Community Sew-Along : Merchant & Mills Workwear Chore Jacket

ABOUT THIS SEW-ALONG

The Merchant & Mills Chore Jacket is a classic unisex workwear piece: structured, practical, and built to last. This six-session community sew-along works through the button-up version with hip pockets, using the instructions from the MM Workwear book. Each Zoom meetup includes a short demo of the upcoming construction steps followed by open sewing time, with questions welcome throughout. This is a community project, not a structured class: expect shared problem-solving, honest conversation about fabric and process, and the satisfaction of working through something together.

WHAT YOU'LL MAKE

The button-up Chore Jacket with hip pockets, in your choice of fabric. The pattern runs XS–3XL and suits 7–12oz non-stretch wovens: denim, canvas, cotton twill, corduroy, wool, or linen.

WHAT WE'LL COVER

• Reading and cutting a Merchant & Mills pattern
• Hip patch pocket construction and bartacking
• Faced front opening with topstitching
• Yoke construction: the lining yoke sandwich technique
• Setting in sleeves and constructing the side and underarm seams
• Collar stand and collar construction and attachment to the neckline
• Cuff construction and the sleeve pleat
• Buttonholes: presser feet, testing, and sewing them

WHAT YOU'LL GET

• 6 hours of live online sewing time across 6 biweekly sessions
• Multi-camera demos at key construction steps so you see exactly what is happening
• Video replay access to every session with written notes for each one
• A dedicated online space for sharing progress, asking questions, and troubleshooting
• Lifetime access to all MM Workwear Chore Jacket Sew-Along replays, notes, and resources

SESSION SCHEDULE

• Meetup 1 : Aug 31: Cutting, interfacing, and getting oriented
• Meetup 2 : Sep 14: Pockets and waist tabs
• Meetup 3 : Sept 28: Facings and front opening
• Meetup 4 : Oct 19: Yoke and sleeves
• Meetup 5 : Nov 2: Hem and collar
• Meetup 6 : Nov 16: Cuffs, buttonholes, and finishing

PATTERN REQUIREMENT

Participants need a copy of the Merchant & Mills Workwear book. It is available from the workroom:

• We carry the patten book in our shop. Purchase it as an add-on at registration for the discounted sew-along price of $40

SKILL LEVEL

Intermediate. You should be comfortable reading a pattern, cutting fabric accurately, and using your machine for straight stitching and basic finishing. No garment sewing experience required, but this is not a beginner project.

STUDIO MEMBERS

Studio members join this sew-along free, as part of your membership. Sign up inside the workroom studio.

Not a member yet? Studio membership includes free access to all community sew-alongs and bi-monthly challenges, early access to preorders and sales, workshop discounts, and a year-round online community.

Learn more about membership → theworkroomstudio.ca

We'll all be making this pattern for the first time, so this is truly a shared experience.  The WORKWEAR book, custom WORKWEAR Labels and a list of recommended fabric available at the workroom can be found here.