5 Crafts to Learn with Friends in Chicago

Even if you live in a dynamic city like Chi-town, you might still get stumped on things to do. If you want to flex your creative muscles, try our craft classes in Chicago. It’s a great way to explore everything from pottery to screen printing with the important people in your life. Don’t worry if you’ve never tried a class before because you’ll be in good company with your friends and other beginners. 

Local artists and makers lead each class in their studio and some even come to you if you're planning a special event. You’ll get expert instruction and plenty of one-on-one time with your teacher to perfect your technique. You’ll appreciate the friendly setting and laid-back vibe as you dive into a new crafty experience.

Interested in trying out a workshop with your friends? Take a look at our top picks and then gather up your people! 

Make a tufted rug 

If you pay attention to TikTok trends, it’s hard to escape tufting. This craft has exploded in popularity recently and it’s easy to see why. The process uses a tufting gun to attach colorful yarn on a canvas backing. You can pretty much make any design you can imagine, from cartoon characters to kaleidoscope patterns. 

You’ll learn everything you need to know to create your own rug or wall hanging in just a few hours. Even if you’ve never tried a fiber arts craft, you’ll be able to follow along. This is a fun class to take with friends so share the love and book a class for them. Take a class is a great way to socialize with your crew and meet new people too. 

Why knot with macrame?

Everyone knows how to tie a knot so that means you can definitely learn how to macrame! This class takes you step by step so you can make a plant hanger with ease. If you’re looking for fun things to do in Chicago and you love DIY, try this hands-on workshop.

You’ll get all the supplies you need in class and detailed instructions from a local artist. It’s the perfect project for when you want to zhuzh up your place with handmade decor. If you love plants or have friends who are proud plant parents, you can create a new way to showcase a sun-loving succulent by hanging it in your window or a fern in a shady corner.   

Step out with custom sneakers

Imagine wearing a pair of leather shoes you designed and made yourself. It’s possible with a shoe customizing class in Chicago. This is an intensive workshop where everyone can successfully make their own sneakers, even if you’re a complete beginner.

Your instructor has years of experience walking students through the process, from designing and measuring to cutting and sewing. Whether you’re a seasoned maker or you’re just starting out, this is a cool hands-on experience for anyone who appreciates handcrafted footwear.

If you’re looking for a unique experience gift, this leatherworking class will absolutely impress. Take it with your partner if you’re looking for date night ideas and walk out with your custom sneakers. Have a birthday coming up? Get your friends together and spend quality time while making sick sneakers and sweet memories in this craft class.    

Learn to screenprint a tote bag

I have too many tote bags… says nobody ever. Seriously, tote bags are a city dwellers best friend for hauling groceries, books, gym clothes, and so much more. Learning how to screen print is a fun craft to learn and you can make a tote bag that shows off your own design.

Don’t worry if you don’t know anything about screen printing. You’ll learn the basics with an expert and pick up the techniques you need to make your project. Even if you don’t consider yourself artistic, you can still create a design that represents your style. When your class is done, you’ll have a customizsed tote bag to carry around your essentials.  

Sink your hands into a pottery making class

Pottery is a really lovely thing to have around. From the special mug you use for your morning coffee or a colorful planter that adds life to your house, it’s nice to know someone made it by hand. You can create your own pieces when you take a pottery class in Chicago.

Whether you want to go all out at a wheel throwing class or you want to start small with a pottery painting workshop, you can choose your own adventure. Invite your friends or family to take a workshop with you and share an unforgettable experience. Once you take a class, you might just get hooked!

Learning ceramics with a local pottery teacher is a great way to pick up the basics and get familiar with what it feels like to work inside a studio. Get comfortable with forming clay and the tools to shape your pottery. Meet other beginner potters and support each other as you figure things out. 

No matter what type of craft grabs your interest, you will have a blast learning with your favorite people and letting your creativity shine through. 

Want more suggestions for craft classes to try when you're looking for a new hobby? Check them out here!