sewing classes in Sydney

We offer the widest range of beginners, intermediate and advanced sewing courses in Sydney. From absolute beginners to experienced home sewers looking to polish their skills, tackle more complex projects or create something truly special using couture sewing techniques. Classes are self-paced and run for 11 weeks (four terms each year) so that you can start when you want and learn at your own speed. 

Term 1 Starts 20 January 2025

〰️ Enrol Now 〰️

Term 1 Starts 20 January 2025 〰️ Enrol Now 〰️

dressmaking courses Beginners & Intermediate

Learn how to make garments using a commercial pattern, this is the sewing class for you. We offer daytime/evening classes for beginners and intermediate sewers

personal dress form

Create a custom dress form to mirror your body shape to enable accurate fitting and ensure that your sewing projects are the correct size for you.

Advanced

Tailoring classes

Master the exquisite workmanship and fine sewing skills that were once passed down through generations of European bespoke tailors.

 

Advanced

stretch & dance costumes

Learn to alter patterns, sew and embellish stretch garments, and design and produce a unique dance costume of your own.

Advanced

sew a French jacket

The classic French jacket is a wardrobe must-have, often made from a soft wool bouclé fabric and lined with luxurious silk charmeuse.

Advanced

couture sewing

Master the sewing techniques used by the world's finest fashion houses and do justice to your best fabrics.

 
 

Advanced

sew a guipure lace skirt

Guipure lace is a gorgeous fabric that’s perfect for a fitted skirt, pieced together so that it’s almost impossible to see the seams.

Advanced

sew a Leather skirt

Sew a  stunning leather skirt that fits and flatters using specialised techniques adapted for your own home sewing machine.

Workshop

overlocking courses

Most sewers start out with good intentions, but end up using just a fraction of their overlocker’s potential. It’s time to take charge!

 
 

Workshop

Hat Making workshop

For fashionistas who love to make a statement with an original hat, or HSC students wanting to include millinery in their major work.

couture-embroidery

Workshop

couture Embroidery

Learn couture embroidery and embellishment techniques, including beading and sequin application.

advanced-sewing-class

Workshop

ADVANCED SEWING SKILLS

There are a handful of advanced sewing techniques that every serious sewer needs to take their garments to the next level.

 
 

Workshop

Kids sewing classes

 School holiday fun for creative kids. This is a great intro to sewing and teaches the basics of patterns, cutting and hand-sewing.

Workshop

sew a Sari Blouse

Sew a lined, princess style sari blouse with short sleeves using a pattern tailored to your dress and bra cup size.

 
 

CAFA 2025 TERM DATES

Term 1: 20 January - 5 April 2025
Term 2: 14 April - 28 June 2025
Term 3: 7 July - 20 September 2025
Term 4: 29 September - 13 December 2025

 
 

CAFA SEWING & DESIGN STUDIO

Come and visit our spacious studio in Pymble on Sydney’s North Shore. We’re a short walk from the Pymble train station and we have ample free parking onsite.
Contact details & directions.

 
 

Skill Levels

All skill levels are welcome at CAFA, with sewing classes aimed at beginners, intermediate and advanced sewers. Beginners will receive one-on-one instruction in our Dressmaking classes for beginners of intermediate students. You’ll learn to sew or enhance your skills using a commercial pattern. If you’d prefer to learn how to draft and pattern as well as the sewing techniques to complete your garment, our Pattern Making and Garment Construction courses are a better choice.

Advanced sewers will learn custom, machine and fused methods to achieve a Perfectly Tailored Jacket or master advanced Eveningwear pattern making and sewing techniques, whilst students of all skill levels can be learn couture embroidery techniques from industry expert Mary Brown.

HSC Textiles & Design students considering a career in fashion design may also undertake a short course to gain basic sewing skills and experience to assist them to produce their Major Work.

Want information about our Diploma of Fashion Design & Garment Production program? 

couture arts fashion college

At CAFA, our philosophy starts with the classical techniques used in French couture houses, combined with cutting-edge, luxury ready-to-wear design and construction methodsThis blend of the old and the new equips our students with excellent design skills and specialist sewing techniques.