Seven hands-on sewing workshops to try in Melbourne
image via @studionana.au/INSTAGRAM
words by daisy henry
Learn to sew, knit and mend.
Time and time again, I’ve found myself wishing I knew how to work a sewing machine. Whether it’s taking up the hemline on a pair of pants, reattaching a button or mending a small hole, knowing how to sew ranks fairly highly when it comes to useful hobbies.
Of course, that’s not to mention the sustainability that’s often inherent to the practice as well. Upcycling an old pair of jeans that no longer fit, for example, is always going to be more environmentally friendly than buying a replacement pair.
For those who prefer to operate solo, there are countless tutorials and how-to videos on YouTube at your disposal. However, if you require a more hands-on approach, where all the equipment is provided and there’s a teacher on hand for all your questions, then you’re in luck. From one-off sessions to workshops spanning several weeks, we’ve rounded up the best sewing classes in Melbourne below.
Studio Nana
View this post on Instagram
Based in Windsor, Studio Nana is run by Melbourne-based creative Leah Herszberg. Born from a passion for design and craftsmanship, Studio Nana has evolved into a community that merges creativity with sustainability. Choose between guided sewing workshops where you’ll learn foundational skills or upcycling classes where you can repair or reimagine what you already own. All classes are beginner-friendly and include materials and equipment, as well as light snacks and drinks to help keep you fuelled.
The Social Studio
View this post on Instagram
The Social Studio is a not-for-profit fashion retailer, manufacturer, studio and fashion school based in Collingwood, and was created with the goal of empowering people from refugee and migraxnt backgrounds through crafting, creating and learning. As part of its offering, the organisation teaches a range of mending and sewing workshops to the public, run by its facilitators and assisted by our talented students. Each workshop offers a way to preserve the lifespan of your clothes.
Honest Studios
View this post on Instagram
Honest Studios is a slow-fashion label run by mother-daughter duo Suncana and Tesa. Operating out of their Gertrude Street studio, the pair make shirts, pants and clothes primarily designed from upcycled materials, including vintage tablecloths and secondhand denim. Designed for all skill levels, their sewing classes consist of five sessions at two hours each, and teach you how to make, mend and alter your own clothing. Beginner projects include elastic waistband pants or shorts, a jumpsuit, or a top and tote bag.
XLover
View this post on Instagram
Created by designer and seamstress Chloe Oliver, XLover is a Melbourne-made label working primarily with deadstock and upcycled fabrics. As part of her commitment to circular fashion, Chloe also runs sewing classes out of her Collingwood studio. These typically range from beginner basics to specialised workshops on custom swimwear, pantmaking and more. Most sessions involve a few classes, spread over two to three weeks.
Thread Den
View this post on Instagram
Based in Fitzroy, Thread Den has been teaching Melbourne’s inner north the basics of sewing and knitting since 2007. Classes are beginner-friendly and are run by a rotation of teachers, each with their own labels and businesses, and all come armed with years of experience. From sewing basics to machine and hand knitting, all workshops are offered on weekends and evenings.
School of Sewing and Upcycling
View this post on Instagram
Working out of its Footscray studio, the School of Sewing and Upcycling offers a range of classes designed for every skill level. Choose between classes that focus on garment making and pattern making, and niche workshops where you can restring old jewellery or fix opshop finds. Materials are provided, with class sizes limited to five to eight people.
schoolofsewingandupcycling.com
The Patternmaking Class
View this post on Instagram
The Patternmaking Class was created as a way to teach practical skills to home sewers, fashion students and those within the industry. Based in North Melbourne, it’s run by a team of experienced fashion designers, educators, seamstresses and tailors, including Scott Bowring, Glen Rollason, Julie Goodwin, Christopher Hrysanidis and more. Its classes vary, from half-day introductory sessions that focus on beginner sewing to more advanced all-day classes, like ‘Sewing the Tailored Jacket’.
For more on sewing, try this.
Liked this? You’ll love these...
