I took a couple of classes here. It's great. The students and the teachers are great. I'm looking forward to making sewing a thing in my life. I totally want to try the leather making classes. I did Fundamentals 1 and Fundamentals 2. Both were great. They spend time with you to make sure you're comfortable and show you step by step how to make things! read more

The Make Den - Some back wall of thread - Specialty Schools Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

I absolutely love The Make Den. It is run by a extremely easy going, supportive, fun, and creative group of girls. You feel like you're hanging out with friends and then all of a sudden you end up with an end product that you might have thought you'd need a critical and disciplined instructor to create. Nay! You can have fun learning to create and also be quite surprised at what you're capable of at The Make Den. I have done their macrame and leather fundamentals class, and was actually kind of drunk for the macrame class (wine was provided for my group due to the occasion) and still created a work of art. The format of their classes are great too, chunking up classes and projects. It flows nicely and you walk away feeling accomplished with lots of goods to show off. Thank you ladies for bringing some fun to my Tuesday nights! Can't wait for the next class =) read more

I love love love love this place! Not a crafty person AT ALL, I wasn't really expecting much from myself when I enrolled for the Leather Fundamentals class. But then I ended up learning so much, and having so much fun! Over the four workshops, you learn how to create a variety of leather products (passport holder, belt, and clutch or sunglass case), each starting from a peice of raw hide. From there you will trace, cut, dye, emboss, oil, and assemble your leather project. It's all very hands on, very personally customized, and the instructor is there to teach/guide you every step of the way. Definitely recommend this for those who want to pick up a crafty new hobby! :) read more

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We had a large group of girls for a private leather workshop party. We communicated with Isla who was prompt to reply and very helpful in arranging the workshop for us with the instructors. The Make Den charged us hourly and we purchased our own materials for the leather belts. Initially We hoped to make something a wallet or a clutch but the sewing involved would mean we couldn't personalize and dye our product within the 3 hours time. We were skeptical but we believed them - and when we finally got to creating our own belts from scratch, we realized that it really does take that much time to learn and practice some of the skills and create our belts. It was a really educational, physically demanding and fun session haha. It wasn't a half ass workshop and worth every penny - from measuring and cutting leather, bevelling, punching holes, dying the leather to finally attaching the hardware and personalizing our belts with our own stamps/logos (celebrating the completion of our project with lots of wine and bubbles ;)), we had so much fun. Because we had 11, we needed the two classrooms upstairs. It was quite hot without air conditioning so be sure to dress lightly. It took us a total of 3 hours to make our own belts but I feel that the workshop and work area could have been more organized and taken a shorter amount of time because there seem to not have been enough supplies or either instructor didn't know where certain supplies were stored. For our safety and to ensure we do the steps correctly, the instructors had to help us one on one. I guess given the tight space and our large party, it was almost as efficient as it could have been. Would I want to go for another private event here - definitely yes! They have regular classes too that require weekly commitments and the finished products (eg backpacks, clutches, etc) that we saw hanging on the walls were beautiful. They are moving to a new location so they do have discount codes available for their workshops. If I have the time, I would totally go to these workshops in the future. read more

Love this place! I did Sewing Fundamentals I and am now doing Sewing Fundamentals II, both at the Bloordale location (bonus - free street parking on side streets in the area). The projects are fun and cute and really build your confidence on the sewing machine. The instructors are super friendly and patient - always willing to help if you have any questions. Also, if there's no class after, the teachers don't mind staying behind a little bit if you need the extra time. You can buy material etc here if you want, although it is a little bit more expensive. There are also make-up classes for $15 if you miss a class, so you're not entirely out of luck. I want to take the Mending & Alterations course next so I can use it on clothes at home! Tip: Check out Groupon in case there are any deals on there! read more

I'm so glad a friend recommended The Make Den to me. I've taken the Leather Fundamentals class and am surprised how much I've learned! I've signed up for the Leather Bag class and can't wait to start :) The classes are small (max 5 people) so the instructor can really help with any issues you may be having. The classes are usually pretty pricey however, but they often have 50% off coupons so it definitely helps (though you still have to pay full price for the materials). Definitely recommend this place if you'd like to pick up a new skill. read more

