Esaie Couture Design School

The free sewing course was fun. I enjoy sewing. In the future I would love to take more courses.

Daniel is an amazing teacher. I took a 6 month garment construction class that changed my life and inspired me to make all my clothes! I moved onto draping and next is patternmaking and I have a full-​time job but it is soooo worth the effort. You will most definitely getting a huge bang for your buck!

I took the beginners sewing class and had so much fun. I would highly recommend it. There were 4 of us in the class and Wanda, our instructor. She was so nice and informative and able to work with each of us at our own pace. We all had our own machines and most of the materials were provided for us. We just brought our own half yard of fabric plus a zipper. We went over the basics of a machine, how to get set up, and then using patterns. Wanda even stayed after a little so we could each finish our projects. I had never touched a sewing machine before and felt pretty accomplished after finishing my clutch.
Wanda is great and the class is great. I’m already looking at what the next class I want to take is.

I have sewed in the past and was looking for a class in Brooklyn. Esaie had pretty good reviews, and was so close to my apartment, so I decided to take the dress making class. I was really excited, but it was a complete bust. The gentlemen who taught the class traveled in from CT for this class on a Saturday morning, and he didn’t seem too thrilled about coming into the city. He often seem irritated, particularly with one classmate, a middle-​aged woman who didn’t speak much English. He was often hard on her, and scolded her, when the issue was the fact that she didn’t understand what he was asking of her. He was very insensitive to her. It was very sad to see her treated poorly.
All of the class had sewing machines at home, so we were mostly asked to do our sewing at home. Having a sewing machine isn’t required for this class, we just all had one by chance. I completely understand doing some of the sewing at home, and were given MANY assignments for homework. We were asked spend 14 hours a week on homework… which is A LOT for anyone — especially me, who has two jobs and just wanted to take a moderately challenging sewing class on the weekend. I also was asked to spend a lot of money on this class, besides the fee… almost after every class, we were told to go out and get more supplies… I spent a $ 200 just buying supplies. I decided to quit the class after three weeks. There was SO way I was going to be able to keep up with what was being asked of me. I will also say most of my classmates seemed overwhelmed as well with how much work was involved.
This was a huge disappointment and again, I really wanted to like Esaie, but I won’t be taking a class here again. Although, I would suggest taking a short class with Wanda (the skirt making class) — she’s so kind and wonderful.

My experience at Esaie Couture Design School was totally positive. The teacher was energetic, clear, and fun, and I learned so much about how to create a custom pattern. I want to take more classes there soon but first need a little more time and money! It’s a great addition to Kensington life.

This is the first review I have ever written in my life, but my experience today at the Esaie Couture Design School was so awesome I needed to Unilocal!I took the two hour beginner sewing course with Daniel. Having taken a sewing class before (the instructor showed how-​to videos instead of actually showing us what to do), Daniel’s hands on instruction was fantastic and exactly what I needed. All the parts of the sewing machine were explained thoroughly with lots of humor and patience. And of course I walked away with my own zipper pouch! I left amped, wanting to buy my own sewing machine and take more classes with Daniel.
If you are interested in taking a sewing course, definitely come here! You will not be disappointed.

I took a 2 hour beginners sewing class here and LOVED it! The class was super intimate as it was on a weekday, and I loved the personal attention we each received.
Wanda taught our class, and the two hours literally flew by! I was surprised when we had finished, and Wanda answered all of my random questions (what threads should we use, what pins does she recommend, etc), and she was really warm and friendly.
I feel so competent sewing with my brand new machine now, and feel like I can now sew anything. I’m looking forward to signing up for more classes here!

I took a beginner’s sewing class to learn how to use a machine as well as a dressmaking class soon after, and it was fantastic! Daniel, my instructor, taught me so much in only 6 weeks time! I was so nervous in the beginning as I had never used a sewing machine before, but now I’m actually able to make my own dresses!!! I look forward to returning for more lessons and highly recommend Daniel as your instructor!

