Cute store, friendly staff and a pretty good selection! This little shop has classes, supplies (knitting/crocheting, sewing, felting, etc), and the space and advice for you to learn (or get better at) a new craft. On the supplies front, there are lots of different yarn brands available, from the bigger companies (Cascade) to much smaller, local companies (Andy's Merino). They also have prepackaged fabric scrap packs for under $10, which are color coded and have adorable names. They also have a sale section! It looks like the classes fill pretty quickly, but they have a lot of different types of classes to offer! I haven't taken one, but It looks like the class sizes are kept pretty small. Which is probably why they fill quickly, but is also much more helpful for those in the class! Pretty good location, although I bike, so I'm not sure about T access. The decor is adorable; they have a great mural of Cambridge on one wall, and lots of embroidered pieces on the walls. even their website is adorable. If I could, I'd give 4.5 stars. (I'm just sad they don't carry Malabrigo yarn :C ) read more

I've heard about Local Yarn Stores (LYS) where everyone knows your name and takes an interest in your projects, but Gather Here is the first place where I've ever experienced that. I went in for the Quilting Bee and had a wonderful time. I met several really nice customers and the owners were exactly the sort of helpful, knowledgeable crafty people you'd expect to own such a tantalizing shop. I've already signed up for one of their courses (quite reasonably priced) and will gladly travel the nearly 30 minutes it takes, to hang out at Gather Here again. read more

Awesome little shop. Wandered here with friend who came to get some sewing fabrics. The shop is amusing and relaxing, with a huge selection of fabrics, yawns, needles, knitting, sewing and crochet supplies as well as ready-to-go kits. The staff is extremely helpful and sweet. They also offer daily classes on sewing, crochet and knitting of all levels for everything from sewing toys to totes. Can't wait to take a class here! read more

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This place really seems to take its name seriously! They have sewing machines in the back with people actively using them, a couch area where you can sit and do whatever craft it is you do, a small kitchen area, all this with quality fabrics, fibers, and notions. The staff are very friendly and helpful. I wish their yarn selection was a bit bigger, but it's not a huge space, so I understand. They're doing the best they can with what they've got. Speaking of what they've got, there's a huge monthly calendar that hangs behind the register with various activities and goings-on at the shop. I will definitely be back to check out their various groups and lessons! Also appreciated yarns at a number of price points. Everything's quality here, so there's nothing cheap, but plenty of nice stuff at the under-$10-a-skein price point. read more

Gather Here is a cute little shop for yarn and fabric. The patterned fabrics they have are ridiculously adorable. If I had a little baby I would have a ball making clothes out of the fabrics. For my purposes though I didn't really see much that would work. Although the patterns were awesome I didn't see any that would be practical for clothing for myself or decor around my apartment. From what I could see it seemed there were only cotton fabrics and the prices were high compared to other stores in the area. The one pattern I did like a lot was around 14.99 a yard, way too pricey for me. The whole reason I make my own decor around the house is so I don't have to pay as much as I would at the store. The place is really nice though, there was a class going on when I was there. Everyone was friendly and its the kind of store you can just hang out and talk to people. If you're looking for eclectic and different cotton fabrics then this is the store to go to. read more

Incredibly cute, petite, friendly store that is easily accessible from Harvard, Central, Inman or Kendall Squares in Cambridge. How they manage to pack in so much yarn, fabric, yet still have room for classes and sewing machines is beyond me, but they do it. I was there last Saturday afternoon, and there was a knitting class going on, yarn was being wound on a swift, a couple of woman were sewing at the sewing machine stations and there were several customers browsing, yet the staff was still very attentive to everyone in there. The fabric tends to run along the higher end, designer prints, so don't go in looking for bargains. If you do want to make an extra-special project, though, a yard or two of the adorable prints they do carry would suit you well. read more

Cities need to be filled with places like this. And not just for the fiber arts. The staff have always been helpful and even stayed open an extra 5 min for me one day as I ran there to pick something up! Good basic selection for first time projects. Would be nice to see some higher end material. Not sure if the market just doesn't support it tho... read more

Gather Here is more than just a shop, its a community center. I really like how you can go into not just purchase materials, but also to use their yarn ball winder, sewing machines, or get knowledgeable input from staff or patrons. read more

What a haven! I decided to make some pillows-- have not sewn in over 20 years and hence no sewing machine. I signed up for machine rental at Gather Here. They welcome you and set you up for success. Give you a great deal of work space and all the tools you need. They nicely answer questions and provide free coffee tea and cookies. The shop is a lovely display of materials, tools, handmade items and class or work space. A great community vibe with at least 3 generations working or shopping. Terrific unique concept read more

