What you'll learn
Learn how to recreate your favourite clothing with our textiles & fashion short courses in Sydney!
Do you have a favourite dress, top, skirt or pair of trousers that fits perfectly and wish you could recreate it in a different fabric, colour or print?
In this practical, one-day workshop, you'll learn how to create an accurate sewing pattern from an existing garment—without unpicking a single stitch. Using professional pattern-making techniques, you'll trace your garment, preserve its original shape and proportions, and create a reusable cardboard block pattern ready for future sewing projects.
No previous pattern-making experience is required, and beginners are welcome. This is a non-sewing workshop focused entirely on pattern drafting and garment replication, giving you practical skills that can be applied to countless future sewing projects.
Whether you'd like to recreate a favourite wardrobe staple, customise an existing design, or build your pattern-making skills, this workshop will give you the confidence to accurately reproduce garments again and again.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this Pattern Making from a Garment Workshop, participants will have developed practical skills and knowledge in areas such as:
- Tracing a pattern from an existing garment while maintaining its original shape and structure
- Applying pattern-making techniques to achieve accurate results, including grain lines and seam allowances
- Modifying patterns by adjusting fit, length or design details such as sleeves
- Creating reusable cardboard block patterns for future sewing projects
- Applying pattern-making principles to reproduce additional garments with confidence
Whether you'd like to recreate a favourite wardrobe staple, customise an existing design, or build your pattern-making skills, this workshop will give you the confidence to accurately reproduce garments again and again.
Course Content
What will be covered in this Pattern Making from a Garment Workshop?
During the workshop, participants will be guided through key concepts, techniques and approaches that typically include:
- Accurately tracing a pattern from an existing garment
- Understanding key pattern-making principles, including grain lines and seam allowances
- Adjusting patterns to create different fits and styles, including:
- Making garments larger or smaller
- Lengthening or shortening pattern pieces
- Adding sleeves or other design features
- Producing accurate, reusable cardboard block patterns
- Tips and techniques for achieving consistent, professional results
Content may vary slightly depending on class pace, participant interests, and instructor approach.
Intended Audience
Who is this Pattern Making from a Garment workshop for?
This workshop is suitable for anyone who enjoys sewing and would like to recreate favourite garments without taking them apart.
It is ideal for:
- Home sewists wanting to reproduce well-fitting garments
- Dressmakers looking to expand their pattern-making skills
- Anyone interested in creating reusable sewing patterns from existing clothing
No previous pattern-making experience is required, and no sewing takes place during the workshop.
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.
Additional Information
What to Bring
Garments
Bring one or two garments you'd like to reproduce. You'll complete at least one pattern during the workshop and, depending on the style of the garment and your pace, may also begin a second.
Essential tools
- Ruler and tape measure
- Pencils, eraser, sharpener and marker pens
- Tracing wheel and pins
- Paper scissors and cardboard scissors
- Stapler
- Notebook and pen
Other items
- Water and snacks for the day
Course testimonials
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Monique said: Nola is amazing as always, and the class was insightful and I learnt a lot!
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Robyn said: We learned and learned and learned in very pleasant company.
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Rita said: Nola is an experienced, passionate teacher who knows how to share her knowledge and skills in an organised, constructive and positive way. We learnt so much during one day. I highly recommend her courses. A big thank you to her. Rita
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Elaine said: A great course - informative and enjoyable. I learned a lot. The tutor Nola was engaging and really made the session valuable.
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Myrtle said: Nola brilliant as usual - highly skilled, knowledgeable and patient with everyone. Would like to see more one day sessions eg after first pattern making which I did and before pattern extension which is too intensive for me. One of the paper roll holders needs attention as it tend to fall off. The premises inside the classroom and outside including toilets are kept very clean and tidy - so thanks to the cleaner.
Course tutors
Nola Dennis
Great reasons to enrol in a short course with us
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Classes Online Courses
<p>Learn how to recreate your favourite clothing with our t<a href="https://www.sydneycommunitycollege.edu.au/courses/textiles-fashion">extiles & fashion short courses</a> in Sydney!</p>
<p>Do you
...There will be time for a short lunch break.
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.
<p>Learn how to recreate your favourite clothing with our t<a href="https://www.sydneycommunitycollege.edu.au/courses/textiles-fashion">extiles & fashion short courses</a> in Sydney!</p>
<p>Do you
...There will be time for a short lunch break.
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.
<p>Learn how to recreate your favourite clothing with our t<a href="https://www.sydneycommunitycollege.edu.au/courses/textiles-fashion">extiles & fashion short courses</a> in Sydney!</p>
<p>Do you
...There will be time for a short lunch break.
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.
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 Pattern Making from a Garment Workshop
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 Pattern Making from a Garment Workshop
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