Student sewing with upcycled fabric in a sustainable fashion workshop
AU$309.00
Next: Thu, 19 Feb 9:30AM (AEDT)

Sustainable Sewing & Upcycling


Learn sustainable sewing and creative upcycling with this hands-on textiles course in Sydney. Bring your old clothes, fabric scraps, or unfinished sewing projects and transform them into something new and useful. This course focuses on reducing textile waste through upcycling, while building your technical and creative skills.

Over four sessions, you'll learn how to deconstruct garments, identify reusable fabrics, and use techniques like patchworking, slashing, and appliqué. Projects may include turning old jeans into tote bags or repurposing scraps into cushion covers or wall hangings. You'll also gain insight into zero-waste sewing practices that can be applied well beyond the classroom.

Led by a fashion industry professional and sustainability advocate, this course is ideal for anyone with basic sewing experience looking to explore eco-friendly fashion practices in a supportive and inspiring environment.

Course Outline

  • Understanding upcycling, recycling, downcycling, and evaluating material reuse potential
  • Deconstructing old garments to harvest usable parts
  • Designing and executing personalized upcycled sewing projects
  • Applying creative sewing techniques and zero-waste strategies
  • Finalizing and presenting handmade pieces for feedback and discussion

Schedule & Pricing

  • Start Date: 19 February 2026
  • End Date: 12 March 2026
  • Time: Thursdays, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
  • Duration: 4 sessions
  • Location: Sydney Community College, Rozelle
  • Price: $309

Details

3 hours

You will learn

  • Identify and evaluate textiles for upcycling
  • Deconstruct garments to reuse fabric and trims
  • Apply creative techniques like appliqué and patchwork

You will get

  • Hands-on instruction from a sustainability-focused fashion expert
  • Two upcycled sewing projects to take home
  • Knowledge of zero-waste and sustainable sewing practices

Appropriate for

Confident beginners with basic sewing skills who want to explore sustainable fashion and upcycling projects.


Preparation

What to bring

  • Old garments, scraps, trims and interfacing material
  • Basic sewing tools (thread, scissors, pins)
  • Optional: Your own working sewing machine

What to wear

Closed-toe shoes required for safety


Your Teacher

Sydney Community College

Sydney Community College

38 reviews

Sydney Community College is a registered charity with a voluntary Board of Directors

The College has a mission to offer innovative continuing adult education and training programmes that support individual efforts and facilitate sustainable social change.

We do this by:

  • Providing quality continuing adult education opportunities for people to build practical and theoretical skills and develop knowledge;
  • Leveraging from and developing community capacity and inclusivity;
  • Developing innovative affordable and accessible skills training programmes;
  • Partnering with like organisations to deliver learning opportunities for disadvantaged individuals and communities;
  • Partnering with all levels of government to deliver education policy objectives.

Terms

Cancellations & Refunds

If the organiser cancels the class:

You are entitled to a full refund.

If you can't attend the class:

You’re welcome to send someone in your place.

OR

  • A refund can be requested 10 days before class starts. An admin fee of AU$45.00 applies.

Terms & Conditions

At Sydney Community College, we know that plans can change unexpectedly. Whether it’s a shift in your schedule, a family emergency, or just a change of heart, we want to support you in the fairest way possible.  

At the same time, we’re a not-for-profit organisation that commits resources to running each class—so last-minute cancellations can significantly impact our ability to offer quality, affordable programs.

That’s why we’ve created a simple, transparent policy that balances your need for flexibility with our need to plan and deliver courses sustainably.  Our cancellation policy offers two clear options, depending on when you notify us:

Cancel More Than 10 Days Before the Course Starts – You can choose to receive a full refund, minus a $45 administration fee OR a non-refundable credit note valid for 12 months for the full value you paid for the course. This credit can be used towards any future course at the College. 

 Option 2: Cancel Within 10 Days of the Course Starting - You’ll receive a credit note valid for 12 months for 50% of the course fee you paid for the course. This credit can be used towards any future course at the College. 

Please note that both refund and credit options are only available before the course begins. Once the course has started—or if you decide to withdraw after it has commenced—no refunds or credits can be issued.  If you need to cancel your enrolment, just email us and we’ll take care of it based on the timelines above.

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