Fort Lauderdale sewing studio teaches students to make their own swimwear

A studio in Fort Lauderdale is encouraging fashion lovers to set aside their credit cards and pick up a needle and thread instead. At South Florida Sewing Studio, students can learn to create everything from pants and tote bags to swimwear they can wear to the beach.

Owner Giulia Mori Kattenburg describes the business as more than a classroom. "It is ultimately a creative space," she said. "We have specialty classes such as crochet, knitting. Learn those skills, as well as sewing."

Among the most popular offerings is a make-your-own bikini course, and the studio recently expanded its swimwear lineup. "We've just added make-your-own-speedo to that," Kattenburg said. Instructor Caity Burdash walked one student through a bikini bottom design, promising it would be "really cheeky and fun for the beach."

The location makes the classes a natural fit for the area. "Being here in South Florida, who doesn't want to go to the beach with their own bathing suit?" Kattenburg said.

Pricing starts at $75 for a sewing machine basics session and runs up to $325 for a three-week, three-class course known as Sewing 101, with a variety of options in between. Kattenburg said the studio offers all kinds of classes to match different interests and budgets.

During a recent session, students Riley and Zelly worked on colorful bikinis, including one in leopard print, while Burdash guided them from cutting patterns to stitching at the machine. One first-time sewer admitted to being "a little nervous," but Burdash reassured her: "Don't worry, I will be with you every step of the way."

The studio also leans on a social atmosphere to keep people coming back. "There's definitely a community vibe," Kattenburg said. "As you learn a new skill, you can make a new friend, or you could bring a friend along and enjoy the experience together."

No prior experience is required. "It is for everybody," Kattenburg said, from "someone who's never even threaded a needle or sewn a button on" to "somebody who knows how to sew but wants to take it to the next level."

South Florida Sewing Studio is located at 2629 North Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale.