Date: Sunday, October 25, 2026
Time: 11:30am - 1:00pm
Pre: Requisite: Basic recent sewing experience or have taken a "Try Sewing" Stitch Lab and Alterations Basics with Sewcial prior to attending.
Please mark your calendar with the class date and time before registering, as this page may be difficult to access later. After registration, you’ll see a “Stop” page with your class waiver—please review it before closing your browser.
You know the phrase “Put a bird on it?” Around here, we’re putting pockets in it.
Welcome to Try Alterations, where we take one useful alteration at a time and actually DO it.
In this attainable workshop, we’re learning how to add an in-seam pocket to a garment that never had one. You'll learn how to create your own pocket pattern, carefully open an existing side seam, insert your new pocket and put everything back together again.
Yes. We are intentionally taking a seam ripper to perfectly good clothing (or a sample if you want to learn construction techniques to...pocket for later ;)
For educational purposes, obviously.
We’ll walk through how to:
Draft and shape your own pocket pattern
Determine the right pocket size and placement
Identify where to open an existing side seam
Use a seam ripper without going rogue
Cut your pocket pieces
Insert the pocket into the opened seam
Stitch everything back together cleanly
Use the same method on other pocketless garments at home
Everyone will practice the complete process of draft → cut → open → insert → sew, so you understand not just how to follow a pocket pattern, but how the alteration actually works.
You'll also leave with your pocket pattern/template so you can try it again at home.
Bring it!
Students are welcome to bring a simple garment they'd like to add a pocket to. For the best first-time experience, your garment should be:
Unlined
Made from a woven or low-stretch fabric (no Lululemon's just yet)
Not slippery, slinky or delicate
Simple in construction with an accessible side seam
Cotton and cotton-like woven fabrics are ideal. Think simple skirts, loose dresses, pajama-style pants or basic shorts.
Not sure if your garment will work? Bring it along and we'll take a look.
You absolutely do not need to bring clothing to participate. We'll provide practice materials so you can learn the entire process without sacrificing anything from your closet.
The real project here isn't the garment.
It's learning how to look at something without pockets and realize you now know how to fix that nonsense.
This is a Try Alterations class. Students should have already completed Stitch Lab: Alterations & Mending Basics and be comfortable using a sewing machine through Try Sewing or equivalent recent sewing experience.
Machines, practice materials, tools and step-by-step instruction are provided.