Open Seam - Social Sewing Session

Keen to improve your sewing skills? Searching for a creative outlet? Or just need to hire some studio space?

Join us every second Wednesday at the Second Stitch studio from 10am - 2pm.

Everyone is welcome to come together, share skills and learn from our talented seamstress Yan. You’re welcome to bring your own project or start something new.

You can bring your own sewing machine or use one of ours.

The facilities included:

Domestic sewing machines and overlockers

Industrial Sewing machine and overlockers

Industrial Zigzag machine

16 Dress forms with arms: 1 x size 8, 2 x size 10, 3 x size 12, 4 x size 14, 2 x size 16, 2 x size 18, 1 x size 20, 1 x size 22 (May require setting up – please email in advance if you would like access to one of these)

3 x Large cutting tables

Irons, ironing tools (arms/arms) and ironing boards

Iron press

Patterns for use

Pattern rulers, awls and notches

We also have lots of pins, scissors and measuring tape etc for use, but you’re also welcome to bring your own.

Available for purchase:

Paper and card

Buttons, hooks and eyes, zippers

Limited fabric options are available, if you need something specific it is best to bring your own.

Sessions run from 10am-2pm (4hours) for just $50

Please note, this is not a "learn to sew class". Attendees should have some prior experience in machine operation.

If you have never sewn before, why not try our 3-week class, Learn to Sew for 16+ 

Minimum age for Open Seam is 16. 

Unfortunately, we are not able to offer childcare at this stage and only ticket holders will have access to the studio during this session. 

More info: 

Where to buy materials

There is a limited amount of fabric available for sale from our resources, however, to personalise your projects 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.

There is no lunch break included in this session, however you may join us for our lunchbreak if you need a to take a spell. 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

Please note that while Yan is not yet a professional trainer, she comes with professional on the job experience, a passion for detail but has worked as a textile trainer in China. Yan wishes to pursue her passion for teaching by attending these sessions you're helping Yan reach her goals. 

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.

If you are driving, please ask google maps to send you to 'Second Stitch' as sometimes if you only use the address, google maps may send you to Brunswick!

There is 3 hours parking directly behind us (off Monroe St) at the Woolworths carpark, or all-day parking beneath the Upfield train line, entry via Victoria St.

Access to our rear entry is via the alley way, from the Woolworths carpark.

We are the 2-story dark grey building, and our door is marked 'Second Stitch'

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.