Sewing Tips: Adding Side Pockets To Your Pants For Extra Functionality

Have you ever wished that your favorite pants had some extra storage space? Well, imagine the convenience of having side pockets that can hold your phone, keys, or even a small snack. Whether you want to add pockets to an existing pair of pants or create custom pockets for a new pair, this guide will show you how to make side pockets that are both practical and stylish. Say goodbye to digging through your bag or struggling to find a place to put your belongings – with these easy steps, you'll have functional pockets in no time!

Materials needed for adding side pockets to pants

Adding side pockets to pants is a great way to increase functionality and convenience. Whether you're looking to enhance a pair of trousers or jeans, the process is relatively simple and requires a few materials to get started. Here's a list of everything you will need to add side pockets to your pants:

• Pant of choice: Start with a pair of pants that you want to add side pockets to. This can be any type of pants, such as jeans, trousers, or even joggers. Make sure to choose pants that are in good condition and fit well, as this will ensure a successful modification.
• Fabric for pocket bags: Decide on the fabric you want to use for the pocket bags. It's essential to choose a fabric that is sturdy enough to hold small items without tearing easily. Cotton or denim are excellent choices, but you can also get creative and use patterned or colored fabrics to add a personal touch.
• Seam ripper: A seam ripper is a small tool with a sharp blade or point that helps you remove stitching quickly and easily. This tool will come in handy when you need to take apart the existing side seam of the pants to insert the pocket bags. Be careful when using the seam ripper to avoid accidentally ripping the fabric.
• Matching thread and needle: Depending on the color of your pants and fabric, select a thread that matches them. A medium-weight thread is typically suitable for pants. Additionally, ensure that your needle is appropriate for the fabric you are using. A smaller needle size is generally recommended for lightweight fabrics, while a larger needle size may be necessary for heavier fabrics like denim.
• Scissors or rotary cutter: You'll need a pair of sharp scissors or a rotary cutter to cut the fabric for the pocket bags. Ensure that your cutting tools are in good condition, as dull scissors could result in uneven cuts or frayed edges.
• Pins or fabric clips: These tools are essential for holding the fabric in place while you sew. They allow you to prevent any shifting or misalignment when attaching the pocket bags to the pants. Both pins and fabric clips work well, so choose whichever you find more comfortable to work with.
• Iron and ironing board: An iron and ironing board are necessary for pressing the fabric before and after sewing. Pressing the fabric helps create crisp edges and a professional finish to your pockets. Make sure to set your iron to an appropriate temperature for the fabric you are using to avoid scorching or damaging the material.

By gathering these materials, you will have everything you need to add side pockets to your pants. Remember to take your time, follow proper sewing techniques, and aim for precision to achieve the best results. Happy sewing!

Step-by-step guide for cutting and preparing fabric for pockets

Adding side pockets to your pants is a practical and stylish way to increase their functionality. Whether you want a place to store your phone, keys, or wallet, adding side pockets can make your pants more versatile. If you're ready to try your hand at sewing, here is a step-by-step guide for cutting and preparing fabric for pockets:

Gather the necessary materials:

• A pair of pants or shorts that you want to add pockets to
• Fabric for the pockets (you can use the same fabric as your pants or choose a complementary fabric)
• Scissors
• Pins
• Sewing machine or needle and thread

Measure and mark the pocket placement:

• Put on the pants and decide where you want the pockets to be located on each side.
• Using a ruler or measuring tape, measure the desired distance from the top and side seams of the pants, and make small marks with a fabric pen or chalk.
• Repeat the process on the other side to ensure both pockets are symmetrical.

Cut out the pocket fabric:

• Measure and mark the size of the pockets you want. Common pocket sizes range from 5 to 7 inches in width and 6 to 9 inches in depth.
• Add an extra 1/2 inch on each side for seam allowances.
• Use your scissors to cut out the pocket fabric along the marked lines.

Prepare the pants:

• Lay the pants flat, with the side seams on the outer sides.
• Use your scissors to carefully cut open the side seams of the pants from the bottom hem to the uppermost pocket placement mark.
• If your pants have a lining, make sure to only cut through the outer fabric.

Pin the pocket fabric in place:

• Take one of the cut-out pocket pieces and align its top edge with the top placement mark on the pants.
• Pin the fabric in place along the side seam, making sure to leave the bottom and side edges unpinned for now.

Sew the pocket in place:

• Using a sewing machine or needle and thread, sew along the side seam, securing the pocket fabric to the pants.
• Start at the top of the pocket and sew down to the bottom hem, using a straight stitch and a 1/2 inch seam allowance.
• Backstitch at the beginning and end of the seam for extra durability.

Repeat for the other pocket:

• Take the second cut-out pocket piece and align it with the placement mark on the other side of the pants.
• Pin the fabric in place along the side seam, just like you did for the first pocket.
• Sew along the side seam to secure the second pocket to the pants, just as you did before.

