Rework Clinic (Alterations and Upcycling)

We'll help you tackle a variety of everyday alterations such as hemming, waistband adjustments, taking in tops, sleeve length adjustments, adding width, zipper replacement, and simple clothing transformations. Whether your goal is a better fit or a fresh new look, we'll help you build practical skills you can use again and again.

This is a working clinic rather than a traditional class. There are no formal lectures—instead, our instructors circulate throughout the studio, providing one-on-one guidance based on your project, sewing experience, and goals. From time to time, we'll gather the group for a short demonstration whenever a useful technique is being introduced.

At a Glance

• 3 hour clinic offered 1x per month.
• Two instructors providing personalized guidance.
• Bring one or two alteration or upcycling projects.
• Enjoy fun sewing time with like-minded creative sewers. 

Is This Clinic Right for You?

This clinic is ideal for confident beginners who are comfortable independently using a sewing machine and have completed our Sewing Prerequisite Class and Adult Learn to Sew Block 1 (or have equivalent experience).

Whether you're hoping to improve the fit of a garment, modernize an older piece, or creatively transform something you no longer wear, we'll help you build the skills and confidence to bring your ideas to life.

What to Bring

Please bring one or two garments or projects related to that month's clinic theme. Depending on your project, you may also need coordinating thread, zippers, elastic, fabric, or other notions. We'll let you know what's recommended before the clinic.

A Few Things to Know

• Alterations and upcycling projects can range from simple to complex.
• Our instructors will help you choose an approach that matches your current sewing experience and can be worked on during the clinic.  
• Please review what projects are suitable for clinic.
• If you're unsure whether your project is suitable, please email us at info@mainfabric.com before registering—we're happy to help.

Join us each month to refresh your wardrobe, build practical sewing skills, and discover just how rewarding it can be to transform the clothes you already own.

We are so excited that you are considering joining us for this workshop. We want to make the experience seamless, carefree, and enjoyable for you. Let us know how we can help. 

Don't forget to add your workshop dates to your calendar as soon as you have registered. About a week prior to your workshop you will receive an email outlining further details of the workshop including what you will learn, what you need to bring, and our cancellation policy. The email will also include our class waiver that will need to be signed online prior to attending the workshop. 

If you would like to know the fabric and notion requirements for the workshop in advance of a week please email or phone us at your convenience. 

At the studio we allow water and light snacks around the cutting table and sewing machines, other types of drinks and larger snacks can be enjoyed in our store sitting area. Cell phones, devices are great learning tools, you are welcome to bring and use them. 

If you have any further questions please visit our Contact & Hours page for contact details. You can email, phone, or text us anytime. Most responses take place during business hours. 

The Main Fabric Studio is located at 64 Hatt St., Unit 102, Dundas, ON.

Parking is available in the gravel parking lot on the east side of the building. To access the lot, drive down the narrow gravel laneway that runs along the east side of the building (between our building and the Rexall). The parking lot is located at the end of the laneway.

Our entrance is on the lower level of the building, directly off the parking lot. Once inside, the Main Fabric Studio is straight down the hallway from the entrance.

Please note that outside of 9:00 am–5:00 pm, the exterior building doors are locked. An instructor will be waiting at the entrance 10 minutes before your workshop begins until approximately 5 minutes after the scheduled start time. If you arrive after that time, simply use the keypad at the entrance to call the Main Fabric Studio directly, and one of our instructors will come let you in.

We look forward to welcoming you to the studio!

Registration & Payment

You may choose to pay for your workshop in full at the time of registration or reserve your spot with a 50% deposit. The remaining balance will automatically be charged approximately 20 days before your workshop begins using your original payment method.

If you register within 20 days of the workshop start date, full payment is required at the time of registration.

Your workshop registration is confirmed once either full payment or the required deposit has been received.

Age Requirements

Unless otherwise stated, workshop participants must be 16 years of age or older to attend independently.

Participants 7–15 years of age are welcome to attend workshops designated for younger sewists when accompanied by a paying adult who is also participating in the workshop.

All participants under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian complete the online workshop waiver before attending.

Cancellations & Transfers

We understand that plans can change. If you need to cancel your workshop registration, please let us know as soon as possible.

• More than 7 days before your workshop: Receive a full refund.

• Between 3 and 7 days before your workshop: Receive a 50% refund or transfer your registration to the next available offering of the same workshop (subject to availability).

• Within 48 hours of your workshop: Workshops are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Some specialty workshops or events may have different cancellation policies. Any exceptions will be clearly noted on the individual workshop registration page.

If you're unable to attend, you're welcome to transfer your registration to a friend or family member. Simply email, call, or text us before the workshop so we can update our attendance list.

Workshop Preparation

Prior to your workshop, you'll receive important emails from Main Fabric with your workshop details, preparation instructions, materials list (if applicable), and a link to complete our online workshop waiver.

Please check your spam or junk folder and add our email address to your safe senders list to ensure you don't miss these important updates.

Workshop Waiver

All participants are required to complete our online workshop waiver before attending their first workshop.

Community Guidelines

Main Fabric is committed to creating a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive community where everyone feels comfortable learning, creating, and asking questions.

We welcome people of all backgrounds, identities, ages, and abilities. We ask that all participants treat fellow students, instructors, staff, and our shared studio space with kindness and respect. Harassment, discrimination, abusive behaviour, or conduct that disrupts the learning environment will not be tolerated and may result in removal from the workshop without refund.

Our goal is simple: to create a supportive space where everyone feels inspired to learn, grow, and enjoy the creative process.