Sustainable Sewing & Upcycling Course
Learn sustainable sewing and creative upcycling in this hands-on textiles course in Sydney. If you have fabric scraps, old clothes or unfinished sewing projects tucked away, bring them along and transform them into something fresh and functional.
Across four practical sessions, you will explore how to deconstruct garments, salvage usable fabric and trims, and apply innovative sewing techniques to create stylish new pieces. With fashion waste one of the fastest-growing environmental issues, this course empowers you to reduce your footprint while building confidence at the sewing machine.
You will complete at least two original projects, such as turning old jeans into a durable tote bag or transforming fabric scraps into a cushion cover or wall hanging. Guided by a fashion industry professional and sustainability advocate, you will combine technical skills with creative design thinking and leave inspired to keep reimagining your wardrobe.
Course Content
- Understanding upcycling, recycling and downcycling, and identifying reusable textiles.
- Deconstructing garments and linens to harvest fabric, trims and stabilisers.
- Designing and constructing two upcycled projects using patchwork, appliqué and decorative techniques.
- Applying zero-waste sewing strategies and sustainable finishing methods.
Schedule & Pricing
- 4-week course, 6:00pm–9:00pm sessions.
- Course fee: $309.
- Class size limited to 12 students.
Accessibility
- Classroom located on the second floor.
- Stair access only (lift currently unavailable).
Details
You will learn
- Identify and evaluate textiles suitable for upcycling projects.
- Deconstruct garments and reuse fabric and trims effectively.
- Design and complete two creative upcycled sewing projects using zero-waste techniques.
You will get
- Expert guidance from a fashion industry professional.
- Hands-on experience completing at least two upcycled projects.
- Practical sustainable sewing strategies to use at home.
Appropriate for
Confident beginners with basic sewing skills who can thread and operate a sewing machine and want to explore sustainable fashion projects.
Preparation
What to bring
- Old garments, fabric scraps and trims for upcycling.
- Basic sewing kit including thread, needles and scissors.
- Sewing machine (optional, machines available in class).
What to wear
Closed-toe shoes required
Your Teacher
Sydney Community College
38 reviewsSydney 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.
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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Sustainable Sewing & Upcycling Course
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