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Karin Persan

Teaches at Better Than Jam's Store & Studio

Karin has been silkscreening since 1999, sewing since middle school. She began teaching in Chicago 2002 after she graduated from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Moving back to New York she settled in Bushwick, Brooklyn 2007 where she continued to work on her line "Better Than Jam," of her own hand-printed textiles and self-sewn clothing and accessories. 

In 2010 she made the plunge and opened her first boutique location at 1087 Flushing Ave. 2015, she and the shop made a huge move to 20 Grattan St, to an old warehouse space. In this space, the simple boutique has been transformed into a store, communal studio space, and learning center.

Reviews of Karin Persan

(119 Reviews)
  • Itajime Shibori Dye Techniques

    Reviewed by Peggy F. on 3/25/2024
    This class far exceeded my expectations. I came home with four beautiful pieces even though this was my first time dying.
  • Itajime Shibori Dye Techniques

    Reviewed by Maureen F. on 3/24/2024
  • Itajime Shibori Dye Techniques

    Reviewed by Courtney C. on 9/18/2023
  • Beginner Shibori: Dye Techniques with Indigo

    Anonymous review on 8/8/2023
  • Blockprinting on Textiles Workshop

    Anonymous review on 7/9/2023
    Enjoyed the class . Instructor was great as well as patient and helpful
  • Itajime Shibori Dye Techniques

    Reviewed by Constance G. on 7/9/2023
  • Itajime Shibori Dye Techniques

    Anonymous review on 7/3/2023
    Great introduction class. Instructor was very knowledgeable as well as patient and helpful. Would recommend
  • Adv. Shibori with Indigo and Color

    Reviewed by Gina C. on 4/23/2023
  • Adv. Shibori with Indigo and Color

    Reviewed by Amy S. on 4/23/2023
  • Beginner Shibori: Dye Techniques with Indigo

    Anonymous review on 3/27/2023
  • Itajime Shibori Dye Techniques

    Anonymous review on 3/13/2023
  • Beginner Shibori: Dye Techniques with Indigo

    Reviewed by darlene M. on 3/8/2023
  • Blockprinting on Textiles Workshop

    Anonymous review on 2/12/2023
    Excellent class! Instructor very knowledgeable and patient with students adopting a new skill. Learned a lot. Highly recommend to anyone wanting to know more about block printing.
  • Blockprinting on Textiles Workshop

    Anonymous review on 2/1/2023
    Karin explained the process and shared samples to kickstart ideas. She was knowledgeable, patient, and flexible.
  • Beginner Shibori: Dye Techniques with Indigo

    Reviewed by Rosa M. on 1/21/2023
  • Beginner Shibori: Dye Techniques with Indigo

    Reviewed by Tracy L. on 11/30/2022
  • Working with Dye Resists

    Reviewed by Esther S. on 8/15/2022
  • Bundle Dyeing with Floral Fauna Food and Rust

    Anonymous review on 7/11/2022
  • Bundle Dyeing with Floral Fauna Food and Rust

    Reviewed by Jennifer V. on 7/11/2022
  • Bundle Dyeing with Floral Fauna Food and Rust

    Anonymous review on 6/19/2022
  • Beginner Shibori: Dye Techniques with Indigo

    Reviewed by Elizabeth K. on 3/6/2022
    Great class and instructor!!!
  • Stencil Silkscreening

    Reviewed by Bailey S. on 2/17/2022
  • Itajime Shibori Dye Techniques

    Reviewed by Charbel M. on 1/10/2022
    The Itajime Shibori workshop at Better than Jam was fantastic. Thoroughly throughout with lessons on how the technique was created from traditional to modern-day interpretation. Learning the process while making your dye pieces is thought-provoking and leaves you with a calmness that you will long for after you go. I've shown my work to friends and family, and they all rave for a piece. It now seems that I'll have to retake this workshop to have a couple of items for myself. I would recommend this class to everyone and anyone. 10/10. Thank you for such a great lesson on the Itajime Shibori technique.
  • Beginner Shibori: Dye Techniques with Indigo

    Anonymous review on 12/15/2021
  • Beginner Shibori: Dye Techniques with Indigo

    Reviewed by Jeffrey R. on 11/15/2021
    Loved this class! The instructor was super communicative and made sure we knew what to bring and what to expect when we arrived. The class was small and intimate and the instructor was able to give each one of us individual attention. I loved the pieces I created and felt really inspired from working with my hands all day :)
  • Blockprinting on Textiles Workshop

