4 Places 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. 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 tiny picturesque shop’s walls are lined from top to bottom with bold colored yarn and the shelves have 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/

2. 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” (抜染) 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

3. 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

4. East Village Hats