Sew Coastal
Surf City
Topsail Island, North Carolina
Master the art of sewing by the sea
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Surf City
Master the art of sewing by the sea
Sewing lessons for every skill level, in the heart of Topsail Island.
From your first stitch to refining advanced techniques, Sew Coastal offers personalized, one-on-one, or small group instruction in a relaxed coastal setting. Learn at your pace, build real skills and create pieces you'll actually love with confidence.
Whether you're brand new to sewing, dusting off a machine that's been sitting idle, or ready to level up your skills, Sew Coastal offers personalized, hands-on instruction for every stage of your creative journey.
Located in the laid-back coastal town of Surf City on Topsail Island, lessons are tailored to your pace, your goals, and your style—set against a breezy, inspiring backdrop that makes learning feel effortless.
Founded and led by Barbara Wesselman, Sew Coastal blends years of sewing experience, creative design and making with a genuine love of teaching. From mastering your machine to creating projects and garments you're proud to wear, you'll be guided with patience, expertise, and encouragement—every stitch of the way.
Classes are small (max 4), spots are limited—sign up today!
From complete beginners to experienced sewers seeking new techniques
Private and small group sessions designed around your availability
Create in a peaceful island setting that sparks creativity
Our comprehensive sewing lessons cover everything from machine basics to advanced techniques. Each session is personalized to help you achieve your creative goals.
Mastering your sewing machine with in-depth instruction on all parts of the machine; threading, tension, stitches, bobbins and maintenance. You'll leave with a stitch book you've created and the confidence to use your machine with mastery results. As well, you'll gain understanding of sewing notions and tools.
Private & Small Group – it starts hereMaster essential skills, stitches, seams, hems and basic project construction. You should be comfortable with the basic operations of your machine, or completed Machine Parts & Functions—perfect for newer sewers. Basic project construction.
Perfect for newer sewersWhile primarily functional, pockets can also be an integral design feature that elevates a garment from ordinary to interesting. Add style and flair to anything you make. Zippers are incredibly great because they offer strong, reliable, and convenient fastening, revolutionizing clothing and gear by providing easy access, a secure closure, and even decorative elements. Leave this class with the ability to add pockets and or zippers to existing clothes as well as new creations.
Skill BuildingLearn to upcycle: alter, enhance, update and restyle garments for a unique, fresh look or perfect fit! The possibilities are endless! Artistic, sustainable and fun! Thrifter? Tired of your wardrobe? This class is for you. Give textiles a new life, reduce waste and express personal style.
Sustainable FashionWatch for special project classes that are scheduled throughout the year! From hats to specialty bags, wardrobe basics, children's clothes & costume pieces, we will be offering innovative classes you won't want to miss!!!
Level UpEmail, text or call to reserve your spot! Non-refundable deposit required.
Bring your sewing machine, zipper foot, bobbins and all purpose thread (we have a few machines you may reserve if you don't have one).
Mastering your sewing machine with in-depth instruction on all parts of the machine; threading, tension, stitches, bobbins and maintenance. You'll leave with a stitch book you've created and the confidence to use your machine with mastery results. As well, you'll gain understanding of sewing notions and tools.
$100Mastering your sewing machine with in-depth instruction on all parts of the machine; threading, tension, stitches, bobbins and maintenance. You'll leave with a stitch book you've created and the confidence to use your machine with mastery results.
$75Become a HATTER! Sew a super-fun, reversible bucket hat! Style it your own way! Pattern and fabric included (1 hat) basic sewing machine skills required. Perfect for beach days, everyday wear or gifting. Learn how to size your hat, mix fabrics and finish your hat with pro-looking details. Just bring your machine skills and your creativity.
$60Become a HATTER! Sew a super-fun, reversible bucket hat! Style it your own way! Pattern and fabric included (1 hat) basic sewing machine skills required. Perfect for beach days, everyday wear or gifting.
$60Become a HATTER! Sew a super-fun, reversible bucket hat! Style it your own way! Pattern and fabric included (1 hat) basic sewing machine skills required. Perfect for beach days, everyday wear or gifting.
$60Master essential skills, stitches, seams, hems and basic project construction. You should be comfortable with the basic operations of your machine, or completed Machine Parts & Functions—perfect for newer sewers. Basic project construction.
$100Mastering your sewing machine with in-depth instruction on all parts of the machine; threading, tension, stitches, bobbins and maintenance. You'll leave with a stitch book you've created and the confidence to use your machine with mastery results.
$100Learn to upcycle: alter, enhance, update and restyle garments for a unique, fresh look or perfect fit! The possibilities are endless! Artistic, sustainable and fun! Thrifter? Tired of your wardrobe? This class is for you. Give textiles a new life, reduce waste and express personal style.
