Sewing: The Basics and Beyond
Whether you're an absolute beginner, have basic sewing skills, or are an experienced sewer looking to refine your techniques, this course is designed for you! Learn sewing fundamentals, master your sewing machine, expand your knowledge, complete unfinished projects, get assistance with fitting, or simply enjoy sewing with expert guidance.
Students will create an item of their choice using commercial patterns, covering pattern selection, alterations, layout, cutting, construction methods, and sewing machine operation. More advanced sewers will be guided through garment construction and encouraged to explore new techniques.
By the end of the course, participants should be able to complete a basic garment or item.
(Additional costs for materials may apply).
Target Audience:
This course is suitable for beginners who have no prior sewing knowledge, those who have some sewing skills, and advanced or experienced sewers. Everyone is welcome.
Please bring along:
The College has sewing machines and an overlocker available for student use if you do not yet own one.
Beginners: if you have a sewing machine you wish to use please bring it and the sewing machine manual and basic sewing kit (see below) to the first lesson.
A pattern and fabric etc will be required for Week 2.
40 cm x approximately 115 cm wide broadcloth, poplin or calico (for samples) cut in to 20 cm x 20 cm squares needed for first class practice.
More experienced sewers: if you have a sewing machine you wish to use please bring it and the sewing machine manual, a pattern and fabric etc of your own choice, thread and basic sewing kit (see below) to the first lesson.
Basic sewing kit:
- Scissors
- Thread clippers or small scissors
- Pins
- Needles
- Quick Unpick or seam ripper
- Marking chalk
- Tape measure
- Scotch brand magic transparent tape 12mm wide
- Lead pencil
- Ruler (a 30cm ruler is fine)
Learning Outcomes:
- Understand the operation of a sewing machine and feel comfortable using one
- Construct a garment or item
- Use basic sewing techniques
- Read sewing patterns
- Take and interpret measurements
- Cut, fit and sew items
- Construct seams, hems, zippers, and buttonholes
- Understand and use marking techniques
- Use interfacing and fusing techniques
Learning Methods:
Program Benefits:
- Learn the basics of sewing or further your skills.
Content:
- Introduction to sewing and sewing machine operation
- Understanding a commercial paper pattern, altering patterns to fit, layout and garment cutting
- Marking and preparing to sew
- Pressing techniques and fusing
- Zipper insertion
- Buttons and buttonholes
- Waistbands
- Hems
Upcoming Workshops
| Name | Date | Time | Location | Available Spaces | Cost | |
| 81SEWE126 – Sewing: The Basics and Beyond | Monday, February 9, 2026 | 07:00 pm – 09:00 pm | Penrith Campus | 8 | $214.00 | |
| 82SEWE126 – Sewing: The Basics and Beyond | Tuesday, February 10, 2026 | 07:00 pm – 09:00 pm | Penrith Campus | 7 | $214.00 | |
| 83SEWE126- Sewing: The Basics and Beyond | Wednesday, February 11, 2026 | 07:00 pm – 09:00 pm | Penrith Campus | 8 | $214.00 |