ABOUT THE STUDIO
Little Stitch Studio is a sewing and design studio where technique, construction, and fashion studies come together.
Students learn to sew with intention, developing technical skill alongside an understanding of how garments are designed, constructed, and worn.
A DIFFERENT APPROACH
More than a traditional sewing class, the studio is grounded in a fashion studies approach.
Students are introduced to the principles of design, textile awareness, and the language of garments—building a foundation that supports both creative exploration and technical growth.
Whether a student is new to sewing or advancing their skills, the focus remains the same: thoughtful construction, careful observation, and the development of an individual point of view.
MEET HILARIE
Hilarie founded Little Stitch Studio to create a space where students learn to sew with intention; developing strong technical skills alongside an understanding of fashion as a design discipline.
With decades of experience in sewing and design, her teaching emphasizes construction, material awareness, and the development of an individual creative voice.
She has completed advanced training in haute couture dressmaking techniques with Javier Martín through the Cristóbal Balenciaga Museoa, reinforcing an approach grounded in precision, structure, and craftsmanship.
In the studio, students are guided through a process that reflects how designers work. Learning to observe, think critically, and create with purpose.
BACKGROUND & EXPERIENCE
I like to say that I began sewing before I could properly read. At four years old, my grandmother helped me create my first project—a bright yellow purse embroidered with my initials in Schiaparelli pink yarn.
That early experience sparked a lifelong passion for sewing, fashion, and creativity.
Throughout my childhood, I spent countless hours making clothes and accessories for my dolls, Barbies, and eventually, myself.
My grandmother, who owned a plant nursery, encouraged my creativity and even gave me space to sell my handmade pieces alongside hers—an early introduction to both design and entrepreneurship
.By high school, I was designing custom dresses for cotillions and proms. I began my formal studies at The Shannon Rodgers and Jerry Silverman School of Fashion Design and Merchandising at Kent State University, and later continued at Sweet Briar College, where I focused on Art History and the History of Costume through portraiture. While Sweet Briar did not offer a formal fashion program, its theater department provided valuable experience in costume design, complemented by internships with Tom Platt and Linda Platt in New York, and Meg’s Swimwear in Virginia Beach.
After graduation, I launched my own lines of women’s clothing and accessories, overseeing design, production, and boutique sales. My work expanded to include swimwear, custom bridal, and collaborations with other designers.
Drawing from these experiences, I founded Little Stitch Studio with a focus on fashion education. I am the author of Sew Bags: The Practical Guide to Making Purses, Totes, Clutches & More (2019), published by C&T/Stash, and have developed a collection of sewing patterns and teaching resources.
My practice continues to evolve through both teaching and ongoing study. I have completed a certificate program from FIT in Sustainable Design, as well as advanced training in haute couture dressmaking techniques with Javier Martin through the Cristóbal Balenciaga Museoa, reinforcing an approach grounded in precision, structure, and craftsmanship.
Today, I teach sewing and design in a studio setting that emphasizes both technical skill and creative development. I am a member of The Costume Society of America and the Association of Sewing and Design Professionals, and a BERNINA Brand Ambassador. My work has been featured on WHRV’s Hearsay with Cathy Lewis and PBS’s Creative Living, and in Sew News and Love Sewing magazines.
Little Stitch Studio reflects my lifelong commitment to creative education, offering a space where students learn to sew with intention and engage with fashion as both craft and design.
Today, Little Stitch Studio offers a thoughtful, process-driven approach to sewing and design education.
Through small classes and a studio-based environment, students gain the skills, confidence, and perspective to create with intention, developing a foundation that can grow with them over time.
I’m proud to be a BERNINA Ambassador.