Make Do and Mend: Woven and Knitwear Patching. Learn directly from Second Stiches alterations team!

Learn how to darn your socks, mend your favourite knitwear or sew up the hole in your favourite jeans!

This workshop covers the sustainable fashion phenomenon of visible/invisible mending and patching of garments.

Attendees will learn from the fabulous alterations staff of Second Stitch. Learn visible mending techniques, invisible mending, knitwear and weaving, patching and hand sewing techniques. This workshop is open to beginners, however depending on the repairs you would like to achieve, some sewing machine experience would be an advantage.

Materials: Attendees should bring along their own garments or home textiles for mending, yarn or embroidery threads, ribbons, patches and other pretty things to match compliment or contrast. Some materials, needles and sewing basics will also be available on the day. Some patching may not be possible during the time frame, so it is best to bring a couple of projects.
An embroidery hoop or a darning mushroom is helpful but not essential.

FAQs

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 apart from materials?

Materials as per 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.

5 hour 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.