For almost 20 years (since 2007!), Thread Den has been teaching Melbourne’s creative types how to sew from our workshop on Brunswick Street, Fitzroy. These are the creatives that share their love of making with you:
Danielle – owner & teacher
Danielle first learnt to sew with her Grandma, then through short courses and workshops, much like the ones Thread Den offers today. Before sewing became her passion, Danielle spent 15 years in retail property management, it was a different path she started with a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in marketing and retail management!
Since falling in love with teaching dressmaking and textiles, she’s added a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (2020) and a Certificate IV in Textile Design, Development and Production (2024) to her toolkit. Plus she is currently studying a Certificate III in Visual Arts (2026).
For 15 wonderful years, Danielle has been designing the patterns for class projects, writing your detailed handbooks and instructions, grading class pattern sets and sewing the samples… and managing the operational side of a small business. When time allows, she sews for herself, friends and family, with a particular love of bra-making, sewing with knits, and coat-making.
Recent highlights
- Artist Residency for 3 months with Creative City Ballarat.
- Mentoring an RMIT third-year student project that launched Semble, a fashion sewing pattern brand
- Serving as a technical judge for the AATFA casual wear and formal wear categories at their national finals
- Facilitating the Seams Legit sewing program for multiple years at City of Melbourne Libraries
- Producing one-off workshops and talks for ACMI, Cinema Nova, City of Greater Dandenong, Rippon Lea, and The NGV
- Bringing fellow textiles practitioners and teachers to Thread Den for events with students — creating wonderful networking opportunities with artists like Gretchen ‘Gertie’ Hirsch and corsetier Emma Capponi
She also holds a Victorian Working with Children Check.
Amy – crochet teacher
While Amy is a skilled sewing teacher, her flair for crochet has seen her become Thread Den’s crochet specialist. Amy has taught at Thread Den for over 15 years. She lived in the United Kingdom for a while where she was able to attend a Crochet Retreat with Katie Jones! She boasts both a Bachelor and Diploma in Fashion Design.
Lorena – knitting teacher
When Lorena was undertaking her Textiles Design Degree she became obsessed with and also majored in knitting constructed textiles. Her real area of expertise is knitting machines. Thread Den is spoilt to be able to add her skill to our lineup. Lorena launched her own knitwear line “Lore Lore” in 2009.
Arlie – sewing teacher
Arlie is a talented designer and seamstress who achieved a Bachelor of Fashion from RMIT. Arlie is super popular with Thread Den’s students because she is enthusiastic, passionate and knowledgeable.
In Arlie’s personal practice, she combines a love of hand techniques and craft theory with the exceptional skills she has honed in her professional work.
Rosie – sewing teacher
Rosie holds a Bachelor’s degree and Advanced Diploma in Fashion Design, along with a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. She has a real passion for fashion and knitwear design, with a particular focus on sustainable fashion, and brings a nurturing, calm approach to her teaching. Beyond the studio, Rosie is also a talented makeup and hair artist.
Josie – sewing instructor
Josie runs her own sewing pattern business, Pinch Patterns, and loves helping students bring their ideas to life, from first stitches to finished garments. With a background teaching both kids and adults, she brings warmth, patience and plenty of hands-on know-how to every class.