Learn to sew classes near Chatswood.
Only 15-20 minutes from Chatswood, I run sewing classes at Second Life Clothes Upcycling and Sewing Classes for beginner to intermediate sewers. With a maximum of 4 people per class, this ensures there is plenty of time dedicated to the needs of each individual.
The sewing workshop is located at Frenchs Forest, near Northern Beaches Hospital – an easy 15 minute drive from Chatswood or 20 minutes on the 160X bus (then an easy 10 minute stroll from the bus stop). Scroll down to the bottom of the page for more information.
Try sewing before investing in the equipment. Not sure if sewing is for you? My sewing classes are the perfect way to try without the upfront cost of buying your own machine and equipment. At my classes and workshops, I provide everything you need including a modern sewing machine, scissors, fabric, and accessories so you can focus on learning and having fun. It’s a great opportunity to see if sewing is something you’d like to pursue before buying your own equipment.
Private sewing lessons: If you’d prefer to learn in a one-on-one setting, I offer private sewing classes (2 hours or 3 hours) at a time that suits you. In-home, private lessons are available. Click here for details »
Sewing Classes and Workshops
Beginner Sewing Classes
Are you ready to start sewing or build on your existing skills?
My sewing classes are designed for first-time and beginner sewers. This class is designed to help you gain confidence in sewing, altering, and upcycling clothes to fit your style.
In my beginner sewing class, I’ll cover basic sewing machine techniques, tips for sewing different fabrics, sewing kit essentials, and the fundamentals of altering clothes. During the class, we’ll make a lined, reversible bag with pockets. This project is designed to cover a range of sewing techniques that will build the foundation of your sewing journey. All materials are supplied, including fabric. Bring along your own sewing machine or use one of mine.
Intermediate Sewing Classes
Start making your own clothes.
Are you ready to take your sewing skills to the next level? If you’re comfortable with the basics and eager to start making your own garments, this hands-on intermediate sewing class will guide you through essential clothing construction techniques.
You’ll learn key sewing skills, including fabric selection, garment structure, seam allowances, darts for shaping, hemming methods, and closures.
Bring along clothing designs or pieces you love, and together, we’ll break down how they’re made, so you can start sewing similar styles with confidence.
Students are encouraged to bring a few garments they love. We’ll analyse their construction and discuss the steps required to sew similar pieces. If time allows, you can begin working on your first project!
Join me for a fun and informative session that will boost your sewing confidence and help you create clothes that fit your personal style.
Clothes Upcycling Workshops
Discover how to upcycle and alter your clothes with confidence.
This is a practical, fun and hands-on clothes upcycling workshop where I’ll share practical techniques and creative ideas to help you breathe new life into your wardrobe while reducing textile waste.
Attendees are encouraged to bring clothes they would like to upcycle, alter or refashion. At the start of the class, we’ll discuss upcycling and alteration ideas for as many items as time allows. You’ll then have the opportunity to start working on your chosen alterations.
With a maximum of 4 participants, this workshop ensures plenty of individual attention and a relaxed, collaborative learning environment.
During the workshop we’ll cover beginner-friendly upcycling and alteration techniques, what fabrics are best for sewing, practical methods for alteration clothes for a better fit, and creative ways to transform existing pieces into something new and unique.
Join me for a fun and inspiring session where you’ll gain skills to reduce, reuse, recycle and refashion clothes.
Sewing Machine Lesson
Learn how to use your sewing machine with confidence.
Have you got a sewing machine but are not sure how to use it correctly? This beginner-friendly sewing machine lesson is designed to help you build confidence and develop essential sewing skills.
Sewing is a valuable and creative skill, whether you want to make new garments, alter clothing, or repair your favourite pieces. My hands-on sewing machine classes will equip you with the knowledge and techniques needed to operate your sewing machine efficiently and safely.
Learn how to set up, thread, wind a bobbin, and adjust tension. Master straight stitching, pivoting at corners, and basic sewing principles. Troubleshoot and solve common sewing machine issues with confidence. Then, put your new skills to the test and we’ll sew a beginner-friendly, fully lined bag. All materials are supplied, including fabric. Bring along your own sewing machine or use one of mine.
Clothes Alteration Class
Elevate your wardrobe and learn how to tailor and alter clothes to fit.
