Where to Learn Artisan Crafts in NYC
Crafts have the power to build bridges between the past and present as well as between cultures. Plus, there’s no better way to have a totally personalized item than to make it yourself by hand. Here, we’ve rounded up our favorite workshops and classes around NYC to learn traditional crafts for you to put your own spin on.
PURL SOHO
The charming shop’s walls are lined from top to bottom with beautifully colored yarns and shelves with everything you can imagine for a fun, creative craft project. Budding artisans can take small classes here to learn basics in weaving, embroidery, or even pom pom garland and tassel making, as well as more advanced techniques in machine-sewing, hand-quilting, or sweater knitting.
Phone number: 212-420-8796
Address: 459 Broome St., New York, NY 10013
Website: http://purlsoho.com/
CURIOUS CORNERS
Curious Corners holds workshops in their Brooklyn studio that preserve traditional Japanese techniques and crafts such as shibori (tie-dye) where you can bring your own clothing to tie-dye, "boro" mending to upcycle your favorite garb, and “bassen” a traditional technique to make patterns by discharging the dyed-fabric with bleaches.
Phone number: 917-498-0373
Address: 20 Grattan St. Brooklyn, NY 11206
Website: https://shop.curiouscorners.com
BROOKLYN SHOE SPACE
This Brooklyn-based space is a co-working area for shoemakers, bag makers, and leather workers. They offer all types of classes for different levels such as a six-hour espadrille workshop for beginners, 3 day stiletto, and leather bag making.
Phone number: 718 218 7111
Address: 224 Roebling St.
Website: http://brooklynshoespace.com
EAST VILLAGE HATS
This East Village-based millinery is a neighborhood gem with beautiful straw and felt hats adorning the exposed brick walls that are so New York. Hats are made on premise with the option to order a custom hat or to learn the craft of hat-making yourself. Workshops include creating sinamay flowers, fedoras, turbans, and even more advanced couture creations with guest milliners.
Phone number: 212 358 7092
Address: 80 East 7th St.
Website: http://eastvillagehats.nyc
CRAFTJAM
CraftJam is a fun space near Union Square for learning crafts such as embroidering on tees, making macrame wall hangings, pom poms and calligraphy. They also bring in guest artists that teach unique skills like Otomi Embroidery, a Mexican embroidery technique that uses half the thread European techniques use to make colorful fauna and flora.
Phone number: 917 690 8287
Address: 33 West 17th Street
Website: https://craftjam.co
