Butcher's Sew Shop Jr.

Sewing is fun, but kids also use critical problem solving skills, spatial reasoning and math when they turn fabric into three-dimensional shapes. Sewing also makes kids proud! We witness incredible moments of celebration when a child finishes a hard-earned project. And, for anyone who has popped a button off a shirt or taken pants to a tailor to be hemmed, you know sewing is a lifelong skill.

In 2014, Butcher's Sew Shop opened our first studio in an old 1920's butcher shop (what was 'Guarerra's Quality Meats' for 80 years) a few blocks from the Italian Market in the Bella Vista neighborhood. With our name, we chose to pay homage to the Guarrera family and the generations of butchers who earned a living for their families by working with their hands in a skilled trade. It is in this spirit that we hope to revive the art of sewing for a new generation of Philadelphians.

In 2019, Butcher's Sew Shop was honored to be voted Best of Philly for Afterschool Programs by Philadelphia Magazine.

Our talented staff work hard to make our sewing studio a warm, welcoming environment that encourages creative risk-taking. Our programs cater to those students who have never touched a sewing machine before, as well as those who have been sewing with us for years and want to tackle more advanced projects and techniques. Our curriculum is structured and progressive, with carefully-designed projects that help build on skills throughout the program.

Get ready for a summer of stitchin'! Butcher's Sew Shop Junior offers themed summer camps for children ages 6 to 15 in the Philadelphia area. Please find the full schedule for Summer 2024 below.

All camps run 9am - 3pm Monday through Friday (except for July 4-5).

ALL CAMPS ARE HELD AT 800 S. 8th Street. While multiple age groups may coincide at the same location, age groups will be divided with assigned instructors and projects suited to that age group.

Extended Care is available from 8-9am and 3-5pm except for the 11-15 year age group camp.

Extended Care Fees: morning drop off as early as 8am is $10/day; afternoon pickup until 5pm is $20/day. You may add these options to your cart during registration or contact us later when your schedule is finalized.

No sewing experience is needed to attend camp. All ages will learn to use a sewing machine, cut fabric, pin and mark, and construct projects from start to finish. We provide all materials, with the exception of the 11-15 year old group which will need to bring $30 on their first day (or pre-pay online at registration). Your child will need to bring a snack, packed (nut-free) lunch and 32 oz of water. Lunch is spent supervised at a nearby park, weather and official city guidelines permitting.

If the camp you want is sold out, please add your child's information to the waitlist so you can be notified if a spot opens.