Now, more than ever, it’s important to make your clothes truly last.
In a world of fast fashion, where clothes off the rack feel worn in after a month, learning to sew is not only a useful skill, it’s a vital one to be able to keep your favourite items out of the landfills.
It’s easy to take for granted the work put into the garments we dance, sweat and work in. The finished fabrics we use to shade windows, wipe counters, and sleep in comfort, that is, until your favourite piece is torn, worn or downright unusable. Learning to sew can help make those tragedies a little more manageable and the perfect chance to get a bit creative and stay offline.
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Thankfully, Toronto has countless classes and workshops hosted across the city for those looking to dive into the world of pins and bobbins, which can work with any budget.
Whether you’re looking to make perfectly tailored clothes or learn how to hem your latest thrift, here’s your definitive list on where to sew in the city.
Sewing for free
- Community Place Hub: Progress Place’s Community Place Hub near Weston GO Station offers community members free sewing classes. Keep an eye on their Instagram for upcoming classes or email them for more details.
- Regent Park Sewing Studio: The Regent Park Sewing Studio is part of The Centre of Learning & Development’s regular programming. They offer multiple free six-week beginner and intermediate classes throughout the year for all those looking to get their sew on. You can apply for their programming, but keep in mind there is a long waitlist. If you’re looking for a quick fix, you can also email them about their Repair Clinic.
- Scadding Court Community Centre Sewing Hub: Next to Alexandra Park in Kensington lies Scadding Court Community Centre’s sewing hub. Regular sewing classes are offered, just keep your eyes peeled on their site and posters at the centre for when to sign up. Spots fill up fast, so make sure to set a reminder for when sign-ups open up next. You’re also welcome to shop unique pieces made by local sewists trained at SCCSH at Stitch Hub, located in the community centre.
- Toronto Public Library’s Fabrication Studio: Having fun isn’t hard when you have a library card for the Toronto Public Library. At their North York branch, you can not only learn how to sew, but also borrow a sewing machine or serger for up to two hours at a time to work on personal projects. Bookings can be done over the phone or in person, with a three-day advance notice. The Fabrication Studio events go fast, so make sure to snag tickets as soon as registration opens, usually two weeks before at 12:30 p.m. And if you’re working on your own project, make sure to bring your own supplies and avoid working on denim, leather and glittery fabric.
Sewing on a budget
If you have some coins to spare, here are several options for sewing lessons under $30 an hour. They’ve been organized by price.
- Creative Reuse Toronto, $10/hour (three-hour min): If you’re a crafty person near Little Portugal and haven’t heard of Creative Reuse, you’re missing out. This sustainable non-profit is mainly a hub for donated and discarded art supplies, but also hosts open-session sewing classes. If you know the basics of sewing but haven’t made the jump to get your own machine, these three-hour sessions are for you. Check out the organization’s Instagram or website to sign up for upcoming classes.
- York Sewing Machines, $10/hour: This East York machine care and repair shop also offers open sessions for those looking to borrow a machine in-store for their latest hemming or tailoring job. Just make sure to call in beforehand to see their availability.
- City of Toronto, $16.25/hour: The city’s recreational programming is truly underrated and of course, so are the sewing courses. Classes are usually two hours per week with nine sessions, excluding holidays, with make-up sessions offered in case of weather. There are also LGBTQ+ and women-only courses available at East Bayfront Centre, depending on the season. Summer classes are full, so get on that waiting list and set a notification for fall registration to be announced.
- If you’re in Scarborough, you can also head out to the Clark Centre for the Arts, where they offer various sewing workshops if you aren’t ready to commit to regular classes. Bonus: they also offer open studio sewing sessions for those who’ve previously completed sewing classes at the location. All for $85.43, so around $28/hour.
- Mischief Makers, $17.50/hour: For the East End-ers, Mischief Makers is here to make all your artsy crafty dreams come true, no matter the age. Not only do they offer awesome programming for all ages, but you’re also free to rent their sewing station. This offer, which you can email about for details, doesn’t just stop at a sewing machine. Also included is access to their reuse library, sewing supplies, and a serger for a professional finish on all your creations.
- The Atelier, $20/hour (two-hour min): Are you an amateur sewist looking to develop your skills on self-guided projects? Then Riverdale’s The Atelier is one to check out. With a two-hour minimum, you get access to the sunny studio’s multiple sewing machines, sergers, dress forms and more.
- The Atelier also offers beginner and private classes, but they go for around $83/hour. However, the price includes complimentary open studio time and a completion certificate with all materials provided. No need to understand yards or get lost in Fabricland (yet).
- Downtown Sewing, $25+/hour: For all beginner and intermediate sewists, Downtown Sewing, right by Trinity Bellwoods Park, is a great spot to check out. Regular courses and workshops are posted every Sunday and range from $25 to $31 an hour, depending on their length. They even offer the occasional couples class, if you’re looking to learn alongside your partner. If you get into sewing, you can also purchase a machine and supplies at the shop as well. But if you’re lucky enough to own a sewing machine (or a serger) already, they also offer discounted classes.
