Streaming Online Sewing Classes -- YEA or NAY?

 Readers, have you ever taken an online sewing class?

My hunch is that many (if not most) of you have.  The past few years have seen a proliferation of sewing instruction on the internet, as well as a multitude of platforms that offer them.  Originally these were individual classes one could purchase and stream for a set period, with downloadable materials included in the price as well as instructor feedback.

A few platforms that I am familiar with are Craftsy, Creativebug, and Skillshare.   The popular model today is the monthly subscription service: you pay a fixed amount per month and you can choose any class offered.  (Crafty's subscription service is called Blueprint). 

In addition to these sites, there are also individual classes available at Pattern Review and Threads Magazine.  Susan Khalje currently offers a limited number of online sewing classes on her website. 

There is also a huge amount of online sewing instruction available on YouTube.  Here's one of the more professional looking channels that I found recently, Made to Sew.  And here's a free intro to sewing from Gretchen Hirsch.

Could there be too much sewing instruction available online?  I find the choices to be overwhelming and I wonder if a shakeout down the line might be inevitable. 

When I started sewing in 2009, there was very little online instruction available and most of it consisted of relatively primitive videos on YouTube.  Of course, there were many DVD's available for purchase by well known instructors like Sandra Betzina, Kenneth King, and even older material (videos converted to DVD) by people like Margaret Islander and Roberta Carr.  I learned to sew shirts using a Margaret Islander video that served me well, Shirts, Etc.  (You can still purchase it at Islandersewing.com but it ain't cheap.)

When I purchased my first sewing machine, I depended on YouTube videos to figure out how to wind and insert a bobbin; I knew absolutely nothing about operating a sewing machine.  I also relied on sewing books, the Pattern Review discussion forums, and the aid of a long-distance sewing buddy whom I met via Pattern Review.

There are still lots of in-person classes available, schools and instructors who teach privately (including me!).  Four years ago, I started taking classes at Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) -- for me, nothing beats the in-person experience.  Naturally this opportunity is only available to those living in or near New York City.  People still travel great distances to study with Susan Khalje, Kenneth King, Thomas Von Nordheim, and others.  Aside of the benefits of a live instructor, it's fun to meet the other passionate sewers taking the class.  But it's undoubtedly much more expensive than subscribing to a site like Skillshare.

As far as online instruction, I did once sign up for a Craftsy class (lured by a promotion) that I never watched.  Other than that, I have not availed myself of any of these streaming platforms.  I have been approached to teach on them, but so far haven't jumped. 

In closing, a few questions:

1) Have you ever subscribed to a website that offered streaming sewing (or other craft) classes?  How did you choose the particular class and what was the experience like?

2) Other than the large number of class choices, is there any downside to online sewing instruction?  Could it negatively impact the number of in-person sewing classes offered around the country (and indeed the world) or, perhaps instead, help to promote sewing instruction in all its forms?

3) Finally, if you've taught an online class yourself, are they a good deal for instructors, in terms of compensation and time spent offering follow-up feedback to students?

UPDATE: This post from the Craft Industry Alliance blog largely answers Question 3.

Streaming Online Sewing Classes -- Yea or Nay?

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