Sewing Extension Course

Learn to sew with our sewing short courses in Sydney!

Ready to level up your sewing skills? If you've completed our Sewing Essentials Course—or have some prior experience with a sewing machine—this course is the perfect next step on your creative journey.

In this Sewing Extension course, you'll build on the foundations learned in Sewing Essentials, gaining confidence as you explore more advanced machine techniques and garment finishes. From inserting zippers and sewing buttonholes to mastering facings, bindings and elastic, you’ll learn skills that make a big difference in creating professional-looking pieces.

Each week you’ll practise techniques on fabric samples to build a handy reference library for future projects. You’ll then have the opportunity to apply your new skills in a simple, achievable garment project using a beginner-friendly commercial pattern.

Whether you're looking to elevate your handmade wardrobe or simply enjoy the creative process, this course is designed to help you sew with greater skill and confidence

Learning outcomes

By the end of this sewing course, you should have:

• Developed greater confidence with machine techniques and garment construction
• Gained a better understanding of professional finishing methods
• Created a library of sample techniques for future reference
• Completed a simple garment project using commercial patterns

After this course, you might like to explore our  Sewing: Patternmaking Essentials Course.

Course content

What will be covered in this Sewing Extension course?

Session 1: Facings, binding and elastic applications

• Finishing edges with facings and bindings (necklines, armholes, waistbands, etc.)
• Introduction to interfacings and fusing products
• Elastic applications for sleeves, waistbands and more

Session 2: Buttonholes and zippers

• Zipper insertion techniques
• Buttonholes, roule loops and correct button placement
• Pattern selection and fabric cutting for final project

Session 3: Garment project

• Work on a simple sewing project of your choice that incorporates some of the above techniques

Intended audience

Who is this Sewing Extension Course for?

This course is ideal for students who have completed our Sewing Essentials Course or have equivalent experience. You should be confident operating a sewing machine and following basic patterns.
This course is not suitable for absolute beginners.

Course materials

Please bring the following materials to class:

• 50cm of calico or plain medium-weight cotton
• 50cm of white lightweight fusible interfacing
• 1 pack of 12mm-wide bias binding (any colour)
• 2 reels of good quality sewing thread (e.g. Gutermann, Aurifil, Mettler) in different colours (not white, grey or black)
• 2 nylon dress zippers, 20cm long (no invisible or metal zippers)
• Fabric scissors (sharp and good quality)
• Paper scissors or thread clippers
• Tape measure (at least 120cm)
• Glass head or quilting pins
• Notebook, ruler, pen and pencil
• A sense of humour and a willingness to learn!

Needles: Standard domestic needles only—look for packaging marked 130/705 H. Size 80 or 90 is recommended for general use with sew-all thread.

Bobbins: Must be plastic and suitable for top-loading or drop-in machines. Look for packs marked compatible with Singer Drop In or Janome Drop In machines. Avoid “universal” bobbins.

Additional information

Please note the following:

• If bringing your own machine, please ensure it includes a zipper foot and buttonhole foot. It's a good idea to bring your manual too.
• For full-day classes, there will be a 30-minute lunch break midway. You’re welcome to bring your own lunch or grab something from the cafes and takeaway spots nearby on Darling Street.
• Please wear closed-in shoes for safety.