- Ed’s Mercantile, $26/hour: Spearheaded by mom and pop vintage shop Ed’s Mercantile, it has countless regular textile art-forward workshops, from embroidery to wet felting and, of course, sewing. They host both recurring and one-day classes, usually around two to three hours. Whether you’re looking to make pyjama pants, upcycled tote bags or simply figure out how sewing zippers work, Ed’s Mercantile offers all that and more.
- PH1, $26/hour (three-hour min): Art collective and encaustic enthusiasts, PH1 goes beyond their wax origins to offer Torontonian arts workshops of all kinds. Hosted at 401 Richmond, get into project-based sewing classes made for beginners and intermediate sewists looking to leave with a completed, usable piece.
- Community Place Hub: Progress Place’s Community Place Hub near Weston GO Station offers community members free sewing classes. Keep an eye on their Instagram for upcoming classes or email them for more details.
- Regent Park Sewing Studio: The Regent Park Sewing Studio is part of The Centre of Learning & Development’s regular programming. They offer multiple free six-week beginner and intermediate classes throughout the year for all those looking to get their sew on. You can apply for their programming, but keep in mind there is a long waitlist. If you’re looking for a quick fix, you can also email them about their Repair Clinic.
- Scadding Court Community Centre Sewing Hub: Next to Alexandra Park in Kensington lies Scadding Court Community Centre’s sewing hub. Regular sewing classes are offered, just keep your eyes peeled on their site and posters at the centre for when to sign up. Spots fill up fast, so make sure to set a reminder for when sign-ups open up next. You’re also welcome to shop unique pieces made by local sewists trained at SCCSH at Stitch Hub, located in the community centre.
- Toronto Public Library’s Fabrication Studio: Having fun isn’t hard when you have a library card for the Toronto Public Library. At their North York branch, you can not only learn how to sew, but also borrow a sewing machine or serger for up to two hours at a time to work on personal projects. Bookings can be done over the phone or in person, with a three-day advance notice. The Fabrication Studio events go fast, so make sure to snag tickets as soon as registration opens, usually two weeks before at 12:30 p.m. And if you’re working on your own project, make sure to bring your own supplies and avoid working on denim, leather and glittery fabric.
- Creative Reuse Toronto, $10/hour (three-hour min): If you’re a crafty person near Little Portugal and haven’t heard of Creative Reuse, you’re missing out. This sustainable non-profit is mainly a hub for donated and discarded art supplies, but also hosts open-session sewing classes. If you know the basics of sewing but haven’t made the jump to get your own machine, these three-hour sessions are for you. Check out the organization’s Instagram or website to sign up for upcoming classes.
- York Sewing Machines, $10/hour: This East York machine care and repair shop also offers open sessions for those looking to borrow a machine in-store for their latest hemming or tailoring job. Just make sure to call in beforehand to see their availability.
- City of Toronto, $16.25/hour: The city’s recreational programming is truly underrated and of course, so are the sewing courses. Classes are usually two hours per week with nine sessions, excluding holidays, with make-up sessions offered in case of weather. There are also LGBTQ+ and women-only courses available at East Bayfront Centre, depending on the season. Summer classes are full, so get on that waiting list and set a notification for fall registration to be announced.
- If you’re in Scarborough, you can also head out to the Clark Centre for the Arts, where they offer various sewing workshops if you aren’t ready to commit to regular classes. Bonus: they also offer open studio sewing sessions for those who’ve previously completed sewing classes at the location. All for $85.43, so around $28/hour.
- Mischief Makers, $17.50/hour: For the East End-ers, Mischief Makers is here to make all your artsy crafty dreams come true, no matter the age. Not only do they offer awesome programming for all ages, but you’re also free to rent their sewing station. This offer, which you can email about for details, doesn’t just stop at a sewing machine. Also included is access to their reuse library, sewing supplies, and a serger for a professional finish on all your creations.
- The Atelier, $20/hour (two-hour min): Are you an amateur sewist looking to develop your skills on self-guided projects? Then Riverdale’s The Atelier is one to check out. With a two-hour minimum, you get access to the sunny studio’s multiple sewing machines, sergers, dress forms and more.
- The Atelier also offers beginner and private classes, but they go for around $83/hour. However, the price includes complimentary open studio time and a completion certificate with all materials provided. No need to understand yards or get lost in Fabricland (yet).
- Downtown Sewing, $25+/hour: For all beginner and intermediate sewists, Downtown Sewing, right by Trinity Bellwoods Park, is a great spot to check out. Regular courses and workshops are posted every Sunday and range from $25 to $31 an hour, depending on their length. They even offer the occasional couples class, if you’re looking to learn alongside your partner. If you get into sewing, you can also purchase a machine and supplies at the shop as well. But if you’re lucky enough to own a sewing machine (or a serger) already, they also offer discounted classes.
