FAQ

Masking is required on Mondays.

If you're wondering "Why on Mondays?" then you should read Mask Mondays! Whats that?

Masking is required by default on Mondays.

When registering online we ask if you would prefer that all participants mask. You will be required to mask should anyone answers 'Yes'.

gather here is for everyone; so on Monday's we mask.

We also recognize that members of the community may need to continue to mask and we are happy to ask all visitors or class participants to mask if Mondays are not convenient. (Just let us know.)

If you are feeling unwell, if you have been exposed to COVID-19 in the last 10 days or are recovering from COVID-19, please take a mask when you arrive.

A stitch lounge is a place where people can meet other people that share their interests and have fun taking classes or working on their own sewing projects. gather here is Cambridge's unique version; our urban sewing lounge offers the community a space to “make something” along with others interested in sewing, knitting, crochet, embroidery, needlepoint, and so much more crafty goodness.

Yes (but less than there used to be). Due to the Inman Square redesign please consider other modes of transportation to get to the shop.

We've outlined the parking options below:

On Cambridge Street:

*Inman Square Redesign Update*

There are no longer any parking spaces directly in front of the shop on Cambridge Street.

The spaces in front of the hardware store are for loading and unloading only.

There are still a few parking spaces between Oak and Oakland streets. And you can pay by phone.

On Hampshire Street: Two-hour metered parking, free after 6 p.m.

In the Springfield Street Lot (next to Olé): 2-hour (4-hour after 6 p.m.) metered parking. (Note: This is a quick 2-minute walk to us!) You can also pay by phone here.

On Sundays: Parking is free in Cambridge and you can park anywhere; permit parking is not enforced. You will find unmetered, non-residential spaces on Prospect and Hampshire Streets 7 days a week.

Don't forget that we're right on the border of Somerville, less than a block away from free Somerville resident parking!

Our address is:

1343 Cambridge StreetCambridge, MAWe are right in the heart of Inman Square, a short walk from the Union Square T-station, a healthy walk from the Central Square T-station and easily accessible by bus. There is metered street parking on Cambridge and Hampshire Streets. The Springfield Street lot is just 2 minutes away. And for you Hub riders, there's a Hub Station a stone's throw away.

Figuratively speaking, doors are always open to visitors. But you mean literally, don't you?

Come visit us:

Monday through Thursday: 12 to 8:30pm

Friday through Sunday: 11 to 6pm

We do close on the occasional holiday to enjoy: Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor day, Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Christmas Eve and Day, New Year's Eve and Day.

YES! You can purchase a gift card either in the store or online. We're happy to provide an electronic copy or a physical gift card and we'll mail it, too.

Our physical gift cards are packaged in a glassine bag with our signature oak tag, and we'll even include a note upon request!

Emailed gift cards are sent when the purchase is completed and are sent from gifts@mail.rise-ai.com. (Check your spam folder if you don't see the gift card right away. The email goes out immediately after the order is completed so if you received an order confirmation you should have received the gift card email as well.)

We do! And not just any machine—Bernina sewing machines. You can "test-drive" our Bernina sewing machines and sergers in our classrooms and ask us all about them. As an authorized Bernina dealer, we also carry items like presser feet and bobbins and can place an order for any additional items that we may not have in stock.

We also carrybernette sewing machines. And they're available to test drive any day of the week.

We also offer tune-up and repair services by our resident certified Bernina technician, Meghan. You canlearn more & pay a depositonline. And studio time is free for as long as your machine is in the shop.

At gather here, of course! We can service and repair all makes and models of mechanical and computerized domestic sewing machines.

You can learn more & pay a deposit online. Paying the deposit will put your machine into the repair queue. We'll let you know when you're next and that you should drop off your machine.

We also ask that you fill out our online service form before you drop off your machine.

gather here Machine Service Prices:

- $125 Basic MECHANICAL sewing machines (all brands)
- $145 Basic COMPUTERIZED sewing machines (all brands)
- $170 BERNINA 7 Series machines
- $200 BERNINA 8 Series machines
- $75 Embroidery Module Service (added cost to any machine service)
- $135 Serger or Coverstitch
- $170 Serger / Coverstitch combo machine
- Contact us for Bernina Longarm service information

Turn around time is about four weeks but this changes depending on the number of machines on the bench (call if turnaround time is urgent). When you drop off your machine you should also bring the power cord, foot control, zig-zag presser foot and a bobbin.

