I have always thought this place rather pretentious. However the experiences I have had over the past months have convinced me to never go there again. They are very limited in "my" types of yarn: Knit Collage is the only brand I like that they carry and it is much more expensive here than anywhere else: $37 a skein vs. $27 online. Why no stamps on the card for buying sale items?! We still spent money in your store. Also, thank you so much for refusing to let us exchange a pattern that we hadn't opened and that our 11 yr. old purchased by mistake since she thought it was a skirt but it's actually culottes. That was so helpful and made our little girl so happy. Not! We won't be bothering you ever again with our presence. read more

Bought today one yard of fabric. I asked them not to wrap it as I want to cut it on half. I was told that I need to RENT SPACE from them to do that. I said, all I need is to cut it in half. I was told that I would use their "tools" i.e. scissors to do that and that I need to rent space for this purpose. Never going back! read more

I just received my order (2 mask sewing kits - one solid and one printed ) and I am very happy with it. The colors were randomly chosen by the store so I was a little worried about the colors but both are very pretty and, frankly, what I would have chosen myself! Most important of all, the quality of the fabric is very nice and will make great masks. The kit came with what I will need to make the masks and I'm excited to get started and to order some more. Local delivery worked perfectly as well. Thank you!! read more

Gather Here - Fabric Stores Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

I took the basic sewing class and left with a bag that I'm really proud of. This is my new favorite place. Note - get to your class a little early to choose your fabric. That took a while (for me) because once the class starts we dive right into it. Thankfully the staff mentioned this to me so I knew to give myself that extra time. I am not a 'sewer' but I love the idea of getting into a new hobby and not buying ALL the supplies. Here is a place that has the equipment and guidance. Starting a new hobby doesn't have to break the bank. read more

They should rename this place "Get Ripped Off Here". The exorbitant gouging prices are ridiculous! I bought some fabric for my daughter's sewing class and when i looked at receipt I thought there was an error it was so expensive. The staff are mainly all pretentious stuck up losers who know nothing of textile or sewing culture. Do yourself a favor and go 2 min up the block to Sewfisticated in Sommerville. read more

Lynette just absolutely saved me! I am a new knitter and have been working hard on a baby blanket when my needle broke! She helped me fix my mistake and eased all my worry! Such a pleasure, thank you! read more

I walked in the store for the first time a few weeks ago and was blown away. It was buzzing with activity and felt like a cozy community space. There is an incredible selection of yarns and fabrics. I've been knitting for a while but wanted to start sewing so I went to Gather Here. I walked out with fabric, a pattern, and lots of good advice from staff. Everyone was very helpful. I'm excited to go back to start my next project! read more

The large space of the store is quite impressive as well as their selection of yarn. I have purchased some really gorgeous soft yarns and in one case I didn't save the tag. I did bring in a sample but no one could find the brand so I bought other yarn that was higher in price than what I find in other stores. I now travel west from the city, Rt.2/Natick, Maynard/Harvard while visiting friends. The shop employees are more relaxed and I don't feel rushed. I enjoy browsing and taking my time. I also find their policies with regard to covid is ridgid. It takes all the fun out of shopping. Lastly, I hope that this review will not be challenged as that's the whole point of having reviews in the first place. You get to share your opinion without criticism of your experience. I live closer to a few shops I will never attend classes due to not really feeling welcomed and I've read that from others who feel the same way. If you prefer an exclusive club, just put that in your mission statement. It may be subtle but it's still unacceptable. read more

Our daughter made us walk for 45 minutes from Boston to visit this shop. It is a well-stocked fabric shop and it was quite busy inside. There is a sitting area in the back right for spouses and friends who are not interested in shopping for fabrics. Near that area is the checkout area and it had a steady line of people the entire time I was there. Our daughter felt the walk was worth it but my feet question that claim. read more

This is such an amazing craft store! The staff are both super nice and super knowledgeable, and they are really welcoming to beginners. There are soo many choices in yarn, embroidery patterns, fabric etc...I spent almost an hour here yesterday just looking at all the choices read more

