Sewing Extension Course

What you'll learn

Learn to sew with our sewing short courses in Sydney!

This is an extension to our Sewing Essentials Course. In this course, you will learn a variety of new machine techniques and garment finishes that can be used to create professionally made garments. As more advanced applications will be covered such as zippers, buttonholes, facings, bindings and elastic uses, a far greater range of garments will be achievable for the novice sewer.

All techniques will be practised at each session on small fabric samples which will enable students to create a sample library that can be used for future reference.

At the end of these machine application sessions, you will have the opportunity to work on a project of your choice (beginners' level appropriate commercial pattern) or choose an option from the tutor's range of selected patterns.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this sewing course, you should have:

• Gained greater skills in various sewing and machine techniques
• A better understanding of appropriate methods of finishing garments.

After finishing this course, you might like to enrol in the Sewing: Patternmaking Essentials Course

Course content

What will be covered in this sewing course?

During this course, the intention is that the following topics will be covered, but not necessarily in the order given. Parts of the curriculum may be adapted to suit the needs of the class. Your tutor will discuss any potential changes or revisions proposed to the course agenda.

This program includes practical and theory sessions over three sessions.

Session 1: Facings, binding and elastic applications

• Various ways to finish necklines, armholes, waistlines and other edges by using facings and bindings. Students will also learn about various fusing and interlining products
• Elastic applications for waists or sleeve openings. Also attaching a waistband

Session 2: Buttonholes and zippers

• Zipper applications
• Buttonholes and roule loops and correct button placement
• Cutting Out Project

Session 3: Project

• Students will work on projects of their choice that incorporate some of the above techniques already learnt

Intended audience

Who is this sewing course for?

This course is for students who have finished our Sewing Essentials course or equivalent. 

Course materials

What to bring to class

• 4 metres of calico or plain cotton fabric of medium weight
• 1 metre of white lightweight fusible interfacing
• Bias binding × 12mm wide
• 1.5 metres of white elastic, 25mm wide
• 2 regular nylon zippers 16-18cm long
• Threads to match fabric
• Scissors, clippers, tape measure and pins
• Notebook, ruler, pen and pencil to take notes

Needles: The machines on campus take standard domestic sewing machine needles. They will have 130/705 H on the packaging somewhere to tell you they are domestic type, which is different from the code for the size of the needle (an 80 or 90 size needle is best for use with sew-all thread).

Bobbins: They must be plastic, not metal. They must be designed for top-loading or drop-in machines. The best bet is to buy a pack that says it's suitable for Singer Drop In machines or Janome Drop In machines (either one will work on both machines). Avoid "universal" bobbins as there is no one-size-fits-all bobbin.

Thread: a quality thread brand is recommended. Some of the more common household brands are Gutermann, Rasant, Mettler, Aurifil.

Additional information

Please note the following:

• Students bringing their own machines will need to ensure that they have zipper foot and buttonhole attachments for their machines. It is also advisable to bring machine manuals for reference.
• For classes running all day, a 30-minute lunch break will take place halfway through the class. Students are encouraged to bring their own lunch, alternatively, there are cafes and takeaway restaurants nearby on Darling Street. 
• Please wear closed-in shoes.