I'm so grateful and happy to live within walking distance of Gather Here! I wandered in a few weeks ago because their window display had a supportive, inclusive, accepting message written on it that really caught my eye. Now, I've been back more times than I can count! I've wanted to try my hand at knitting but also shop local, so this place is perfect. The salespeople were all knowledgable, helpful, and attentive, even answering all of my obnoxious brand-new-to-knitting-so-I-have-no-idea-what-I'm-doing questions. I love everything about this place, from the shop layout to the merchandise selection to its mission statement. The prices aren't what you'd find at Michael's, but neither is the high-quality and locally-sourced merchandise, and I'm happy to give my money to a local, independently owned and operated shop. read more

I love gather here. Amazing, well rounded selection of classy fibers, as well as a beautifully designed space and a great roster of classes. I have always had good customer service here. Having worked in craft stores, I think the other reviewers are probably asking for a little too much. Buying fabric does not entitle you to free instruction in the craft. Additionally a lot of crafting questions are subjective, so you may get an answer you don't like, which doesn't mean it's bad customer service. If they are reluctant to spend significant time on an issue, gather here rightly deserves to make money off of its courses and paid instruction, not random free advice. Moreover the staff is genuinely invested in welcoming everyone who comes through their door, and have demonstrated a strong consistent commitment to equity and diversity. read more

My sisters and I visited the store for the first time this week. We all found wonderful things to work on and appreciated the helpfulness of the staff. read more

Awesome shop, one of my favorite places around. They have a great selection of high quality sewing notions, fabrics, patterns and knitting supplies. read more

Wonderful place for fabric and yarn. The owner is extremely knowledgeable. She knows her craft! Cambridge is fortunate to have Gather Here! read more

Makers, rejoice: Gather Here keeps getting better and better. I've been coming to Gather Here since it first opened and love Virginia for making such a vibrant center of creativity in the neighborhood. Classes are popular, but worth the scramble to reserve a spot. I've taken a box bag class, a quilting course, and an intensive skirt making workshop. The instructors are first-rate and the space is thoughtfully laid-out and very welcoming. Everything I have sewed is still being worn and used with pride! In addition to the fab selection of beautiful fabric, yarn, and fully-stocked notions and supplies, Pint-and-Purls and Saturday morning knitting make Gather Here the crafty version of Cheers. read more

I love the whole vibe of this store, the gorgeous and beautifully curated fabrics and yarns, the range of crafts that it supports, the walls flanked with Bernina machines that people can rent and use, the variety and sheer number of classes they teach, and the way that they serve both adults and kids, beginners and more advanced craftspeople. There is so much fabric on the internet now that a lot of stores have had to close down rather than paying expensive rents. It's hard for this kind of business to stay open in big cities. But we need stores like this to bring us together and create inspiring and fun spaces where we can make stuff side by side. I moved from San Francisco, where we had a lot more fabric stores, and was initially bummed to find fewer in the Boston area. But then I came to Gather Here and felt 100% better. I've really never seen anything quite like it. I had been considering investing in a Bernina for years, and finally saved up and mustered the courage to drop in for the Gather Here floor model sale. The woman who helped me could not have been more thoughtful, kind and patient as I debated and fretted over this significant purchase. I never felt pressured at all, and she spent a good hour with me trying various machines. I can't wait to take classes here, and my son is signed up for one too. Coolest place ever! A sewist's dream! read more

It's a cute little place, the yarn selection is good, you can wind your own yarn after purchase using their um.. yarn winder? They also offer a large selection of fabrics and you can even take classes there! The staff though... They aren't your average snooty hipsters, but something more strange and (I didn't know it was possible) less friendly. They make you feel like you're a homeless person dealing with bankers, which is the colder version of a hipster making you a coffee when you're not wearing the right beanie. read more

If there was another good yarn store in my area, I would probably go there. I've taken a few knitting classes and Greeley is fantastic. But other than her, I have always felt like I am bothering the people that work there. Id rather ask another customer a question on products or my project than ask a staff member. I've spent a decent amount of money there and only because of local options, I will still go back. I was there today and I actually feel insulted by the attitude of the staff. I'd give Greeley 4 stars for her knitting class skills and 2 for the rest, hence the 3 star rating. read more

I just happened past this store today - the day after it opened - and it will definitely become a regular favorite! There is a small but well-curated selection of yarns (I think I saw Cascade, Debbie Bliss, Noro). Plus I found $1.75 skeins of Peaches & Creme cotton worsted. $1.75!!! the owner said they try to stock only natural fibers. It's a cozy and inviting space for sitting around crafting. I'm looking forward to visiting often and taking some sewing classes too! It's about time someone came up with a good knitting and fabric store all-in-one! read more