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There's a good feeling that I get here. I love the spaces to do my projects and they're so helpful. I had a teacher not from Gather Hereteach me how to make my own T shirt there and it was great. I wish that hey replied to my emails better. I'll give them a 5-star because they were very sweet, smart, and helpful. My 5 hours there cost me $103 to make my tshirt, however! Ouch. read more

I read through some of the reviews already here to get a sense of what is being said before I decided to write my own review. I honestly just skipped the five star reviews because I already know how fabulous this place is, but I was really curious to see what the (very few) negative reviewers had to say. A few comments to the staff - I can't say enough about how friendly, welcoming, and knowledgeable the staff at Gather Here is! I've taken several classes (2 crochet, 2 embroidery, several sewing) with various instructors and each is an expert in her craft. The instructors in class are patient, and always willing to work with you on creating something that you will love. One of my classes was very difficult and the students had a hard time completing the project in the 2 classes allotted - the instructor offered a free third session for us to come back and continue to work on our projects with her guidance. When you return people remember who you are and things you have already told them about yourself. On more than one occasion I have been having a terrible day, only to show up for a class and leave feeling energized and like part of a community. I have come in with questions for projects outside of class and they are always willing to listen and give advice. As for what they stock - are you kidding me? I am sorry that you can't find cheap acrylic yarn or an array of gaudy polyester. This is the very reason I love this place! I could close my eyes and point at anything in that store and find something beautiful, hand picked, and of the best quality available. read more

Great selection, helpful service. Very large spacious store with a good amount of yarn, garment and quilting fabrics as well as patterns kits and notions. read more

I cannot say enough positive things about gather here. It is JAM PACKED with awesome - awesome fabrics, awesome people, awesome colors, awesome yarns.... awesome selection all around. The people are SUPER nice and very helpful. I am shocked to see some others saying they felt differently. Truly, the staff is amazing and I cannot believe that anyone could find a single negative thing to say about them. I am so happy this place exists so close to where I live - Boston/Cambridge was really lacking an awesome LYS and was ABSOLUTELY in NEED of a place to buy high quality cottons for quilting and such. The prices are very reasonable to the quality of the products - especially the fabrics and considering you cannot even obtain most of these things elsewhere in the boston area, the prices are awesome. If i could give this place a higher rating I would. I just love being there and I love discovering new and exciting things every time I go. I will be back a million zillion times. love love love love. read more

MUCH better experience from the welcoming store front to being greeted and even asked if I needed help this time. I didn't get anything mostly because I don't know what to buy for a friend that mostly crochets, but the employee at the register offered advice and reminded me that they sell gift cards. Maybe I'll just take up knitting myself read more

Work has been light, so I've picked up sewing again. I just love this store! If it weren't for Gather Here, I really wouldn't be sewing. I've only taken the tote bag class, but somehow managed to create four articles of clothing within the last month because... (1) The staff is incredibly friendly and helpful. (2) GH carries really cute and hip sewing patterns that are very friendly for the foolish and adventurous beginner. They have a healthy selection of Colette patterns (very good printed instructions), By Hand London (they do step-by-step blog posts), along with a few others I haven't attempted yet. These are seriously cute patterns you'd actually want to wear. (3) The fabric selection is still wonderful (though heavy on quilting fabrics). I picked up some nice chambray that I keep making everything out of and there are some wonderful Liberty of London prints that are not overly feminine (cars, horses, pears?). It's a little dicey spending a lot of money on fabric when you're a beginner, but when the stakes are so high- I make sure I finish my project and wear them. helpful staff + cute patterns + nice fabric (+ down the street from dwelltime)= addiction! Also... my husband (who I never thought was the sort of man with fine motor skills, except for video game playing) is now addicted to the subversive cross stitch kits GH sells. Thanks guys! read more

