sewing classes
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.
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.
WORKSHOP
couture Embroidery
Learn couture embroidery and embellishment techniques, including beading and sequin application.
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 2024 TERM DATES
Term 1: 22 January - 7 April 2024
Term 2: 15 April - 30 June 2024
Term 3: 8 July - 22 September 2024
Term 4: 30 September - 15 December 2024
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 methods. This blend of the old and the new equips our students with excellent design skills and specialist sewing techniques.