I learned in high school. I think it was my senior year. It wasn't home ec but a class devoted just to sewing for one semester. I made a skirt and one piece jumpsuit (they were very popular in the 70's LOL) I immediately fell in love with sewing. (and yes we called all fabric material then as well!)
I was already working at the time in JC Penney catalog dept. Someone returned a sewing machine so I set it aside for myself and bought it. It was my graduation gift to myself. There was absolutely nothing wrong with it, I guess the person just decided they didn't want it? I still have that old sewing machine. It is my backup in case my Bernina needs to go in the shop.