Sustainable Sewing & Upcycling Course
Learn sustainable sewing and creative upcycling with our sewing and textiles short course in Sydney!
Got fabric scraps, old clothes, or half-finished sewing projects hiding at the back of your cupboard? Instead of tossing them aside, bring them along and turn them into something brand new. This upcycling sewing course is all about giving forgotten textiles a second life while building your sewing skills and confidence.
With fashion waste one of the fastest-growing environmental issues, upcycling offers a fun and empowering way to reduce your footprint. Across four hands-on sessions, you'll explore how to design and sew practical upcycled projects, deconstruct garments for reusable fabric, and experiment with sewing techniques that make discarded textiles feel fresh and stylish again.
You'll complete at least two original projects, such as transforming old jeans into a sturdy tote bag or reworking fabric scraps into a vibrant cushion cover or wall hanging. Along the way, discover zero-waste practices to keep your sewing sustainable and resourceful.
Learners with basic sewing machine skills are welcome. The course is taught by a fashion industry expert and sustainability advocate, blending technical sewing knowledge with innovative design strategies.
Course Outline
- Understanding and identifying reusable textiles, and differentiating upcycling, recycling, and downcycling
- Harvesting fabric and trims by deconstructing old garments
- Crafting upcycled projects using appliqué, patchwork, slashing, and other creative techniques
- Applying zero-waste sewing practices and decorative enhancements
- Finalising your projects and establishing ongoing sustainable sewing habits
Schedule & Pricing
- Start Date: 19 February 2026
- End Date: 12 March 2026
- Time: 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
- Location: Sydney Community College, Rozelle
- Price: $309
Additional Information
- Please wear closed-toe shoes for safety
- If bringing a sewing machine, ensure it’s in good working condition
- Classroom is on the second floor and accessible only by stairs
Details
You will learn
- Design and complete upcycled textile projects
- Apply creative sewing techniques including appliqué and patchwork
- Understand zero-waste practices in sustainable sewing
You will get
- Completed upcycled sewing projects
- Knowledge of sustainable fashion practices
- Creative sewing skills and confidence
Appropriate for
Confident beginners with basic sewing machine skills, interested in sustainable fashion and creative sewing projects
Preparation
What to bring
- Old garments, trims and upcycling materials
- Basic sewing tools and supplies
- Optional sewing machine in working condition
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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