This place is fantastic. It inspires you to make things. I can't say enough good things about it. I hope it's in this neighborhood forever. Classes They offer a huge variety and packed calendar for classes. They fill up fast early in the month! It's worth it to scope out the calendar and sign up early. I've taken at least 5 classes here. Some teachers are better than others -- but all the teachers are good! Some teachers just happen to be excellent. The classes are long enough that you can usually finish projects, and small enough that you get to interact with the other students. It's intimate and friendly. They have some classes in the store, and some take place upstairs. (it's bigger than you think). Store The store is beautiful and colourful. They carry an impressive selection of unique patterns and fabrics. They change their selection often, so you can always find something new. If you need something and they don't have it, they will try to order it for you. Some of the supplies (scissors, rulers, etc) can be found cheaper elsewhere, but many of the fabrics can not. I just buy everything here because the place is so great and it's convenient. Also -- they are open late! If it's 8PM on a weeknight and you need fabric to finish your project, they'll probably be open! Also - creative and amazing window displays! Staff Employees are all makers themselves, and always happy to take the time to help you figure out what you need to move forward on your project. They are never pretentious about your level of skill or knowledge. There are always multiple people on staff so you don't usually have to wait when you're ready to checkout. I always recommend this as a place to get gifts for anybody in your life who likes to make things. Frequent buyer card makes it tempting to come back often for your discount. PS - They have amazing deals at their sidewalk sales. read more

Yes, homegirl (Carolyn) is right. This is a near perfect craft store. Nice amount of yarn that run the economic spectrum, all good quality. People seem knowledgeable, tho 1 person did play me out (but that happens, right? told me wrong amt of yarn). Can we please, please, please get already spun yarn? Please? I get that you might want us to bond with the yarn a little more by having us spin it, but I have such a strong case of self-importance that I really don't have the time to spin it myself. And then, when I have to sit there and watch some other customer gingerly spin the yarn with a care that rivals a new mom with her new born, I begin tapping my foot and get snappy. But what really kills me is when the other customer pulls out 10 yarn to spin and I can't talk mess because I got 10 yarn to spin and I try to keep it under control because the poor customer behind me has only 1. It's an internal struggle of epic proportion. But if you don't suffer from delusion of grandeur like me, go here. No, seriously. Go here. read more

I knit, and so I'm only commenting on the yarn experience. I didn't like that store was fairly cramped, and that I couldn't look at some of the yarn because I didn't want to be within the personal space of a class that was happening. (This wasn't a problem on my second visit. Class was in the fabric section. The classes seem excellent) I wish they had budget yarns. I personally think that a store that teaches to beginners, should offer yarn that's for practice or someone's first hat or scarf. It was definitely not a store for the beginner to be buying supplies or for making odds and ends that can be synthetic. This store is for the experienced who can afford to spend on expensive materials. Most people don't go out and exclusively purchase alpaca wool garments so there's no need to be snobby about yarn. I LOVED that they had examples of the different types of yarn including some cowls and shirts. The tags are very helpful. I did like the high quality of the yarn that was available. The prices are reasonable. All in all, I think this store is ideal for knitters who care about the quality of their yarn. read more

Great local independent fabric store! They carry a wide variety of high quality garment fabrics. They also have a good selection of patterns, notions and yarn. They offer great classes, rent time on their machines, and also sell machines. They do repair machines, but they have quite a long turnaround time. You can use their machines in store for free instead of renting time while your machine is in the shop, but it's only really practical if you live very nearby or have another machine at home you can use. Occasionally when they are busy the counter staff can get a little overwhelmed, so I'd suggest trying to go at a lower traffic time. read more

I cannot give this place enough praise. Best yarn and needlecraft store ever! I'd been looking for a yarn shop since moving to Cambridge and am so glad that I stumbled upon Gather Here. I signed up for a sock knitting class since my knitting skills are abysmal and thanks to Danielle, I now have one third-of-the-way finished sock which is coming along quite nicely. Despite signing up for a class that may have been a bit beyond my level of expertise, Danielle was so helpful and patient throughout the two-session class. She even helped me record a video of all the hard stitches so that I could be sure to do them correctly once I got home. I will absolutely be dedicating my socks to her! Gather Here caters to knitters, crocheters, quilters, couturiers, and even embroiderers. They have a great selection of natural fiber yarns, bamboo needles, fabrics, notions, and anything else that could tickle your fancy. There are numerous seating areas and they even rent out sewing machine space by the hour. The staff is super-helpful and friendly, unlike many LYS's that I've been to. Class offerings span many skill levels and online sign-ups are quick and easy. And shhh...They offer a 10% discount on class materials. AND they have a weekend knitter's brunch and Thursday evening drinking/knitting events. So if all this doesn't make you want to get in there and get your creative on, I don't know what will. read more