Take advantage of free studio time for as long as your machine is in the shop.

Yes! Our door is equipped with an automatic door opener (good for stroller users, too!). Our restrooms are ADA compliant as well. None of our seating is fixed so we can always move chairs to accommodate for a wheelchair at a sewing station or in the lounge. gather here invested in a sit-down longarm quilting machine in December of 2019 to make freemotion quilting on Bernina's top of the line Q-series something for everyone. All of our sewing machines can be operated without the use of a foot pedal. And we can set up ironing stations at a height that is convenient to you.

gather here keeps an annual Donations Budget and strives to support local nonprofit organizations and causes by donating craft kits, gift cards or classes. To apply for a donation, please fill out a donation application. Due to the volume of applications we receive, we regret we cannot grant every request.

We evaluate applications based on the following guidelines:

The recipient must be a 501c3 nonprofit organization. A copy of the 501c3 letter from the IRS must accompany the application. This is not the Massachusetts state tax-exempt form. Applications without a 501c3 attached will not be considered.

The application must be received at least 60 days before the event date and the 'pick-up' date in order to be considered. Applications are reviewed on a first come-first serve basis. Because the Donations Budget is limited, early submission of your application is recommended.

The organization must fall into one of the categories below:

Arts Education
Community Arts
Fiber Preservation
Sustainable Fiber Resources
Education on any of the above
Women's empowerment

Please understand that we do not donate to organizations and/or causes outside of the Cambridge/Somerville community. Past support of an organization or an event is not a guarantee of future support.

We post two months of workshops on the 24th of even # months (February, April, June, August, October & December).

• January & February workshops will launch on December 24th
• March & April workshops will launch on February 24th
• May & June workshops will launch on April 24th
• July & August workshops will launch on June 24th
• September& October workshops will launch on August 24th
• November & December workshops will launch on October 24th

The calendar page is turned off while we are launching the next months classes. We'll turn it back on when we're done and all of the classes are ready for you to register.

Want to know exactly when the class calendar is turned on and you can register for classes? Be our friend on Facebook or join the conversation on Twitter or sign up for text alerts and we'll let you know the second that classes go live.

By entering your phone number, you consent to receive marketing text messages from gather here. Message and data rates may apply. You can unsubscribe at any time by replying STOP or clicking the unsubscribe link in one of our messages. View our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

We offer sewing, knitting, crochet, embroidery, quilting, screen printing, soft toys, kids crafts classes and so much more. Check ourclass calendarfor our latest schedule!

Scheduling our classes is quite a challenge – juggling teacher schedules, community events, and making the most of our hours means we’re lucky to know what is going on in any given month! There are a handful of classes that we offer monthly, like sewing, knitting, embroidery and crochet basics. We also regularly offer "next step basics" classes (zipper box bag, hipster cowl, crochet coasters) so you can build on the skills from the previous basics class. If there’s a class you couldn’t take but really, really want to, please drop us a note and we’ll do our best to offer it again in the very near future.

Picking your own fabric or yarn is part of the fun, and helps ensure you walk out the door with exactly what you wanted to make! Check each class description for how much/what type of fabric to bring. For our fashion classes, we recommend washing and drying your fabric before class so you don’t have to worry about shrinkage.

We rarely close due to the weather but if the City of Cambridge or the MBTA shuts down we will, too. On the rare occasion that this happens we will post revised shop hours on our homepage, the class calendar, Facebook, and Twitter. If this closing effects a class we will email and/or call each person to let them know as soon as we determine the class has been cancelled.

You can register online or in the store. Payment is due when you register via credit or debit card, gift certificate or cash (should you be registering in person). Day-of registrations are only accepted on a space availability basis.

You can find the current month's classes as well as past classes on the Class Calendar page.

We suggest that you Create an account. It will speed up checkout in the future.

There sure is. If the class is full, you'll be able to add yourself to the waitlist from the class page.

We’ll let you know asap if a spot frees up.

