Beginner to Intermediate

Beginner and beyond course

A weekly sewing class for absolute beginners through to Intermediate and confident sewists.

Available in 2.5 hr or 3 hr sessions

Max 6 students

Level 1, 39–43 Shepherd St, Marrickville

Perfect if you want consistent progress, gentle accountability, and expert support each week.

SKILL LEVEL Please note: This is an open-level class. You may be learning alongside sewists with different experience levels, but you’ll always receive individual support.

BEGINNER • No experience needed • Perfect if your machine is still in the box

BEYOND BEGINNER • You can confidently thread your machine • You’ve sewn before and want support with technique or projects

TERM 2, 2026

Our courses follow NSW school term dates. Term 2 runs for 11 weeks Dates: Monday 20 April – Thursday 2 July (Anzac Day 27 April & King’s Birthday Public Holiday 8 June – no Monday classes on those dates)

Why you'll love this course

Learn in a relaxed, supportive studio

Small groups with personalised guidance

Suitable for beginners and beyond beginners

Work on structured projects or your own ideas

Build real confidence with your sewing

Make new sewing friends

What you will learn

BEGINNER (projects build week by week)

How to thread and use your sewing machine

Essential stitches, seam allowances and techniques

Sewing curves and neat seam finishes

How to hem garments

Project 1: Tote bag

Project 2: PJ shorts

BEYOND BEGINNER

Work on your own sewing project with teacher guidance

Learn techniques tailored to your goals

Troubleshoot fit, patterns, and tricky steps

Gain confidence to sew independently

Suitable for garments, quilts, homewares and UFOs

Class format

Small group classes

Personalised guidance for all levels

Learn at your own pace in a friendly studio, making new friends along the way

What's included

Use of studio sewing machines — students learn on the Brother Innov-is A80 or Bernina 335

Some Printed instructions and tips to take home

Tea and coffee throughout the day/evening

What to bring

BEGINNERS

Optional: Your sewing machines, otherwise use one of ours free of charge

Basic sewing kit: pins, scissors, unpicker, tape measure OR purchase one at the studio via cash or card

Notebook and pen

Week Two: Tote bag Fabric - One metre of thick cotton fabric - at Spotlight it is called Duck Canvas or Canvas. And all Ikea fabric is perfect. OR you can purchase fabric for $20per metre - pay on the day via cash or card, or pre pay here

Week three: PJ Shorts Fabric - 1.5m of cotton/linen fabric for your PJ shorts. OR you can purchase fabric for $20per metre - pay on the day via cash or card, or pre pay here

BEYOND BEGINNERS

Optional: Your sewing machines, otherwise use one of ours free of charge

Your project: The pattern and fabric you want to work on. You are welcome to contact us at kelda@usefulbox.com.au to discuss your project and ask for ideas based on your sewing level.

Basic sewing kit: pins, scissors, unpicker, tape measure

Notebook and pen

Optional add-ons

Pick up in class · no postage

Sewing Kit

Perfectly curated kit for beginners

$75.00

Add these to your basket during checkout.

Your teachers

Ali Dibley

Ali Dibley is an embroidery artist and sustainable fashion advocate. With a fashion background from University of Technology Sydney, she’s worked in bridal dressmaking, teaching and vintage hire. She loves reworking garments and adding a little sparkle.

Kelda Richards

Kelda has been teaching sewing since 2008 and loves helping students create garments they’re proud of. She shares time-saving techniques for a high-quality finish and enjoys working with quirky fabrics. Kelda believes anyone can sew — with the right guidance and a bit of fun.

Caz Adams

Sewing is my jam — I started at 9 and never stopped. Usefulbox began helping people use their “in the box” machines. I love seeing students feel proud. Sewing is my creative outlet, and I believe it supports mental health — it’s helped me through life’s highs and lows.

Monday AM- Term 2

19 April – 28 June·9 sessions

Full Term

9 sessions

19 April – 28 June

2 spots left

with Ali Dibley

$620

Block 1

5 sessions

19 April – 24 May

3 spots left

with Ali Dibley

$370

Block 2

4 sessions

31 May – 28 June

2 spots left

with Ali Dibley

$300

Monday PM - Term 2

20 April – 29 June·9 sessions

Full Term

9 sessions

20 April – 29 June

Full

with Kelda Richards

$620

Block 1

5 sessions

20 April – 25 May

1 spot left

with Kelda Richards

$370

Block 2

4 sessions

1 June – 29 June

Full

with Kelda Richards

$300

Tuesday AM - Term 2

20 April – 29 June·11 sessions

Full Term

11 sessions

20 April – 29 June

1 spot left

with Ali Dibley

$760

Block 1

5 sessions

20 April – 18 May

1 spot left

with Ali Dibley

$370

Block 2

6 sessions

25 May – 29 June

4 spots available

with Ali Dibley

$440

Tuesday PM - Term 2

21 April – 30 June·11 sessions

Full Term

11 sessions

21 April – 30 June

1 spot left

with Kelda Richards

$760

Block 1

5 sessions

21 April – 19 May

1 spot left

with Kelda Richards

$370

Block 2

6 sessions

26 May – 30 June

1 spot left

with Kelda Richards

$440

Wednesday PM - Term 2

22 April – 1 July·11 sessions

Full Term

11 sessions

22 April – 1 July

2 spots left

with Kelda Richards

$760

Block 1

5 sessions

22 April – 20 May

2 spots left

with Kelda Richards

$370

Block 2

6 sessions

27 May – 1 July

2 spots left

with Kelda Richards

$440

Thursday AM - Term 2

22 April – 1 July·11 sessions

Full Term

11 sessions

22 April – 1 July

1 spot left

with Caz Adams

$760

Block 1

5 sessions

22 April – 20 May

1 spot left

with Caz Adams

$370

Block 2

6 sessions

27 May – 1 July

1 spot left

with Caz Adams

$440

Thursday PM - Term 2

23 April – 2 July·11 sessions

Full Term

11 sessions

23 April – 2 July

Full

with Kelda Richards

$760

Block 1

5 sessions

23 April – 21 May

Full

with Kelda Richards

$370

Block 2

6 sessions

28 May – 2 July

2 spots left

with Kelda Richards

$440

Level 1, 39–43 Shepherd St, Marrickville

Access via stairs only