    Reviewed by Melinda W. on 11/9/2021
    Karin was an amazingly patient, supportive and attentive teacher. This was my first block printing class and she was able to teach in a way that was approachable, fun and made space for me to make errors/learn. Would definitely take another class with her! Also super fun space to learn in!
  • Fun with Reactive Dyes

    Reviewed by Linda M. on 11/7/2021
    Well thought out projects that were fun and rewarding to do. Excellent studio to work in and a talented, articulate teacher.
  • Beginner Shibori: Dye Techniques with Indigo

    Reviewed by Claire P. on 10/31/2021
  • Beginner Shibori: Dye Techniques with Indigo

    Reviewed by Sam W. on 10/30/2021
    This was a super inspiring morning! Loved the fact we could take our creations home with us. The teacher was incredible. Would highly recommend for anyone who wants to get crafty!
  • Bundle Dyeing with Floral Fauna Food and Rust

    Reviewed by Deniz A. on 10/18/2021
  • Dyeing with Nature

    Reviewed by Sugam M. on 10/10/2021
  • Beginner Shibori: Dye Techniques with Indigo

    Reviewed by Yvonne v. on 9/6/2021
    Karin is a terrific teacher: she is extremely knowledgeable, shares information and explanations clearly, gave each participants the freedom to create while helping and clarifying as needed. I recommend this class highly
  • Itajime Shibori Dye Techniques

    Anonymous review on 8/23/2021
  • Beginner Shibori: Dye Techniques with Indigo

    Reviewed by David K. on 7/16/2021
    Loved
  • Stencil Silkscreening

    Anonymous review on 6/29/2021
    loved the class. I will sure return to have more!!! The teacher is very patient (specially that I was trying to do a very difficult drawing) didn't rush me and taught us in a very patient and skilled way.
  • Rust and Tea Dyeing

    Reviewed by Shannon H. on 6/26/2021
  • Beginner Shibori: Dye Techniques with Indigo

    Reviewed by Sol C. on 3/23/2020
    The Instructor was well versed with the history & use of the Indigo dye. There was enough space & time to finish a number of items utilizing the different techniques.
  • Itajime Shibori Dye Techniques

    Reviewed by Leeju K. on 3/14/2020
  • Dyeing with Nature

    Reviewed by Maddy L. on 3/12/2020
  • Beginner Shibori: Dye Techniques with Indigo

    Reviewed by Cynthia S. on 3/12/2020
  • Floral and Fauna Bundle Dyeing

    Reviewed by Mikella on 2/20/2020
    I’ve taken a couple of classes with Karin, previously Shibori, and it’s become one of my favorite hobbies! Karin is a great teacher, and finds the balance between assisting you in understanding the process while encouraging experimentation. I’m already signed up for more classes, highly recommend!
  • Beginner Shibori: Dye Techniques with Indigo

    Reviewed by Siran T. on 2/17/2020
    Wonderful class. Nicely sized (we had 6 students in total). Paced well for beginners - there was sufficient time for pre-learning, and then trying out different techniques on 3 pieces (the studio provided tea white cotton towels / bandanas / totes). A lovely way to spend a Sun morning.
  • Beginner Shibori: Dye Techniques with Indigo

    Reviewed by Amanda D. on 2/17/2020
    This class is so much fun, and is an awesome intro into Shibori. Karin is a really great teacher, and it's so cool to walk out with three things that you've dyed yourself. Highly recommend it.
  • Beginner Shibori: Dye Techniques with Indigo

    Anonymous review on 2/17/2020
  • Floral and Fauna Bundle Dyeing

    Reviewed by Leeju K. on 2/16/2020
  • Private Sewing Lesson; 3 hours

    Reviewed by ilyaas m. on 2/12/2020
    Karin was patient, very encouraging and a great teacher. I learned a ton!
  • Blockprinting on Textiles Workshop

    Reviewed by Michelle A. on 1/27/2020
    Karin is wonderful and the class was a lot of fun, though relaxing at the same time. She was extremely generous with her time and allowed us to be as creative as we wanted. I would highly recommend booking her class!
  • Floral and Fauna Bundle Dyeing

    Reviewed by Etoro U. on 1/26/2020
  • Private Sewing Lesson; 3 hours

    Reviewed by Shlomit B. on 1/21/2020
    I feel comfortable and confident to use a sewing machine after this class, I got so much more from learning one-on-one than in a five day group course I took somewhere else many years ago. Karin is a wonderful, patient and encouraging teacher, her studio is so spacious and it was a great experience! Will definitely go back for other classes.
  • Dyeing with Nature

