Knitting, Sewing and Weaving Classes for NYC Kids

[UPDATED: August 15, 2012]

Most kids keep their hands busy with gadgets these days. Now we're not knocking technology—we love tech (we're a website, after all). But we also appreciate analog activities like textile crafts. And if given the chance, lots of kids do, too.

There's something really wonderful about tying knots in sequence or knitting a scarf or weaving a pattern. The satisfaction is tangible—literally. Crafty kids are lucky to live in NYC, since there are plenty of places where they can learn to work with yarn, thread, fiber and cloth. So unearth your old needles! Here's the scoop on spots that will get your family knitting, crocheting, sewing, quilting and weaving in New York City.

The City Quilter – Chelsea
133 W 25th Street between Sixth and Seventh Avenues
212-807-0390
For ages 8 and up, there's a wonderful, one-off parent-child sewing class in which families can create a quilt together and a parent-child felting class to create adorable felt creatures. Contact the store to figure out which class is the best fit for your kid.
 
Home Ec at Flirt Brooklyn – Gowanus
303 Third Avenue between Carroll and First Streets
718-852-2889
Super-fabulous clothing and gear shop Flirt Brooklyn offers classes in its Home Ec studio. Although children's courses aren't listed on the schedule, kids ages 12 and up can join an adult class. Plus, families can special request a group class or camp for younger kids (you must gather a minimum of four), or arrange for private lessons. Home Ec also rents out its studio, which features eight sewing stations, an ironing station and a cutting table, making it a wonderful birthday party spot.

Knitty City – Upper West Side
208 W 79th Street between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenues
212-787-5896
Kids Club! after-school classes are open to children ages 7 and up, regardless of skill level. The spot also offers knitting and crocheting classes for grownups.

Lemon Sky – Williamsburg
39 Ainslie Street between Rodney and Keap Streets
212-627-2177
Kids six and up can enjoy all kinds of fiber arts and crafts, knitting and crocheting lessons. There's also a summer camp and a party package. Click here to download a coupon for a free trial class.

Loop of the Loom – Upper East Side
227 E 87th Street between Second and Third Avenues
212-722-2686
The only hand-weaving studio in NYC, Loop of the Loom has many unique offerings. In Happy Weaving classes, kids try out Saori weaving. There's an after-school program for ages 8 to 14.

Sew Fast Sew Easy – Midtown West - CLOSED
147 W 35th Street between Seventh Avenue and Broadway
212-268-4321
In the Passion for Fashion program, teens learn to sew tote and pouch bags, make a pair of shorts and turn an old T-shirt into a new one. You must bring your own materials, but there's an on-site retail store for supplies. Plus, you are in the heart of the Fashion District.

Textile Arts Center – Park Slope and West Village
505 Carroll Street between Third and Fourth Avenues
718-369-0222
26 West 8th Street near MacDougal Street
646-225-6554
The popular Brooklyn studio opened a Manhattan location in summer 2011. At both spots, kids can learn weaving and surface design, then use those skills to create stuffed animals, pillows, bags and more. Children ages 6 to 11 can take after-school classes. Mini-camps are offered during school breaks, and include instruction in weaving, dyeing, screen-printing and felting. In the summer, there's a camp with outdoor free play and field trips and a special Textiles for Teens program. Birthday party packages include felting, sewing, weaving, or fabric and fiber jewelry.

Wave Hill – the Bronx
675 W 252nd Street between Independence and Sycamore Avenues
718-549-3200
During the winter, this Bronx oasis occasionally hosts spinning and knitting classes for adults and older kids (10 and up) accompanied by a grownup. The workshops are free with admission to the grounds. Keep your eye out for these one-offs on Wave Hill's event calendar.

WFC In the Loop – Financial District
World Financial Center Courtyard, 220 Vesey Street
212-945-0505
The third Friday of every month from noon to 2pm, this group makes crafts for charity. All are welcome to join; you must bring your own needles but yarn, patterns and instruction are provided. While not aimed at kids per se, it's a great way to get children knitting or crocheting for a cause. You can even download the patterns ahead of time. FREE

Read more about crafting in NYC in our crafting posts.