Three Days of Thread, Creativity, and Confidence at a Local School
Right before Christmas break, two members of the Sugarcane Studios team (our sewing studio’s sister business) had the absolute joy of spending three full days at Franklin School of Innovation in Asheville, North Carolina as part of the school’s annual intensive program—and we’re still smiling about it.
Over the course of the class, we worked with 24 students in 5th through 8th grade, each coming in with a different level of experience and curiosity. For some, this was their very first time holding a needle or sitting down at a sewing machine. For others, sewing was already a spark they loved and were excited to explore more deeply. That mix made the room buzz with energy from the very beginning.
Day One: We Began with Hand stitching
We kicked things off by talking about why sewing matters—how clothing is made, how skills like sewing connect us to history, and how something as simple as a needle and thread has shaped the world. The students learned basic hand stitches like sewing on buttons, running stitches, chain stitches, and knots. There was something really special about watching them slow down, focus, and realize, “I can actually do this.”
They also watched videos and learned about the invention of the sewing machine—and just how massive of an innovation it truly was. (Spoiler alert: it didn’t just speed things up, it changed labor, fashion, and daily life around the world.)
Day Two: Machines, Totes, and Big Wins
Next came the sewing machines. The students measured, cut, and sewed their very own tote bags, learning how to safely and confidently use a machine from start to finish. One of our favorite parts? Seeing how different students gravitated toward different skills. Some loved the precision and rhythm of hand sewing, while others lit up the second they put their foot on the pedal and watched the machine come to life.
There were proud smiles, focused concentration, and more than a few “I can’t believe I made this!” moments.
Day Three: Creativity Takes Over
The final day was all about finishing projects and following curiosity. Students wrapped up their tote bags and then branched out into creative, self-directed work. One student brought in a pair of pants to hem. Others hand-embroidered designs onto their own clothing. Some decorated their bags, while others dove into fun machine projects like scrunchies and small pillows.
It was incredible to see how quickly confidence turned into creativity once they had the basics under their belts.
Why It Matters
By the end of three full days, we were happily exhausted—and deeply inspired. Introducing young people to sewing isn’t just about learning a craft. It’s about problem-solving, patience, creativity, and self-sufficiency. Our hope is that these students walk away not only with finished projects, but with the confidence to repair, adjust, and care for their own clothing—a true life skill that will serve them for years to come.
We’re so grateful to Franklin School of Innovation in Asheville, NC, for inviting us into their classrooms and for valuing hands-on, creative learning—especially during that energetic, pre-holiday week before winter break. Watching these students discover what they’re capable of—with just a little thread, fabric, and guidance—was a reminder of why we love what we do.