Love the Make Den! I go to the one in Leslieville. I've taken the fundamentals class and right now i'm in the Baby Mama class. Everybody was at my level (very beginner) so i felt comfortable asking questions and didn't feel stupid! It was actually a lot more fun than I thought it would be. Now i keep pinteresting to find new fun patterns to make!! read more

The classes were cancelled due to the Covid, was told I was get a refund, but never got it

I took Fundamentals 1 twice. The first time was hectic and actually stressful for me because I had no clue what the heck was going on. I ended up taking Fun 1 again because I preemptively purchased Fun 2, but felt my skills weren't advanced enough to move forward. The Make Den doesn't accommodate refunds. Fortunately, my second time around was miles better! My instructor really knew the craft and was super patient! I am now the proud owner/creator of three great beginner projects and am hoping to take a make-up class to finish my first pouch. I am stupendously proud of the projects I have completed (especially my up-cycled, vintage wool pillow case made from a thrifted Pendleton poncho!), and recommend the sewing class for anybody curious about the craft. FYI Bloordale location is super spacious and has more options (classes, times, fabrics, etc.) than Leslieville. I highly recommend the Bloordale location, even if it's further away. read more

The make den and it's owner managed to quietly disappear during Covid owing me over three hundred dollars in classes which were never run. If they had let me know earlier I could have claimed on my credit card but they did not have the decency to do this Leaving me to find out when it was too late. Shocking. read more

I love it here!!! The owner/instructor is so cool, I secretly want to be her bud! I have taken the sewing fundamentals class - which was cool, but I think the other sewing classes might be more fun, a lot of it reminded me of the basic skills I learned in Grade 7 Family Studies class. Their fabric if you buy it there is *adorable* way cuter than what you'll find elsewhere but it is pretty pricey. I just finished the leather fundamentals class which was AWESOME. I'm even signing up for leather bags class because it's addictive. You wind up with gorgeous, good quality products you made yourself, the instructor is super flexible with you and your style and just super cool. They make you feel like you can actually make nice things on your own - which I'm not sure I can. read more

Do not book ANYTHING at this company. My classes were cancelled 2 months ago. In the email notifying people wo paid over $200 for the class, there was absolutely no option to get a refund. When I requested one, I was ignored for 10 days. I emailed again and was told they'd forward my concern. I didn't hear from anyone so I emailed again asking if they could at least provide an explanation as to why there was a delay in getting the refund. No response. I have emailed again this week, but I won't hold my breath for a response or a refund. I have now emailed 7 times, with 2 responses from The Make Den. I just want to warn people that if anything goes wrong with your class, they will hold onto your money and ignore you. read more

I took the sewing fundamentals 1 course and had a fantastic time :) I had never used a sewing machine before and it took me a while to get the hang of it but Lauren was extremely patient and helpful and the projects I created came out looking great! I will definitely take more classes here read more

I purchased a Groupon for a fundamentals class. Completed 3 of the 4 and will not return for the last one. The instructor Vanessa does not use plain language when teaching and is very quick with going over what is expected(this is a beginners class). It is extremely hot and humid in the room. The instructor seems uninterested and bored. When asking questions I was made to feel as if I was stupid which is not a good feeling. She kept saying what is wrong with you guys and than when I could not understand what she was explaining she belittled me saying you need to learn how to listen. At this point I walked out and will not return. Buyer beware!!!!!! read more

I took a sewing class here last summer, prior to them moving, and had such a fantastic experience - I would recommend it to anyone! I was enrolled in an intro to sewing class with Irene. She was so patient throughout the process, often staying late to help those who needed it. There were several times I went outside of class to work on related projects, and the staff there were quick to answer my questions. I got to know a number of the people in my class, and both the teachers and classmates were amazing people. They really took the time to get to know you. Well worth the money spent - I plan to enroll in their screenprinting class in the near future! read more

My favourite place on earth!! I've been taking classes for a year now at The Make Den. I started with Fundamentals I and have taken 5 other classes since. The teachers are amazing!! I've been taught by almost all of them! Super helpful, patient and friendly, what more can you ask for! No project is too hard for your skill level and you are always encouraged to be as creative as you want! One of the best parts of the studio, asides from the amazing people, casual atmosphere and great conversation, is you don't need to bring or purchase any of your own equipment. You just need your fabric and notions and you're off to the races! I come from Scarborough and got o the Bloodale location. If I had to carry a machine, rulers, fabric markers, needles, etc... I'd be second thinking my almost weekly trips down there! I totally recommend this place to anyone who has even the slightest interest in sewing. After you take one class you'll be hooked!! read more

