Sewing Courses
The Ballarat East Neighbourhood House has run Beginners' and Intermediate Sewing courses and also shorter and longer courses that build on and extend these basics including Applique, Patchwork, Overlocking, Stretch Sewing, Repairs & Alterations and more. In Term 2 2025, we will not be running a Sewing course at the Ballarat East Neighbourhood House. We recommend the Sewing courses at the Ballarat Neighbourhood Centre. You can also contact us to register your interest in future Sewing courses at Ballarat East Neighbourhood House.
Free Sewing Groups
We hold weekly free Monday Mend-Along & Art & Crafternoon sessions that all sewers and crafters are welcome to attend on a drop in basis.
MONDAY MEND-ALONG & ART & CRAFTERNOON (FREE)
Mondays, 12.30 pm - 2.45 pm, Ballarat East Neighbourhood House Community Room, Barkly Square. During school term.
Bring along your own art, craft, mending or sewing projects, supplies and equipment and join others for a chat while you art, craft, mend or sew in a way which suits you! Skills are shared amongst participants with no formal guidance from a tutor. Drop in any time.
Term dates and registration links.
Please contact us for more information, to join the waiting list for any courses that are booked out, or to express interest in future courses not currently running.
DONATIONS OF SEWING MATERIALS - We are not currently accepting donations due to limitations in the storage space available
We sometimes accept donations of sewing materials, which are fantastic for supporting our classes. However, some donations are unsuitable for use and are best either donated elsewhere, or processed in other ways. If you have materials to donate, we would appreciate if you would first refer to this list to ensure your donations can be made use of here. Please do not make donations at this time as we do not have room to store any more sewing supplies.
Past courses not running in Term 2, 2025
Please contact us to join the waiting list for future repeats of these courses.
BEGINNERS' SEWING
These workshops are designed for beginners new to sewing. Classes are structured to build on new skills learned each week.
Don't have a sewing machine? Let us know as we have a limited number we can share with you.
Basic supplies will be provided and you will need to source some of your own supplies, including spare needles if you will be using your own machine.
Registration is required as there is a limit of 10 people for this class. Please contact us to register your space.
This activity is a Learn Local activity, with costs subsidised through the Victorian State Government's Adult and Community Further Education (ACFE) program in partnership with the Ballarat Neighbourhood Centre.
ACFE Course Code: 25NUMSEWB
You will need to complete some ACFE paperwork in your first class and bring your Medicare card, Drivers' Licence, or other suitable ID.
Please note a minimum of 7 people will need to register for the class before it can proceed.
BEGINNERS' OVERLOCKING
In the Beginner's Overlocking course, where we will teach you the basics of this essential sewing technique! We will explore the art of overlocking, a sewing method that involves using a special machine to finish the edges of fabric, prevent fraying, and create a professional-looking seam.
This course is designed for anyone who is interested in learning the art of overlocking, or how to use their overlocker, whether you are a beginner or an experienced sewer looking to expand your skills. Throughout this course, we will provide step-by-step instructions on the techniques and tools needed to create beautiful and functional overlocked seams.
Please ensure you have a working Overlocker prior to the commencement of the course.
This 8 week course is designed for individuals who are already comfortable with the basics of sewing and are ready to take their skills to the next level.
Unlock the full potential of your sewing skills with our comprehensive 8-week course, perfectly tailored for both newcomers and seasoned stitchers! Over four structured 2-week blocks, you’ll dive deep into essential sewing techniques that will elevate your craft and expand your creative horizons. Includes Repairs, Mending and Alterations, Appliqué Adventures, Mastering Presser Feet and Overlocking Essentials.
This class is suitable for skill level: I know the basics
- I know my machine fairly well
- I can thread with ease and know all about my bobbins
- I can troubleshoot and fix basic issues
- I understand sewing machine tension
- I can change my machine needle
- It is essential that your machine is either working properly, recently serviced, or new - please understand that we can not repair sad machines in this class. We also ask that you ensure you have a manual for your machine, and the right needles due the huge number of makes and models.
You will need to complete some ACFE paperwork in your first class and bring your Medicare card, Drivers' Licence, or other suitable ID.
Please note a minimum of 7 people will need to register for the class before it can proceed.
MENDING & REPAIRS
BEGINNERS' STRETCH
Location & getting there
Sewing classes are held at Barkly Square, 25-39 Barkly Street, Ballarat East.
Walking: The building has entrances on Barkly Street and also access from Princes Street South via the car park.
Driving: You can park on Barkly Street, or behind the building in the car park or on the street along Princes Street South. You can access Princes Street South from Eureka Street or Barkly Street.
Bus: There is a bus stop close to Barkly Square: Route 20, near the corner of Barkly Street and Main Road.
Bicycle: There is bike parking available at Barkly Square.
Once inside the building, look for signs to locate our Neighbourhood House. If you enter from the courtyard next to the cafe, head to the end of the hallway, past the community area to the Ballarat East Neighbourhood House Community Rooms. If you enter from the Barkly Street entrance, keep going straight ahead and you will see our Ballarat East Neighbourhood House Community Rooms on your right.
Public toilets are available within Barkly Square.
View the Accessibility Map of Barkly Square.
Conditions of participation
- Please read the Ballarat East Neighbourhood House Activity Terms and Conditions. You will be asked to agree to these upon registration for this class.
- If you have any injuries or issues which may affect your ability to partipate fully in the activity, and/or if you need any reasonable adjustments, please arrive early to discuss with your tutor.
- Turn off your phone/digital devices and store your possessions in the room.
- Registrations are not transferable.
Questions?
Please call Ballarat East Neighbourhood House on 0422 612 052 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. If you are having trouble booking or paying for this activity, we are very happy to find a solution that will work as we want everyone interested to be able to participate.
