Have unworn clothes, fabric remnants, or unfinished sewing projects tucked away? Instead of letting them go to waste, discover how to transform them into unique, practical pieces you'll be proud to use or wear.
In this hands-on upcycling course, you'll learn creative techniques for giving existing textiles a second life while building your sewing skills and confidence. Working with reclaimed fabrics and garments, you'll explore how to deconstruct, redesign, and reconstruct materials into something both functional and beautiful.
Across four sessions, you'll complete one or more substantial upcycling projects while progressively building your skills. Beginning with garment deconstruction and fabric recovery, you'll move on to techniques such as patchwork, appliqué, creative fabric manipulation, and reconstruction, developing the confidence to plan, design, and complete your own sustainable sewing projects.
Whether you're looking to reduce textile waste, refresh your wardrobe, or simply enjoy a more creative approach to sewing, you'll leave with new skills, fresh inspiration, and techniques you can continue using at home.
Get inspired by these upcycling projects
Learning outcomes
By the end of this Sustainable Sewing & Upcycling course, participants will have developed practical skills and knowledge in areas such as:
Understanding the principles of textile upcycling and sustainable sewing
Identifying garments and fabrics with potential for creative reuse
Deconstructing clothing to recover usable fabrics, trims and notions
Applying techniques such as patchwork, appliqué and fabric manipulation
Planning and completing original upcycled sewing projects
Selecting appropriate materials and construction methods for reclaimed textiles
Developing practical approaches to reducing textile waste through sewing
Course content
What will be covered in this Sustainable Sewing & Upcycling course?
During the course, participants will be guided through key concepts, techniques and approaches that typically include:
Exploring the principles of upcycling, recycling and downcycling in textile crafts
Assessing garments and fabrics for reuse, and recovering usable materials and trims
Learning garment deconstruction techniques and preparing reclaimed fabrics for sewing
Planning and constructing original upcycled projects using patchwork, appliqué, fabric manipulation and creative reconstruction techniques
Combining fabrics, drafting simple pattern pieces, assembling projects and applying professional finishing techniques
Exploring practical strategies for sustainable sewing and reducing textile waste in future projects
Content may vary slightly depending on class pace, participant interests, and instructor approach.
Intended audience
Who is this Sustainable Sewing & Upcycling course for?
This course is suitable for confident beginners and intermediate sewers with basic machine sewing skills who are interested in sustainable fashion, textile reuse, and creative garment transformation.
It's ideal for anyone wanting to reduce textile waste, refresh their wardrobe, or develop more creative and environmentally conscious sewing practices.
2A Gordon Street, Rozelle NSW 2039 (corner of Gordon St & Victoria Rd on the grounds of St. Joseph's Church)
Accessibility: This class takes place in an upper-level room accessible by stairs only. The lift is currently out of service. We apologise for any inconvenience.
Course materials
What to bring
Sewing machine (optional – machines available at class)
Thread, bobbins, and machine needles
Fabric scissors and snips
Glass-head pins
Rotary cutter and self-healing mat (optional)
A3 paper, pencil and sticky tape for pattern drafting
Old garments, household textiles, fabric remnants, trims, and other materials suitable for upcycling
Light to medium weight iron-on interfacing
Additional information
Please note the following:
Please wear closed-toe shoes for safety
If bringing your own machine, ensure it is in good working order
Please note this class takes place on the second floor and is only accessible by stairs
$309Limited
inc GST
/
$247.20
/
$262.60
/
$278.10
Sustainable Sewing & Upcycling Course
<p>Reimagine your wardrobe and sew more sustainably with our <a href="https://www.sydneycommunitycollege.edu.au/courses/textiles-fashion">sewing & textiles short courses</a> in Sydney!</p>
Accessibility: This class takes place in an upper-level room accessible by stairs only. The lift is currently out of service. We apologise for any inconvenience.
Public transport is available from Victoria Road and Darling Street. We cannot guarantee that there will be parking available onsite due to the limited number of spaces. On weekdays, there are 11 onsite car spaces available for free parking. On weeknights and weekends, 15 onsite car spaces are available for free parking. There is also free council parking on the corner of Evans Street and Victoria Road. The surrounding street parking is limited as it is a residential area. Please be mindful of residents if parking on the surrounding streets.
