Course Overview
Learn to sew with confidence in this beginner-friendly sewing workshop designed for creative learners of all experience levels. Whether you are completely new to sewing, returning after a break or looking to improve your sewing machine skills, this practical hands-on course provides supportive step-by-step guidance in a welcoming learning environment.
Participants will learn essential sewing techniques while creating a simple garment or project using commercial sewing patterns. The course introduces sewing machine operation, fabric selection, pattern reading, measuring, cutting and garment construction techniques that help students build confidence and practical sewing skills.
Guided by an experienced industry professional, students will develop foundational sewing knowledge while exploring creativity through handmade projects. The workshop encourages relaxed, practical learning and supports participants working at their own pace.
Whether you want to learn a new hobby, create your own clothing or develop practical sewing skills for future projects, this course provides a supportive introduction to sewing and garment making.
Macquarie Community College operates from a range of venues across Northern and Western Sydney. We have campuses in Blacktown, Carlingford, Chatswood, Epping, Mt Druitt, Richmond, and Ryde. Enrol now!
What you will learn
Course outline
It is intended that the course will cover:
- Body measurements and how to take them
- Choosing a pattern, size and fabric
- Use and care of the sewing machine
- Pressing techniques
- Basic seams, seam finishes, darts, curves
- Understanding a commercial paper pattern
- Layup fabric, cut and mark fabric
- Sew a simple item using basic sewing techniques
Course outcome
By the end of this course, participants will understand the foundations of sewing and basic garment construction. Students will gain confidence using a sewing machine, reading commercial patterns, selecting fabrics and creating simple handmade projects using practical sewing techniques.
Participants will also develop creative and practical skills that can be applied to future sewing, dressmaking and handmade fashion projects.
What you need to know
Entry requirements
No prerequisites are required. This course is suitable for the beginner and those with some sewing skills.
What you need to provide
You will need to bring:
- Sewing machine (make sure it works and please bring all accessories and your instruction book) and spare needles
- Pencil
- Eraser
- Sticky Tape eg magic or invisible tape
- 30cm ruler (or a longer ruler if have one)
- Optional Set Square and French Curve (if you have them)
- Scissors (fabric and paper scissors)
- Large quick un-picker
- Tape Measure
- Pins
- Needles
- Marking Chalk
- Fabric metreage required is per the pattern envelope
- 20cm fusible interfacing
- 1 reel of matching thread (Metrosene, Gutterman or Rasant good quality thread)
- Fabric as per your pattern
- Fusible interfacing if required as per your pattern
- Other notions as per your pattern eg zipper, elastic, button, hooks and eyes
- A basic pattern such as Butterick, McCall’s or Simplicity NO BURDA for example:
- Boxer shorts or elastic waist pants McCall’s M8221 or M8160
- Basic skirt Simplicity S9648 view A,B,D
- Tessuti Free Patterns
- These patterns can be printed off at home and taped together or printed in AO size at Officeworks for around $13.00
- https://www.tessuti-shop.com/collections/free-sewing-patterns
- Libby A-Line Skirt Pattern or Multi Elastic Waist Skirt
Other information
- Purchase pattern according to your hip measurement for shorts, pants, skirts NOT your clothing size
- Students will work on their own choice of project
- Students will work at their own pace. Those students unable to complete their project on the day will receive instructions on how to complete their garment at home.
- Suggested Fabrics:
- Choose a stable woven fabric such as poplin, broadcloth, cotton blends, denim or linen. You may like to choose a cheaper fabric to use especially if you are fairly new to sewing or to trial your pattern.
- No knit, stretchy, shiny, slinky, stripey or check fabrics please!