Pockets add function and style to a pair of pants, but they can be difficult to sew.It is possible to add pockets to a pair of pants that you are sewing from scratch or that have no pockets at all.You can use a pattern to create the pocket.Attach the pocket pieces to your pants by sewing them into the side seams.
Step 1: Put the paper pattern pieces in your pockets.
Cut the pocket pieces out if you are following a pattern that includes pockets.To make sure your pocket pieces are the same size, draw and cut your own paper pattern piece.A 10 by 5 in rectangle is a good size for pants pockets.There are pocket patterns online that are free if you don't have a pattern.If you prefer a curved edge on the bottom of the pockets, then cut out a rectangle and cut around the corners on one side to round them out.
Step 2: The piece of paper needs to be pinned onto your fabric.
Lay your paper pattern piece on top of the fabric that you want to use for the pockets.All of the edges should be over the fabric.There is a pin along the edges of the pocket piece.The pins need to go all the way through the pattern.Any woven cotton fabric can be used for your pockets.Silesia is a common choice for dress pants.
Step 3: The paper pattern has edges.
Use a pair of scissors to cut the fabric.You should follow the edges of the pattern.This is how to make a second piece for the pocket.If you want to add one pocket on each side of your pants, you will need 2 pieces for each pocket.Cut around the paper pattern pieces when you cut out the fabric to make sure you don't see any cracks.You can use these to line up your pocket pieces.
Step 4: Take the marks from the paper pattern piece to the fabric pieces.
After you have cut out the fabric piece for your pockets, use a piece of chalk or a fabric marker to transfer any marks that are on the pattern onto the fabrics in the same locations.If there are 2 dots on the paper pattern piece, you will need to leave the pocket opening.These are on the same places as your fabric pieces.If you created your own pattern, you won't have to worry about adding marks to the fabric.
Step 5: Line up the marks with a pocket piece on the edge of your pants.
Place the pants fabric so that the right side is facing up and then lay a pocket on top of them.Place the marks on the pocket piece and pants together.The pocket should be positioned so that the edge of the pocket is in line with the pants fabric.If you want to attach the pockets to the pants that are already finished, you need to open up the side seam of your pants.Cut away the stitches in the side seam from the top of the waistband down to the pocket with a seam ripper.Line these up with your pants if the pattern has a notch on it.If you pin the pocket, it won't show from the outside.
Step 6: The pockets and pants have pins on them.
Place the pocket piece along the edge of the pants.The first pin should be inserted every 2 to 3 in at the top edge of the pocket.Don't pin the front and back of the pants at this time.Only one pocket and one pants piece can be pinned.
Step 7: A straight stitch is used.
Begin sewing a straight stitch near the top of the pocket piece when you set your sewing machine to the straight Stitch setting.The pocket and pants have raw edges.Continue sewing until you reach the bottom of the pocket.As you sew, make sure to remove the pins.You may damage your sewing machine if you sew over them.
Step 8: For each pocket piece, repeat this.
After sewing the first pocket piece into place along the edge of the pants, do the same for the second piece.If you sewed the back piece first, position the pocket on the other side of the pants.In the same fashion, sew this piece.Next, sew a front and back piece onto the other side of the pants.If you are sewing 1 pocket into each side of your pants, you should sew 1 piece onto the front and back of the pants for a total of 4 pocket pieces.
Step 9: There is iron.
After sewing the pocket to the edge of the pants, lay your pants and pocket piece on top of each other so that the seam is facing up.To flatten it out, iron over the seam.The appearance of the pants will be improved by this.Use the lowest setting on your iron for delicate fabrics.Before sewing, you may want to lay a t-shirt or thin towel over the fabric.
Step 10: Place the pants and pocket pieces on the same side.
Put the front and back pant pieces on top of each other after you have attached the pockets.The right side of the pockets and pants should be facing each other.Make sure the edges of the front and back pieces are lined up.The pants should be lined up from the bottom of the pant legs to the waistband.The pocket pieces and pants should be lined up at this time.
Step 11: The paper pattern has 2 dots.
The dots indicate the pocket opening.Place pins along the edges of the pocket and pants above and below the dots, but not in this area.The space should be about 13 cm wide.To remind yourself not to sew across this section of the pocket, you can place 2 pins in an X shape through the dots.If you don't work from a pattern, measure 1 in from the top of the pocket and then a 5 in wide line along the seam where the pants and pocket meet.The space should be marked with pins at each end.
Step 12: The pants have pinned edges.
Begin sewing at the top edge of the pants and sew a straight stitch down to your first dot or pin X mark.The stitching should be from the raw edges of the pants.To ensure a straight line of stitches, sew slowly.You may damage your sewing machine if you sew across the pins.As you sew, remove the pins.
Step 13: Backstitch.
Take your foot off the pedal when you reach the dot or X mark.Place the reverse lever on the side of your sewing machine.As you apply gentle pressure to the pedal, hold down the lever.To secure the end of your stitches, sew back by 1 in.Release the lever and sew back to the X mark to stop the machine.When you backstitch, make sure to go extra slow.
Step 14: Place the needle below the second X.
Lift the needle out of the fabric by cutting the thread.To get the fabric out of the machine, raise the presser foot.The second X or dot should be under the needle if the pocket and pants are moved.Lower the needle and presser foot to remove any pins in this area.Pull forward by 1 in.To make sure you don't sew too far down, apply gentle pressure at the beginning of the stitch.
Step 15: To sew to the bottom edge of the pant leg, backstitch again and then sew.
From the second X mark, sew from the bottom edge of the pant leg.Keep the stitch from the raw edges all the way down the pants.If you are adding 2 pockets, you should repeat this process for the other side of your pants.
Step 16: The pocket has a opening.
After securing the side seams, turn your pants so that the right sides are facing out and the pocket material is tucked into the inside of the pants.Then, sew a straight stitch along the edge of the pocket.On both sides of the pocket, repeat the stitch.The pockets will look neater with the topstitch.
Step 17: Place the right sides of the pocket together.
Line up the pockets so that their right sides are facing each other when you turn the pants inside out.Then, sew a straight stitch from the edges of the pocket material to the side seam.If you sew across the pocket opening, you won't be able to use it.For each pocket, repeat this.Turn your pants right side out after sewing around the edges of the pocket.