gather here
A distinguished Cambridge establishment
Cambridge's Living Room for Makers
Who Runs It
Brett Bara is a craft author, former Martha Stewart Living editor, and textile designer who left NYC media to build a community space in Cambridge. She's written multiple craft books and appeared on national TV teaching sewing and crafting.
The Origin
Brett opened gather here in 2012 after noticing that the knitters, sewers, and makers she knew had nowhere to actually *gather*. The shop was designed from day one as a community space first, retail second—with worktables, classes, and a philosophy that making things together matters.
What Makes It Special
This isn't a fabric store that happens to offer classes. It's a maker community that happens to sell supplies. The difference shows in everything from the curated-not-overwhelming inventory to the 40+ weekly classes to the regulars who come just to sit, sew, and chat.
gather here has become Inman Square's unofficial community center for the craft-curious and die-hard makers alike. The classes have introduced thousands of Cantabrigians to sewing, knitting, and textile arts.
What People Love
Reviews consistently praise the welcoming atmosphere, knowledgeable staff, and the feeling that you've found "your people." The class quality is exceptional.
What To Know
This is a cozy neighborhood shop, not a big-box craft store. The selection is curated, not comprehensive. Popular classes book up fast.
Fabric and yarn prices are competitive with quality retailers. Classes range from $35-150 depending on length and materials. The value is in the instruction quality and small class sizes.
Rating Breakdown
The ratings reflect both product quality and community experience. The slightly lower Yelp score (still excellent) may reflect occasional parking frustrations or class availability—not the shop itself.
What Customers Say
“This place saved my pandemic sanity. I went from never having touched a sewing machine to making clothes I actually wear. The community here is real.”
“Best fabric selection in Cambridge, and the staff actually knows textiles. They talked me out of a fabric that wouldn't work for my project—that honesty is rare.”
“Tried to sign up for a beginner sewing class but it was booked 6 weeks out. Frustrating but I guess that shows how good they are.”
Insider Tips
Weekday mornings for relaxed browsing. Avoid Saturday afternoons if you want staff attention—it gets busy.
Tell them your project idea and budget. They'll steer you to the right fabric weight and suggest patterns. This consultation is free and invaluable.
The open studio time lets you use their industrial machines (serger, embroidery) for a small fee. Great if you can't justify buying equipment.
Street parking is tough. Take the 83 or 91 bus, or bike—there's a rack outside. If driving, the lot behind S&S Deli sometimes has spots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to know how to sew to shop here?
Not at all. Many customers are complete beginners shopping for their first project. Staff will help you choose appropriate materials and can recommend beginner-friendly patterns.
Can I use the workspace without taking a class?
Yes! gather here offers open studio time where you can use the space and machines for a small fee. Check the website for current hours and rates.
How far in advance should I book classes?
Popular beginner classes (Sewing 101, Learn to Knit) book 4-6 weeks ahead. More specialized workshops may have more availability. Sign up for the newsletter to get early notice of new class dates.
Known For
Transit Connections
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible
Reddit Mentions
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Similar Establishments
Christina's Spice & Specialty Foods
Cambridge institution since 1991 offering hundreds of hard-to-find spices, herbs, and specialty ingredients from around the globe. The knowledgeable staff helps home cooks recreate authentic world cuisines. Also famous for their homemade ice cream featuring unique flavors like cardamom and burned caramel.
Oak Bistro
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Contact & Visit
Cambridge shops close for lecture series. This is normal.
“I guess you've just gotta find something you love to do and then do it for the rest of your life.”
— Max Fischer, on entrepreneurship