Butcher’s Sew Shop

So far I have taken one of the courses at Butchers and it was a very good experience. Andrea, the teacher, explains things well and is patient. I shall return again for the next level up.

this is long overdue, but I have to give a shoutout to this wonderful local business. I came to Butcher’s for a private lesson to help me hem a chiffon bridesmaid dress. I had taken sewing classes in middle school and am generally fairly good with crafty things, but I was way out of practice and worried about messing up the delicate fabric. I was also having trouble getting the stitches to take — I knew it had to do with the type of needle, but I needed professional help to figure out exactly what was wrong. long story short, I ended up spending almost what I would have spent to just have a professional do the job for me, but I was able to relearn some of the skills I used to use more regularly in the past, and I am now motivated to work on some other simple projects like curtain hems, etc. My instructor was Andrea, and in addition to being a pleasure to be around, she was prompt about returning my calls, accommodated my request for a lesson on short notice and had no problem with me bringing my infant daughter along to the shop. I also love that Philly has a sewing shop staffed by two young women, which by itself created a sort of unexpected hip vibe. If I had more time, I would sign up for their classes in a heartbeat.

How do I love thee, Butchers Sew Shop? Let me count the ways. For turning me on to the sewing scene in Philadelphia, where the needle arts are a legit topic of conversation. For taking a solitary hobby of decades ago and turning it into a social activity (It’s way more fun to sew with other people around.) For letting me play with cool equipment and tools: dress forms! style tape! notch cutter! french curves! For showing me how to create a pattern with fabric, a dress form and inspiration. (Pattern Making 2 — Draping.) Even if you are an experienced seamstress you will find some serious joy at Butcher’s Sew Shop.

Today was my last day in sewing 101. The entire process was simply amazing. I had the pleasure of working with Mali, and she was wonderful. We had students at different levels with different visions of the final product, and she made sure we all got the attention and direction we needed to succeed.
Mali maintained her professionalism and peppy personality through broken needles, jammed machines, and crooked stitching. She was always smiling and had nothing but encouraging words throughout the process.
I ended my class with a laptop sleeve, a small makeup bag, and eagerness to learn more! I have signed up for two of the summer classes already. They have also been so great in accommodating my schedule and creating a plan so I can reach the level sewing I want to achieve. I have no doubt that I will get there with their assistance.
I truly recommend this to anyone looking into sewing!

If you’ve ever thought about learning to use that sewing machine that your mother passed on to you, do it at Butcher’s! It’s such a low-​pressure and fun way to get the basics. I’m ¾ of the way through 101 with Andrea, and couldn’t ask for a more patient instructor. I’m having a lot of fun with it and am anxious to find some great fabrics to start making clothes in 201. I’ve meet some really friendly people, all ages. The atmosphere is pretty awesome too. Andrea has great tunes in the background and the shop is clean and shiny. It’s the kind of place you’d want to do all of your sewing projects in!

I am so happy I found Butcher’s Sew Shop. I’m finishing up the Sewing 101 class (3 hours x 4 weeks) where I’ve managed to craft my own fold over bag. I haven’t sewed a day in my life, but decided I wanted to learn. Students can use the sewing machines at the shop or BYO. If you choose to BYO machine you can leave it at the shop between classes. Sewing is not only a practical hobby, but this class was a great de-​stresser.
Our instructor, Andrea, was incredibly helpful and patient as I sewed (then sometimes unsewed) my way to success. Mali (the shop owner) was also very kind. I learned all of the basics (zippers, magnetic snaps, cutting fabric, sewing machine operation, etc.) in this course and have something pretty cool to show for it. I enjoyed getting to know my classmates and it was wonderful seeing everyone’s finished products. This was really a great experience and I can’t wait to take my next class. Next on the list is Sewing 201, the Duffel Bag Workshop, and the Quilting Workshop! Highly Recommended.

This place is AMAZING! Mali is super patient and encouraging, so far I’ve taken 101 & 201 and I’m hoping to take knits next. This was seriously fun! What a great way to meet people and learn a skill at the same time. I made a bag and a dress and am now totally hooked!
The last session is when your project really comes together and we had a party to celebrate our creations
I highly recommend taking a class!!! Mali is very accommodating and truly a wonderful person to meet. If you’re thinking about it, stop in and you will sign up immediately!

