Do I need prior sewing experience to join?

Confident beginners with some basic sewing knowledge are ideal, but the workshop provides hands-on serger instruction.

Can I bring my own materials?

Yes, you’re welcome to bring your own jersey off-cuts or use materials provided by the studio.

What if I don’t have any fabric to bring?

De Steek provides a selection of off-cuts to use, so you can participate without bringing materials.

How large is the class size?

Classes are kept small, with a maximum of six participants, ensuring personalized guidance.

Is the serger machine difficult to use?

While sergers can seem complex, the instructor guides you step-by-step, making the process accessible.

Where is the workshop located?

It’s held at Van der Hoopstraat 70HS in Amsterdam West.

Upcycle Top Workshop | De Steek in Amsterdam West

Amsterdam’s West district is a vibrant neighborhood where creativity pulses through its streets and sustainability shapes new futures. De Steek offers a hands-on journey into conscious fashion with its Upcycle Top Workshop, a focused three-hour experience that invites confident beginners to transform discarded jersey off-cuts into wearable art. Set in a bright studio on Van der Hoopstraat, the workshop distills the city’s innovative spirit into a practical skill: mastering the serger machine and constructing one of two stylish upcycled tops, with or without sleeves.

What makes this workshop exceptional isn’t just the chance to craft a one-of-a-kind garment; it’s De Steek’s dedication to sustainable design amidst Amsterdam’s urban fabric. Participants can bring their own fabric scraps or select from the studio’s curated off-cuts, turning potential textile waste into fresh, functional pieces. This mindful approach aligns with Amsterdam’s growing emphasis on circular economies and eco-conscious living.

As you thread and sew, the workshop’s intimate group setting of six fosters hands-on guidance from Ines, a professional who blends technical instruction with encouragement. The serger—which can be intimidating at first—is demystified in a welcoming environment tailored to those with some basic sewing familiarity.

Amsterdam West’s creative vibe extends beyond the studio doors—its streets hum with independent cafés, local markets, and galleries that celebrate reuse and innovation. De Steek helps visitors engage deeply with this ethos, offering a refreshing alternative to fast fashion in a city known for blending history with forward-thinking design.

Whether you’re a maker searching for sustainable craft or a traveler seeking a new type of active experience in Amsterdam, the Upcycle Top Workshop stands out as a practical, creative, and environmentally conscious adventure. Leaving with a garment you made yourself adds a lasting sense of accomplishment in one of the Netherlands’ most dynamic creative hubs.