Due to the very limited enrollment in our classes and the special nature of our workshops, classes/workshops are non-refundable. However, if you let us know at least 72 hours in advance, we will transfer you to another class of your choosing or credit your gather here account. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate any cancellations 72 hours or less before a class is scheduled. Please check your schedule carefully before you sign up and be completely aware of our class policies.

Please note that there are NO store credits given at any time for classes with special guest instructors and artists, as noted in the class descriptions. Your seat may still be transferred to a friend if you cannot attend.

P.S. If you can’t make a class at the last minute you can always send someone in your place. Just let us know whom to expect!

If you canceled 72 hours prior to the class, you received a full credit for that class's value. Your credit is stored in our database and you can use the 16 digit code that you received to redeem it.

Simply enter that 16 digit code into the Gift Card/Discount code field when you checkout.

When you register for class online you can enter your gift card # into the Gift Card/Discount/Class Pack code field when you checkout.

Should the new class cost more than your gift card, you'll be able to pay the difference with a credit or debit card.

2 students are required for most classes to meet (details are in the class description).
If a class does not have 2 students registered by 10 a.m. of the class date, we will remove the class from the calendar, contact the person enrolled and issue a full refund.
We want you to make something and we'll do our best to make sure you can!

Minimum enrollment does not apply to our Youth Open Sew or Studio Time.

Not at all! We happily provide you with great sewing machines and space! We love our Berninas because they are solid and have stood the test of time. We also have six different sergers/coverstitch machines available for use. If you really want to bring your machine, please call and check with the manager to see if the instructor is comfortable with your make/model. If you receive the green-light to bring your machine, arrive twenty minutes early to set it up. Make sure you have the necessary power cords, machine feet and bobbins. Please note that our instructors are not trained repair people and we don't expect them to be versed in all sewing machines.

Studio space (including machine, cutting table, irons and tools) is available to rent for $10 an hour. You can get a discounted rate by purchasing an "All Day" block of time when you register.

Dedicated studio hours:

• Mondays: 12 to 8pm
• Wednesdays: 5:30 to 8:30pm
• Fridays: 11am to 6pm
• Saturdays: 1 to 4:30pm

They can be booked through the class calendar. Or call to make sure the studio is available to use it at other times.

You'll always find someone in the shop that can assist you should you need advice or find yourself in a bit of jam!

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What about Studio Time bundles? Studio Time bundles are no longer available. But don't worry, there's a discount built right into the "All Day" price. And since Studio time bundles never expire, you're free to use them at your leisure.

Yes. TakingLongarm Basicsis required to be certified to use andrent our BERNINA Q Series longarms. Quilting with the Q24 on the frame (& the Q20 in the table) is awesome and we want you to feel confident when using these machines. Learning how to load your quilt, wind a bobbin, navigate the user-friendly interface, baste your top, and fully appreciate the BERNINA longarm Stitch Regulation are essential to successfully quilting on the Q Series.

The BERNINA Q24 is available for independent quilting at a rate of $20/hour & the sit-down BERNINA Q20 is available for $10/hour. Both machines have a two-hour minimum per rental.

To reserve your preferred Q Series machine for the day, you are pre-paying for the first 2 hours of studio time at the time of booking. Additional time will be charged in store when checking out. No shows will forfeit their reservation payment. Please remember to check in when you arrive and check out when you leave.

Hourly rental does not include batting or backing, but both are available for purchase at gather here. We stock King Tut thread in a neutral palette, if you require a specific color you can special order it at least 1 week in advance of your rental.

Please note that in order to rent a Q Series machine, you must first take Longarm Basics to gain the necessary knowledge and to learn its ins and outs.

Prepare your quilt for successful longarm quilting by following thesesteps.

Heck yeah! Email us, call or stop in to talk about party options. We've organized and taught workshops for a number of parties for children AND adults. Our wet work space downstairs is the perfect location for your party with six machines, a sink, craft supplies, and more.

A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to set the date for your private event. Supplies are not included unless otherwise specified.

Our cancellation policy applies to all private events. If you let us know at least 72 hours in advance, we can work with you to reschedule your event. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate any cancellations 72 hours or less before the event is scheduled. This ensures the instructors and craft consultants are compensated for their time, and that classes that would have been scheduled on that date are not jeopardized.

Yes! Schedule a personalized workshop here.

