being a part of Sewn Together Cohort 3. Watching her grow in confidence, creativity, and skill has been so rewarding. The focus on sustainability, sisterhood, and empowerment is truly remarkable, and I’m so grateful she had this opportunity to learn from such amazing mentors. Thank you to everyone involved in making this experience so special for these young women!.” - Chanel Aleta Da Rocha
“Thank you, SNE Cares, for creating such an inspiring and impactful program! My daughter has absolutely loved being a part of Sewn Together Cohort 3. Watching her grow in confidence, creativity, and skill has been so rewarding. The focus on sustainability, sisterhood, and empowerment is truly remarkable, and I’m so grateful she had this opportunity to learn from such amazing mentors. Thank you to everyone involved in making this experience so special for these young women!.” - Chanel Aleta Da Rocha
“Had a blast! Can’t wait to do it again.” - Mahogonney Hooper
“Had a blast! Can’t wait to do it again.” - Mahogonney Hooper
WHy We’re teaching free sustainable sewing classes
We offer free sustainable sewing classes to empower our community with creativity, practical skills, and economic opportunities; while promoting environmental awareness through upcycling. By providing hands-on learning and free sewing machines, we help participants build confidence, express themselves, and explore sewing as a trade or source of income.
“At the conclusion of the class, all nine of the group of new sewers got to take home their very own sewing machine after making a pair of unisex pajama bottoms. Many were eager to start their own projects at home.”
FAQs
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Our classes are open to everyone, including youth, elders, and families in the community. No prior sewing experience needed.
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Yes! Thanks to generous donations and community support, all sessions are completely free for participants.
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Participants learn how to sew, mend, and upcycle fabrics into useful or creative pieces, while gaining skills in sustainable sewing techniques.
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Classes for each cohort run for 4-5 weeks, meeting once a week for 3 hours.
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You can join our waitlist by clicking here. We will reach out to you once a seat opens up.
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Yes, you can register friends or family members, but you must fill out a separate form for each participant.
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We’ll add you to our waiting list and notify you when the next seat opens.
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Definitely! We’d love to partner for hosting, sponsoring, or supporting our sewing cohorts. Please fill out this form.
Interested in supporting us?
Whether you’re passionate about teaching, want to sponsor a cohort, donate materials, or collaborate with our programs, there are many ways to get involved with Sewn Together. Your support helps us provide free sustainable sewing classes, empower participants with creative and economic skills, and promote community and environmental impact.
Join us in making a lasting difference! Every contribution, big or small, helps threads of change come together.
Partner
Donate
volunteer
Donate Sewing Supplies To Sewn Together
Drop-off or Pick Up Available in Oakland
All materials will go directly to youth, elders, and families learning to sew, mend, and upcycle as a form of expression, healing, and community building.
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We accept:
Fabric Scraps (any size, shape, or texture)
Full Fabric Yards or Rolls
Thread (any color)
Sewing Machine Needles (especially Brother compatible)
Hand Sewing Needles
Pins, Scissors, Seam Rippers
Pillow Stuffing / Polyfill
Bias Tape, Elastic, and Trims
Working Sewing Machinestion text goes here
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Yes! We welcome all sizes, shapes, and textures of fabric scraps, as well as new fabric.
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Absolutely - we accept sewing machine that are both in good working condition or needs to be fixed. At SNE Cares, we value sustainability and repair.
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We have drop-off and pick-up available in Oakland. Contact us to arrange the best option.