Four hours. One finished project. A toolkit of sewing skills you can use again and again.

Designed for complete beginners and those wanting to build confidence, this four-hour intensive takes you through the foundations of sewing before putting those skills into practice to create your own smock-style apron.

This isn't just about following a pattern. Throughout the workshop you'll learn why we use different construction and finishing techniques, how to understand your sewing machine and how to start confidently approaching sewing projects on your own.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

SEWING MACHINE BASICS

We'll begin with approximately 30 minutes of practical machine skills, including:

Setting up and understanding your sewing machine
Troubleshooting common machine problems
Sewing accurately with a 1cm seam allowance
Changing stitch length
Overlocking
Starting and finishing seams
Turning corners accurately
Controlling fabric as you sew

FABRIC + PATTERN BASICS

Next we'll cut out our projects together and learn:

How to read a sewing pattern
Understanding pattern markings
Grainline and fabric direction
Laying out and cutting fabric accurately
Choosing appropriate fabrics for different projects
Preparing your pieces for construction

THREE PROFESSIONAL FINISHES

Every student will learn and practice three incredibly useful sewing techniques:

FRENCH SEAMS
Learn how to enclose raw edges for a beautifully clean internal finish.

ROLLED HEMS
Create a narrow, neat hem for lightweight fabrics and beautifully finished edges.

BIAS BINDING
Learn how bias binding works and how to use it to professionally finish curved and raw edges.

These are techniques you'll be able to take away and use across countless future sewing projects.

THEN, WE MAKE.

We'll bring everything together to construct your own smock-style apron.

Rather than simply watching demonstrations, I'll teach each stage in short group demonstrations before you work through the technique yourself with individual guidance and support.

You'll leave understanding not only what you've sewn, but how the garment was constructed and how those techniques can translate to your next project.

EVERYTHING IS PROVIDED

Just turn up ready to learn.

Your workshop includes:

Sewing machine use
All sewing equipment + tools
Your smock-style apron pattern
Fabric to make your project
Thread + haberdashery
Practice fabric for learning techniques
4 hours of guided tuition
Individual support throughout the workshop

You don’t need to own a sewing machine or bring any sewing equipment.

FABRIC

A selection of fabrics will be available to use on the day.

But if you have a beautiful piece of fabric sitting at home that you've always dreamed of turning into something, bring it with you. This is the perfect opportunity to finally use it.

I'll guide you on whether it's suitable for the project before we begin cutting. It must be woven and light weight.

WHO IS THIS FOR?

Complete beginners are very welcome.

It's also perfect if you've used a sewing machine before but still don't feel confident sewing independently, understanding patterns or achieving professional finishes.

Machines and essential equipment are provided.

Youth Offer

This workshop is available for teenagers (12- to 17-year olds) accompanied by mum, dad or an adult guardian who is also attending the workshop as a paying participant.

About the Facilitator

Sarah Dinning is a fashion designer, educator and founder of Sewing Club, with over 20 years’ experience working across the fashion industry in Australia, Canada and the UK. Her career has spanned design, styling, visual merchandising, brand storytelling and fashion education, working with both independent labels and international brands. Passionate about slowing fashion down and reconnecting people with the value of making, she created a Sewing Club in the Northern Rivers, as a welcoming space where creativity, practical skills and community come together. Her classes focus on understanding the “why” behind each technique, helping students develop skills they can continue using long after the class has finished. Whether you’re threading a sewing machine for the very first time or returning to a hobby you loved years ago, Sarah’s calm, supportive teaching style will help you leave with new skills, confidence and a project you’re proud to say you made yourself.

Contact the host of Learn to Sew with Sarah Dinning!