About
About Little Stitch Academy
At Little Stitch Academy, we believe sewing is more than just a skill, it’s a powerful way to spark creativity, build confidence, and encourage more mindful, sustainable habits.
Our mission is to give children lifelong sewing skills, teaching them not only how to create, but also how to mend, repair, and upcycle. In a world of fast fashion, these skills help children understand the value of what they wear and make more thoughtful choices as they grow.
Based in our Preston studio, we offer hands-on sewing classes for children, teens, and adults, as well as in-school programs, incursions, and excursions across Melbourne. Our sessions are designed to be engaging, accessible, and meaningful, nurturing creativity, independence, and practical skills, one stitch at a time.
The Founder
Laurie Stefanizzi is a French-Australian mum of three, based in Darebin. Her love for sewing began early, she received her first sewing machine at just 10 years old.
After becoming a mother, Laurie deepened her passion by studying fashion design at the Australian Academy of Fashion Design, later working as an independent pattern maker.
Through raising neurodiverse children, she witnessed firsthand how sewing can support focus, confidence, and creativity. This experience shaped the heart of Little Stitch Academy, a space where every child is supported, encouraged, and free to learn at their own pace.
Laurie is deeply committed to reducing textile waste and believes that teaching children to sew, mend, and upcycle is one small but powerful way to create change.
At Little Stitch Academy, she brings together her love of teaching, creativity, and sustainability to inspire the next generation.
Commitment to Child Safety & Inclusion
At Little Stitch Academy, creating a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for children is at the heart of everything we do.
As parents ourselves, we understand the trust families place in us when their children attend our classes. We take that responsibility seriously and work hard to ensure every child feels safe, supported, respected and encouraged to be themselves.
Our teaching team is made up of caring, creative women who genuinely enjoy working with children and helping them build confidence, independence and practical skills through sewing.
Little Stitch Academy operates in accordance with the Victorian Child Safe Standards and has procedures in place to support children's wellbeing and safety.
Our Commitment Includes
✔ All staff hold a valid Working With Children Check
✔ All staff maintain current First Aid and CPR certification
✔ All staff have completed Mandatory Reporting and GECCKO child safety training
✔ Clear procedures for identifying, responding to and reporting child safety concerns
✔ A welcoming and respectful environment for all children, including neurodiverse children and those with additional support needs
✔ A secure studio environment, with doors remaining locked during classes where children attend without a parent or carer
✔ A visible and open studio space with large street-facing windows
✔ Respect for children's privacy and digital safety
✔ A positive, non-judgemental environment where children are encouraged to learn, create, make mistakes and grow in confidence
Neurodiverse Learners
We recognise that every child learns differently.
Many families choose sewing because it provides a structured, hands-on activity that encourages focus, creativity, problem-solving and independence. Students work at their own pace, allowing them to experience success in a way that feels comfortable and achievable for them.
While our classes can be busy, our teachers do their best to understand each child's needs and create an environment where every student feels welcomed, supported and included.
If your child has any additional needs that may help us support them more effectively, we encourage you to contact us before their first class.
Privacy & Photography
Protecting children's privacy is important to us.
Photographs showing children's faces are not taken during classes or workshops. Any images used on our website or social media feature staff members' children or children whose parents have provided explicit permission.
Our Philosophy
We proudly celebrate diversity and believe every child deserves the opportunity to learn, create and thrive.
Whether a child is naturally confident or a little nervous, highly creative or highly analytical, our goal is the same: to provide a safe and supportive environment where they can learn new skills, express themselves and feel proud of what they achieve.
Acknowledgment of Country
Little Stitch Academy respectfully acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation, the Traditional Owners of the land where we learn, sew, and create.
We honour their rich traditions of making, craft, and storytelling, and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We extend this respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.