Not confident about your machine? Then come and learn how to use it. Eg: altering tensions; using different stitches and feet. Gain the confidence you will need to make a garment. BYO sewing machine with foot control and power cord to class, and all materials. Materials are not included in the course fee. Estimated cost of materials approx. $20, subject to personal choice.

Your tutor is Victoria Arvanitakis

Victoria has been teaching at WEA since 2026

Victoria Arvanitakis is a practicing Costume Designer and Maker for Film, Television and Performance, since completing her BFA in Costume from the National Institute of Dramatic Art in 2019 she has since gone on to work within Australia and New Zealand gaining skills and experience from Costume professionals from around the world. Victoria's creative ethos is one of curiosity and understanding the why, a proudly interrogative process in storytelling this has earnt her NIDA's Costume Excellence Award (2019), Inside Film Magazine's Rising Talent List in Costume Design (2023) and Best Costume at the South Australian Screen Awards (2025). 
In 2026 Victoria is excited to share her experience with individuals who are also excited about the potential of Costume.

Get to Know Your Sewing Machine

Course Description

Not confident using your sewing machine? This hands-on course is designed to help you get comfortable and in control. 

Whether you’re brand new to sewing or just haven’t used your machine in a while, you'll learn everything from identifying machine parts to adjusting tension, threading properly, and using different stitches and presser feet. 

By the end of the course, you’ll feel more confident using your machine for a range of sewing tasks, including preparing to make your own garments.

You'll work through practical exercises, creating sample stitches and techniques using basic machine attachments like the zipper foot and buttonhole foot. 

You’ll also explore the right needle and thread combinations for different fabrics and projects. 

Bring your own domestic sewing machine (with foot control and power cord), and all your materials, and get ready to demystify sewing machine functions in a supportive and relaxed environment.

Course Structure

This course combines clear demonstrations with time for hands-on practice, so you can apply what you learn straight away. 

You’ll start with the basics – threading the machine, winding bobbins, adjusting tension – and move on to practicing with different feet and stitch settings. 

Helpful notes will be provided, and there will be time for questions and troubleshooting. 

You’ll sew sample pieces using various functions and feet, and if time allows, you’ll even get a demonstration of how to use a twin needle. 

By building confidence step by step, you’ll leave the course ready to tackle future sewing projects with ease.

Course Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Identify the main parts of a domestic sewing machine and understand their functions
• Thread the machine and insert both front- and top-loading bobbins correctly
• Choose suitable needle and thread combinations for various fabrics
• Adjust thread tension for different sewing needs and machine types
• Use a range of basic presser feet, including the zipper foot and buttonhole foot
• Gain confidence in setting up and using the sewing machine for garment construction tasks.

Course Requirements

Please note: if your sewing machine is old and has been in storage for a while, you may need to have it checked for safety before attending your course.

The estimated cost of all materials is $20. Please bring:

• Sewing machine in good working order, with electrical cord, foot control and PRINTED manual (not a digital copy on phone or tablet)
• Double-sided zipper foot (needle can be positioned on either side of the foot – if unsure, visit a sewing machine shop with your machine’s make and model, not Spotlight)
• Buttonhole foot (if unsure, visit a sewing machine shop with your machine’s make and model, not Spotlight)
• Small screwdriver (some machines don’t come with one)
• Spare sewing machine needles
• Thread suitable for your sewing machine
• 30cm each of cotton fabric, stretch fabric, and any other types of fabric you’d like to bring
• One nylon zip, approximately 20 cm long (any colour; must NOT be invisible or open-ended)
• About 20cm of piping cord (like thick string)
• Sewing box with pins, tape measure, sharp scissors, etc
• Tweezers
• Cream masking tape
• Notebook and pen