Holiday Program - 4 Day, Upcycle & Sew: Teen Sewing Machine Basics 👖✂️

This 4-day hands-on holiday program introduces teens to the exciting world of garment upcycling, where fashion meets creativity and sustainability. Participants will learn essential sewing skills, discover how to transform pre-loved clothing into new pieces, and explore the art of repair and personal style expression. Along the way, they’ll gain confidence using sewing machines, practice hand-mending techniques, and be inspired by an excursion to local op shops to find unique garments for their projects.

By the end of the program, each teen will take home several upcycled creations of their own design, as well as the skills to keep reimagining their wardrobes sustainably.

Program Outline

Day 1: Getting Started – Sewing Basics & Simple Project

• Introduction to upcycling and sustainable fashion.

• Sewing machine safety + operation (threading, stitching, troubleshooting).

• Practice sewing on fabric scraps.

• Create a simple product to build confidence.

• Visual Diary: reflect on how sewing skills connect to reusing clothing.

Day 2: Discover & Source – Excursion Day

• Guided excursion to local op shops (thrift stores).

• Activity: treasure hunt for garments with “upcycling potential.”

• Learn to choose fabrics and pieces that can be easily transformed.

• Back in the studio: design brainstorming session, sketching + idea boards.

• Visual Diary: Start planning personal upcycling project.

Day 3: Mending & Creative Repairs

• Introduction to visible and invisible mending techniques.

• Hand-sewing skills: buttons, hems, patching holes.

• Creative repair: embroidery, patchwork, and decorative fixes.

• Apply mending techniques to garments found at op shops or brought from home.

• Visual Diary: report on how repair extends a garment’s life and adds personal flair.

Day 4: Transformation & Showcase

• Hands-on upcycling project: reimagining an op shop find (e.g., turning jeans into a skirt, shirt into a crop top, or mixing fabrics for a new piece).

• Facilitator guidance + peer collaboration.

• Finishing touches + styling tips.

• End-of-program showcase: teens present their creations to the group.

• Visual Diary, reflect on how upcycling can shape their fashion choices and reduce waste.

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.