High Quality fabric. I bought their pre-cut bundles and interfacing to make cotton masks. The fabric was so soft and silky, comfortable to wear around the face. Delivery was pretty fast even though it's during COVID19. Never actually been to their physical store, but would prob pay a visit once things open up! read more

The Workroom is an absolutely beautiful fabric store - likely the nicest I've been in. With most of the Queen West stores just stuffed with bolts and bolts of fabric, and (my beloved) Fabricland being fairly far out of my way and only carrying the Big Four patterns, The Workroom is a lovely alternative, with a good selection of indie patterns and curated designer fabric selections. The staff are generally friendly and knowledgeable. My only "complaint", which isn't really a complaint, is that it's quite expensive compared to the alternatives. I recognize that this is a small business and they need to make money, and stock independent pattern companies and more unique fabrics...but I just find that even with their sale weekends and promotions such as "spend x and get y percentage off", the savings are rarely significant enough for me to actually participate. read more

I like the workroom for their more curated selection of fabric- it's nothing like those bigger stores on Queen west that just have bolts on bolts of fabric falling over each other. The store is nicely merchandised and you can see the selection very well. I love that they always stock solid fat quarters in a multitude of colours for basic projects. I find their accessories to be on the pricier side of things. Other than that, thumbs up. read more

I came here for my 2nd time this weekend for the Sewing Essentials Class. This class is an excellent way to introduce yourself to a sewing machine. There are 6 machines to use in the class and this also limits the class size and allows for one on one teaching. Karyn, the owner, was the teacher today, and she was really attentive, patient and explained the basics really well. I liked how she came around without me asking to help me out. After this class, we made a pillow cover for a 16x16" pillow. I actually feel I have to confidence to play with a machine on a own, now that I have the foundations. Sure, you can learn a lot of things from Youtube these days, but nothing replaces one-on-one troubleshooting and someone looking at what you're doing wrong on the spot when you have a certain mindset. Part of the class requires fabric, a pillow to stuff inside your pillow case and thread. You can bring your own or find some at the store to purchase. I am a noob so I don't know how much these things cost - however, they have tons of interesting and nice patterns to choose from - the one I chose was about $7.00 for the size to make my pillow over (with some scrap left over) and $2.85 for the thread (good quality). I still have to buy the actual pillow (they sell it here too but they ran out). The cost of the class is $50 for 3 hours, register by getting the form and schedule online. Best to try for at least 2 months ahead because they book quickly! The only thing they are missing , is a class to show me how to hand sew. ---- Now, the first time I was here, I took the Easy Alterations class. I was looking for a sewing class that taught me to hand sew. I was unaware that sewing can also mean machine - but the description of the class seems like they would be doing most it manually. They taught us how to do pants and jeans, but keeping the original hem. BUT - I DIDN"T KNOW HOW TO USE A MACHINE. I had no idea it was for experienced machine users or at least someone who had taken the prerequisite Sewing Machine Essentials class (above). Actually they do ask you on the form, and i had a huge X on the part that says I have never used a machine before. I was in the class, and I wanted to cry because I had no idea what I was doing, and learning things that don't mean anything to me. I wrote the owner, and apologized (their fault for overlooking, and mine as well) and offered me 25% off the cost of the Sewing Machine Essentials class. Now that I have taken it, I feel like I should also get a discount to retake the Easy Alterations class like it's never happened, but that's okay. ---- read more

The Workroom Studio - going to turn this into a pillowcase cover - Fabric Stores Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Shop looks nice, but the customer support is lacking.... The store owner always doesn't look friendly. A big selection of designer fabrics, of course at a premium price.... but if you don't have other way of getting them (for example, traveling to other countries to buy, or buy online), then it's not a bad place to get those nice fabrics. read more

