The Best DIY Spots In Toronto

The best DIY spots in Toronto offer something for everyone--whether you want to learn how to make a fascinator, build a bike, learn to silkscreen, master knitting, or even those looking to learn the basics of film. In short, everything you need to be well on your way to Etsy stardom.

Aside from those listed below, there are a wealth of other options as well, such as Spark Box Studio's immersive, weekend-long solar plate workshop, pottery lessons at The Pottery, knitting at The Purple Purl and Lettuce Knit, glass art at Nanopod Studio, and sewing classes at Sew Be It and The Sewing Studio.

You can also create beautiful ceramics at All Fired Up, Gardiner Museum, and The Clay Room, and jewelry at Jewel Envy, or just explore the many possibilities of art in general at Articulations. For mechanically-minded creative types, the 3-D printing and motor workshops at Interaccess are a must-do.

Here is the list of the best DIY spots in Toronto.

Bike Pirates

This Bloordale bike co-op is non-profit and manned by volunteers. The super-altruistic collective offers low-priced bikes and tries to salvage bikes and bike parts that might otherwise end up discarded. They won’t fix your bike, but cyclists can stop in to learn about bike mechanics and how to maintain or upgrade their two-wheeler by themselves, or even build their own bike (payment is by donation). More »

The Make Den

The Make Den has recently made a move to Bloordale, and features two sewing areas outfitted with Janome 625E machines, and a retro-themed interior complete with checkered floors and vintage chairs, which carries through into the vintage patterns they have readily available. Their introductory class is $160 for 4 weeks, and they’ve added workshops such as millinery and fascinators for 2013. More »

The Workroom

Parkdale’s The Workroom is the first shop in the city to offer independent sew-by-the-hour ($7/hour) studio time, fully equipped with sewing machines. If you don’t have previous experience, try the essentials class ($55) or try your hand at making a T-shirt ($110). They also offer sewing machine repairs, and even sell brand-new machines so you can take the experience home with you. More »

The Devil's Workshop

Located near Queen and Crawford, The Devil’s Workshop is home to the infamous Wedding Band Workshop, for those lovebirds looking to put a unique, handmade stamp on their wedding bands. Available for $300 per couple (plus the cost of materials), it’s available every Saturday, and the shop’s expert jewelers can add jewels or detailing after you’ve created the base. Other classes include silversmithing (also $300), or glass fusing. More »

The Knit Cafe

If you’re on the 501 streetcar headed through West Queen West on a Tuesday evening, you’ll probably spy a lively Stitch ‘n’ Bitch taking place at the Knit Cafe. With classes like Knitting 101 and Crocheting 101 (both $96 plus cost of materials), and a needlepoint class ($30), as well as a variety of internationally-sourced yarns available for purchase, this is a one-stop celebration of all things yarn. More »

Graven Feather

Graven Feather is squirreled away near Trinity Bellwoods Park, and serves as both studio space for its artists, as well as retail, open gallery, and workshop space. Classes on offer include making letterpress cards ($50), a 2-week-long linocut workshop ($95), and drop-in printmaking ($25). Materials are included in the price of most classes. More »

ReStyle Studio

For interior design fiends, ReStyle Studio in Bloorcourt offers a solution to outdated furniture upholstery or an armchair that sticks out like a sore thumb in your new digs. Home to Toronto’s only DIY upholstery workshop, the shop is spearheaded by an illustrious designer, and takes a fashion-forward approach by teaching basic re-upholstery ($225.99, bring your own items), as well as classes on decor, re-upholstery studio time ($200 for 2 days), and even a DIY wedding seminar. They also sell furniture and furniture parts (if you’ve given it the ol’ college try, and want to leave it up to the experts). More »

Wise Daughters

Wise Daughters in the Junction serves both as a craft marketplace showcasing the work of local artists, and an extensive roster of craft workshops. You can learn to knit wrist warmers ($60, bring your own yarn), or embroidery basics ($55). Alternately, you can even learn how to make your own cleaning products ($35). Now that's DIY. More »

DesignHer Co.

On Bathurst near St. Clair West, Designher offers DIY classes that yield gift-worthy goods, fashionable accents, and even inspired solutions to home organization. Try the 1-hr workshops ($25 including materials) that range from jewelry design and textile design, or busy your kids with her kid-tailored classes. The studio also doubles as an event space for birthdays and bridal showers. More »