Nestled within UNSW’s creative Paddington campus, the School of Art & Design proudly presents the Fashion Workspace - a state-of-the-art studio dedicated to the craft and innovation of contemporary fashion design. This purpose-built facility provides students with access to professional-grade industrial machinery and specialised equipment, enabling the creation of everything from high-fashion garments to experimental wearables.
Designed to support both technical skill development and creative exploration, the Fashion Workspace features advanced sewing machines, industrial cutters, pattern-making tools, and garment finishing equipment. Whether you’re tailoring bespoke pieces, experimenting with innovative materials, or developing complex constructions, the space is equipped to bring your designs to life with precision and quality.
Part of the Making Centre’s open-plan, collaborative environment, the Fashion Workspace encourages interdisciplinary experimentation - from couture sewing and digital pattern drafting to sustainable fashion practices and cutting-edge fabric technologies. Our expert staff are on hand to guide you through all stages of your project, helping you refine your technique and realise your creative vision.
At the heart of our fashion facility is a collaborative environment designed to support both creative exploration and technical skill development. The space features multiple large island workbenches alongside a dedicated area equipped with professional-grade sewing machines and garment production equipment.
This setup celebrates the balance between handcraft and industrial techniques, supporting a wide range of practices including precision sewing, draping, pattern making, tailoring, fabric manipulation, and embellishment methods such as embroidery and applique. It’s a dynamic space where traditional craftsmanship meets contemporary fashion innovation.
Within our fashion facility, the interlocking and piping sewing machines stand as essential tools for refined garment construction. The interlocking machines offer unparalleled stitch security and elasticity, perfectly suited for creating durable seams on stretch fabrics and activewear, ensuring both strength and comfort.
Meanwhile, our piping machines enable the seamless addition of elegant, sculptural details — enhancing silhouettes with crisp, decorative edges and piping accents. Together, these specialised machines empower students to achieve professional-grade finishes, combining technical precision with creative flair, and elevating their designs to industry standards.
The textiles facilities have collectively prospered under the new management of The Making Centre team and its stakeholders. Regardless, we dutifully continue to develop and enhance where possible. Students can expect greater capabilities in the field of sustainability with the looming introduction of re-use technologies like industrial textile shredders. Keep an eye out for expansions to our Digital and Wet Labs too.
The Fashion staff are available to meet with you to discuss your next project.
These consultations are avalible to all students including postgrad and HDR as well as staff and researchers.
Please drop in to Textiles or email us to book a time to meet with us. artdesigntextiles@unsw.edu.au
If you have feedback about the space fill out the survey here:
