Sewing Inquiry #1

For my inquiry project, I decided to learn how to sew.

When we talk about technology in education, we tend to think about software, apps, AI, and robotics. But a sewing machine is technology, too. It transforms raw materials into something functional through a blend of precision, patience, and problem-solving.

My sewing experience is minimal. I’ve hand-sewn before, and I vaguely remember sewing in middle school home ec, but that’s about it. Still, there’s something appealing about learning a skill that feels both practical and creative. For teachers, sewing can be a way to make classroom resources at a lower cost: pillows for a reading corner, curtains, and fabric manipulatives. It also supports fine motor skill development and invites a slower, more intentional kind of learning and making.

To begin, I gathered my supplies. I unearthed an old sewing machine from a storage bin (leftover from a brief but intense phase at thirteen when I was convinced I was going to become a fashion designer). I never actually learned how to set it up back then, so the machine sat unused. This time, I’m hoping to stick with it.

My first project is curtains, which felt deceptively simple until I started researching. I quickly learned that curtains are anything but straightforward. There are countless styles, hanging methods, pleating options, and fabric choices. I stumbled across this list of twenty-one different types of curtains: https://www.thespruce.com/types-of-curtains-7094586. Aaaand down the rabbit hole I go! I used google, reddit, and youtube to learn everything I could about different curtains. I got a lot of information from Reynard Lowell on YouTube:

After learning about all the different options for curtains, I went to Fabricland and chose a cotton–polyester blend with a linen look. It felt like the best of all worlds: durable, affordable, and aesthetically calm. I decided on a ceiling-mounted track because I prefer hidden hardware, and because it adds another layer of technical consideration to the project. Then came the math.

I have twelve yards of fabric and three windows to cover:

• 83” long by 50” wide (two panels)
• 83” long by 50” wide (two panels)
• 83” long by 89” wide (two panels)

Because I want the curtains to fit perfectly, I decided not to use a pre-made pattern. Instead, I turned to AI to help me design a custom one. There are plenty of curtain patterns available online, but none quite matched what I needed. I asked ChatGPT to help me calculate panel sizes, hem allowances, and extra fabric for fullness and drape. This is the cutting information ChatGPT gave me:

Using AI in this way felt aligned with the inquiry process; AI was my collaborator. I still had to make decisions, check measurements, and understand the logic behind the suggestions. It’s an interesting way to support learning that we now have access to.

Before I can start cutting, though, there’s still important prep work to do. Next up is washing, drying, and ironing all twelve yards of fabric. After that, I’ll need to learn how to prepare my panels and, finally, thread the sewing machine.

That part feels daunting. But it also feels like the point.