What you'll learn
Start your sewing journey with our sewing short courses in Sydney!
Sewing Essentials is the ideal starting point for anyone new to sewing or looking to refresh their skills. Whether you’ve never used a sewing machine or want to build confidence with the basics, this hands-on course offers a fun, practical introduction.
You'll learn to operate a sewing machine—including setup, troubleshooting, and stitch selection—while exploring essential techniques like seam and hem finishes, attaching pockets, and reading commercial patterns. You’ll also gain confidence in preparing and cutting fabric, including working with stretch, velvet, and directional prints.
To put your skills into practice, you’ll complete three beginner-friendly projects: a pincushion, a lined zippered pouch, and a pair of beautiful cotton pillowcases. Along the way, you'll develop good sewing habits and the confidence to continue sewing at home.
This course is both enjoyable and rewarding—and be warned: once you’ve made your first creation, you may just fall in love with sewing!
Learning outcomes
By the end of this Sewing Essentials course, you should be able to:
- Set up, maintain, and adjust a sewing machine
- Perform a range of basic sewing techniques
- Read and follow simple commercial sewing patterns
- Complete several beginner-friendly sewing projects
Course content
What will be covered in this Sewing Essentials course?
Session 1: Getting to know your machine
- Safe sewing practices
- Sewing machine components and how they work
- Machine setup and thread tension
- Cleaning and maintenance
- Stitch types and settings (e.g. zigzag, stitch length)
- Speed control and practice on calico
Session 2: Seams and finishes
- Six common seam types and their uses
- Six hem finishes and when to use them
Session 3: Pockets
- How to sew a basic unlined patch pocket
- How to sew a lined patch pocket
Session 4: Patterns and cutting
- Reading and understanding commercial sewing patterns
- Pattern markings and layout
- Matching fabrics with patterns
- Cutting techniques and fabric considerations (e.g. nap, stretch, directional prints)
Sessions 5 & 6: Final projects
- Project 1: A pair of cotton English-style pillowcases with internal flaps
- Project 2: A fully lined zippered pouch with boxed corners
Note:
- If you're enrolled in a 6-week evening class, you’ll complete one lesson per session.
- If you're attending a 3-week daytime class, you’ll complete two lessons per session.
Intended audience
Who is this Sewing Essentials course for?
This course is ideal for:
- Absolute beginners with no prior sewing experience
- Anyone who has basic knowledge but would like to refresh and build their confidence
Course venue
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
You’ll need to bring the following items to your first class:
- 50cm of calico (at least 120cm wide)
- One packet of two clear plastic Singer bobbins (if using a College machine—see below if bringing your own)
- Yellow glass-headed quilting pins and hand sewing needles
- Two reels of quality sewing thread in different colours (not white, cream or black)—brands such as Gutermann, Aurifil, or Mettler recommended
- One pack of 12mm bias binding in any colour
- One 8” (20cm) nylon dress zip (not metal or invisible)
- One pair of good-quality fabric cutting scissors
- One pair of small thread snips or clippers
- One pair of cheap paper scissors
- 120” (300cm) tape measure
- Notebook, ruler, pen, and pencil
- A good sense of humour!
Sewing machine:
You’re welcome to bring your own machine (if portable), along with the manual and two bobbins specific to your model. Please do not bring your own machine if travelling by public transport.
Needles and bobbins:
- Machines on campus use standard domestic needles (look for 130/705 H on the pack). Size 80 or 90 is ideal for sew-all thread.
- Bobbins for College machines must be plastic, top-loading (drop-in). Look for packaging that specifies suitability for Singer or Janome drop-in machines. Avoid “universal” bobbins.
Additional information
Please note the following:
- Your tutor will email class notes one week before the course. Please print and bring them to each session.
- Additional fabric will need to be purchased for your projects. The tutor will advise you on what to buy.
- For full-day classes, a 30-minute lunch break will take place halfway through. You’re welcome to bring your lunch or visit one of the nearby cafes on Darling Street.
- Please wear closed-in shoes for safety.
Course testimonials
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Patricia said: Very interactive. Knowledgeable presenter who was also very good at explaining how to do things. Well paced with lots of individual help on the project.
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Margaret said: Assistance from Sylvia made sewing so much easier! And the notes and samples to refer back to - fantastic!
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Gillian said: 5 stars!
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Donna said: Overall I really enjoyed this course and Joanne, the tutor is amazing. Very knowledgeable, approachable and calm whilst we were flapping around her.
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Caroline said: Sylvia was terrific..Patient and supportive. I really enjoyed the three days and have already enrolled for the next level of sewing classes.
Course tutors
Sylvia Murray
Great reasons to enrol in a short course with us
Small classes
A personal approach means quality learning, so you can enjoy plenty of interaction with your instructor and the chance to ask questions.
Short & sweet
Our short courses & workshops get straight to the point, providing the skills you need with minimal commitment of your precious time.
Facilities & equipment
Our range of venues suit every type of course, are easy to get to, and have the equipment and tech needed to support your learning.
Easy, secure enrolment
Enrol online 24/7 with a safe, convenient 3-step process, and you can change your mind up to 7 days before class starts.
Quality instructors
Our educators bring first-hand experience and knowledge, with up-to-the-minute practices from diverse industries.
Business or pleasure
Our courses help you rapidly increase your skills and knowledge, for professional development or personal interest.
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Classes Online Courses
<p>Start your sewing journey with our <a href="https://www.sydneycommunitycollege.edu.au/courses/textiles-fashion/sewing">sewing short courses</a> in Sydney!</p>
<p>Sewing Essentials is the ideal
...<p>Start your sewing journey with our <a href="https://www.sydneycommunitycollege.edu.au/courses/textiles-fashion/sewing">sewing short courses</a> in Sydney!</p>
<p>Sewing Essentials is the ideal
...<p>Start your sewing journey with our <a href="https://www.sydneycommunitycollege.edu.au/courses/textiles-fashion/sewing">sewing short courses</a> in Sydney!</p>
<p>Sewing Essentials is the ideal
...<p>Start your sewing journey with our <a href="https://www.sydneycommunitycollege.edu.au/courses/textiles-fashion/sewing">sewing short courses</a> in Sydney!</p>
<p>Sewing Essentials is the ideal
...<p>Start your sewing journey with our <a href="https://www.sydneycommunitycollege.edu.au/courses/textiles-fashion/sewing">sewing short courses</a> in Sydney!</p>
<p>Sewing Essentials is the ideal
...If there isn't a class to suit you, please join our waitlist and we will notify you when we have places available. Join waitlist for Sewing Essentials Course
If there isn't a class to suit you, please join our waitlist and we will notify you when we have places available. Join waitlist for Sewing Essentials Course
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