    Reviewed by Micki W. on 1/20/2020
    The class was awesome. Karin was great to learn from and super helpful at guiding us along the process. We made beautiful pieces, and I had a blast playing with the dye techniques. I loved the class so much, I immediately signed up for more.
  • Dyeing with Nature

    Anonymous review on 1/20/2020
    Its impressive that so much creative activity is contained in the time of this class. You take home three distinct samples of your experience - two useful pieces of cloth and a beautiful silk scarf - dyed with Karin's fascinating collection of plant/mineral material and her extensive knowledge of techniques. I will pass no plant (only harvesting 30%), and throw nothing in the compost bin without thinking of it's future life as a source for dye. The studio is easy to get to, steps from the L train and a little walk from the M.
  • Rust and Tea Dyeing

    Reviewed by Kristen on 1/20/2020
    Karin is a great teacher and so friendly. I have taken a couple of her classes. This was one of my favorites. I will be back again for sure!
  • Stitching Resist Shibori

    Anonymous review on 1/20/2020
  • Beginner Shibori: Dye Techniques with Indigo

    Anonymous review on 1/6/2020
  • Beginner Shibori: Dye Techniques with Indigo

    Reviewed by Ronnie R. on 1/6/2020
  • Beginner Shibori: Dye Techniques with Indigo

    Reviewed by Justin T. on 1/6/2020
  • Beginner Shibori: Dye Techniques with Indigo

    Anonymous review on 12/29/2019
    Excellent intro to the art form and instructor was passionate about her craft, helpful and pleasant.
  • Dyeing with Nature

    Anonymous review on 12/22/2019
  • Beginner Shibori: Dye Techniques with Indigo

    Anonymous review on 12/14/2019
    This was a wonderful experience ! Karin was fantastic at teaching us the basics of indigo dye techniques, engaging with students and making the class a lot of fun ! I love my pieces and would 100% recommend this beginners class.
  • Private Sewing Lesson; 3 hours

    Anonymous review on 12/10/2019
  • Dyeing with Nature

    Reviewed by Rutha R. on 12/8/2019
    I thought these class was fun. I was disappointed in the amount of work and supplies needed to work in this medium and the fact that the samples washed pale in the first wash. But I learned where I was making mistakes and enjoyed the class. Kerin was a good teacher and answered all my questions. I would take another class with her in the future.
  • Dyeing with Nature

    Reviewed by Cynthia A. on 12/1/2019
    The instruction was fantastic! We learned so much in 3 hours, and had 3 dyed pieces to take home. It was a perfect balance of instruction and hands on. Great for beginners or people knowledgeable about dyeing and textiles.
  • Dyeing with Nature

    Reviewed by Josie on 11/7/2019
    Can't recommend enough! I've been reading about natural dyeing for quite a while, and the hands on experience really solidified my beginner's journey. Karin is thoughtful with her explanations and clearly knowledgeable about the topic. I felt like I was able to explore creatively and also ask questions when needed. THANK YOU :)
  • Beginner Shibori: Dye Techniques with Indigo

    Anonymous review on 11/6/2019
    Such a fun class and very informative. Karin was a great instructor and I love the stuff I got to make!
  • Private T-Shirt Printing Workshop

    Reviewed by ALLISON B. on 10/21/2019
  • Dyeing with Nature

    Anonymous review on 10/7/2019
    Karin was such a wonderful teacher & this class was so interesting. I loved learning about all the materials and how the react with each other to create different colors. Will definitely be going back to learn more!
  • Dyeing with Nature

    Anonymous review on 10/5/2019
    loved this class- Karin is amazing!
  • Dyeing with Nature

    Reviewed by Lucy M. on 10/4/2019
    So fun and informative. Will definitely take another class at Better than Jam, Karin is GREAT!
  • Beginner Shibori: Dye Techniques with Indigo

    Reviewed by CHERYL HAMLIN Freeman on 9/18/2019
    The class was delightful. Karin was knowledgeable and engaging. When asked, she shared the history of Shibori in different countries. I definitely plan to take another class. Cheryl
  • Exploring Indigo, Shibori and other Resists

    Reviewed by Erica on 9/5/2019
    Karin was amazing and so patient with our class. Super nice and I learned way more than I expected when I signed up for the class on a whim. Her studio space is great and she is a wonderful teacher. I'll be taking more classes with her in the future!
  • Exploring Indigo, Shibori and other Resists