A great space to work on individual projects! My friend recommended this store for working on a last minute wedding embroidery gift that I needed to finish before the weekend. I will definitely be back to work in the space. The employees offered their knowledge and full attention . So many great resources and supplies. Very helpful and such a great shop! read more

I want to live inside this store. I both knit and sew, but my first trip was spent drooling over the fabric, and eventually choosing three patterns for 10 curtains for my house. The fabric is beautiful, varied, and of high quality. The prices are mid to high compared to other fabric stores in the area at which I've shopped, so I wouldn't go here looking for a bargain, but rather for unique, eye-catching prints and subtle beautiful neutrals. I will have to check out the yarn selection next trip, but the store is adorable, the employees/owners/whoever helped me were nice and helpful and I will absolutely be shopping here in the future. read more

This is the cutest store ever. They have so many things I couldn't choose what to buy. The staff was very friendly and not pushy. One of them approached me because I probably looked confused. She asked me what I was trying to make and helped me so much with choosing the right materials and how much I needed for each material. I was so indecisive but she stayed with me for almost an hour to help me decide. They also offer group classes. one-on-one, and sewing machine rentals. It seems like not just a fabric store but a very friendly and unique community as well. Will definitely be back for my next project! read more

I wish I could give Gather Here 10 stars! I love this little shop. I'm so delighted it opened in my neighborhood. I love their classes and events and the sewing, embroidery and knitting supplies. I just find the shop totally inspiring and delightful. It's definitely worth going out of your way to check it out--especially if you can make one of their gatherings. read more

Wonderful selection of items--go in, get inspired, spend too much money, but avoid the side eyed moody workers! There is just something SO off putting about such a cute and inspirational space when the service is lousy! Like how does that even work?!? I would think the girls working here are passionate people that reflect the craft that they are selling. Sewing to me is relaxing, tranquil and creative. I'm not the best sewer and I have questions. I shouldn't be afraid to ask and reask questions regarding the specific items I'm purchasing, that definitely cannot be returned. I've given them 3 tries, twice horrible (impatient, short, grumpy) and once decent (a hello and stamp card.) I'm better off at Jo-Anns I suppose, major sigh! read more

I've always loved the shop, but the classes are awful. The tote bag class was fine, but as you progress up the ladder of classes, it turns into people who already know how to sew very well and do it for fun. The teacher focuses on helping them, and if you're not in the club, you're an afterthought. The teacher of the box bag class I took physically took away my bag and put the zipper in herself. The dress class I took was run by the owner, and while she offered to stay late, there was no way in hell I was going to catch up. I threw the unfinished dress out on my way home. read more

I am so happy that a new yarn & fabric store has opened up in Cambridge. The shop is colorful and cheery, and the staff was super friendly.I needed to adapt a knitting pattern, and the salesgirl helped me pick out the perfect yarn and needles. I loved the fact that she didn't judge me for being a novice knitter :) Also, the wall of fabrics looks awesome -- I'm definitely bringing my quilter friend here! PS: I would love it if the website could list what brands/types of yarns they sell... read more