When I called to see if I could drop in, the person who answered asked me sceptically if I knew how to use a sewing machine (I have one, but was there for the sergers) and said unapologetically not to come in even though they were open because there was a class. When I arrived to work on my project during non-class hours, quite excited to play, the staff person pointedly emphasized their closing time in a way that suggested I should probably just go away. I'm also pretty sure she rolled her eyes when I wasn't entirely sure how many metres of material I needed. Despite dropping $200 on fabric as well as booking work time, I received no orientation to the space and had to poke around or tentatively ask for basics. I worked in uncomfortable silence except when I needed to buy more fabric, enthusiasm gone. If only I'd had the same quality of experience at the Workroom as most of you Yelpers! But if you need a sewing machine, serger or rotary cutter and mats, brace yourself and head in to the Workroom. And when you take a break, Boreal Gelato just down the block offers a warmer vibe as well as chilly gelato. read more

A call to all creative souls. Although I've only been to The Workroom once as I tagged along with my co-worker who was kind enough to invite me along to their free Stich 'n Bitch event which happens every second Tuesday of the month from 6-8pm, I was impressed by the people I met and was awed by the infinite possibilities that could potential await anyone who has a creative bone in their body. This event is an open forum for sewers, knitters, quilters, and makers of all kind. They say to bring something to work on, do a show and tell, or just bring yourself. When I got there, I was introduce to a group of approximately 15 girls who all had some kind of work in progress. One girl was working on the collar of a dress shirt, another girl wowed us with a partially completed quilt, and another one was making a rag doll. The atmosphere at the Workroom is very relaxed. Everyone there is nice and friendly. It is more a atmosphere of cooperations, sharing, and collaboration rather than cut throat competition. Its a venue for creative and carfty women that form a small community of an emerging creative force. The shop itself is one big room with several rows of sewing machines and the walls were lined with colorful fabrics, books, and samples of items that you could make if you choose to put your mind to it. You become enticed and awed by what can be created by simply sewing scraps of fabrics together. This is definitely the place to go if you are interested in learning about sewing, practice your sewing skills, taking a sewing class, or if you simply want to meet people that are interested in working various creative handmade projects. Its a nice social place to unwind after a long hectic day at work. They also have Quilt Sunday with is the last Sunday of the month from 1-3pm. This event is also free. read more

Today I successfully made a pillowcase. I'm so proud I had to tell Yelp. But seriously, I love this little store, and I'm sad that it took me so long to visit, but I anticipate visiting more frequently in the future. I took the Basic Sewing Essentials class on a whim, and now I can't wait to take more. The classes are small (just 6 people) and easy to follow. The instructor was helpful, with good advice on troubleshooting machine problems, threading issues, and other sewing machine stuff. I left feeling like I had learned something that I could actually do again without being confused. Karyn, the owner, was our instructor and came around regularly to check on everyone and offer help or advice. There is a store dog, and initially, that was weird, but in a good way. I usually don't like dogs, but this one is laid back, friendly (but not too friendly) and spent most of her time on the couch in the back. The fabric selection is awesome. So many different colours and textures. They have fat quarters in various styles and colours, notions, patterns, and other supplies. Really positive experience, and I would recommend it if you're looking for fabric, or if you're looking to start taking sewing classes. read more

This is a very nice place to go, I especially love their dog there (very friendly!) They carry lots of pretty fabrics such Amy Bulter and Japanese ones. Oh well, the price is not cheap, but you will want to buy some for some pretty projects, won't you? It worths! They also carry some sewing tools, and purse frames, I bought few of them with quite reasonable price. Since purse frames are not easy to find in Toronto , I highly recommended you to go there and check them out. So that you can make your own little purse (they have different sizes and styles) Parking is not a big issue, you should able to find a spot on the street. read more

