Drape and Dazzle: Hosting a Successful Apparel Class with Batik Rayon

Batik rayon has all the makings of a shop owner’s secret weapon: it’s soft, drapey, vibrant, and gives customers a reason to sew beyond the quilt. Hosting an apparel class is a great way to introduce batik rayon into your shop, diversify your offerings, and help your customers expand their sewing confidence.

If you’re thinking about adding an apparel class to your calendar, here are a few tips to help you set it up for success—from prep to follow-up.

Why Apparel, Why Now?

Apparel brings something new to your shop without veering too far from what your customers already love: beautiful fabric and the satisfaction of creating something from scratch. Batik rayon offers a perfect entry point—it’s lightweight, breathable, and has just enough structure to make it approachable for beginners. Plus, the colors and prints practically sell themselves.

Apparel also opens the door to new customer types. While quilting may not appeal to everyone, the chance to make a beautiful handmade garment often does. It’s a great way to get garment-curious quilters (and their friends!) through your doors.

Planning Your Class Like a Pro

Start with a pattern that’s simple, stylish, and doesn’t require lots of fit adjustments—think infinity scarves, lounge pants, robes, wrap skirts, or summer swim suit coverups – all perfect for summer! Choose something your customers will want to wear again and again.

Decide on your class format: will this be a 2-3 hour workshop or a multi-day class? Either can work, depending on your customer base. Be sure to prep fabric kits in advance using your batik rayon—you’ll not only make the class smoother for students, but you’ll also boost fabric sales in the process.

Don’t forget to list out the tools they’ll need (scissors, pins, a sewing machine, etc.) and have extras available for purchase. And plan to include some instruction on handling rayon—tips like using a fine needle and pressing seams gently.

Marketing the Class Beforehand

This is your time to shine! Rather than focusing on the technical sewing side, spotlight the experience—learning something new, walking away with a wearable piece, and doing it all in a fun and supportive environment.

Use social media to build excitement. Show off the fabric, model the finished garment, and share sneak peeks of the kit. If possible, take a short video of the fabric in motion—that drape sells itself! You can also offer early bird pricing or a bring-a-friend bonus to drive signups.

Email marketing is also a must. Send a class announcement to your full list and consider a follow-up email just to those who’ve taken classes before. A personal note about how excited you are to teach this class can go a long way.

Follow-Up That Fuels Loyalty

The end of class isn’t the end of the story. Send a follow-up email with class photos, a thank you message, and maybe a discount code to encourage a return visit.

Invite students to share photos of their finished garments on social media and tag your shop—you might even start a hashtag for your class series. And don’t forget to invite them to your next class!

Feedback is gold. Ask what they loved and what they’d like to try next. You might uncover a whole new set of opportunities for growing your class offerings.

Bonus Tip: Keep the Momentum Going

Display your rayon apparel samples in-store to keep the class buzz alive. Add a sign that says, “As seen in our Apparel Class!” and include class photos nearby. Consider bundling rayon with the pattern used in class for easy DIY kits.

Hosting an apparel class with batik rayon can be more than just a one-time event—it can be the beginning of a new community within your shop. Empower your customers to wear what they make, and they’ll keep coming back for fabric, ideas, and inspiration!

Industry Insight

Karen Gibbs, VP of Batiks at Riley Blake Designs

This is a mother/daughter opportunity, but also a birthday party opportunity. I had a creative birthday party for my second child, Madison. They all created garments and had so much fun doing a runway walk at the end! They all then wore them to school the next day–have to admit, I sent duct tape along, just in case 🙂