Do you want to learn how to sew? Do you want instruction from qualified experts who manage to be both completely understandable and totally fun? Do you want to experience a feeling of community somewhat similar to how I imagine it felt to be in the cast of Steel Magnolias? Well look no further than Butcher’s Sew Shop classes!
I have taken two classes here, a knits workshop from Andrea and the 301 class from Mali. When I was a teenager I sewed a lot, but generally in a sort of shoddy, fly-​by-​the-​seat-​of-​my-​pants manner. As an adult, I wanted to attempt once more to make my own clothes (this time with some polish) and came across Butcher’s while Googling local fabric stores. I emailed Mali to figure out what class I should sign up for and she promptly suggested the 6-​week 301 class, since I had sewn with patterns before. I was a little nervous about what felt like skipping ahead, but Mali’s approach to teaching is really meeting the students at their ability level and giving them what they need to complete their project. In the end, I have a beautiful lined dress that I can wear to work or out to dinner, a pattern for a pencil dress that includes alterations to fit me perfectly, and the confidence to approach more challenging patterns in the future. In the 2-​week knits workshop with Andrea, we gained a better general understanding of sewing and techniques to use with knits specifically – like, there’s a needle just for use with knits! Who knew?! I will use the pattern from that class for shirts for the next 10 years. Andrea is also a wonderful instructor able to clearly illustrate how to put your project together. She’s also almost always wearing something she made that looks like it came from somewhere very fancy.
The coolest thing about the classes here are that when you walk out, you start looking at clothes differently – like you might pick up a dress at Anthropoogie, look at the price tag, and instead of just scoffing and hanging it back up, you might investigate the construction and think to yourself, «I could make this.» That’s just special, people.

I’m taking my second class here having finished 101 with my one-​of-​a-​kind bag. Mali has a beautiful studio which is welcoming and cozy. Andrea is teaching my current class and she is just as personable (and awesome) as Mali. I can’t recommend this place highly enough!

I am so glad I’ve started taking classes at Butcher’s. Living in the neighborhood, I walk by the studio all the time and was drawn in by the beautiful space before I ever entered the building.
I just finished Sewing 101 with Andrea and am now starting 201 with her. Andrea clearly knows her sewing stuff, but is incredibly patient and explains things in a way that even people with little to no sewing experience can understand.
I’ve used the machines at the studio outside of class twice now (extra studio time is included with each class!) and Mali has graciously given advice and answered questions for projects beyond what I was doing in class. Mali and Andrea also have great advice on buying supplies, fabrics, and even machines. I’m so glad to have this resource in South Philly!

I haven’t touched a sewing machine since u was in middle school. I decided to make a New Year’s Resolution to learn how to sew and make things that I would wear. To refresh my memory, I decided to take a one on one class at Butcher’s. I learned the basics of the machine and how to so, which was my ultimate goal!
After taking the one on one class, I decided to take the Dufffle Bag class. Mali, the instructor, was excellent! She showed us the ropes of how to construct our bags, was patient, and was able to give us the one on one attention when needed. Not only did she show us how to construct our bags, but on the final day of class, she gave us the pattern and instructions if we wanted to make more.
I would definitely recommend this class to anyone that has a little experience of sewing or is afraid of installing a zipper (I overcame my fear). Great local business, small class size and excellent instructor!

Butchers is the best. Mali is a fun, patient, and really talented sewing instructor. For the cost of our duffel bag class we got three 3-​hour classes with step by step instructions and hands on help, all the tools we needed were provided (materials are BYO), printed instructions, and a full pattern to take home. We were able to complete our bags and have enough time for a champagne and cookie celebration at the end. The duffel bag class is perfect for people who have some clue about sewing, but you definitely don’t need to be super experienced to walk away with a really professional looking, super functional bag. If you want to explore sewing more, learn some valuable skills, and want to support an awesome local business, take a class at Butchers.