I love this little shop! It totally inspires me to be more crafty and creative! The fabric selection is great, but what I really love is all the fantastic classes that are offered, for all levels of crafters and sewers. I have now taken 3 classes - the intro class (Basic Sewing Essentials, which taught me how to be more comfortable with the sewing machine, and as a bonus, we all made pillow covers during the class), as well as the Sewn Mens' Tie and the Snap Coin Purse. I have always loved the output! And believe me, I've had my fair share of knots, tangled material and thread, stalled sewing machines, missed stitches.... I've become quite friendly with the stitch-ripper. But no matter what, you'll come away from the Workroom feeling very satisfied with your newly accomplished skills! It's a great little shop in an unexpected block of West Queen West. The owner, Karyn, does everything she can to make the shop comfortable and welcoming. You are encouraged to help yourself to a variety of teas, and there is always a little jar of cookies available to munch on too. (Maybe the last place in Toronto to offer anything for free!). The shop also offers sew-by-the-hour use of the sewing machines, which is especially useful for all the nearby condo-dwellers with no space to set up a machine at home! The shop is equipped with all the other tools you might need while in the midst of a project too (such as steam irons). Get on their email list, and you'll be notified of craft sales and other workshops that take place in their space as well. Oh - and several people have mentioned the dog. It is true, there has been a dog there on most of my visits. But I should mention that I am TERRIFIED of dogs, and this particular dog has never bothered me. It seems to be fairly timid and doesn't really come near the customers (Thank Dog!) read more

The workroom is a cosy space that enables you to complete that DIY craft project you've always meant to finish. The atmosphere is light and relaxed and inspiring. Upon entering the store/ workroom you are greeted by a wall of colour. The fabric lined wall draws you into the space and you can't help but dreaming up a new project or reason to visit again. I highly recommend this space on a cold rainy night! read more

I visited during their holiday S&B, so the generous helping of treats can't be expected on every visit, but their stock makes up for it. I expected fabric, and their selection is lovely. What I didn't expect was the huge selection of crafting books, especially the Japanese sewing books. Well priced and so nice to be able to browse them before buying. Great notions wall, and lots of patterns to inspire you. It made me want to pull out my sewing machine after years of inactivity. And the pack of precut squares I bought will give me a reason to use it! read more

The customer service here is terrible! Staff seemed more interested in filling online orders than in serving those of us there in person. All solids are way up on the 3rd shelf and not all have fat quarter samples ... leaves you dependent on staff to get samples as you try to plan a project. The staff person I had helping me had a moment while getting bolts from the high shelf and had to go to the washroom ... and then she never returned! A few minutes later I saw her collecting fabric for another online order. The overall vibe from staff was cranky and stuck up. Some customer service training is desperately needed for staff. read more

The workroom is great especially if you are interested in sewing! It's a great space, and what a unique idea creating a place for people to create. I ordered a Bernina walking foot there, and it came so quickly, and the staff were great and very prompt. Just strolled in and picked it up. read more

The store carries a good selection of fabrics (all quilting fabrics--no fashion fabrics) but I have experienced the same sense of not-so-friendly that others have mentioned in their reviews, but certainly not every time I've been in there. I go there occasionally to buy needles or fabric. I wanted to take a serger intro class there but every time I checked for a newly scheduled class it was always already full, and the website didn't offer any way to sign up to be notified of new classes. Eventually after 6 months or so and getting myself on a wait list, I got called after a last-minute cancellation. I agreed to come in so they emailed me a list of what I'd need to bring, and, believe it or not, you are supposed to bring your own scissors or rotary cutter *and* mat. Seriously? That's a bit nuts. I ended up not going, and phoned The Make Den instead to find out if they had serger classes. They only had 6-week classes listed, but when I said I was really just interested in a one-off intro to get me started, they were super-accommodating and said they could arrange something for me and all I needed to do was let them know when I was available. What a difference! read more

I dropped in this week to purchase material for a project. I had called and spoke to someone on the phone that was enthusiastic and very welcoming. Upon my arrival the girl behind the register was ANYTHING but friendly. She was clearly NOT the same person I had spoken to over the phone. I'd liken this girls attitude to that of a wet blanket. Too bad, the shop is beautiful but I'll think twice about buying my supplies due to this crabby pants read more

I like the fabric that in this store, but Don't like the way they talk to you! If you need fabric be prepared to wait 4 days. That is ridiculous. Why not hire more people. LAZY read more

The employees tend to be weirdly smug and condescending, kind of like the sewing store version of Comic Book Guy on the Simpsons. Last time I was there the woman at the cash actually TALKED ME OUT OF BUYING ANYTHING by loudly lecturing me from across the store about how I couldn't use a rotary cutter unless I bought a self healing mat too. Her tone wasn't at all kind or helpful, it was a snide "I'm the expert and you're an idiot," type thing, and she made sure she broadcast it across the whole store rather than wait till I got back to the counter to speak to me. It was really weird and off-putting, and the person I was with noticed it too. After we left he said, "That lady was really kind of nasty, no?" read more