I had a terrific experience working on a sewing project here the other day! I reserved studio time through the website to use a sewing machine ($10/hour- they will charge you only for the time you're there, so I was there just under an hoir and a half and I paid $14), and I brought my materials to make juggling bean bags. They provided the machine, working space, pins, scissors, a bobbin to spin my thread onto, and a needle. The atmosphere was very relaxing - there was nice music playing and the pleasant chatter of other customers. I also got some help with a few stitch types, which was great! Definitely recommend this lovely shop for creating projects. They also have tons of fun fabrics! read more

Gather Here - My juggling bean bag project - Fabric Stores Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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I have a great fear that the people who run this place (Virginia and Noah) will realize they belong in Brooklyn and next time I go to the store it will be gone. Hopefully, this will never come to pass. Gather Here is a cozy, divinely creative oasis and I am forever grateful to whomever mentioned its existence to me. I started quilting a year ago, and was unhappy having to drive out to JoAnn's and deal with the impersonal service and sometimes cheaply manufactured fabrics. And then I walked into Gather Here. I've taken almost 10 quilting course taught by Maritza Soto, who is an awesome artist and designer, and really encourages personal artistic exploration. I'm so happy with the large variety of styles and techniques of quilting that I've gotten to explore. And the classes are really reasonably priced! Especially compared with the stiff fees some of the adult ed and other art schools in the area charge. I've also bought a ton of fabric, which surprisingly is not more expensive than JoAnn's. (Gather Here sells Kona cotton for $7.25/yd, while JoAnn's has charged me up to $8.50.) The most important thing about Gather Here is that intangible sense of community with like-minded, funky, creative people. I can simply stand in the store and feel at home. To find a place where I feel accepted is worth a million bucks, or maybe it's priceless. Yeah, parking is rough, but I'd rather walk a couple blocks from my car to get to a place where I want to be, than have a vast parking lot for a depressing big box store that sucks the lifeblood out of me. Long live Gather Here! read more

A friend told me about Gather Here when I was trying to find space to work on a large sewing project. I signed up for studio space online, showed up on a Sunday at noon and stayed for 6 hours! It was great! The atmosphere is very cozy and friendly, too. I can't say enough about how knowledgeable, nice, and supportive the staff is! They taught me how to use a serger! They have all the tools you could need, at no additional cost! Just pay $10 an hour and you can use the space and machines and their know-how (whenever there isn't a class there). I highly recommend Gather Here for classes, studio space, yarn, fabric, sewing notions, etc. Or just hanging out and knitting! They have that too! read more

My mom and I signed up for the tote bag class and had the best experience!!! Sara is so cool and the best instructor. She's the perfect mix of showing you what needs to be done but also really wanting you to learn how to do it yourself! I will definitely be back for other classes!!!! read more

The cool thing about gather here is that men who knit (sew, craft, etc...)need not enter this store under the cover of darkness! This place is cool and caters to BOTH male and female crafters. Thanks gather here for making a male knitter feel welcome! read more

Uniqueness in the best possible way defines Gather Here. They are a place to gather and make something no matter what your craft! I am a novice sewer that enjoys making handbags. I was referred by a coworker and couldn't be happier someone recommended this spot. They regularly offer classes that cover a variety of topics but they fill up fast! Each month they post them and only those on social media get immediate notice. I aim to take one a month to build my skills. My only hesitation on five stars is that in class I sometimes feel rushed but I think that is true of most sewing lessons. Outside of classes they offer open studio time and of course have their retail area. The staff is so friendly and helpful. Their passion comes across with every encounter I have had. They offer a variety of unique fabrics and projects to work on. Definitely stop by! It's a short walk from Central Square! read more

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A total gem. Yes, the selection is not huge. Yes, the prices are not inexpensive. But knitting and sewing are not necessarily inexpensive hobbies, and if you're going to take the time to make something, it's nice to use excellent materials. And, the prices here for yarn are comparable to other independent yarn stores. Virginia & Co. are nice as can be. The shop itself is cozy but uncluttered, well organized, spotless, comfortable and homey, and charming. I was in tonight buying some yarn, and while I was winding it into balls I was listening to Virginia teaching a private class of teenage girls who were making tote bags. I already wanted to sign up for a sewing class, and after hearing her instructing I now want to even more. She seems to be a totally natural teacher and the young women taking the class were so engaged and cheerful, and Virginia was patient and involved without hovering. This shop is so obviously a labor of love. They're working very hard to make it a community resource, and to have it be a fun and welcoming place. They're succeeding at that as far as I can tell! I wish them the best and look forward to many, many years of buying my knitting supplies here, and also to learning to sew (finally) here. I can't imagine having a better sewing instructor, that's for sure! read more

