Free Machine Sewing Workshop: Make a Tote Bag

Most of us own a tote bag we never chose. On Saturday, October 24, the Friends of Silver Lake Library are offering a way to own one you made yourself. This free workshop teaches the fundamentals of sewing on a machine, and you walk out with a finished bag. If you are collecting things to do in Los Angeles that cost nothing and leave you with something useful, this is a good one.

When: Saturday, October 24, 2026, 10 AM to 2 PM Where: Silver Lake Branch Library, 2411 Glendale Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90039 Price: Free, RSVP required

What to expect

The workshop is built for people who have never threaded a machine, and for anyone whose skills have gone rusty. The organizers describe it as a hands-on introduction to the basics, so expect to spend most of your time actually sewing instead of watching a demonstration. The photo from the event page shows a community room with long tables and a sewing machine at each seat, which tells you the format: everyone works at their own station and gets a turn at the controls.

A tote bag is a smart first project. It is made from a few straight seams, which means you practice the core skills (guiding fabric, keeping a steady line, finishing an edge) without wrestling with curves or zippers. By the end you have a bag you can use the same afternoon.

The event page does not list a supply list, so check it before you go. If you have questions about what to bring, the organizer contact is on the Eventbrite listing.

Why the library

Branch libraries around the city host far more than book lending. Classes like this one are a low-pressure way to try a craft before you spend money on equipment. Silver Lake is also a neighborhood with a long tradition of independent makers, vintage shops and small studios, so a sewing class here fits right in. Pair it with a walk around the reservoir or lunch on Sunset Boulevard and you have a full day.

Practical info

Registration goes through Eventbrite, and RSVP is required, so claim a spot early. Free classes tend to fill up, and a handful of machines means a limited number of seats. If your plans change, release your spot so someone on the waitlist can take it.

Street parking around Glendale Boulevard can be tight on weekends, so allow extra time or take the bus. Arrive a few minutes before 10 AM so you can settle in and pick a station.

Looking for more to fill the weekend? Browse our arts and culture listings for other classes and shows, or see what else is happening in Silver Lake. Whether you need a gift, a grocery bag or just a new skill, this Saturday workshop is an easy yes among the LA events this weekend.