Thread Den

Learn to Sew Melbourne

Events

Summer dreams ripped at the seams… But, oh! Those summer Nights!

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We’re vibing Danny and Sandy as we plan Summer nights sewing up stylish fits!

Warm nights, creative vibes and the hum of sewing machines, Summer Saturday Nights at Thread Den are launching in 2026. We’re turning your summer Saturday evenings into stylish, skill-building adventures with two of our most popular garment workshops.

Across January, February and March, join us in Fitzroy for our Unisex Bomber Jacket Sewing Course,  the incredibly flattering Zadie Jumpsuit by Paper Theory Sewing Course and the popular but challenging Fortnightly Coat Club. Whether you want to master structured outerwear or sew a modern, relaxed-fit jumpsuit, these evening sessions are the perfect way to unwind, create, and head home with a garment you’ll be proud to wear.

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Road Trip Idea – Visit Ararat’s Textile Art Museum

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A 2 hour & 45 minute drive from Melbourne (or catch the train out via Ballarat!) you’ll find Ararat, a town that is part of Victoria’s Central Highlands. The Ararat TAMA (Textile Art Museum Australia) has been operating since 1968.

The dynamic growth in textile practice from the 1970s into the 1990s is reflected in a wide range of acquisitions including quilts, tapestries, baskets and embroideries, as well as experimental mixed media works that reflect the enthusiasm and optimism amongst textile artists during this period. 

Ararat TAMA – araratgallerytama.com.au

Current exhibitions include;

The Lady Barbara Grimwade Collection

Barbara’s interest and appreciation for well-tailored clothing and fashion began during her school days and her early adulthood. As a young woman Barbara favoured Marlowe of Sydney, a designer who had studied in France and was highly proficient in haute couture. Following a move to Melbourne, Barbara was a dedicated patron of Arija Austin, the owner and designer of Tu in South Yarra. Following her death in March 1990, Barbara’s son Mr Angus K Grimwade generously donated over 400 items from her wardrobe to Ararat Gallery, including clothing, hats, handbags, shoes and assorted accessories of gloves, belts and scarves.

Runs Until Sunday 19th March 2023

FREE

A tribute exhibition to local artist Carole Mules

Carole Mules (nee Anderson) was born in 1946, after studying art and teaching at the School of Mines in Ballarat, Carole moved to Melbourne to raise a family where she developed her interest in photography, textiles and ceramics. Carole created a rich pallet of textures and colours using combinations of contact printing with native plants and found objects, freehand machine stitching, hand stitching, cut and collage, floral resist, and tying and folding fabric. Carole passed away in September 2021.

Runs until Sunday 19th March 2023

FREE

Notions of Care

Notions of Care explores the ways in which art and nurture are interlinked. Through the works of Arini Byng, Snapcat, Polly Stanton, Kate Tucker and Katie West, ways of caring are unfolded, cultivated, and enforced. The exhibition asks questions about the ways that art can care for both viewers and artists. Throughout the exhibition, care is explored through a variety of means. From soft sculptural forms, bodily interrelations, field recordings and the scent of local flora, the exhibition welcomes a personal and intimate reverence of calm.

Runs until Sunday 26th February 2023

FREE

Sewing for Bush Fire Impacted Animals

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If you need a sewing machine, scissors and equipment to make the requested items you can attend our Open Studio Hours (please rsvp to indicate you are coming in) on Thursday and Friday from 2-6pm throughout January and February (this is usually a benefit for our paid members). We can supply threads and equipment, but we do not have a stash of the approved fabrics.
 
Sydney Wildlife Rescue Photo
 

Appropriate fabrics are 100% natural fibres, no synthetics or polyesters, no glitter or metallic prints. Breathability and softness is essential. Consider going through your linen cupboard for old natural fibre sheets. 

Liners should be 100% natural fibres: cotton, bamboo, linen – blends and styles of these are OK but no polyester, synthetics or fabrics that have plastic or glitter. Any print is fine! Breathability and softness are the priority: think about what you would put next to a baby’s bare skin. Wool cannot be used for a pouch liner.

Update 12 January:

We have some people question if we should still go ahead with our sewing sessions for bushfire impacted animals. Some collection points have asked people to stop sending items due to rescue organisations advising they are currently at capacity with these items.
Given we are still two months away from the end of the fire season, we think it is worthwhile to still make items. We have three Mondays, the last being Australia Day and we can send items after that (or earlier if the situation changes).  

Many of these animals will need to be in care for quite sometime and while the first wave of need maybe catered for, I feel that there will be need later on when the fires are not still fresh in our mind. 

If you want to still join us, we’d love to have you!

regards

Danielle
Thread Den

 

Easter Sewing Event

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This Easter join us at Thread Den to add to your #MeMade wardrobe. Choose our popular skirt workshop: a classic circle skirt to be held over Friday and Saturday afternoon, or a one off workshop featuring the Indie pattern designer – Pauline Alice – making the Reina Blouse on Sunday and Monday.

If you live far away from Melbourne, this is a lovely chance to come to town, stay a night and sew up a storm with us. 

To make these special Easter workshops more fun, we have a goodie bags with surprises from our friends inside. Those that have put in goodies include; Maison Burlesque, Homelealass, Cinema Nova, Spruce Craft Co, Ethical Clothing Company, Megan Nielsen Patterns, Closet Case Patterns, Jimmy Buttons.

Sewing Course for Young Adults

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Seams Legit
Learn to sew from scratch in six weeks.

In the lead up to Melbourne Fashion Week learn about sewing machines, jargon, fabrics, tools and a lot more with us! at the Melbourne City Library.  In this focused course, learn to sew on a domestic sewing machine, meet people working in the fashion industry and running their own small businesses and make three items to take home.

  • Saturdays, 12pm to 1:30pm; 4 August, 11 August, 18 August, 25 August, 1 September & 8 September.
  • Cost: $20, participants will need to supply some materials.
  • The course runs for six weeks and participants must commit to all six sessions.
  • For 15 to 30 years, bookings essential.

Activity Space, City Library – 253 Flinders Lane, Melbourne VIC 3000

03 9658 9500

Queries: youngadults@melbourne.vic.gov.au

melbourne.vic.gov.au/libraries

 

Garden Party with Gertie

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Gertie and Danielle at the Garden PartyThe photos from our Garden Party with Gertie (November 2017) are up on Facebook! Click here. We are missing photos of a couple of people – please feel free to send us photos to be added if you took fabulous photos on the day too.

Gertie is wearing her Charm Pattern’s Lamour Dress with beautiful rhinestones and her hat is by London based Atelier Millinery.

Danielle is wearing the Charm Pattern’s Rita Blouse made from a Gertie Fabric. The circle skirt is from Christine’s and the hot pink topper is from Mr Individual Melbourne. Shoes from Miz Mooz