Please note that we do not offer private lessons for our basics classes.

Private lessons with a craft specialist start at $75 an hour with a one hour minimum.

Materials, patterns, etc. are not included unless arranged with the manager in advance.

A non-refundable deposit for the first hour, paid at the time of booking, is required to reserve a private lesson. Private classes and workshops are non-refundable, but classes canceled 72 hours in advance will be credited to your gather here account. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate any cancellations 72 hours or less before a private lesson is scheduled.

We mostly ship using USPS (First Class Package or Priority depending on weight - both have tracking). We sometimes use UPS or FedEx. Shipping costs are flat-rate and based on your location and the level of service you choose (with just a few exceptions for very large items). Orders can ship standard or expedited. Details for all of our shipping rates & policies are on ourshipping + returnspage.

Unused yarn, pre-cut fat-quarter bundles and un-opened notions, in their original condition, may be returned or exchanged within 30 days of purchase. We do not cover shipping costs for exchanges.

We offer a full refund within 14 days of purchase and a store credit within 30 days of purchase.

Non-returnable items:
Cut to order fabrics, all books and patterns, gift cards, classes as well as all downloadable products.

Cut to order fabrics and all books and patterns will be replaced if damaged in shipoing. We will happily reimburse any shipping costs incurred when returning damaged merchandise, and will send replacement merchandise at no cost. Please include a description of the damage and photos when you contact us.

Note that all "sale" items are final sale.

For more information check out our shipping + returns page.

We print on really large bond paper. (That's a medium weight paper, not tissue!)

For PDF prints, the first page (36 x 48 inches) costs $5, & each page after that costs $2.50.

We're only able to print wide format files that are 36" wide. These are usually named: Copyshop, A0, Wide Format, Printshop, Large Format, or Arch E.

Most patterns are 1-3 pages, though some are occasionally more. If you can't tell how many pages your file is, we can figure that out for you. If you purchase too few pages we will invoice you for the difference; if you purchase too many we will refund you the overage. 

Ready to get started? Upload your files here!

To submit your patterns, follow our handy step-by-step guide:

• Step 1: Navigate to our Pattern Printing page
• Step 2: Click Choose File, which will bring up a menu of options from your computer
• Step 3: Choose the file you want printed, and click "Open". Not sure which file? Choose the one that says A0, Copyshop, Wide Format, Printshop, Large Format, or Arch E. Upload just one file.
• Step 4: Let us know what we're printing! Include the pattern name, and any printing instructions in the printing notes (black and white or colour printing, if you only want specific size layers printed).
• Step 5: Choose the number of pages your file is (not sure? No problem! We'll invoice you for any extra, or refund you if it's not as long as you thought!)
• Step 6: Choose how many copies of the print you want.
• Step 7: Add to cart. This pattern is ready, and you can either close the cart and upload another pattern, or check out and pick your shipping method.

To ship your prints in a tracked package, we can fold them, or for a few dollars extra, we can roll them into a tube to limit creasing. (This option is only available when the only items in your order are PDF Sewing Pattern Printouts.)

Prints can be ordered on our website, and you can submit your files there as well; the shipping options will be listed during check out.

Not sure what we are talking about? Here's our explainer for the difference between Copyshop (A0) and Print-At-Home (Letter-Sized) patterns.

We're always searching for the next crafty genius to join our team. It may not be to fill an immediate opening but there have been a number of employees that received a call a month or two after dropping off an application and are now managing/assistant managing the stitch lounge. Yay!

We love working here and we think you'll love being here, too. We rely on our staff members for their craft knowledge, awesome taste and ability to juggle customer questions, inventory and the craft studio.

If you've got what it takes to work in a fast-paced, creative retail environment and you are a knitter/crocheter/stitcher/embroiderer/maker, then send us an email at work@gatherhereonline.com with your completed application, a copy of your resume, a cover letter, and a few examples of your work (a link to your Etsy/flickr/blog/ravelry page works just fine!).

Or drop in and ask for an application.

gather here is an equal opportunity employer and we offer a competitive hourly wage. We support our individual staff member's pursuits by offering a generous employee discount, providing them with plenty of crafting opportunities and ultimately, treating them as individuals with awesome passions.