Sustainable Sewing & Upcycling
Got fabric scraps, old clothes, or half-finished sewing projects tucked away? Instead of throwing them out, transform them into something fresh and functional in this hands-on Sustainable Sewing & Upcycling course in Sydney.
Across four practical sessions, you’ll learn how to give forgotten textiles a second life while building your sewing confidence. Discover how to deconstruct garments, harvest usable fabric and trims, and apply creative techniques such as patchwork, appliqué and fabric slashing to design stylish, practical projects.
You’ll complete at least two original upcycled creations—such as turning old jeans into a durable tote bag or transforming scraps into a cushion cover or wall hanging—while exploring zero-waste practices you can continue at home. Led by a fashion industry professional and sustainability advocate, this course blends technical skill-building with creative design thinking.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the environmental impact of fashion waste and the principles of upcycling.
- Deconstruct garments and identify textiles suitable for reuse.
- Design and complete multiple upcycled sewing projects using creative techniques.
Course Content
- Understanding upcycling, recycling and downcycling.
- Safely deconstructing garments to reuse fabrics and trims.
- Applying patchwork, appliqué, slashing and zero-waste sewing techniques.
- Planning, constructing and finishing two upcycled projects.
Schedule & Pricing
- 4-week course, one evening per week (6:00pm–9:00pm).
- Course fee: $309.
- Location: Rozelle Campus, 2A Gordon Street, Rozelle NSW 2039.
Accessibility
- Classroom located on the upper level and accessible by stairs only.
Details
You will learn
- Apply creative upcycling techniques like patchwork and appliqué
- Deconstruct garments to reuse fabric and trims
- Incorporate zero-waste practices into home sewing
You will get
- Expert guidance from a fashion industry professional
- Hands-on experience completing two upcycled projects
- Practical sustainable sewing techniques to use at home
Appropriate for
Confident beginners with basic sewing skills who can thread and operate a sewing machine.
Preparation
What to bring
- Old garments, fabric scraps and trims for upcycling
- Basic sewing kit including thread, needles and scissors
- Closed-toe shoes for safety
What to wear
Closed-toe shoes required
Your Teacher
Sydney Community College
38 reviewsSydney Community College is a registered charity with a voluntary Board of Directors.
The College has a mission to offer innovative continuing adult education and training programmes that support individual efforts and facilitate sustainable social change.
We do this by:
- Providing quality continuing adult education opportunities for people to build practical and theoretical skills and develop knowledge;
- Leveraging from and developing community capacity and inclusivity;
- Developing innovative affordable and accessible skills training programmes;
- Partnering with like organisations to deliver learning opportunities for disadvantaged individuals and communities;
- Partnering with all levels of government to deliver education policy objectives.
Cancellations & Refunds
If the organiser cancels the class:
You are entitled to a full refund.
If you can't attend the class:
You’re welcome to send someone in your place.
OR
- A refund can be requested 10 days before class starts. An admin fee of AU$45.00 applies.
Terms & Conditions
At Sydney Community College, we know that plans can change unexpectedly. Whether it’s a shift in your schedule, a family emergency, or just a change of heart, we want to support you in the fairest way possible.
At the same time, we’re a not-for-profit organisation that commits resources to running each class—so last-minute cancellations can significantly impact our ability to offer quality, affordable programs.
That’s why we’ve created a simple, transparent policy that balances your need for flexibility with our need to plan and deliver courses sustainably. Our cancellation policy offers two clear options, depending on when you notify us:
Cancel More Than 10 Days Before the Course Starts – You can choose to receive a full refund, minus a $45 administration fee OR a non-refundable credit note valid for 12 months for the full value you paid for the course. This credit can be used towards any future course at the College.
Option 2: Cancel Within 10 Days of the Course Starting - You’ll receive a credit note valid for 12 months for 50% of the course fee you paid for the course. This credit can be used towards any future course at the College.
Please note that both refund and credit options are only available before the course begins. Once the course has started—or if you decide to withdraw after it has commenced—no refunds or credits can be issued. If you need to cancel your enrolment, just email us and we’ll take care of it based on the timelines above.
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