The Beauty of a Stitch

Walk through the doors of Langley Threads in downtown Visalia, and you immediately feel it. There’s a calm energy in the air, the hum of a sewing machine in the background, and the warmth of a studio that feels more like a creative retreat than a classroom. Beyond sewing lessons, this space also encourages students to slow down, reconnect, and create something meaningful with their own two hands. Langley Threads was born in 2021, when founder Hannah Rice began rethinking her role in fashion. She had spent time learning about the impact of fast fashion and the often unseen labor behind the clothes we wear every day. Long hours, unsafe conditions, and unfair wages are a harsh reality for many garment workers around the world. Hannah wanted to offer an alternative.

She began by designing and making her own clothing, with a focus on quality and care. But as the cost of materials rose, her mission evolved. Instead of making clothes for others, she started teaching people how to make their own. The result is Langley Threads, a studio built on the belief that sewing can be a powerful tool for creativity, self-reliance, and community.

“Teaching people to sew reconnects them to the value behind what they wear,” Hannah says. “Once you know how long it takes to make something, you start to look at all clothes differently. You see the labor, the skill, and the story.”

Her passion for heirloom sewing is especially evident. In a world where clothing is often treated as disposable, she teaches students how to create pieces that are meant to last, garments that can be handed down and remembered. Every stitch carries intention, every project tells a story.

But the philosophy behind Langley Threads is more than theoretical: It’s a hands-on experience designed for everyone, from curious beginners to seasoned hobbyists. The studio offers classes for kids and adults, weekend workshops, and private lessons. Students can learn everything, from how to hem a pair of pants to how to sew a garment from scratch. Every class is built around the idea that sewing is for everyone, no matter your age or background.

Hannah has watched friendships form across cutting tables and sewing machines. She has seen the quiet confidence that comes from learning something new. One of her favorite moments came during a beginner class where six first-time students arrived, unsure if they could even thread a needle. Two hours later, each person walked out having hemmed their own pants. “You could see how proud they were,” she says. “It wasn’t just about sewing. It was about doing something they didn’t think they could do.

Her studio was intentionally designed to feel soft and welcoming, with open space and natural light pouring through the windows. “I know it takes courage to step into something unfamiliar,” she says. “I want people to feel comfortable, supported, and seen the moment they walk in.”

And it shows. From the thoughtfully organized materials to the way Hannah greets each student by name, Langley Threads is a place that makes you want to stay a while.

In addition to group classes, Langley Threads recently launched a semester-long Sewing Club for kids. The program focuses on skill-building and culminates in a student-led fashion show. For adults, offerings include basics like Sewing 101, alteration classes, and creative projects. The studio is also planning to expand its lineup of adult classes in the coming months.

If you have ever been curious about sewing, this might be your sign to try it. Hannah recommends bringing a friend and jumping in together. “You’ll be surprised by how much you enjoy it,” she says. “There’s something really special about making something from start to finish with your own hands.”

To explore classes or sign up, visit langleythreads.com. Step inside

Hannah Rice

204 E Oak Ave Suite 5A, Visalia @langleythreads langleythreads.com