Alterations and Mending Practice Lab: 4 Week Sewing Experience

Ever taken an alterations class…
felt inspired… and then realized...wait, I need to actually make this happen.

This practice lab is for that moment.

Alterations & Mending Practice Lab is a four-week, guided sewing program where you’ll take the concepts from Stitch Lab: Alterations & Mending and actually put them into practice on your own garments — with time, support, and accountability.

This is where hems get sewn, repairs get finished, and those “I’ll do it later” projects finally leave the closet.

What This Lab Is (and Isn’t)

This is a practice lab.
You’ll be sewing, adjusting, mending, and problem-solving your own real garments, for your specific needs over multiple weeks.

This is not a lecture class.
That’s why Stitch Lab: Alterations & Mending is required first — it gives everyone the same shared language, techniques, and prep knowledge so we can jump straight into the work here.

Think of it like this:

• Stitch Lab = how it works

• Practice Lab = doing the work with support

How It Works

This lab meets once per week for 4 weeks.
Each session builds on the last and we are simultaneously learning from each other, so you’re not starting over every time.

You’ll work on:

• Hemming pants, skirts, and sleeves

• Simple fit fixes and adjustments

• Repairs and reinforcement

• Thoughtful mending and upcycling

• Marking, measuring, pressing, and sequencing work properly

Bring garments from your own closet — or source items from a thrift store if you want to practice without pressure.

Some students finish multiple pieces.
Some focus deeply on one tricky garment.
Both approaches are welcome.

Weekly Flow (High Level)

Week 1: Project Planning & Prep
Assess garments, choose projects, mark alterations, plan the order of operations. Some sewing may occur.

Week 2–3: Sewing, Repairs & Adjustments
Hands-on work with guidance, troubleshooting, and technique refinement.

Week 4: Finishings & Confidence
Hems, clean finishes, final tweaks — and clarity on how to continue at home.

Prerequisites (Important)

To join this lab, participants must have:

• Recent sewing experience, and

• Completed Stitch Lab: Alterations & Mending

This ensures:

• Everyone arrives ready to sew

• Time is spent doing, not explaining basics

• Projects move smoothly and confidently

If you’ve taken the Stitch Lab and thought,
“Okay… now I actually want to DO this” —
this lab is exactly what comes next.

Who This Lab Is For

• Sewists who want to actually alter and mend their clothes

• Students who loved the Stitch Lab and want hands-on follow-through

• Anyone tired of unfinished wardrobe projects

• Beginners who want guided repetition instead of guesswork

• Those who are nervous to start alone. We got you!

Studio Notes

• Sewing machines provided, or bring your own (take Stitch Lab: Machine Basics for this option if you do not yet know how to troubleshoot your machine)

• Tools list will be sent after registration. Supplies will also be available for sale in the Handcrafted Marketplace. Pre-order online, or shop in store.

• Space is limited to keep support high

• This is a supportive, no-pressure studio environment

The Big Picture

This lab exists because we kept hearing:

“I know what to do…
I just need time, support, and momentum.”

This is that.