I am so fortunate to have come across Butcher’s Sew Shop and sign up for classes. So far I’ve taken their 301 class where you learn to construct a dress with lining and their «Sewing with Knits» workshop. There are endless positive things I can say about this place. Having not touched a sewing machine in years, I ambitiously signed up for the intermediate level class. The instructor, Mali, was more than willing to help me brush up on some forgotten techniques. The class sizes are small enough that you get the attention and help you need, but big enough that you get to meet a group of fellow seamstresses and socialize.
Another great thing about Butcher’s is that they pick modern patterns to teach. The sweater I made in the knits workshop is so cute and practical. I’ve already made a bunch others using that pattern and I wear them all of the time. The dress is also adorable and it looks like it’s store bought.
There aren’t many places that offer sewing classes, especially classes that teach you the skills you need to make your own wardrobe. At the end of each course, I’ve left proud of what I’ve made and eager to show if off. I can’t wait to sign up for the next course!

I cannot say enough great things about Butcher’s Sew Shop and Mali our instructor and shop owner (and sewing guru/​magician). My gal pals and I signed up for the duffle bag workshop this October and the 3 of us were just beginners never having really touched a sewing machine in a long time (if at all).
Mali was super patient and made the class really light-​hearted, stress-​free, and fun which was something I looked forward to weekly, despite my insane grad school schedule.
In the duffle bag workshop we learned how to: top stitch, sew on a zipper, and sew curved lines (just to name a few of the techniques). It was just amazing how personable Mali is and how much one-​on-​one time she was able to give us even though it was a group sewing class.
If you are thinking about taking a sewing class, don’t hesitate to take one here. I cannot recommend a better place.
I will be back for more!

I haven’t touched a sewing machine since about. 7^th grade? And Mali (awesome owner and teacher and person) had the patience of a saint with me and my newbie friends. At the end of a few weeks — we all had amazing, professional looking duffel bags that I still can’t believe we made! I can’t wait to take my next class.

If I could move into this place, I would. Mali, the owner, is amazing. She really knows her stuff and is the most patient person in the entire WORLD. The classes are a blast and you learn so much, it is incredible. She is very flexible with schedule conflicts, so encouraging, and extremely helpful. I went from knowing nothing to turning my kitchen into a sewing studio… all thanks to Mali!!! I recently took the knits workshop with Andrea. Another great asset to the Butcher’s Sew Shop team! One of my favorite things about the shop is that the sewing machines and all sewing supplies and tools are already provided for you at the studio! Cubbies in the back to leave your projects and patterns. Could not even think of one bad thing to say about the ladies or the shop! Can’t wait to take Patternmaking, my weeks are not complete without a class at Butcher’s

Great little shop! We had a private party here and I couldn’t have asked for more. The owner worked with me on my project ideas and set up everything to make our own «make and take» bday party fun. She set up an area for drinks, had ice buckets, wine openers, cups, plates and tablecloths, as well as created a cute custom sign out front. She also had an extra helper for us to make sure it was easy and fun to make our project. Great spot, nice people, we will definitely be back.

I’m very happy to have found this place in my neighborhood. I completed the Sewing 101 class a couple of weeks ago. When I registered for the class I informed the instructor Mali that I had a scheduling conflict due to traveling for work and summer plans. She was very accommodating in having me attend another 101 class (Sunday morning) and even rescheduling a class on a different night. I’ve always enjoyed hand sewing and was not really a fan of machine sewing. So I decided to give machine sewing another chance! There are sewing machines for you to use or you can even bring your own. I learned the basics of sewing from measuring and cutting fabric, attaching zippers, making button holes and working on a sewing machine. Mali is a great teacher and continues to create a welcoming fun learning environment. My finished projects include a fold-​over clutch and 3 throw pillows. I plan on registering for the Sewing 201 class this fall. I would recommend Butcher’s sew shop to everyone-there’s also a children’s camp!

I just finished my second sewing class with Mali and my first class at her new studio, Butcher’s Sew Shop. Mali has helped me to create two fabulous items: a fold-​over clutch (Beginner’s Sewing) and a very wearable kimono style top (Sewing 201). She is a patient and thoughtful instructor and the space is a wonderful environment in which to learn and create. I am looking forward to many more classes and projects here!