Sewing Blocks

About This Course

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 skills
You 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 older
Sewing 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 level
Work alongside other students on your unique project
Get one-on-one guidance from Gemma throughout

FAQ
What 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.

What to Bring

Your chosen fabric and materials (see pattern page for specifics).

Class Details

3 classes starting Thursday, June 4, 2026 at 16:30

📍 Studio

View class schedule

1Thu, Jun 416:30 - 19:30

2Thu, Jun 1116:30 - 19:30

3Thu, Jun 1816:30 - 19:30

$360.005 spots remaining

Your Details

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

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Additional Information

Are you bringing your own sewing machine along? *

Add-ons

Sewing Pattern* required

More details →

Select your pattern for this class from the list below. During booking you'll be able to purchase the pattern. You'll need to bring fabric and haberdashery required:We recommend reading the manufacturer pattern sizing details (follow the pattern link) when calculating fabric requirements,.

Thread and sewing notions can be purchased at Sewing Gem during class. Fabric needs to be purchased beforehand. Check pattern sizing details for exact fabric amounts, or contact Gemma.

Seaside Dress + Top (Tadah Patterns) | Children's Pattern Sizes 000-8

Pattern Link

Multiple-size pattern for girls offering various neckline and sleeve options, including ruffle details and pocket options for beginner sewers using light to medium weight woven fabrics.

What to Bring

Fabric — Cotton is a great choice for beginners.

Based on 120 cm wide fabric

Dress (base): 40–67 cm
Top (base): 35–46 cm

Add extra for optional features:

Ruffle hem: +9 cm
Ruffle neck: +12.5 cm
Flutter sleeves: +14 cm
Short sleeves: +25 cm

Notions

10 mm wide woven elastic
Optional: 12 mm single fold bias tape (or make from extra garment fabric)

Thread — Matching

$22

Flexi Shorts | Children's Pattern Sizes 0000-10

Pattern Link

Suitable for boys and girls, these shorts can be recreated hundreds of times with a variation of finishes.

What to Bring

Fabric — Light or medium weight woven (cotton, linen, light denim, chambray)

Short shorts: 20–59 cm
Cuff shorts: 25–71 cm
Knee length: 25–71 cm
¾ length: 29–110 cm

Based on 120 cm wide fabric

Elastic

Sizes 0000–0: 12 mm woven elastic
Sizes 1–10: 18 mm woven elastic
Paper bag waist (all sizes): 12 mm woven elastic
Optional bubble hem: 12 mm woven elastic

Thread — Matching

$22

Flint Pants By Megan Nielsen

Pattern Link

Wide leg cropped pants or shorts with unique crossover closure at the side seam. Pattern sits on the natural waist and features hidden closure at the left pocket, release tucks at the front, darts at the back, slash pockets, two waistband options and two lengths.

What to Bring

Fabric — Light to medium weight woven (light denim, chambray, cotton, linen)

View A & B (full length): 2.6–2.8 m (115 cm wide) / 2.2–2.4 m (150 cm wide)
View C & D (shorts): 1.6–1.8 m (115 cm wide) / 1.2–1.3 m (150 cm wide)

Notions

15 cm interfacing (similar weight to fabric)
1–2 buttons (15 mm)

Thread — Matching

$35

Free Spirit Skirt By Pattern Emporium

Pattern Link

The Free Spirit Skirt is free spirited, dreamy, romantic, fun & everything you ever wanted in a skirt!

What to Bring

Fabric — Lightweight woven with some drape. Best for beginners: light cotton (voile, batiste, lawn) or cotton-rayon blend. Avoid very slippery rayons if new to sewing.

Midi: 1.75–3.0 m
Maxi: 2.2–4.0 m
Split Front Midi: 1.6–2.5 m
Split Front Maxi: 2.0–3.0 m
High-Low Hem: 1.8–3.0 m

Elastic (61–101 cm depending on size)

Enclosed / Topstitched / Paperbag: 40 mm elastic
Paperbag Covered: 25 mm elastic
Covered: 25 mm or 40 mm elastic

Thread — Matching

$29

Meet You There Tiered Dress By Pattern Emporium

Pattern Link

Fall in love with the effortless romance & stylish versatility of the Meet You There Dress & Top sewing pattern for woven fabrics.

What to Bring

Note: In the block we make the sleeveless version to fit within 3 weeks. Contact Gemma to discuss the sleeved version.

Fabric — Linen, linen blends, and cotton are great beginner choices.

Short top: 1.0–1.6 m
Long top: 1.0–2.0 m
Super mini: 1.5–2.5 m
Long mini: 1.5–2.75 m
Knee: 1.75–3.25 m
Midi: 2.5–4.0 m
Maxi: 3.0–4.5 m

Notions

Mobilon elastic (optional — for elastic gathering; otherwise traditional gathering method used)

Thread — Matching

$36

Mule Tote By Kylie And The Machine

Pattern Link

The Mule Tote is a spacious, stylish bag perfect for carrying your sewing projects and supplies.

What to Bring

Fabric — Light to midweight woven: cotton twill, light canvas, chambray, quilting cotton, gingham, light duck cloth, barkcloth, poplin, broadcloth, light corduroy, mid-weight linen, or nylon (e.g. ripstop).

Mule Tote (110–150 cm wide): 80 cm
Maxi Mule Tote: 1.6 m (110–135 cm wide) / 1.0 m (140–150 cm wide)

Straps — Fabric straps (from your fabric) or webbing:

Mule Tote: 208 cm webbing
Maxi Mule Tote: 242 cm webbing

Thread — Matching

$30

Stevie Tunic By Tilly And The Buttons

Pattern Link

With no darts, zips or set-in sleeves, Stevie is a satisfyingly quick and easy make. Perfect for beginners, it's no wonder Stevie is one of our bestselling patterns.

What to Bring

Fabric — Light to medium weight woven: linen, double gauze, chambray, cotton lawn.

Top: 1.1–1.8 m (140 cm wide) / 1.8–2.2 m (115 cm wide)
Dress: 1.5–2.4 m (140 cm wide) / 2.4–2.8 m (115 cm wide)

Notions

40 cm interfacing (similar weight to fabric)
If making button loop version: 1 button (12–18 mm) + 1 thin elasticated hairband

Thread — Matching

$40

Ashton Top (Helen's Closet)

Pattern Link

All-season wardrobe staple that is easy to sew and style! Wear it during cooler months with jeans and a cardigan, or pair it with shorts for summer. The Ashton has bust darts and a signature A-line shape.

What to Bring

Fabric — Light to medium weight woven (suggested: cotton, linen, chambray, lawn).

View A (hip length): 1.2–2.4 m
View B (crop length): 1.0–2.3 m

Notions — None required beyond thread (facing or bias binding finish — your choice)

Thread — Matching

$39

Order Summary

Sewing Blocks$360.00

Sewing Pattern — Seaside Dress + Top (Tadah Patterns) | Children's Pattern Sizes 000-8$22.00

Total$382.00

Course-Specific Information

Everyone sews at different speeds, and speed often comes down to your eye for detail and level of perfectionism (we welcome both speedy sewists and careful perfectionists at Sewing Gem!)

Because of this:

You may not finish your project within the three sessions. If that happens, you can either enrol in another 3-week block or continue at home. You will have your instruction booklet for guidance.

If you finish quickly, you may choose to purchase another pattern to keep the momentum going. Alternatively I'm always happy to teach sewing skills using scrap fabric (often left over from your project - so keep the scraps handy).

Children's patterns are usually completed the quickest.

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