    Reviewed by Corrina on 9/1/2019
    A great opportunity to explore indigo and shibori in depth. Each week a new method of dyeing (vat type) was introduced and lots of time given to different resist types (pattern making). These classes are great for someone looking to utilize the great studio space and the expertise of the teacher while exploring different approaches to indigo and shibori.
  • Dyeing with Nature

    Reviewed by Jacob J. on 8/18/2019
  • Dyeing with Nature

    Anonymous review on 8/17/2019
  • Dyeing with Nature

    Anonymous review on 8/11/2019
    Entering the door of Better Than Jam's Studio located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, I was immediately inspired. The space and interesting artworks around the studio increased my sense of anticipation. Karin is a patient and thorough teacher. She brought a group of people with diverse backgrounds in arts through a series of well planned and practiced exercises. I left with three samples of different processes utilizing natural dyeing as well as some Shibori techniques. I look forward to further study with Karin. Highly recommended.
  • Rust and Tea Dyeing

    Reviewed by Inga N. on 7/28/2019
  • Dyeing with Nature

    Reviewed by Katy on 7/18/2019
    Really informative and thorough class! Karin keeps the material engaging and fun. I learned so much to improve and add to my dye projects. Very happy a printed syllabus was provided to I can refer back to it later! Thank you!
  • Block Printing Fabric Yardage (Private for 8)

    Anonymous review on 7/16/2019
  • Adv. Shibori with Indigo and Color

    Anonymous review on 6/25/2019
    Love, love LOVE the classes I've had with Karin. She's a lovely instructor and is generous with her information. I've taken three classes at Better Than Jam and I've enjoyed all of them and learned a bunch. The studio is spacious and bright, and despite being a work space where lots of dyeing happens it's very clean.
  • Adv. Shibori with Indigo and Color

    Reviewed by Nadia M. on 6/23/2019
  • Beginner Shibori: Dye Techniques with Indigo

    Reviewed by Rachel C. on 6/10/2019
  • Floral and Fauna Bundle Dyeing

    Reviewed by Shelley Denton on 5/29/2019
    Recently, I enjoyed the pleasure of two of Karin’s classes! It is with great pleasure I highly recommend taking any of her classes. She is friendly, approachable, and most of all, an expert in her field. She began both classes with historical background on the subject matter, provided beautifully detailed examples, and exhibited enthusiasm for the projects to her students. I look forward to another visit to the city, so I can take more of her classes.
  • Fun with Reactive Dyes

    Reviewed by Lauren Hunt on 5/14/2019
    This past Sunday, I took Karin's Reactive Dyes workshop. It was wonderful; she is truly a professional who knows alot about the chemistry of dyes. This is just what I needed. We did 3 different dye techniques, with enough time to explore each. Loved the shibori technique. I highly recommend this workshop. Lauren H.
  • Beginner Shibori: Dye Techniques with Indigo

    Reviewed by JULIA QUINN on 5/3/2019
  • Dyeing with Nature

    Reviewed by Christina L. on 4/24/2019
    Very informative! Great teacher, very knowledgable but very little time.
  • Beginner Shibori: Dye Techniques with Indigo

    Anonymous review on 4/1/2019
    Great class. Learned a lot, got to make cool stuff. Teacher was very cool and relaxed.
  • Private Sewing Lesson; 3 hours

    Reviewed by Rene E. on 3/27/2019
  • Beginner Shibori: Dye Techniques with Indigo

    Reviewed by stephanie s. on 3/24/2019
  • Beginner Shibori: Dye Techniques with Indigo

    Reviewed by Stefany F. on 2/10/2019
  • Beginner Shibori: Dye Techniques with Indigo

    Reviewed by Ilana L. on 2/4/2019
    Fun and informative. Great class!
  • Dyeing with Nature

    Reviewed by Suzanne L. on 2/4/2019
    Awesome class. Presentation was great.
  • Beginner Shibori: Dye Techniques with Indigo

    Reviewed by Luiza L. on 1/27/2019
  • Floral and Fauna Bundle Dyeing

    Reviewed by Kristen Neufeld on 1/26/2019
    Karin is great and I love her studio space. The class was small and we all had room to work. She had tons of great stuff she had foraged for herself and let us help ourselves to during the class. Will definitely go back for other workshops!
  • Beginner Shibori: Dye Techniques with Indigo

    Reviewed by Liza Mendel on 1/26/2019
    I loved this class, such a wonderful mixture of science and art. Karin makes the experience both educational and attainable. I had so much fun and felt so comfortable I didn’t want to leave. It is an art form that is so magical. I will definitely go back for a more advanced class in the near future. I came home with some great pieces I can’t wait to wear in the world and tell everyone I made it!!
  • Blockprinting on Textiles Workshop