At this clothes alteration workshop, I’ll cover how to tailor your clothes for a perfect fit and give them a fresh new look. Whether you want to alter, mend, or upcycle your garments, this class will equip you with the skills and confidence to transform your wardrobe.
Save money, reduce waste, and express your creativity.
In this workshop, I’ll cover practical alteration and upcycling ideas based on the garments you bring, which fabrics and clothing types are easiest to alter and sew, step-by-step techniques to adjust clothing for a better fit, and creative ways to refashion existing pieces into something fresh and new.
Attendees are encouraged to bring clothes they would like to alter or refashion. At the start of the class, we’ll discuss alteration ideas for as many items as time allows. You’ll then have the opportunity to start working on your chosen alterations.
Kids sewing classes
Where creativity starts! My childrens sewing classes are the perfect introduction to creativity, coordination, and practical skills. Designed for children aged 8 and up, these fun, hands-on sessions teach kids how to safely use a sewing machine while making simple projects.
I keep things relaxed and age-appropriate, encouraging kids to express themselves while developing fine motor skills, patience, and focus. All materials are provided, and class sizes are small to ensure plenty of guidance and encouragement.
My kids sewing classes are a great way for children to try sewing before parents invest in the necessary equipment. I provide everything needed for the class including a modern sewing machine, scissors, fabric, and accessories, so kids can focus on learning and having fun. It’s a great opportunity to see if sewing is something they’d like to pursue before buying your own equipment.
Teen sewing classes
Build skills and boost confidence.Teen sewing workshops are ideal for high school students interested in fashion, sustainability, or DIY style. Whether they’re complete beginners or already experimenting with their own projects, my sewing classes for teenagers help build real-world sewing skills including garment construction and upcycling to using patterns and sewing machine techniques.
It’s a great way for teens to explore their creativity, develop new skills, and even start building a handmade wardrobe. These sessions can also support school projects or personal goals.
My teen sewing classes are a great way to try sewing before investing in their own machine and equipment. I provide everything needed for the class including a modern sewing machine, scissors, fabric, and accessories, so attendees can focus on learning and having fun. It’s a great opportunity to see if sewing is something they’d like to pursue before buying your own equipment.
Private sewing lessons
LOCATION: My workshop
Do you prefer to learn one-on-one or have a specific project in mind? My private sewing classes and upcycling workshops are tailored to your needs, pace and goals. They’re an ideal environment to fast-tracking your progress or diving deep into specific techniques. These workshops are supportive, flexible, and designed just for you.
LOCATION: In your home
Would you love to learn to sew but find it difficult to attend group classes or my workshop location? Whether due to disability, health reasons, or simply feeling more comfortable in your own space, my in-home private sewing lessons are a personalised and practical way to begin (or continue) your sewing journey. We can use your sewing machine or I can bring one of mine.
These one-on-one sessions are tailored to your experience, pace and learning style. You’ll gain hands-on skills while working on a simple project that teaches the essential foundations of sewing. From understanding fabric and threading a machine to safely using sewing tools, I’ll guide you every step of the way.
To discuss your specific requirements, please contact me directly.
* If you’re an NDIS participant, you may be able to claim the cost of your sewing lessons under your plan. Please speak with your support coordinator or plan manager to see if it’s covered as part of your funding.
Sewing Class Particulars
About the classes
Small group classes: All classes are small group with a maximum of 4 people to allow ample attention is given to each person.
Duration: 2.5, 3 and 4 hours (depending on the class)
Sewing machine: This is a hands-on class and attendees can bring their own sewing machine. If you don’t have your own sewing machine, I have ones available for use during the class.
Location: Classes are held on the Northern Beaches Sydney (near Northern Beaches Hospital).
Refreshments: Morning or afternoon tea will be available for attendees to enjoy. Unfortunately, we cannot cater to the specific dietary or allergy requirements of individual attendees.
Getting there from Chatswood
By Car (15 minute drive)
From Chatswood, cross the Roseville Bridge and follow Warringah Road. Turn down Wakehurst Parkway, then Frenchs Forest Road East.
By Bus (20 minute journey)
Catch the 160X Express bus from Chatswood. Alight at Northern Beaches Hospital or Skyline Shops. The workshop is an easy 10- 15 minute stroll from here. Bus timetable »
Questions?
For more information or to discuss your specific needs, contact me directly. I hope to see you soon.
Bex Mitchell
0418 118 401
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