I had my first sewing class here & it was awesome! My instructor, Daniel, answered all my questions thoroughly and happily. He is truly a talented & friendly guy! He gave me some ideas for next steps & I left feeling confident in my skill. I will definitely be returning for more lessons after I practice at home. I definitely recommend Daniel!

I went there today for a beginner’s sewing class and I must say I am definitely impressed. Our teachers name was Daniel and he was great. I have never even touched a sewing machine before but after this class I must say I am totally happy with the outcome and I am eager to move forward with additional classes. A great experience that everyone should try!

YAY! I had a great time at the 4-​hour Learn to Sew class yesterday.
Pros: Daniel was am exceedingly warm person and a patient, thorough, and hands-​on teacher. I’d never used a sewing machine in my life before yesterday and now I am really enthusiastic to get one and continue learning. Daniel spent a long time teaching us all the basics before he put us to work and I think those fundamentals will stay with us all as long as we keep practicing.
The space was comfortable and well-​lit and we had all the equipment we needed. It was sometimes a bit of a tight squeeze but I appreciated the intimacy as we were all beginners and needed to spend a lot of time huddled together around the sewing machine.
They have lots of classes and I’d be keen to take the 6 week intensive if it were on Saturday or Sunday afternoons instead of Sunday mornings.
It was nice to be able to walk away with a finished product and Daniel was persistent about making sure we accomplished that in the time allotted!
Cons: This space is on the basement level of a building (so not wheelchair accessible) and is underneath a paternity clinic. As I approached I saw a car on the front lawn and a huge tacky sign asking whether the baby «truly had daddy’s eyes». I was exceedingly skeptical. While the location was convenient and close to the train, I hope they will be able to move somewhere where they have better access and more tasteful neighbors!
TIP: Remember to bring a pen & paper to take notes!

Took the 4 hour intro to sewing. The teacher, Daniel, was informative, helpful and fun. Left with a finished skirt and wore it out tonight!

Today I did the 4 hour skirt workshop class and had a ball. Wanda was the instructor and she is AMAZING! She was patient, helpful and made everyone comfortable. The information was easy to understand. I had never sewn before and left there with a beautiful skirt in 4 hours that I made.
I would recommend this school to anyone. Although a bit of a ways from my house it was well worth the trip. I will now be sewing on my own and taking additional classes here as well. Thank You Esaie Couture Design for making my first experience a comfortable and memorable one!

Just finished my six month artist-​in-​residence membership here and already miss the creative atmosphere I got to experience here. I moved to the Brooklyn area about a year ago and needed a space ASAP for assisting a designer in her microfashion line.
Wanda the director was extremely accommodating and set us up with our own room and key complete with a garment rack, shelves, and even a desk to store our inventory and supplies. I had full access to the studio as early as I wanted until 6pm and sometimes later if I needed. Occasionally, there was private lessons going on but of course they were no bother at all since there’s more than enough machines and great cutting tables. The irons are new and they also have a brand new steamer. There’s an overlock machine, a blind-​stitch, several basic sewing machines, and even the classic singer industrials. Also dress forms of every size, both plus and petite. Of course, they have any sewing accessory you could ever need if you don’t bring your own and If anything, there’s a giant sewing/​fabric/​craft store a couple blocks down. There is private offices upstairs but they weren’t disturbing at all when I got into my «zone», the landlord was also very polite and always prompt with any of my concerns. Honestly, everyone I came across, even the neighbors, were very friendly. The bathroom is brand new and great a/​c in the summer that I was able to adjust to my convenience and heat when we hit fall.
I met some great inspiring people, both teachers and students here. I got to eavesdrop a little on some classes and I noticed that the teachers really care about their students which I know is rare in the fashion education world, even if you are someone that has sewn In the past and just want to brush up your skills, they will take you through everything step by step.
Overall, this is the perfect place whether you want to learn to wind a bobbin or need a space to start your own path.