Love that this business is in my neighborhood- I walked by it so many times before I mustered up the courage to take one of their classes. I'd never touched a sewing machine in my life and I had a blast in the totebag class led by Kayla and Sara's school of sewing series. Most of the other people had a little bit of sewing experience but the classes still felt completely accessible to me as a complete n00b and someone with 0 spatial skills. The instructors were very patient and receptive to questions. I also took Emily's embroidery basics class which was super relaxing and fun, and it inspired me to buy a cross stitch kit which gave me something to do with my hands during a very stressful time in my life. Recently the business organized a craft market during the Inman Eats event that was a lot of fun (I picked up some decor and handmade cards). Most of all, I appreciate them taking a stand to making their space welcoming to ALL. Great community space and store! read more

I was just in the shop today - a friend of mine told me about it not long ago and I was so excited to check it out! Such a great space. Tons of stock! I was very excited to see some Lizzie House prints and Liberty of London - totally swoon worthy. Love that stuff. You can't really find that in this area so I was really jazzed about that! The staff is friendly and very willing to help, I am not sure why some of the reviews say otherwise.... I had some questions about rotary cutters and also healing mats and the staff was very knowledgeable and helped get just what I needed. I also purchased 10 different Kona Cottons (1/2 yards) and some tailor's tape. I am going to be making small drawstring bags as favors for the guests at my sister's baby shower. While i was in, a knitter came in with a few questions about a pattern, and one of the staff sat with her and helped her get back on track. Who knows if she even purchased the yarn or pattern in the shop and they were still so kind and eager to help her. I felt very inspired by my trip to the shop and I spent a ton of time this evening crafting and looking up fun DIY projects online. I'm exciting to go back and get some wool felt (which i saw they stock) for a softie I want to make of a slice of cheese cake with strawberry drizzle. Gave the class schedule a look too - I will definitely be signing up for some of those this summer! i am not much of a knitter but I was impressed by the selection of yarns, it made me wish i were more into knitting. I looked over the other reviews and I am actually shocked to see that one reviewer has blamed a misprint in a book on the shop's staff....? Certainly when I go to a bookseller and make a purchase, bring the book home and discover a spelling error in the text I do not blame such a thing on the people who sold the book to me. That is an error on the part of the author and/or editor. Additionally, the suggestion to contact the book publisher/ pattern creator is an excellent one that could result in a very positive outcome for the unhappy customer, who obviously was unhappy with the BOOK originally and then subsequently the SHOP for, well, it seems, sticking to their shop policy and not offering a return. (that review also cites the "pricey"ness of the products, yet there doesn't seem to be any indication of hesitation during her original trip to the shop where she purchased a book, yarn, buttons, etc... all the materials to make a cardigan, just saying.) Anyway, I think everyone who is even a little bit crafty or craft curious should pay a visit and decide for themselves. This place is craft heaven and I can foresee many a paycheck being spent here. :) Thank you so much for an awesome experience. read more

I am so sad to be moving from the area, since I will miss this place. I just visited their new place and WOW, it is amazing. When I visit the Boston area I am going to come back here to just browse and leave with 100s of dollars of fabric and yarn. They have such unique patterns of fabric and the new place is wonderful. read more

What a fabulous place! The store is so open and airy...and filled with the most inspiring assortment of goodies. Really great natural lighting seems to be coming from everywhere. I honestly wanted to sit down and just stitch or knit or sew for a while in that space. The atmosphere is comfortable and inviting. As far as stock goes, nothing is ordinary...there is REAL wool felt; fabrics from Liberty (yes, really); local yarns; sewing patterns that aren't written in Latin; crazy cool quilt patterns and Moda fabrics to go with; and buttons and trims to finish it all. They have an active class listing with lots of options that I suspect has many happy students enrolled. I liked the staff as much as I liked everything else because they are attentive and smart without being oppressive and obnoxious. Visiting Draper Labs? It's about a 20 minute walk. I walked it in 30 from the Marriott Cambridge. It would be so worth a cab ride from anywhere in the Boston area. read more

Great local store with friendly help and a pretty wide range of options considering the size of the storefront. Every time I've been to Gather Here the staff and the other customers have been friendly and helpful. It creates a great warm environment. They will even wind your skein of yarn for free if you're a dunce like me and don't know how. The prices are a little higher than your average yarn shop, but there are a lot of great quality products. read more