The Workroom has an amazing selection of modern fabrics - it was so fun to see my faves in real life before buying. They carry Carolyn Friedlander, Ruby Star Society, Essex, Libs Elliot and many more. While the selection is not huge, it is high quality. Most quilt shops have so many batiks, traditional, holiday oriented and schmaltzy fabrics and The Workroom skips that nonsense. The staff was also very helpful. I could have bought everything and was sad that I live south of the border. Hoping one of my kids want to attend college in Toronto so I have an excuse to come back! read more

The products and classes might be great, but the people are rude and condescending. I found this to be so both at the Creativ Festival and on the phone. I am considering upgrading my sewing machine to a Bernina 770 QE. The owner was rude at the Creativ Festival, but I cut her some slack as I sure she was tired. However, this is obviously her normal state. I will spend my $7,000 elsewhere, where my business will be appreciated and the post-purchase support will be available. I really don't think expecting ONE question to be answered over the phone before coming in to test drive the machine is unreasonable. Clearly, she had better things to do other than provide a wee bit of Customer Service. As my Grandmother would say, she had the personality of a wet sock. read more

Just took the Sewing Machine Essentials class with Kristiann, and it was great. I liked that she didn't just tell us how to complete the pillow case project, but even explained how the whole machine worked and why we were doing certain things the way we did, so that we could use the skills for other projects. I can't wait to go back to complete some projects of my own! read more

Took the Quilt as you go tote bag class, teacher was helpful and gave good tips and practical advice. Being a real beginner I wasn't overly optimistic of what was going to be my final result and I absolutely LOVED my finished product ! in fact, everyone in the class was happy with their results. Nice selection of fabric as well. 100% satisfied. M read more

We were there today after driving across Toronto just to get there. I was really looking forward to it. The studio is very cool. The fabric selection is fantastic. It's completely different from the usual quilt store selection. For anyone looking for original beautiful fabrics, this is the place. The downside of our visit was the service. We were completely ignored for the entire 40 minutes we were there. It's only after I asked the owner to cut some fabric for me that she spoke to us. We bought for several hundreds but would certainly have bought much more if only the customer service had been better. I will most likely buy some canvas online from them because of their good selection but I will never go back in person. read more

After reading some of the reviews, I was a little apprehensive. Knowing little about sewing, I was nervous to go in for fear that I wouldn't be taken seriously. Not only did I get a friendly greeting (from Maisy too), but the person who helped me was very nice. I didn't feel judged at all. I will definitely return for more supplies! read more

I had a terrible experience here. I'm sure there are a lot of perks to this little shop but the service I experienced makes me never put foot in this store again, and I've told my design student friends to never come here. Basically I was in desperate need of a serger for my school project and all of the school sergers were either broken or in use. So my boyfriend found this store online and saw that they offer the use of sergers for $7/hr. What a fantastic idea! Especially for design students like myself who don't own a serger and need immediate access to one. I called ahead of time and asked if I could use their serger and mentioned that I had my own serger thread with me. The girl on the phone was very nice and said I could definitely use one before they closed at 5pm. I was stoked. Once I got to the store, there seemed to be a class going on, which was fine, I was quiet. A lady with black hair and bright blue eyes saw me and I said hi and asked how her day was. She said hi and disregarded my friendliness. I then asked if I could use the serger. She became irritated and she immediately asked "have you ever used one before?" in a very unfriendly tone. Yes, I have, many times. I told her I brought my own serger thread and she seemed pissed off, glared at me and said "do you know how to change it?" Yes I do. She turned around and began to walk to the back of the store where the sergers were. I assumed she wanted me to come so I followed. While she was back there, she ordered me to wait at the front in an unfriendly tone again by saying "you can go to the front." I was taken aback and immediately walked to the front. She was extremely unfriendly and made me feel very unwelcomed in her store. I felt as if I had done something wrong when all I did was ask for one of their advertised and provided services. Fair enough, sergers can get broken easily or can be a pain to rethread, but you should be prepared for this if you're advertising and providing this service. And you should respect your customers. I hadn't even used the serger yet! I didn't end up serging my pieces because the serger ruined some of my fabric and the ambience of the shop made me feel very unwelcomed. It was honestly more trouble than it was worth, plus I didn't want to have to talk to this woman again. Needless to say, it was an epic failed attempt to serge my pieces and what I got from the store was a very unpleasant and horrific experience. The customer service is horrible. I hope that other customers have a much better time there than I did. But for now, I will never enter this store again and neither will any students from my school. read more