    Reviewed by Katya M. on 1/26/2019
    Great class, informative, fun, and great for any level. Great value for the price, I would definitely recommend!
  • Floral and Fauna Bundle Dyeing

    Reviewed by Danielle H. on 1/7/2019
    I loved this class! Karin struck a wonderful balance with providing instruction and expertise and giving participants time to experiment with their own process.
  • Beginner Shibori: Dye Techniques with Indigo

    Reviewed by Dina Jacobs on 1/4/2019
    This class was so much fun and Karin is super knowledgable, organized and patient! I walked away with a very good introduction to a few main Shibori techniques as well as 3 beautiful pieces I am so excited about! Can see myself taking this class a few times to become more comfortable and then moving on to the next levels. Have already ordered a beginner indigo kit to start my home vat! Would definitely like to return! THANK YOU KARIN!!!! Best, Dina Jacobs
  • Beginner Shibori: Dye Techniques with Indigo

    Reviewed by Cori on 8/7/2018
    Really enjoyed this hands on class. I felt a learned a ton about the process and multiple techniques. It was a level above my expectations. The instructor is very knowledgeable and generous with her time and resources. Left with some interesting pieces that I really enjoyed.
  • Beginner Shibori: Dye Techniques with Indigo

    Reviewed by veronica F. on 6/18/2018
    I have to repeat because I truly enjoyed it.
  • Beginner Shibori: Dye Techniques with Indigo

    Reviewed by Sophia P. on 5/20/2018
    Wonderful Introduction to Shibori Dye Techniques! I am looking forward to taking more Shibori classes with Karin at Better Than Jam :)
  • Beginner Shibori: Dye Techniques with Indigo

    Reviewed by Sari Mizrahi on 4/16/2018
    Fantastic class! So informative and Karin was awesome!
  • Blockprinting on Textiles Workshop

    Reviewed by Laurey B. on 4/12/2018
    Amazing morning. Beltway space. Great teacher.
  • Dyeing with Nature

    Reviewed by Gabriel G. on 3/7/2018
  • Dyeing with Nature

    Anonymous review on 3/1/2018
  • Fun with Reactive Dyes

    Anonymous review on 3/1/2018
  • Fun with Reactive Dyes

    Anonymous review on 2/22/2018
  • Dyeing with Nature

    Reviewed by Kenzie B. on 2/13/2018
  • Dyeing with Nature

    Reviewed by Kenzie B. on 2/7/2018
  • Dyeing with Nature

    Reviewed by Chris S. on 9/11/2017
  • Dyeing with Nature

    Reviewed by Leah k. on 8/13/2017
    The class' was fun, interesting and well timed. The supplies provided were generous and each project was fun to do and then to see results. The teacher was good!
  • Dyeing with Nature

    Reviewed by Deanna M. on 8/13/2017
  • Beginner Shibori: Dye Techniques with Indigo

    Reviewed by Samantha Tharler on 7/25/2017
    awesome class!
  • Private Textile Screenprinting Workshop

    Reviewed by Kat C. on 6/29/2017
  • Private T-Shirt Printing Workshop

    Reviewed by Jason Pierre on 5/31/2017
    Karin was really informative and took the time to explain the thought process behind the use of certain tools, supplies & techniques.
  • Private Textile Screenprinting Workshop

    Reviewed by Michelle G. on 5/29/2017
    I really enjoyed this course and I would recommend it to anyone who is curious about how hand-made screenprinting works..!!
  • Beginner Shibori: Dye Techniques with Indigo

    Reviewed by Summer H. on 5/28/2017
    Loved, loved this class. Brought my friend and my sister and we all had a fantastic time and make some really cool things. The best.
  • Private Textile Screenprinting Workshop

    Reviewed by Laura Barbata on 5/26/2017
    I signed up for the class on two occasions to work on a special project. Karin is an extraordinary teacher, the environment is perfect and I was very happy with the results.
  • Beginner Shibori: Dye Techniques with Indigo

    Reviewed by Laura Barbata on 5/26/2017
    Great class! Karin is extremely knowledgeable and patient. I have taken this class twice and am always so happy with the experience and the results.
  • Dyeing with Nature

    Anonymous review on 5/25/2017
  • Private Learn ALL Silkscreen

    Reviewed by Elvira C. on 4/10/2017
    Karin, our instructor was amazing and generous with her time and knowledge. The workshop environment was spacious and well lit. I will sign up for more classes with her!

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