I took the Learn to Sew 4 hour workshop this weekend, and I could not have been happier with the quality of the lesson and the instructor Wanda.
I did a bunch of research on all my options (through Unilocal) and ultimately chose this one even though it was an hour away from my home in Manhattan. It was totally worth it. Wanda explains not just what to do but why, which helps a lot in ingraining habits (ONLY turn the know towards you!).
There were 6 ladies in my class and it was a very chill vibe where I actually enjoyed the company of my fellow students. There is bound to be a little downtime with so many people as you wait for the instructor to help out others, but I thought she was very deft in handling individuals’ problems without it sidelining everyone else, which was one of my main concerns about a group class. She also stayed late by a half hour to help everyone finish their skirts.
A+. If it weren’t so far from my house I might take more classes there. If you’re planning a one-​time intensive workshop and you’re within an hour of their location, I’d highly suggest going here. The 6+ week courses might be a bit of a pain being so far, but the quality of the instructors seems to be very good.
PS If you’re a beginner like me it might have been worth asking the following questions which I did not and so went searching on Google for. I wish I had asked for a second opinion:
–What brand thread should you get (some are really weak and break easily)
–Show me how to use a zigzag to prevent ends from fraying rather than just pinking shears
–Any suggestions for a beginner machine and any other ‘essential’ equipment for a beginner sewer

I attended the Learn to Sew in a Day 4hour class and was very happy with it. I’ve always winged it when it came to sewing but Wanda was clear about the basics and helped me understand what mistakes I had been making. Also the skirt I made was pretty awesome. I’d like to take another class when I can.

Wanda responded to my review both here and, by contacting me via phone. She was very apologetic and, admitted her oversights/​mistakes, which I greatly appreciated. She has offered as restitution a 4 hour class at the Groupon rate of a 2 hour class, and, she made the reservation with me for a mutually convenient date over the phone. I’ve received an electronic confirmation.
Me and my daughter are looking forward to our class; I’ll report back again with an update.

Not sure if this business exists as the owner had never personally contacted me to apologize or at least explain the matter. Much of these reviews remain skeptical to me. I personally witness to this so called sewing class that never took place. As for my response to Lady L. I don’t believe that I should be the one to explain to Wanda why her class was cancelled and why her location is not what it appears to be. Honestly, I wasted my time traveling there. And you really don’t expect me to be the one to contact the owner? It’s her responsibility to fess up and own up to why the class never took place. Also, sending me a personal msg on Unilocal does not convince me that you are an actual customer. I was told to contact Wanda about the sewing class that was supposedly taking place at a «new location». I like to keep my reviews honest. Future patrons deserve to know and not get tricked into thinking an actual business is real when in fact it is not. Esp when the owner never respond to the BBB complaint I filed last year. So my response is no, thanks. Been there, done that. I’ve moved on to better things.

I was very excited to find a place in Brooklyn so close to me where I could take beginner’s sewing classes. I emailed the email address provided on the website on two occasions for two different reasons and didn’t receive a response for either of the messages I sent. I left two voicemails about the bootcamp course they offered to inquire about a payment option that was sold out. How a payment option is sold out, and others are provided for the same service seems weird to me. Especially when the course had five open slots left.
I received a call for the first voice message I left but I think that it might have been a mistake, as in I was accidentally called. I said hello and stated who I was and the other person on the line either hung up on me, or the call was dropped. I left my second voice message immediately after and haven’t been contacted since.
I’m very disappointed that this didn’t work out. I don’t know where else any other business is offering such a five day sewing course where on each day you make something different. I don’t know if it’s true that the other positive reviews are real or not but just the thought that this company might be a sham and I wasted my time with them makes me angry.

My first class at Esaie Design School was a Learn-​to-​sew-​in-​a-​day class. Wanda is an amazing teacher. I had an amazing experience, and came away with a cute totebag! The class left me quite enthusiastic about learning to sew more, so I decided to enlist in more classes at Esaie. About a month later I took the week-​long adult sewing bootcamp (also taught by Wanda). This too was absolutely great.
I highly recommend this place!