A growing interest in thrifting, vintage clothing and hands-on hobbies is helping bring sewing back into style — and Needle & Thread Sewing Academy founder Brenda Clesi is seeing that interest firsthand.
Clesi recently began offering ongoing sewing classes for adults after years of receiving requests from people interested in learning the skill. The response was stronger than she expected: the first adult group has already filled, and she is now accepting participants for a second group with six available spots.
“I’ve taught adults here and there over the years through private lessons and workshops, and I kept having adults ask me about regular classes,” Clesi said. “I finally thought, why not? Adults need a creative outlet too!”
Clesi said she believes sewing is gaining popularity again, particularly among people in their 30s and 40s.
Thrifting and the search for vintage clothing have become increasingly popular, she said, and people often want the skills to alter a secondhand piece to fit or transform it into something new.
“People find these great pieces and want to know how to alter them to fit or upcycle them into something they’ll actually wear,” Clesi said.
She said the renewed interest also goes beyond clothing.
“There’s also something satisfying about putting your phone down, sitting at a sewing machine and actually making something with your own hands,” she said. “I think people are looking for ways to slow down, be creative and connect with other people again. Sewing gives you all of that.”
The adult classes meet every other week for two hours and cost $60 per class, or $120 a month. A $150 registration and supply fee covers fabric, thread and materials for regular class projects, as well as shared sewing tools and notions.
Students do not need any sewing experience or even their own sewing machine. Clesi provides machines and basic tools and supplies, although participants who have their own machines may bring them to class.
Clesi said her goal is for participants to become comfortable using a sewing machine and develop practical sewing skills, but she also wants the classes to provide adults with a place to relax and connect.
“We joke that our classes are based on the three S’s — sewing, socializing and snacking,” she said. “I want them to have a couple of hours where they can relax, laugh, be creative and enjoy being around other adults.”
The adult program is the latest expansion for Needle & Thread Sewing Academy. What began as a small group of children learning to sew has since grown into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. For its 2026–2027 “Chaos Couture” year, 26 children and teens are registered.
As the academy has grown, Clesi has also expanded its class format. Classes now run for two hours and can include up to eight students, providing more time for instruction and one-on-one help.
“While I definitely want them learning to sew, Needle & Thread has always been about more than just sewing,” Clesi said. “The confidence, creativity, friendships and life skills they gain along the way are just as important.”
She hopes the adult classes can provide some of those same benefits.
“Sewing really can be therapy,” Clesi said. “If they leave having learned something new, made a few new friends and are already looking forward to the next class, then I’ve done what I set out to do.”