Pockets change a garment. They carry your phone, wallet, keys and other objects of identity and protection that you want to have with you and often need as you navigate the world. However, many pants, shorts, and dresses–especially those designed for and marketed to femmes–do not have any pockets, or instead include small pouches that are more decorative than functional. These pocket-limited clothes are often sold at higher prices than similar clothes designed for men, which often have deeper pockets. Not only are pockets an issue of utility and comfort, but also social aesthetics and gender equity. This workshop seeks to highlight and subvert these inequities while enabling people to add bigger pockets to their clothes.

In this workshop, participants will learn how to alter clothes to make their pockets larger. They will also be taught how to add pockets to garments that are missing them. We will figure out how to source functional pockets from damaged or recycled clothes and add them to other items, as well as how to design, cut, and install new pockets from a fabric of your choosing. Together, we will discuss the cultural, personal, and political significance of pockets.

We will bring two sewing machines, some examples of pants and other clothes that could be altered, and some pre-sourced and cut and sewn pockets. Participants could bring their own sewing machine if they like, three examples of clothes they want to add pockets to, and any fabric they might want to use for making new pockets.

Organized by Megan Aki and Sam Toabe.