WEEKEND
CLASSES

Weekend Classes are designed for students age 17 and under who want to learn a new skill and enjoy creating. Kids Sunday Sewing is for ages 7–12, Teen Sunday Sewing is for ages 13–17, and Teen Portfolio Studio is for high school students in grades 10–12.

Absolutely! Our sewing classes are for all experience levels; the only thing you or your child needs is a curious mindset and a willingness to learn, grow, and share your/their creativity. Teen Portfolio Studio also welcomes students who are just beginning a portfolio.

A portfolio is the collection of original work a student submits when applying to fashion, design, and art schools. Admissions teams use it to see how a student thinks, makes, and develops ideas. For many programs, it carries as much weight as grades.

Most students begin in 10th or 11th grade, which leaves time to make new work and refine it before applications are due in senior year. Seniors are welcome too, and we will focus on strengthening and presenting the work they already have.

Students prepare portfolios for fashion, design, and art programs at schools such as RISD, Parsons, Pratt, FIT, Tyler, SAIC, SVA, and Cooper Union. Each school asks for something a little different, and we help students plan for the ones on their list.

It depends on where they are. Teen Sunday Sewing builds construction and design skills and produces finished garments. Teen Portfolio Studio turns a student's work, including garments, drawings, and sketchbooks, into a portfolio for college applications. Many fashion-focused students take both, and the two run back to back on Sundays at Made West: Teen Sunday Sewing from 2–4pm, then Teen Portfolio Studio from 4:30–6:30pm.

No. Students come in at different levels, and a portfolio can include drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, digital work, and garments. What matters most is curiosity and a willingness to make work regularly.

Please arrive no earlier than 15 minutes before class starts.

Not for sewing classes, but we do recommend you practice! You can expect to try out your skills at home for just 1–2 hours each week. Teen Portfolio Studio students continue their pieces between sessions, since a strong portfolio takes time outside of class.

Kids and Teen Sunday Sewing are monthly subscriptions. Teen Portfolio Studio is $595 for six sessions, paid in full at checkout.

Yes, we offer After School and Summer Camp for kids and teens, along with College Portfolio Prep options including one-on-one Portfolio Mentorship and a Summer Portfolio Intensive.

We invite parents, guardians, and friends to visit and chat with our staff. We kindly request that anyone not enrolled wait outside of Made at a location of their choice until class ends. Made Institute’s West Philly location is close to many cafes and the charming Clark Park, making it a great place to pass the time.

Yes! Made Institute sells a range of fabrics and sewing notions to students and the public. Check out our shop. 

If you cancel your order by the original registration deadline, you will receive a full refund. If you cancel after this deadline but before the first class begins, you will receive a 50% refund. However, no refund will be provided for cancellations on or after the first day of class.

Made West is located at 4719 Pine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19143, and is accessible by public transportation. Street parking is usually available nearby.

Currently, open studio access is only available to our studio members and students enrolled in the Fashion Certificate Program. Learn more about our Fashion Certificate Program or how to become a member.