Trim and finish the pockets:

• Trim any excess fabric from the side seams to neaten the pockets, being careful not to cut into the main fabric of the pants.
• Fold the side seams towards the pocket fabric and press them with an iron to create a clean edge.
• Optional: You can also add topstitching along the top edge of the pockets to reinforce them and add a decorative touch.

Congratulations! You have successfully cut and prepared fabric for side pockets in your pants. From here, you can experiment with different pocket styles and sizes to suit your needs. Happy sewing!

Sewing the pockets onto the pants

Here's a step-by-step guide to sewing the pockets onto your pants:

Prepare the materials:

• Pants: Choose a pair of pants with enough fabric at the sides to accommodate pockets.
• Pocket fabric: Select a fabric of your choice that complements the pants.
• Interfacing: Optional, but recommended for adding extra structure to the pocket.
• Sewing machine: Make sure your sewing machine is in good working condition.

Decide the pocket size and placement:

• Measure and mark the desired pocket size on the pants. Take into account the seam allowances and the width and depth you want for your pockets.
• Typically, side pockets are placed along the side seams of the pants, slightly towards the front.

Cut the pocket fabric:

• Cut two rectangular pieces of fabric for each pocket, one for the pocket bag and one for the pocket facing.
• Each piece should be twice the desired depth of the pocket plus seam allowances and wide enough to accommodate your hand comfortably.

Prepare the pocket facing:

• Apply interfacing to the wrong side of one of the pocket facing pieces, following the manufacturer's instructions.
• This will provide stability to the pocket opening.

Sew the pocket facing:

• Place the pocket facing with the interfaced side facing up on top of the pocket bag fabric, aligning the top edges.
• Pin or clip them together along the side and bottom edges.
• Stitch a seam along the side edge, starting from the top and going down to the bottom.
• Finish the seam allowances using your preferred method, such as a zigzag stitch or serger.

Attach the pockets to the pants:

• Place one pocket assembly on top of the marked pocket placement on the pants, with the pocket opening facing upwards.
• Align the side and bottom edges of the pocket with the pants' side seam and bottom hemline, respectively.
• Pin or clip the pocket in place, making sure everything is aligned neatly.
• Stitch the pocket to the pants, sewing along the side and bottom edges of the pocket bag.
• Reinforce the stitching at the top corners of the pocket for added durability.

Repeat the process for the other pocket:

Take the second pocket assembly and repeat steps 5 and 6 to attach it to the other side of the pants.

Finish the pockets:

• Press the pockets to ensure they lay flat and the seams are crisp.
• Optional: Topstitch around the pocket opening to give it a polished look and prevent the fabric from flipping out.

Congratulations! You have successfully sewn side pockets onto your pants. Now you can enjoy the convenience and functionality of having pockets in your garment. Remember to practice these steps a few times to improve your skills and achieve a professional finish. Happy sewing!

Tips for refinishing the seams and creating a professional-looking finish

When it comes to making side pockets in pants, there are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind to ensure a professional-looking finish. Refinishing the seams is an essential step to achieve this polished look. Here are some tips to help you get started:

• Prepare the fabric: Before you begin, make sure the fabric is clean and pressed. This will ensure accurate measurements and prevent any unwanted wrinkles or creases in the finished product.
• Measure and mark: Take careful measurements to determine the desired size and placement of the pockets. Use a ruler or measuring tape to mark the location of the pocket openings on both the front and back pieces of the pants.
• Cut the fabric: Cut the fabric for the pocket bags according to the measurements you've marked. It's a good idea to use a contrasting fabric for the pocket bags as it adds a stylish touch to the finished pants.
• Sew the pocket bags: With right sides together, sew the pocket bags using a 1/4 inch seam allowance. Leave a small opening for turning the fabric right side out. Trim the corners and clip the curves to help the pocket bag lay flat when turned.
• Turn and press: Carefully turn the pocket bag right side out through the opening you left. Use a blunt object, such as a chopstick, to gently push out the corners and edges. Press the pocket bag flat, making sure the seam is straight and the edges are crisp.
• Attach the pocket bags: Place the pocket bags on the marked locations on the pants, aligning the raw edges of the pocket bags with the seam allowance. Pin the pocket bags in place, making sure they are centered and secure.
• Sew the pockets: Edgestitch around the top edge of the pocket bag, securing it to the pants. You can use a matching or contrasting thread for added visual interest. Stitch close to the edge, approximately 1/8 inch away, to create a neat and professional finish.
• Finish the seams: To give your pockets a clean and professional finish, consider finishing the side seam allowances with a serger or a zigzag stitch. This will prevent fraying and give your pockets more durability.
• Press the pockets: After sewing, press the pockets to ensure a crisp and polished appearance. Pressing eliminates any wrinkles and helps the stitches settle into the fabric for a more professional look.

By following these tips and taking your time with each step, you can easily create side pockets that add function and style to your pants. Refinishing the seams and paying attention to the details will elevate the overall look of your garment and make it look like it was done by a professional. So grab your fabric and sewing machine, and get ready to add side pockets to your pants!

Frequently asked questions