Took two great sewing classes so far and can't wait to take more. This is a great business.

I have had several quilts quilted by Hello Stitch. They are helpful and do high quality work.

I took a sewing class (the "Cleo" skirt) a few weeks ago through Hello Stitch (they borrowed Ace Makerspace as the location). Everything about the class was smartly conceived and executed well. Kristen Takakuwa taught the class. She was knowledgeable and patient. They cleverly asked for measurements in advance. They picked the fabric for all of us; one of the class members found out that she could pick her own fabric and bring it to them in advance--my inner control freak wishes I'd done that, though the fabric they picked wasn't bad. They cut the fabric/interfacing/elastic to each of our sizes to save class time (but did demo cutting one pattern including how to choose the size, grading between patterns if needed, how to weight the pattern, talked about how to trace the pattern, etc.). Since Kristen used one master pattern from which she traced each skirt, we each got the Cleo skirt pattern uncut to keep and take home with us and our own set of instructions that we could refer to during class (I think the Cleo skirt is used for beginner sewing classes because it was pretty thorough instructions). You could bring your own machine or opt to use one of the nice machines (nicer than the very cheap sewing machine I have) at the bright and lovely Ace Makerspace location (which also had all sorts of basic supplies (safety pins, needles, thread, scissors, rulers, etc.). They taught basic sewing machine usage skills so we got basic experience with those aspects. The skirt had pockets (yay for learning pockets!), a gathered front with interfacing on the flat waistband, and an elasticized back waistband. There are multiple techniques for gathering to fit a flat waistband; we used the one where you baste it and pull the threads; at least two classmates had their threads snap, so they lost time because of that. Some of us also lost time feeding the elastic through the back waistband. Most people didn't finish their skirt in the time allotted, but it was mostly a matter of finishing the waistband and hemming the skirt, which we were shown how to do. They arranged for Ace Makerspace to let us continue sewing if we wanted during their open sewing lab time by donation, or people could finish it at home if they wanted. The other participants were friendly, and the overall vibe was cooperative and helpful. As an inhibited novice sewist, this was a great class for me (I'm inhibited especially about cutting fabric since a mistake could ruin the fabric; having them avoid that allowed me to skip the hand-wringing and feel a sense of accomplishment that helps fortify me for tackling fabric-cutting on my own). I appreciate the thought that went into streamlining so many aspects. read more

My happy place! The most positive and supportive accommodating staff, most creative makers/sewists, most inspiring gallery shows are HERE! Took a shisha mirror work and papper quilt class so far. I've also indulged in two open studio days-that's 10 glorious hours of free use of machine and top notch tools a day. Trader Joe's is a skip away for quick num nums. Can't think of a better way to spend time. Love you! read more

Hello Stitch Studio - My paper quilt. - Arts & Crafts Near Me - Oakland, California

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This is a review of the Learn to Sew - Tote Bag class, from the context of having no sewing experience besides re-attaching buttons. I did indeed leave with a tote bag I made and got some supervised experience on a machine, but I did not have a good experience because there was a mismatch between what I was expecting to get out of it (a professionally run intro to sewing class that would teach info and skills that would let you start your own simple projects elsewhere, which happened to use a tote bag as a vehicle for teaching concepts) and what they were expecting us to get out of it (a fun casual environment that would provide a sense of accomplishment from making something). If you are local and are looking to just give sewing a bit of a try, this could be a good option. But if you are looking for something super thorough and academic, you probably won't like it. That said the instructor was very nice and answered all questions clearly. Details: * Did not meet baseline expectations for professionalism They did not check people in as they walked in. There was a snag where someone had actually not signed up successfully, but it turned out one person in the class was a no show so everyone got to stay. If that person had showed up, then letting them pick their fabrics and stuff and THEN kicking them out would be sad and a waste of time. They apparently hadn't run through the pattern with the fabric and handles they gave us to use?! What?? The handles were thicker than they'd used before and could not be pressed into a crease so it made some of the steps fiddly. They said that they'd send the written pattern over email after the class. The handles initially cut for everyone were too short, so they had to cut new ones in the middle of class. They also had not cut out everyone's bag fabrics beforehand. 4+ people ended up staying at least 30 minutes past the scheduled time of the class. They didn't rush us at all, but I think it'd be better to under-schedule the project for the time slot, and then go over bonus stuff if people finish quickly. Don't schedule anything right after the "end" of class if you are taking one. * Did not provide information that I felt would have a complete beginner more comfortable to do more stuff on their own (tldr, if I had to make this tote bag again with just this class's info, I would not be able to). Since this was marketed as an intro class, I was expecting to get a printout with some beginners tips, or some pointers for their particular sewing machine. Or at least a spiel at the beginning. Just something like basic sewing vocab, basic sewing machine info. Of course you can look this up on your own, but if I wanted to learn totally on my own, I wouldn't have paid for a class. I found their sewing machines easy enough to use. They had them set up already for us. You will not learn how to set up and thread a machine in this class. Someone stayed afterwards and got a short lesson for free on how to thread it, but I needed to head out so I was unable to stay. They did not mention ergonomics at all. I would've expected that this is something that they could devote 30 seconds to. Some people in the class were quite hunched over while working. I think in any physical activity with repetitive movements this is really important. I was so caught up in trying to finish the bag that I didn't think to ask about it until after I had left and was reflecting. * General disorganization They did not go over all the steps before we started, nor did they have a finished example for us to look at. There was a picture of a bag on the website, but it looked different from the one we ended up making. It was all simple enough that everyone ended up with a decent bag, but I was expecting that reading instructions before starting a project would be part of the experience. Having printed instructions would have also preempted a lot of questions. There was one instructor for 8 students, and usually you had to wait a minute or two before she was available to help and most people seemed to have the same questions. There were also a few times where they neglected to mention something or said something incorrect (e.g. about a setting on the machines). Small things that were not a big deal to the final result, but were annoying because they easily could have been remedied by having written instructions in addition to the verbal overview and in person feedback. If you go, make sure you ask if you are even slightly unsure or curious about anything! Don't assume they tell you everything. The studio itself seemed to have good organization, but they had to dig out supplies throughout as they did not set them all out beforehand. They also only had 2 pin holders (that I noticed) for 8 people. Since we are removing pins while sewing I think it would have been nice if we at least each had a cup or something to put our pins in before we returned them to the magnetic ones so they didn't end up everywhere. read more