$110Wine bag, organizer or zippered pouch from an old pair of JEANS!!!!! Bring an old pair of jeans (or a thrifted pair—the bigger the better—more fabric!!!) and choose from 4+ examples of reuse projects. Make a snazzy wine bag, a handy wall organizer loaded with pockets, or a zippered pocketed denim wallet. Or choose a utility apron—I use mine for sewing notions! If you have ideas, I'm happy to help you draft a design and pattern. We should be able to complete 2 projects, but you'll receive instructions for them all.
$80Learn to upcycle: alter, enhance, update and restyle garments for a unique, fresh look or perfect fit! The possibilities are endless! Artistic, sustainable and fun! Thrifter? Tired of your wardrobe? This class is for you. Give textiles a new life, reduce waste and express personal style.
$110Classes are designed for mature students.
Sew Fun!!!!!
Barbara Wesselman is an AMAZING sewing instructor. I learned from her when I was in high school and it began my strong skill set that eventually landed me work in television & film. She blends patience and humor in a way that her students don't even realize how much they are learning. I wish I could start over again with her, I highly recommend her skills!!
In high school, I was lucky enough to end up in Mrs. Wesselman's costuming class. From her, I learned how to sew and iron, how clothes are actually put together, how fabric behaves, and how to take old garments and turn them into something completely new. I kept learning from her even after high school, and because of her, I learned how to make things with real confidence. Even now, I'm still sewing!
Years later, she reworked my wedding dress, beading and all, with incredible care and precision. She's not only a master maker, but a truly generous teacher. More than 25 years after I first met her, I still call her with my sewing questions.
If you think you're "bad at sewing," or that you'll never get the hang of it, I promise you: Barbara will show you otherwise.
Ms. Barbara Wesselman is truly a treasure. I am so thankful for the opportunity to have had her as my teacher at Northwest School of the Arts. She consistently goes above and beyond for her students—academically, socially, and emotionally—often in the moments when they need it most.
Her tough love, dedication, and behind-the-scenes work left a lasting impact on me and so many others. She even gave me my first opportunity to travel to NYC, an experience I will always treasure. I learned so much from her—lessons I still use to this day—and her influence reaches far beyond the classroom. Our school and community were stronger because of her presence.
Mrs. Wesselman taught me how to sew from the ground up. When I first met her, I didn't even know how a sewing machine worked, but through her classes I quickly learned how to create everything from bags to clothing.
She brings years of experience across multiple industries and has a deep understanding of sewing from mass-market production to ready-to-wear. I also gained valuable knowledge about textiles, costume design, and the history of sewing through her instruction.
Because of Mrs. Wesselman's teaching, I am confident in my sewing skills today and even had the opportunity to work professionally as a tailor performing alterations on firefighting bunker gear for a government subcontractor. I am truly grateful for everything she taught me.
If you want to learn not just the mechanics but also the creativity and joy behind sewing, Sew Coastal is where you should start and Barbara Wesselman is the perfect teacher to guide you. I can't recommend her enough!
She taught me everything I know about textiles and the art of sewing while making an incredible and lasting impact on my life. She patiently guided me through countless costume projects and taught me to master the sewing machine with confidence.
The lessons I learned were more than sewing, but genuinely a patient and crafty approach to life.
I am delighted to recommend Barbara Wesselman as an exceptional sewing teacher. Barbara brings not only technical skill and knowledge to her instruction, but also warmth, patience, and an encouraging spirit that makes students feel immediately at ease.
Her teaching style is clear, organized, and approachable. She breaks down complex techniques into manageable steps, ensuring that beginners feel confident while also challenging more advanced students to grow. Barbara has a natural ability to meet each student where they are, offering guidance that is both constructive and uplifting.
What truly sets Barbara apart is her kindness and enthusiasm. She creates a welcoming, supportive learning environment where creativity can flourish. Students leave her classes not only with improved sewing skills but also with a sense of accomplishment and pride in their work.
Barbara Wesselman is a talented, dedicated, and truly admirable sewing teacher, and I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone seeking to learn or refine their sewing skills.
Barbara Wesselman is the kind of teacher and person you don't forget! She brings so much energy, creativity, and heart into everything she does. She's incredibly talented and her sewing has always inspired me. She has a way of making people feel comfortable and confident.
To be completely honest, I may have not even graduated high school without her. Barbara continued to believe in me after high school and chose to recruit me with an amazing job at Queens College during the summer, teaching young girls to sew.
It's been a while since my last sewing project… might sign up for her class!
Ready to start your sewing journey? Fill out the form below or reach out directly. We'd love to hear from you!