Sustainable Sewing & Upcycling

Sustainable Sewing & Upcycling

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4.9 across all classes · 38 reviews

Reimagine your wardrobe and sew more sustainably in this hands-on sustainable sewing and upcycling course in Sydney. Bring fabric scraps, unworn clothes or unfinished sewing projects and learn how to transform existing textiles into practical, well-made new pieces.

You will explore how to deconstruct garments, work with reclaimed materials and make thoughtful design decisions when using limited or irregular fabrics. Techniques may include patchworking, appliqué, fabric manipulation, fabric slashing, zero-waste strategies and decorative finishing.

Participants will design and complete at least two original upcycled projects, such as turning old jeans into a tote bag or transforming fabric scraps into a cushion cover or wall hanging.

Course Content

  • Understand upcycling, recycling and downcycling, and identify textiles suitable for reuse.
  • Recover fabric, trims and stabilisers from garments and linens.
  • Plan, construct, finish and present upcycled sewing projects using creative sustainable techniques.

Schedule & Pricing

  • Dates: 23 July 2026 to 20 August 2026.
  • Time: 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
  • Price: $309.

Accessibility & Safety

  • This class takes place in an upper-level room accessible by stairs only; the lift is currently out of service.
  • Please wear closed-toe shoes for safety.
  • If bringing your own sewing machine, ensure it is in good working order.

Details

3 hours

You will learn

  • Identify reusable textiles and understand upcycling, recycling and downcycling.
  • Deconstruct garments to recover usable fabric, trims and stabilisers.
  • Apply creative techniques such as appliqué, patchworking and fabric manipulation.

You will get

  • Hands-on guidance to design and complete at least two upcycled sewing projects.
  • Practical strategies for more sustainable and resource-conscious sewing.
  • Access to classroom sewing machines if you choose not to bring your own.

Appropriate for

Confident beginners with basic sewing skills who are interested in sustainable fashion, upcycling and creative sewing projects.


Preparation

What to bring

  • Old garments, fabric scraps, trims and other upcycling materials.
  • Thread, bobbins, machine needles, fabric scissors, snips and glass-head pins.
  • A3 paper, pencil, sticky tape and light to medium weight iron-on interfacing.

What to wear

Closed-toe shoes required


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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