Unfortunately I am a dissatisfied almost customer. I signed my mother up for a class and when she fell sick and could not attend the class due to covid we were not able to switch her into a future class or get a refund. Nowhere on their website does it state their return policy and not once did any email communication say what it was. We feel punished for making the right decision and staying home, not getting anyone else sick. Clearly they don't care about their potential customers. Super unfortunate. read more

*Great people who are skilled, kind, and excellent teachers *Offer hands-on classes for kids and adults *Awesome space *Even a non "maker" will experience success Hello Stitch is a fabulous new sewing studio run by three dynamic women. They offer classes and camps for kids, and classes for adults, and studio time for those with sewing projects. My child attended Spring Break camp at Hello Stitch and had a great experience - small camp size, tons of attention, great equipment, and of course, hands on sewing. She made pajama pants, a draw string bag, a small quilt for our dogs, and other items. And she learned sewing safety, along with new skills. Not to mention one of her favorite activities, cutting quilt squares on a special piece of equipment made for just that. I have already recommended Hello Stitch to friends and am even thinking that I, with no sewing skills, might be able to learn to make something there. Did I mention the great, large, day-lit space? It's roomy and inviting. Fabulous all around. read more

I live in a 350 square foot studio apartment and my sewing really suffers from a lack of space to spread out. I checked out Hello Stitch for the first time today and ended up getting a monthly membership. The studio has a nice sunny setup, with multiple sewing machines, sergers, and cutting tables. There's also an impressive long arm sewing machine in the back. I didn't use any of the machines today, but they had some cool features (e.g. an automatic buttonhole stitch, which my $200 machine lacks). There was also an industrial-looking machine with a fancy walking foot that I want to use for sewing bags someday. For quilters, there's a large design board available. Bring anything really specialized you need (like marking paper), but most supplies are available onsite and are free to use. The staffperson on hand was friendly and helpful, and I had fun chatting with her and another member throughout the day. She had her own projects going on, but I was easily able to get a second opinion on a few things as I worked on my project. I haven't done any of the classes yet, but they looked interesting. There's also a cute lounge area with sewing reference books, coffee, tea, and couches. West Coast Pizza is next door and has tasty, reasonably priced food. As someone who will NOT have a craft room any time in the near future, this is a nice solution. Looking forward to going back again! read more

Hello Stitch studio is one of my favorite places to go, hang out, learn something new. I started with quilting classes, and now I have a membership and go there to sew whenever I can. Everyone there, owners, staff, fellow members are always very helpful and affirming. The equipment is fabulous and well-maintained. I especially recommend classes with Chelsea and Val! read more

My nine-year-old daughter attended the intro to sewing camp. It was wonderful. She completely learned her way around a sewing machine, including getting it threaded and all aspects of basic operation. Kristen's teaching style was patient and informative, so by the end of the week my daughter had successfully sewed pajama pants, a pillow case and a small purse. She had a great sense of accomplishment and since taking the class has sewed a few simple items of clothing for herself, without any assistance. As a novice, I am looking forward to taking some of the adult classes! read more

If you are interested in learning to sew clothing, quilts, bags, etc this is the place for you. If you already do many of these things, but are looking to up your game and build new skills, this is the place for you. If you need access to a machine you don't already own, including a long-arm, this is the place for you. Basically, if you like to make with fabric, this is the place for you. read more

I love to sew quilt tops but don't know how to quilt them. I am so happy I found Hello Stitch!! I used to mail my quilt tops and backing to a long arm service out of state! I would wait anxiously to be sure they arrived, allow them to choose the quilting design, and wait again when they were mailed back. Now I can go to Hello Stitch and meet in person with a kind and knowledgeable fellow quilter to pick a design for the quilting, including sizing. The service is less expensive than sending it out of state! Plus I have gotten great advice and suggestions when I've taken my quilts there. They have quilted 5 of my quilts already and I have another 3 ready to drop off! You can even rush order it if you're in a hurry, or the usual wait is 3-4 weeks. Great great place! Lovely people! read more

Hello Stitch helped me bind and quilt a gorgeous gift. They were not only professional and extremely knowledgeable, but kind and gracious. It was worth every penny to have them help me finish a long- overdue project. read more

If you are interested in quilting or sewing clothes Hello Stitch Studio has you covered. Not only do they offer classes for everyone from beginner to experienced sewists they have an amazing array of equipment that you can use in the studio. The people are nice and knowledgeable. There's a fun vibe. read more

My 13-year-old daughter has done spring break and summer camps at Camp Stitch. She loves it and has learned a ton, not to mention bringing home great projects. She also likes going to the park for lunch and the small number of people. read more

I have wanted to quilt forever. But all quilting classes that say beginner assume you can sew. I cannot. So when Hello Stitch opened up near me and offered REAL beginner classes I was so thrilled. And I have now been a member for several months and love every minute. Now I do know sewing basics and will start to quilt soon. In the mean time I made some crazy number of lined bags as a tool to make all possible mistakes. The three women that own the place are all experts and have different talents and ways of teaching. So you can figure out which and whom is a match as I did. Give it a try. read more