I can't say enough amazing things about my experience yesterday at Gather Here. Usually, I expect the folks at knitting stores to be super friendly and attentive and I am sorely disappointed. Yesterday at Gather Here, the folks who work there more than exceeded my expectations. The yarn selection is awesome, the prices are reasonable (comparable to other Boston-area knitting stores), and the shop itself is cute. They also have a frequent shopper card--you get a stamp for every $25 you spend and after 8 (or maybe 10?) stamps, you get $25 off your purchase--amazing! But what will keep me trekking out to Cambridge (I live in Malden and don't really drive, so it truly is a trek) to return to this store is the staff. I was greeted warmly and treated so well that I left wanting to be friends with the woman who helped me pick out my yarn. So glad I made the trip out to Cambridge and that I've found a new favorite store for my knitting needs. read more

Took a beginners sewing class that was fabulous. BERNINA machines are like butter, fabric selections are great, and the instructor (Alison?) was awesome. Music selection during the class fully enhanced the experience. Highly recommended. I'll be booking some studio time to work on projects in the future read more

Beautiful, intelligent store with really welcoming folks inside. Full of inventory that is both beautiful and really useful, totally inspiring the minute you see it. As a costume designer I get really tired of the stuff you find in all the bigger chain stores, buy GH has such a different stock. They also offer a whole slew of classes that are fun and practical too (my sweetie and I took Carson's crochet class) so they can help you bring all that inspiration to fruition. I've been in three or four times since they opened and I've found real treasures every time. I've also noticed that the fabric prices, for organic or natural fibers, are fairly reasonable, especially considering how unique some of the prints and patterns are (especially the imports). I don't mind paying a bit more when it means I'm creating with really beautiful, top quality, unique materials. But the best part is knowing that I can go in and find someone else trying to make or re-make something who can help or inspire or even just root for the creative spirit :) Any crafters should definitely check the store out. Gather Here rocks! read more

It was a disappointment! 1. The selection of fabrics is small. 2. There was a class going on and I couldn't even comfortably browse the fabrics they did have. The instructor kept kind of looking at me - I felt unwelcome. 3. The clerk was useless - I inquired about needle types for a given fabric and she said she's not an expert and couldn't answer my question. I can't comment on their classes; the one I overheard was very beginner level. There were some people crocheting and chatting, that seemed nice. read more

If only I knew Gather Here existed before!! And so close to my house!! I bought a skein of sock yarn there last week and I have to say just shopping there made my day sparkle. The store itself is lovely, the yarn is lovely and reasonably priced, and the atmosphere is great. Bustling in the middle of the day on a weekday, people crafting in the store. The big BIG plus was the staff. They were super helpful (but not at all pushy) and just pleasant! The fellow at the cash register was sweet: he asked me what I was going to make, said the yarn I chose was pretty, and answered my questions about future classes. I left with a huge smile on my face. I'll be back! read more

I have to sing their praises and update my ancient review. Amazing place for brand new and veteran knitters and sewing folk. They stock the top brands of yarn, fabric, patterns. The staff is abundant, kind, knowledgeable and experienced. There is plenty of equipment to use, and public parking around the corner on springfield Street. The store is roomy, well-stocked, well-lit and inviting. It's hard to leave! read more

This is a FABULOUS resource for sewing and knitting (all I've experienced). You can learn here and make beautiful things. I took an intro to quilting class then made a beautiful quilt exactly what I wanted, by renting their space. The support is amazing, every staff person I spoke with was well informed. Highly recommended! read more

I went to Gather Here after learning about it from my hair cutting place. I purchased some yarn and a book, needles and buttons to make a cardigan they had showing on a dress form. For the next week, I tried to work out the pattern with no luck. Finally went back to the store to get the knitting instructor to look at it. She could not figure out the patter either, and told me I would have to contact the designer. WHAT? I have spent four days trying to contact the book publisher, the designer, and so on. I finally wrote to the store and asked them to issue me store credit. The answer was NO, and that they could not give me any more help than they already had. THANKS! I agree also with the other comments. I think the people in the store are strange, not knowledgeable, and avoid you if you have a problem. Also very pricey. I won't be back. read more

What a wonderful store! My cousin and I crossed the river in search of food and fabric to satisfy my obsessive need to accumulate any design-related material With our Food babies, courtesy of the S&S deli in Inman, we finally made our way over to Gather. It was a bit quiet, but it was probably better that way since my cousin and I bicker like two old buddies. The people were warm, welcoming, and the space? Be still my fresh design craving heart! The owners' background in costume and set design has clearly informed their ability to transform a space. It was the proper mix of functional, funky and bright. The inventory is wonderful(really quite a nice selection- tasteful and obviously well-curated) and accessible and the class offerings look quite robust. I will definitely be back!!! read more