I really like their selection of unique yarn and fabric and the prices are great. The sales staff goes over and beyond to help. I am a little sad because I signed up for a class, knitted Bray hat- a lace and cable beanie, the project was not suitable for allotted time four beginners like me. So I never was able to finish my hat. I had a few gift certificates from family for them I signed up for two more classes, "The Age of Brass & Steam Kerchief" and how to learn to make pj pants. I bought the yarn for the kerchief class, but then it was cancelled because I was the only one enrolled. They did credit me the cancelled class. I then got the flu that everyone got in the winter which turned to a severe sinus infection and forgot to call to cancel the basic sewing class, so I lost $55. I came back today with the yarn I bought for the kerchief class with my receipts and they would not allow me to return the yarn because it was over a month and the dye lot may have changed I lost $25.50. It did plainly say it on the bottom of their receipt and the class policy is on their website if you can't make it. I lost a gift of $80.50 so I will keep buying yarn for already planned projects and will probably use YouTube to learn how to knit lace and use a sewing machine. AndreaB read more

I'm definitely a fan. I'll give four stars, but it's trending to a five. The staff is definitely finding their feet. Back in April I took a beginner crochet class and left feeling kinda dumb and inept. But they did provide me with useful materials (included in the price), and I taught myself the basics with some good books. I used the yarn they gave me for the class to complete another (much easier) project. When I wanted to do a second project, I returned with the book I'd been using, showed them the description of the project, and the staff was very helpful. As far as the price critiques go, I echo the people who say that this store fills a niche for high-end products. I've bought some very nice Japanese cotton here, and the yarn they have sold me is also very good. There are always going to be bargain places and online sites to get stuff for cheap. But a place where you can get quality materials and good advice needs to be cultivated. I'm cheering for this store. read more

Found this great little shop by chance when another local business shared Gather Here's raffle to raise funds for Joplin tornado victims. I totally lucked into a last minute opening in a sewing class that afternoon and, thanks to Virginia's expert instruction, successfully created my own tote bag. Hook, line, and sinker all in one afternoon! What did I like? Everyone here is so friendly, I felt like I had a whole bunch of new best friends. The class was maxed at 4 people, which is just the right number. The fabrics are gorgeous. Lots and lots of quality yarn, which is my weakness, and so many crafty projects to choose from I wanted to try everything at once. The space is exactly the right size, with just the right combo of crafts. I want to hang out in the knitting lounge with all those cool kids on Thursday nights. And let's face it, Virginia is just one of the coolest people you'll ever meet. read more

Me and my S&B group have been eagerly waiting for this little gem to open. They have a good space and are very friendly about accommodating our group. The yarn selection is to dye for! (haha see what I did there) The prices are reasonable for what you are looking for (of course the higher end yarns are going to be expensive), you are not going to get ripped off. They also offer classes and have awesome events like BYOB knitting! How cool is that? The location is great, walking distance from Harvard or Central. I couldn't have asked for a better place. Thanks Gather Here for coming to Cambridge! read more

My search for the perfect craft store ended the day I discovered Gather Here. If I had to sum it up in one sentence, it would be that Gather Here changed my mild embarrassment over my grandmotherly hobbies into absolute joy, inspiration, and love of craft. I now embroider on the subway and don't care what people think. When was the last time a *store* had such an impact? : ) Staff: Virginia and Noah (the owners) and the rest of the GH staff are really what make this place amazing. They are friendly and helpful without being pushy, extremely knowledgeable about any and all things handmade, and refreshingly welcoming. Better yet, each staff member is an expert/artist/rockstar in one or more crafty fields. And to top if all off, Virginia has a remarkable memory -- she knows all her customers' names and will remember all the details of your last conversation with her. How could you not feel welcome with such great service? Atmosphere: The shop is refreshingly modern with clean white walls and honest-to-goodness craft/art exhibits on display. This place is the opposite of Windsor Button, in a very good way. The shop and products are clean and well organized, and there are always cookies (and napkins!) by the door. Gather Here has also cultivated a community of crafters in Cambridge with their daily classes and weekly gatherings. I walk in the door and immediately feel at home. Products: I would classify this as a high-end craft shop, with prices to match. However, I am very willing to pay high prices for good quality, which is exactly what Gather Here offers in their fabric, yarn, embroidery, and notions selections. You will not find a crappy product in this store, period. Plus, for a relatively small shop, their selection is remarkably thorough. The shop is decorated with finished products made with the various supplies sold in the shop, complete with little tags that tell you exactly which yarn/fabric/etc. was used and how to make your own. Very inspiring! I find it nearly impossible to leave without bringing home a treasure or two (or ten). Classes: Expensive, but worth the price if you're a true beginner. I've taken 4-5 sewing and embroidery classes and have always gotten my money's worth. The classes are small (4-6 students), which facilitates plenty of one-on-one time with the instructors, who are knowledgeable and patient. It's worth the mad rush and constant browser-refershing to sign up online the moment classes are launched. New stuff: GH recently opened up additional sewing studio space above the shop (more Berninas!), and also recently instituted a monthly artist-in-residence program featuring fiber artists from all over the country. Can't wait to see what they will do next. Bottom line: Best craft store in Boston, hands down. Best craft store I've personally ever been to (which includes the NYC shops). *This* is the way a small business should be run. read more

