How to Make Pockets for Shorts: A Step-by-Step Guide
Are you looking to add a personal touch to your shorts or perhaps give them a practical upgrade? Adding pockets to shorts can be a simple and rewarding DIY project. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced sewist, this step-by-step guide will help you create stylish and functional pockets for your shorts. Let’s dive in and learn how to make pockets for shorts!
Materials Needed:
Before you start, gather the following materials:
– Fabric for the pockets (any color or pattern you prefer)
– Matching thread
– Scissors
– Sewing machine (or a needle and thread if you prefer hand-sewing)
– Fabric marker or pen
– Pins
– Measuring tape
– Iron and ironing board
Step 1: Measure and Cut the Pocket Fabric
First, determine the size of the pocket you want. A standard size for shorts pockets is approximately 6 inches wide and 4 inches deep. However, you can adjust these measurements to suit your preference.
1. Lay your fabric flat and use the fabric marker or pen to draw a rectangle on the wrong side of the fabric. Ensure that the dimensions are according to your desired pocket size.
2. Cut out the rectangle using scissors, making sure to leave a 1/4-inch seam allowance around the edges.
Step 2: Iron the Pocket Fabric
Iron the pocket fabric to remove any wrinkles and ensure a crisp finish. This step is crucial for achieving a professional-looking pocket.
1. Place the pocket fabric face down on the ironing board.
2. Use the iron to press the edges and corners flat.
Step 3: Sew the Pocket Edges
Now it’s time to sew the edges of the pocket to create a finished look.
1. Place the pocket fabric right side up on the table.
2. Pin the top and bottom edges of the pocket, leaving the sides open.
3. Sew along the top and bottom edges using a 1/4-inch seam allowance.
4. Trim the seam allowances to 1/8 inch to reduce bulk.
Step 4: Create the Pocket Opening
To create the opening for the pocket, you’ll need to sew the sides of the pocket together.
1. Fold the pocket in half lengthwise with the right sides facing each other.
2. Pin the sides together, leaving a 1-inch opening at the top for turning.
3. Sew along the sides using a 1/4-inch seam allowance, stopping 1 inch from the top edge.
4. Clip the corners and turn the pocket right side out through the opening.
Step 5: Press and Topstitch the Pocket
Press the pocket flat using the iron, ensuring that the edges are even and the corners are crisp. Then, topstitch around the pocket edges to reinforce the stitching and give it a polished look.
1. Pin the pocket in place on the shorts, positioning it where you want it to be.
2. Topstitch the pocket to the shorts using a 1/4-inch seam allowance, ensuring that the stitching is even and consistent.
Step 6: Add the Pocket Bag
Now that the pocket is attached to the shorts, it’s time to add the pocket bag.
1. Place the pocket inside the shorts, positioning it where you want the bag to be.
2. Measure and mark the location for the pocket bag on the outside of the shorts.
3. Cut a piece of fabric that is slightly larger than the pocket bag and sew it to the outside of the shorts, creating a bag for the pocket.
Step 7: Finish the Pocket Bag
To complete the pocket bag, sew the edges and corners, leaving an opening for turning.
1. Pin the edges of the pocket bag together, leaving a 1-inch opening at the top.
2. Sew along the edges using a 1/4-inch seam allowance, stopping 1 inch from the top edge.
3. Clip the corners and turn the pocket bag right side out through the opening.
4. Press the pocket bag flat using the iron.
Step 8: Attach the Pocket Bag to the Shorts
Finally, attach the pocket bag to the shorts by sewing it in place.
1. Position the pocket bag on the shorts, ensuring that it is aligned with the pocket.
2. Pin the pocket bag to the shorts and sew it in place using a 1/4-inch seam allowance.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully added pockets to your shorts. Now you can enjoy the added functionality and style. Remember, these steps can be adapted to create various pocket styles and sizes, so feel free to experiment and make them your own. Happy sewing!
