Sewing Classes: Finding Calm (and Community) at FOF's Aftenskolernes Hus in Nordvest

Tucked away in the heart of Nordvest, Aftenskolernes Hus is one of those rare places where creativity, community, and calm come together. Opened in April 2024, the space is home to a wide range of evening and weekend classes—from woodworking to jewelry making, baking, music, pilates, and even summer camps for kids. But for me, it’s where I found something I didn’t know I was missing: the joy of learning a hands-on skill.

I joined my first sewing class with FOF (Folkeligt Oplysningsforbund) back in November and have since moved on to their next-level course, Sewing with Prior Skills. FOF offers classes in over 80 municipalities across Denmark, and more than 250,000 people sign up every year. But it’s not just the scale that’s impressive—it’s the atmosphere.

Unlike many of the language or theory-heavy courses I’ve taken in the past, sewing offers something deeply restorative. Using my hands after a long day of screen-based work is not just productive—it’s genuinely relaxing. There’s something incredibly satisfying about repairing a favorite shirt or transforming an old garment into something completely new.

The class is taught by Alexandra Hartmann, founder of the sustainable fashion brand Hôtel Vêtements. Beyond being a talented designer, Alexandra is a fantastic teacher—calm, encouraging, and full of helpful insight. And she’s not the only one. I’ve spoken to other teachers at Aftenskolernes Hus, and they all seem deeply passionate about passing on their knowledge and supporting personal growth through craft and creativity.

It’s empowering to gain a skill that feels both timeless and useful. I’m still far from calling myself a seamstress, but the ability to mend or even make clothing feels like a small kind of magic—and a powerful step toward living more sustainably.

If Nordvest isn’t your neighborhood, FOF also offers sewing (and many other) classes in locations across Copenhagen, including Carlsberg Byen. But if you're looking for a relaxed, welcoming place to learn something new—something you can hold in your hands and feel proud of—this little corner of Nordvest is a very good place to start.