Welcome to The Sewing Gem Studio
Discover the joy of sewing in our welcoming Bulimba studio. Whether you're threading a needle for the first time or building on existing skills, we provide straightforward guidance to help you progress at your own pace.
Our Courses
From first-time sewists to confident makers, we have a programme to suit your journey.
First Stitches
Never touched a sewing machine? No idea what a seam allowance, bobbin, or zigzag stitch is? Don't worry, we've got you covered!Join us for two fun and relaxed sessions where you'll learn the absolute basics while making your very own simple tote bag. This class is perfect for complete beginners and will guide you through:✂️ Cutting fabric✨ Threading your machine🧵 Choosing the right needles and thread🔄 Winding a bobbin⚖️ Troubleshooting tension issues📏 Sewing with a seam allowance, including turning corners and backstitching🔘 Understanding stitch selectionBy the end of the sessions, you'll walk away confident and ready for your next sewing project, plus, you'll have a handmade tote bag, perfect for your next supermarket run!FAQWhat if I don't finish my project in the two lessons allocated?That's okay - it happens! We make sure everyone takes away enough skills and hopefully falls in love with the craft of sewing.Do I need to bring a sewing machine?No! We have sewing machines at the studio for you to use. Just bring your materials if you are not buying a course kit. Having said that if you have a modern machine you are familiar with then by all means bring it along.I'm not a complete beginner. Can I join?Sewing Blocks are for those with basic sewing machine skills although plenty of people jump on First Stitches if it has been a long time and they want to brush up.
2 weekly lessons, 3 hours each
$250for the course
Sewing Blocks
Sewing Blocks are a group of weekly sessions allowing those ready to start making garments flexibility to focus on a project of their choosing in a classroom environment. Book a 3-week block, choose your pattern, and create something beautiful. Work at your own pace with personalised guidance.Before you book✓ You have basic sewing skillsYou should be comfortable threading a machine, sewing a straight line, and following simple instructions. New to sewing? No problem! Start with our First Stitches course to learn the basics, then come back and join Sewing Blocks.✓ You are 16 years or olderSewing Blocks are designed for adults. Teens aged 11–16 can join our Teen Stitch programme instead.How it works:Pick a block time that suits you (9 hours total across 3 weeks)Choose a pattern from our library based on your skill levelWork alongside other students on your unique projectGet one-on-one guidance from Gemma throughoutFAQWhat if I don't finish my pattern in one block?That's okay — it happens! Some patterns take longer than others, and everyone works at their own pace. You can book another block to continue, or finish at home.Do I need to bring a sewing machine?No! We have sewing machines at the studio for you to use. Just bring your fabric and notions as listed on your pattern page. Having said that if you have a modern machine you are familiar with then by all means bring it along.I'm a complete beginner. Can I join?Sewing Blocks are for those with basic sewing machine skills. If you're brand new to sewing, start with our First Stitches course first!Can I change my pattern after booking?Yes, just let Gemma know before your first session. If the new pattern is a different level, she'll help you choose something appropriate.
3 weekly lessons, 3 hours each
$360for the course
Teen Stitch
Looking for a fun and practical way to learn sewing? Aimed at 11-16 years olds, our Teen Stitch Club is a five-week after-school course designed to teach the essentials of sewing while making exciting, useful projects along the way.Perfect for beginners or those with a little sewing experience, this class will guide students through:🧵 Mastering the basics – threading a machine, stitching straight, and troubleshooting📏 Reading and cutting patterns – understanding fabric layouts and seam allowances✨ Building confidence – through hands-on projectsThroughout the course, students will create a range of fun and functional items.
6 weekly lessons, 2 hours each
$480for the course
Why Choose Us
Small Class Sizes
Maximum 5 students per class for personalised attention
All levels welcome
From absolute beginners to confident sewists
Expert Instruction
Learn from experienced, passionate instructors
Meet You Instructor
Gemma
Sewing Instructor
Gemma is a former primary school teacher who launched Sewing Gem as a small business selling sewing tools and haberdashery from her garage in 2018. She has worked as a part-time sewing teacher after studying sewing and completing various courses. She lives in Brisbane with her husband and two young kids. When not busy being a mother, running her business, or teaching, she enjoys spending time in her sewing room working on her "never-ending list of makes." Gemma invites potential students to reach out if they're interested in specific classes, and she's hoping to offer sewing classes based on patterns reviewed on the Sewing Club Podcast.
Find Us in Bulimba
Our bright and welcoming studio is located in the heart of Bulimba, Brisbane. With easy street parking and public transport access.
Address
9 Godwin Street, Bulimba QLD, Australia