Categories: DIY & Crafts; Local & Entertainment

Sewing and Knitting in Boston

By mswen
updated 2 months ago

Crafty types, you know the deal: when you set your sights on a new hobby to master, you eat, sleep, and breathe it until you do. And when you do, watch out: your entire life revolves around what you can make with your newfound talent.

This is especially true for sewing and knitting. And because both are so darn useful, they're great skills to learn and perfect. Here's where to get started right here in Boston.

S-E-W-I-N-G !

I’m a sewing-type gal. Alas, I’m not very good at it, and there are times that I want to throw my sewing machine out the window, but the very act of constructing something out of fabric is fufilling and fun.

I took a class to get me started (we made pajama bottoms) and then proceeded to make 5 fabric shades and a shower curtain for my house. And when fabric shades can run you anywhere from $40 on up per shade, knowing how to sew can save you money, too.

So the moral of the story is that sewing can be fun, but also quite useful. Think of everything you can make with fabric: quilts, clothes, tablecloths, bags, curtains…stuff that you’ll actually use! And at the very least, knowing how to sew will come in handy when you need to hem your husband’s pants. You know, something really important.

Cambridge Quilt Shop

95 Blanchard Rd, Cambridge, MA 02138

While this is mainly a quilt shop, this gem carries all sorts of sewing notions and has excellent classes to boot. Their fabric selection is excellent (and not just for quilts), and the staff is wonderfully friendly and helpful.

Fabric Corner Inc

783 Massachusetts Ave, Arlington, MA 02476

If you’re a fabric lover, go here and you’ll leave having spent way more than you intended—not because of the prices, but because of the great selection of high-quality fabrics. And if you’re a quilter, this is a MUST-visit.

Sew-Fisticated Discount Fabrics Inc

735 William T Morrissey, Dorchester, MA 02122

Here’s the thing. Despite its name, this place isn’t the most “sew-fisticated” place to shop. And certainly isn’t the ideal place to visit if you are looking for peppy, friendly employees. But this store brings dedicated sewers in from all over because of one thing: its prices. They are low, Joe.

Van's Fabrics

14 Beach St, Boston, MA 02111

Hilariously (or not), you have to be buzzed in to enter this store; so your initial feeling about Van’s may not be super-positive. But if you’re looking for specialtiy and hard-to-find fabrics at reasonable prices, you’ll love Van’s.

Winmil Fabrics

111 Chauncy Street Boston, MA 02111

Sure, I’m sending you to Chinatown again. But the selection of fabric here is reasonably priced and varied, and especially great if you’re looking for home decorator or upholstery fabric. The staff is matter-of-fact and amazingly knowledgeable, so bring all of your sewing questions with you.

Spark Craft Studios

1963 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140

Spark is a crafty crafters dream: they offer all sorts of classes, including knitting, crocheting, and sewing.

Boston Center For Adult Education

5 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02116

Tucked in between “Introduction to Flame Working” and “A Taste of Blacksmithing” are your basic knit, crochet, and sewing classes. A great website makes it easy to sign up, and the classes are taught in a lovely building.

K-N-I-T-T-I-N-G !

Knitting, that once grandmotherly pastime, is now super-cool.

So, with that in mind I asked my mother-in-law to show me how, and I was hooked…for about 10 minutes. Maybe it’s because I thought I could make a scarf on my first try; maybe it’s because when I overthink things I end up screwing it up. Needless to say, it’s easy…but not THAT easy. I look at sweaters and gloves and scarves now with a whole new appreciation.

Despite my initial frustration with it (I’ll try again, for sure), knitting has an almost cult-like following. Does the repetitive motion of the needles put knitters into a relaxed trance? Does the completion of each project give them a euphoric sense of accomplishment? Is knitting THE perfect group gab ‘n gossip activity? Yes, yes, and yes.

Maybe you were born to knit! Go check it out.

A Good Yarn

4 Station St, Brookline, MA 02445

Crammed inside this teeny tiny shop is everything to do with knitting and knitting only: yarn, supplies, books, patterns, and classes. Come here when you’re looking for that certain skein, or that kooky needle.

Mind's Eye Yarns

22 White St, Cambridge, MA 02140

Smack dab in Porter Square, this homey shop (literally ~~- it’s in a house) will make you feel like you’re stopping by your awesome aunt’s house to raid her stash. With a limited but well-chosen yarn selection and a lovely and passionate staff -~~ they even offer one-on-one classes!—this is a neighborhood fave.

Newbury Yarns

164 Newbury St Ste 3, Boston, MA 02116

Classes? Who needs classes? This cozy shop is great for more experienced knitters who would rather be left alone to browse the fabulous high-end (and pricey) yarn selection.

Stitch House

846 Dorchester Ave. Dorchester, MA 02125

Yes! You read right: Dorchester. Not that you’d ever know it: the staff here is super-friendly and knowlegeable, bending over backwards to help with not only your potential purchase, but hints and tricks if you happen to be in a knitting bind. The store is packed with high-quality yarn and supplies, all organized perfectly and displayed . Take a class and learn to knit (and, sew! They have a section with machines and fabric, too) and Stitch House may just end up being your home away from home.

Woolcott & Co

61 Jfk St, Cambridge, MA 02138

If you’re looking for high-end yarn and a passionate staff that’s eager to help, Woolcott is the place for you. And while its Harvard Square location can be at once super convenient or a hair-pulling experience trying to find parking, it’s worth the trip if you’re making something really special. They’ve got classes, too!