Make Den is the place to learn the tips and tricks of sewing 101. My friends and I absolutely love Fundamentals 1. We're not even finished the course yet and are already planning on taking 2 more sewing courses. Such a fun experience! Classes are a bit pricey so I would check out groupon or jump on a Black Friday deal if possible. PS- Shout out to Olivia who's super awesome and patient with us newbies! read more

I took the Sewing Fundamentals class in the spring of 2015. The class moves at a fast pace due to limited class time, so you have to catch on quick if you're a beginner with no sewing experience. The basics are taught through small projects - making a headband, creating a small zippered bag and sewing a pillow cover. If you run out of time finishing your project, beware that it is difficult to obtain more studio time outside of the class. No one answers the phone or replies to emails, you'll have to show up in person at the specified times. read more

Great intro to sewing classes. While the instructor we got had a bit of difficulty speaking english, she didn't have too much trouble conveying to us what exactly we needed to do. It was great being able to see a finished product after each class. So satisfying! For the beginners class, we made a zippered pillow, a headband, and a zippered pouch. Some parts were way too difficult for a beginner to do though, so some people in the class needed a bit more hands on help than others read more

Love these classes and the teachers are super awesome + patient. I feel like sometimes I can ask really dumb questions, and they take it and answer without making me feel stupid. (Always a plus.) The projects for the fundamental classes are legit and each item made looks super professional. Also, they have the most amazing fabric. Their bathroom is clean, but you have to slam the door super hard to use it. read more

Seriously great place. talented teachers, great relaxed but professional vibe. I am on my second course there and plan to take many more. definitely a great addition to the toronto art scene and a great home planet for the diy folks among us. HIGHLY RECOMMEND read more

The sewing fundamentals course I took here was awesome! The intro to quilting however left much to be desired. The teacher was distracted and unclear in her instruction and we didn't even finish a simple project in four weeks. Also, If you want a same day response for a timely question...like an emergency that is taking you out of upcoming class for that evening, forget about it. They make no apologies for the fact that there is no way to get in touch with them in a timely fashion save going to the actual storefront (no one even answers the phone...ever). If you have tonnes of patience and maybe a sewing machine at home, then take the quilting class. Otherwise I'd give it a miss. read more

Started leather FUNdamentals! The classes are small so no one goes amiss. The instructors are knowledgeable and helpful! Would recommend this class to anyone who wants to start leatherwork! read more

Success! A bra that fits! Thank you Make Den, your Intro to Bra Making taught me to make my own perfect bra! It had been over four years since I wore a proper bra. Either it was a super expensive bra, I couldn't find one that gave proper support, wasn't painful, or it would give me bubble boob. So I wore sports bras and jersey bras that would stretch out real fast. Not so flattering all the time. This class not only gave me a bra that fit properly, but gave me the tools so that I can make more perfect bras. Following Intro to Bra Making, I felt a little, empowered by my bra. It feels good to wear it and I made it! Take that corporations telling me how my body should look! I thoroughly enjoyed the classes. Our teacher was very helpful and attentive. The kits that are prepared and purchased for this class give you a written 'step by step' or, 'how-to's', which makes the contraction of your bra easier but, your next bra's construction easier on your own. The teacher did a gracious job, explaining the process clearly and attentively answering all of the students questions with excitement and ease. Previous to this class I felt daunted by the notion of making the perfect bra for myself. I am currently constructing three bras for myself since taking this course. Truly, a wonderful experience! read more

I took Fundamentals 1 with Jackie at the Leslieville location, and I have only good things to say about the experience. Jackie was patient, helpful, demonstrative, and very accommodating when I was confused or had to do things over. No question was too silly, and no problem was unsolvable. I made a headband, a cushion cover and a zippered pouch, all things I would never have attempted in the past. The space is super tiny (six machines only) but I didn't mind. It was cosy and encouraged us to get to know our classmates. I'm taking Sewing for the Home (Bloordale location) next and I'm really looking forward to it. read more