I found myself in Toronto for a 3 month gig and this was my home away from home. The people who work here are so nice and the fabric selection is perfect. On one of my visits to the workroom, there was an indigo dyeing class, loom weaving, and a quilt guild meeting.. but with no fuss, they managed to make a sewing corner for me. It was truly above and beyond! If you like to run with scissors and play with fabric, check it out. 'there should be a workroom studio in every city! read more

There's an amazing selection of fabric and the notions are handy. Here's what's not cool: the owner was in the back of the shop giving a one-to-one lesson to someone, and rolling her eyes at the other staff member while her student worked. Uncool. So arrogant. The other staff member was cool and unfriendly, though we were there to GIVE THEM OUR MONEY. Nice place to visit, but I wouldn't make it a habit of going there regularly. read more

I took the sewing essentials class to remind me how to use a machine and it was fabulous. Went on to the Mod Blocks quilting class and loved it and am now into my third quilt. Lovely selection of fabrics, very helpful staff and great location and set up. Can't stay away! A "rewards" program would be nice for loyal customers but that's only a suggestion. Best place in the city to buy fabric and seek help. read more

A girlfriend and I visited the workroom for the first time in June. Both my friend and I are older women but we we both were well-dressed and ready to buy. But although the shop was not especially busy the staff in the workroom were chilly to say the least. When I tried to ask questions I was greeted with stony faces and clipped responses. One customer working on a quilt at a machine was friendlier and more helpful than staff by far. I did purchase two patterns and although I appreciated the funky vibe of the shop I will not be back. read more

I was doing an alteration on some shorts at home when halfway through my sewing machine died. I found the Workroom on yelp and dropped by to see if I could use a machine for a minute to finish a seam. I was advised to call in ahead in the future as it was ten minutes before a class but the girl at the cash helped me out anyways since it wouldn't take long. She was very patient in helping me set up the machine getting the tension right. I sewed the seam and I was out of there in 15 minutes. Excellent friendly staff at this co-op. Thumbs up. read more

I love the selection of fabrics and variety of classes. I've taken a few of the beginner ones and I definitely think the instructor makes a difference to the enjoyment and learning process. One teacher was extremely patient while another made me (and seemingly others) uncomfortable to ask questions. I wanted to check out more of the classes but now will be cautious to check who would be teaching it first. read more

My one and only visit to The Workroom was disappointing. I had heard great things about it and one weekend when I was in Toronto, I headed straight off the plane to visit the store. I was looking for a particular piece of fabric but I was also excited to visit the space. Although there were at least three people working that afternoon, none of them paid much attention to me when I walked in, despite the fact that there were no other customers. After wandering around for a few minutes, I finally asked one of the staff if they had the fabric I was looking for - they didn't. I was specifically looking for something with foxes on it and she suggested I look through the fabrics on the wall - she did not offer to help me find any fabric. I knew they sold Liberty lawn, but couldn't find it, so I asked the women at the cash (turned out to be the owner) where it was - she barely looked up at me as she waved he hand to the back of the store. At some point, another customer came in to the store - the staff obviously knew her as they al chatted animatedly with her. I ended up spending about $50 (including on a metre of Liberty Lawn), but left with a bad taste in my mouth. I've since found out that if the staff knows you, they're very friendly and helpful. Seems like a strange business model to me and I'm unlikely to ever return. The store dog was lovely and much friendlier than the humans. read more

about the rotary cutter - the gal was right you need a mat to go with it! unless of course you already have a mat - and in fact you should have several size mats because you will want to cut different sizes of fabric! read more