Learn every seam, every hem and every finish you’ll ever need and take home an awesome apron you made!

In this 15-hour workshop across consecutive weekends, you will learn how to sew a variety of seams and finishes using domestic sewing machine and overlocker.
This class is suitable for beginners: Ages 16 and up, with no previous sewing experience.

What will you learn

Students will gain an understanding of how to set up and adjust a domestic sewing machine, an introductory to overlockers, increase their confidence and extend their sewing vocabulary.

This course covers:

most seam types such as open, closed, French, curves and flat felled.
Sewing techniques: darts, tucks, pleats, pocket placement, top stitching, gathering and curved edges.
Hem finishes: rolled, double fold over, overlock with single fold, blind and bias finish

Materials needed

1 m of woven fabric for the apron and 50cm of woven fabric for pockets, poly cotton thread, 2m bias binding of 1.5 - 2.5cm wide, 2m of 2.5cm herringbone cotton tape or similar for straps.

Some materials, such as the herringbone tape and bias binding will be available to purchase on the day.

Optional Materials

Sewing kit if you have one, although you are welcome to use Second Stitch equipment.

Students may also wish to learn on their own machine or use one of the Second Stitch domestic machines

Where to buy materials

There is a limited amount of fabric available for sale on the day, however to personalise your apron it is best to purchase before class.

A few of our favourite stores are listed below

Rathdowne Fabrics - https://rathdownefabrics.com.au/ Stocks a huge variety of reclaimed fabric in bulk lengths

The Fabric Store - https://thefabricstoreonline.com/

Drapers - https://drapersfabrics.com/

Can I bring my own sewing machine or overlocker?

We have enough machines for everyone but if you would like to learn on your own machine you are welcome to bring it along.

What do I need to bring?

Second Stitch has plenty to share however you are also welcomed to bring your own equipment such as sewing machine/overlocker, fabric scissors, paper scissors, pins, snips, tape measure, pens, pencils etc.

For weekend classes a 30min lunch break is included. There are plenty of places to purchase lunch, or you’re welcome to pack a lunch and store in our fridge.

What to wear

Comfortable clothing and shoes. Long hair should be tied up.

About our trainers

Our trainers are industry professionals working within the fashion industry as well as some of Melbourne's best registered training organisations

Location and Parking

Second Stitch is in the heart of Coburg, with plenty of access to local cafes and supermarkets.

Entry during opening hours is via 1/377 Sydney Road or through our rear entry, we are above Vinnies Fruit Shop and near the corner of Monroe St

Parking: 3-hour parking in the Woolworths Carpark directly behind us, or all-day parking beneath the Upfield train line, entry via Victoria St.

Getting there

We are on the number 19 tram line, 512 bus via Monroe St, or 513, 527 561, and 903 to Bell Street.

Directly behind us you’ll find Coburg Station on the Upfield line.

About us

Second Stitch is a NFT founded by VICSEG New Futures in 2017.

As a social enterprise we aim to empower women, from diverse backgrounds, economically and socially through textiles.

Built on the foundation of supporting women and helping them build connections through our studio, over the last 4 years we have made 20,000+ products, collaborated with industry leaders as well as directly employing our students for our range of services.

We continue to foster a studio of education, empowerment, and economy. We believe local and sustainably made productions can create an ecosystem that supports women.

Our Founders

VICSEG New Futures, a not-for-profit organisation offering a range of services for migrants, asylum seeker and refugee communities in Victoria. We believe diverse cultural perspectives strengthen our community, which is why we are on a mission to build a more inclusive Australia.