How to Make Side Pockets in Pants
Adding side pockets to pants can be a great way to personalize your wardrobe or enhance the functionality of your garments. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced sewer, this guide will walk you through the process of creating side pockets in pants. By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to add stylish and practical pockets to your favorite pair of pants in no time.
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather the following materials:
– Fabric: Choose a fabric that matches or complements your pants.
– Thread: Select a thread color that matches your fabric.
– Scissors: A pair of sharp scissors for cutting fabric.
– Sewing machine: A sewing machine is recommended for a professional finish, but you can also hand-sew the pockets.
– Pins: Pins to hold fabric in place.
– Ruler: A ruler for measuring and marking fabric.
– Seam ripper: In case you need to remove any stitches.
Step 1: Measure and Cut the Pockets
Start by measuring the desired size of your side pockets. Typically, side pockets are about 6 inches wide and 4 inches deep. Use your ruler to mark these dimensions on your fabric, and then cut out two pocket pieces using your scissors.
Step 2: Hem the Pockets
Fold the top edge of each pocket piece over 1/4 inch and press with an iron. Then, fold it over another 1/4 inch and press again. Stitch along the folded edge to create a neat hem.
Step 3: Attach the Pockets to the Pants
Position one of the pocket pieces on the outside of the pants, where you want the pocket to be. Pin the pocket in place, ensuring that the edges are aligned with the pants’ seams. Repeat this process for the other pocket piece.
Step 4: Sew the Pockets
Using a sewing machine, sew the pocket to the pants along the edges. Make sure to backstitch at the beginning and end of the seam to secure the stitches. If you’re hand-sewing, use a whipstitch or a blind hem stitch to attach the pocket.
Step 5: Reinforce the Pockets
To ensure that the pockets are sturdy, reinforce the stitching by topstitching along the edges. This will create a strong, durable pocket that can withstand regular use.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
Once the pockets are securely attached, you can add any additional details, such as buttonholes or decorative stitching, to personalize your pants.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve successfully added side pockets to your pants. Not only do these pockets add a touch of style to your outfit, but they also provide a convenient place to store your essentials. With this guide, you can now create custom side pockets for any pair of pants, making your sewing skills even more impressive. Happy sewing!