- Ed’s Mercantile, $26/hour: Spearheaded by mom and pop vintage shop Ed’s Mercantile, it has countless regular textile art-forward workshops, from embroidery to wet felting and, of course, sewing. They host both recurring and one-day classes, usually around two to three hours. Whether you’re looking to make pyjama pants, upcycled tote bags or simply figure out how sewing zippers work, Ed’s Mercantile offers all that and more.
- PH1, $26/hour (three-hour min): Art collective and encaustic enthusiasts, PH1 goes beyond their wax origins to offer Torontonian arts workshops of all kinds. Hosted at 401 Richmond, get into project-based sewing classes made for beginners and intermediate sewists looking to leave with a completed, usable piece.
Sewing when you have the means
- Toronto Sewing School, $30/hour (three-hour min): This Queensway-based sewing school doubles as a supplies and machine repair shop downstairs, while workshops happen upstairs. Whether you need a one-time session or weekly ones, Toronto Sewing Class has classes for all, including a teen-specific one for the ambitious kids in your life.
- Sharpen Skills, $30+/hour: Certified B Corp Sharpen was created to equip Torontonians with the skills to take on their wildest DIY dreams. From the ABCs of French patisserie to the art of stained glass, Sharpen’s Queen West location offers a growing, expansive list of workshops. When it comes to sewing, they have basic classes like understanding fabric, as well as project-based ones like how to make your own sweatshirt. Workshop lengths vary between three and four hours, and supplies are always included.
- Create Art Studio, $34/hour: Need to brush up on your machine as well as hand sewing skills? Then check out Woodbine-based Create Art Studio for their catalogue of sewing classes. They also offer a special three-day sewing course where you can learn the basics quickly for $13/hour.
- Shoppe & Tailor, $35-50/hour: Looking to support a queer-owned and operated sewing hub in the West End, then look no further than Shoppe & Tailor. Whether you’re a professional or a newbie, sign up for their workshops or recurring classes to learn the ins and outs of sewing, tailoring, pattern drafting and more.
- If you’re in the mood for private classes, in person or virtually, classes start from $75/hour.
- The Sewing Junction, $47-50/hour: This 12-year-running sewing hub hosts classes for all those in the Junction. Whether you want your very own vintage apron, picnic towel or a better grip on the sewing basics, The Sewing Junction has got your back. Price is dependent on the class and its regularity. Once you’ve completed a class, you’re welcome to join their sewing social to access all their supplies and chat with your fellow sewists for $16/hour.
- Toronto Sewing School, $30/hour (three-hour min): This Queensway-based sewing school doubles as a supplies and machine repair shop downstairs, while workshops happen upstairs. Whether you need a one-time session or weekly ones, Toronto Sewing Class has classes for all, including a teen-specific one for the ambitious kids in your life.
- Sharpen Skills, $30+/hour: Certified B Corp Sharpen was created to equip Torontonians with the skills to take on their wildest DIY dreams. From the ABCs of French patisserie to the art of stained glass, Sharpen’s Queen West location offers a growing, expansive list of workshops. When it comes to sewing, they have basic classes like understanding fabric, as well as project-based ones like how to make your own sweatshirt. Workshop lengths vary between three and four hours, and supplies are always included.
- Create Art Studio, $34/hour: Need to brush up on your machine as well as hand sewing skills? Then check out Woodbine-based Create Art Studio for their catalogue of sewing classes. They also offer a special three-day sewing course where you can learn the basics quickly for $13/hour.
- Shoppe & Tailor, $35-50/hour: Looking to support a queer-owned and operated sewing hub in the West End, then look no further than Shoppe & Tailor. Whether you’re a professional or a newbie, sign up for their workshops or recurring classes to learn the ins and outs of sewing, tailoring, pattern drafting and more.
- If you’re in the mood for private classes, in person or virtually, classes start from $75/hour.
- The Sewing Junction, $47-50/hour: This 12-year-running sewing hub hosts classes for all those in the Junction. Whether you want your very own vintage apron, picnic towel or a better grip on the sewing basics, The Sewing Junction has got your back. Price is dependent on the class and its regularity. Once you’ve completed a class, you’re welcome to join their sewing social to access all their supplies and chat with your fellow sewists for $16/hour.
Extra tips and tools
- For all the Toronto Metropolitan University, OCAD and University of Toronto Scarborough students, your tuition includes access to a sewing machine! Details vary depending on the school, but click the links to learn more about how to get your sewing on, on and off campus.
- Are you an avid DIY-er or the resident handyman of your friends who doesn’t have space to house the tools needed to pull off your wildest projects? Then the Toronto Tool Library, which resides at the back of Centre for Social Innovation’s home in Kensington, was made for you. Not only do they offer access to countless tools for their membership at $90 a year, but you also get to attend classes to train in the usage. With their membership, you can rent a sewing machine for just $10 a day.
Did I miss your favourite sewing spot, or do you want another crafty listicle? Send me an email at hello@thegreenline.to or a DM on social media. And if you end up giving one of these places a try, tag @tglhelps on Instagram to be reposted on our story.
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