I want to move to Boston so I can sit in this shop and knit. Seriously. I walked a mile in the rain (it was a nice rain), got great customer service, bought some beautiful local yarns as souvenirs for my trip, and can't wait to go back. I also quilt and they had fabric with narwhals on it! It was heaven. If you live close enough to enjoy it, get your butt over there. read more

-The store has a warm, positive vibe and I am usually greeted by the employees with a smile and asked about what I'll be making or what I plan to do with the materials I'm purchasing -Fabric and yarn selection is inspiring, new space feels lively and spacious with plenty of seating and large, clean gender-neutral bathrooms with eco-friendly aspects -Plenty of classes offered in different branches of fiber arts, beginners welcome -Coffee next door! Gather Here is still the best craft store in the area. read more

Imagine my delight when I found Gather Here - they have an amazing fabric selection (one I thought couldn't possibly rival my favorite west coast fabric shop in Portland but it totally does and is better price-wise), great classes, an awesome staff, and just a welcoming, creative vibe all around. I'm so excited this place is only a few short miles from my house. I plan to spend a lot of time here! read more

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I have always wanted to learn how to sew, but never knew where to begin and never seemed to find any kind of class setting that worked for my schedule. Finding Gather Here was a godsend! I'm only mad at myself for not knowing about it from the moment they opened! When I mention how nice the staff is, I should mention that I had a lot of anxiety about coming here. Learning new things is scary! Change is scary! Ack! The staff is always really patient and helpful and they don't make me feel like a moron for asking the most dumb questions (which I ask a lot of). I've read through some of the reviews here and I have to say that some of the people who left some of the nastier reviews clearly don't have much of an understanding on how a small business like this works. Believe it or not, being late for your reservation and then wanting to change your project on top of that is actually extremely inconsiderate. I can see where people might say that they don't have the selection that they were looking for, but as a beginner they have more than enough supplies for me to keep myself busy for quite some time! read more

This is a great local business! I saw the review for Gather Here on yelp the same week it opened. And it did not disappoint. They had exactly what I needed (two big bags of polyfill) and lots of stuff I want to go back and buy. Their yarn selection is great for such a small space. They seem to only have natural fibers, which I highly prefer. And they have cotton yarn for less than $2 a skein. I went in on a Sunday morning, there was a sewing class and a few people sitting on couches working on their knitting project. I am thinking about signing up for a few of their classes in the future. This place rocks! read more

I love this place! The staff are helpful and friendly and the yarn selection is great. They have a wide array of colors and fibers. I've yet to buy any fabric there but I love the patterns that I've seen there. They also have nice touches like a couch, frequent makers card/discount, and water and tea available while you shop. Gather Here is now my favorite local yarn shop! I highly recommend them to local crafters! read more

Beautiful boutique with an extensive selection of yarn and fabric, plus everything else you need to get your project done. In addition to being well arranged and organized, the space is very warm and inviting--the perfect post-work crafting haven. The owners and staff remember everyone's names and are always available for assistance, not to mention encouragement! I've taken a couple of classes there(Sewing Basics - Tote Bag and Sewing Beyond Basics - Serious Canvas Tote Bag), and both were great experiences; I will definitely be signing up for more. read more