Adding pockets to pants is a great way to add functionality and style to your wardrobe. Whether you’re looking to add a little extra storage space for your essentials or simply want to give your pants a more unique look, there are a few simple steps you can follow to add pockets to pants without any major sewing skills.
First, you’ll need to gather your materials. You’ll need a pair of pants, some fabric for the pockets, and a sewing machine. If you don’t have a sewing machine, you can hand-sew the pockets on, but it will take a little longer. Once you have your materials, you’re ready to start adding pockets to your pants.
The first step is to cut out the fabric for the pockets. The size and shape of the pockets will depend on your personal preference, but a good starting point is to cut out two rectangles that are about 6 inches wide by 8 inches long. Once you have the fabric cut out, you’ll need to fold the edges over and press them down. This will help to prevent the fabric from fraying when you sew the pockets on.
Measuring for Pocket Size
The first step in adding pockets to pants is to determine the desired size and placement of the pockets. Consider the following factors:
- Purpose: Determine the intended use of the pockets, whether for carrying small items, large items, or both.
- Size: Measure the items you plan to store in the pockets and add 1-2 inches of extra space for ease of use.
- Placement: Decide where you want the pockets to be located. Common options include the sides, back, or front of the pants.
Determining Pocket Dimensions
To determine the dimensions of the pockets, consider the following steps:
- Measure the width of the intended items: Add 2 inches of extra space to allow for easy access and storage.
- Measure the height of the intended items: Add 1 inch of extra space at the top of the pocket for a flap or reinforcement stitching.
The following table provides approximate pocket dimensions for various items:
| Item | Approximate Pocket Dimensions (Width x Height) |
|---|---|
| Phone | 6 x 4 inches |
| Wallet | 9 x 5 inches |
| Keys | 3 x 2 inches |
| Small items (e.g., coins, USB drives) | 5 x 3 inches |
Remember that these are just guidelines, and the actual dimensions may vary depending on the specific items you plan to carry.
Sewing the Pockets to the Pants
Now that you have created your pockets, it’s time to sew them to the pants. Follow these steps to ensure a secure and professional-looking finish:
1. Pin the Pockets to the Pants
Align the top edges of the pockets with the waistband of the pants, ensuring that they are evenly spaced. Pin the pockets securely in place.
2. Sew the Pockets Along the Waistband
Using a sewing machine, stitch along the waistband, catching both the pockets and the pants fabric. Sew close to the edge to create a strong seam.
3. Sew the Side Seams of the Pockets
Fold the side flaps of the pockets over and press them. Edgestitch along the side seams of the pockets to secure the flaps and create a finished look.
4. Reinforce the Corners of the Pockets
To prevent the corners of the pockets from tearing, reinforce them by sewing a few extra stitches at each corner. This will help the pockets withstand wear and tear.
Here’s a table summarizing the steps for reinforcing the corners of the pockets:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Fold the corner of the pocket inward. |
| 2 | Sew a few stitches along the folded edge, close to the corner. |
| 3 | Repeat steps 1 and 2 for the other three corners of the pocket. |
5. Finish the Pockets
Once you have reinforced the corners, your pockets are complete. Press them to remove any wrinkles and enjoy your newly finished pants with functional pockets!
Reinforcing the Pocket Corners
After sewing the pockets to the pants, it’s essential to reinforce the corners to prevent them from ripping or tearing. Here’s a detailed guide on how to reinforce pocket corners:
1. Turn the Pants Inside Out: Turn the pants inside out so that the wrong side of the fabric is facing you.
2. Locate the Pocket Corners: Identify the four corners of the pocket where the fabric meets.
3. Fold and Press: Fold the fabric at each corner inward by about 1/4 inch. Press it with an iron to create a crease.
4. Topstitch the Corners: Using a sewing machine, topstitch the folded corner from the right side of the fabric. Start stitching from the edge of the pocket and sew a rectangular shape around the corner.
5. Reinforce with Bar Tacks: For extra strength, consider adding bar tacks to the reinforced corners. Create a small rectangular or square shape with your sewing machine by stitching back and forth several times.
6. Secure the Corners: To further secure the corners, you can add a small piece of fusible interfacing or a small patch of fabric to the inside of the corner before topstitching or putting bar tacks.
| Reinforcement Method | Steps |
|---|---|
| Topstitching |
|
| Bar Tacks |
|
| Interfacing or Patch |
|
Attaching the Pocket Facing
Once you have sewn the pocket lining, it’s time to attach it to the pocket facing. This will complete the pocket and give it a finished look. Here’s how to do it:
- Align the top edge of the pocket lining with the top edge of the pocket facing and pin them together.
- Starting from one corner, sew around all four sides of the pocket with a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Leave a 2-inch opening on one side for turning.
- Trim the excess fabric around the corners and turn the pocket right side out through the opening.
- Press the pocket flat.
- Slip the pocket into the pants, aligning it with the pocket opening you created earlier.
- Pin the pocket facing to the pants around the pocket opening, matching the raw edges along the sides and bottom. Ensure that you align the corners of the pocket and the pocket opening.
– **Tips for a Precise Fit:** To achieve a precise fit when sewing the pocket facing to the pants, employ the following techniques:
– Use a fabric marker or chalk to draw a guide around the pocket opening on the pants. This will help you ensure that the pocket is positioned accurately.
– Pin the pocket facing to the pants frequently along the raw edges and at the corners, especially if the fabric is prone to shifting.
– Use small, even stitches to secure the pocket facing in place, preventing it from puckering or becoming misaligned.
– Once the pocket facing is securely sewn, use a seam ripper to carefully remove any basting stitches that remain. - Sew around the pocket facing with a 1/4-inch seam allowance, making sure to catch both the pocket facing and the pants.
- Finish the raw edge of the opening by sewing a top stitch or zigzag stitch around it.
Materials You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the following materials:
| Material | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Denim or fabric of your choice | As needed |
| Thread | Matching the fabric |
| Needle | Size 9 or 10 |
| Sewing machine | Optional, but recommended |
| Measuring tape or ruler | 1 |
| Fabric marker or chalk | 1 |
9. Sew the Pocket to the Pants
This step is the most crucial and requires precision. Follow these detailed instructions to ensure a secure and aesthetically pleasing pocket:
- Align the pocket and pants: Pin the top edge of the pocket to the waistband of the pants, aligning the raw edges. Ensure that the pocket is centered and extends symmetrically on both sides.
- Stitch the pocket to the waistband: Using a sewing machine or hand-sewing, sew the pocket to the waistband with a straight stitch. Begin at one end and stitch to the other end, making sure to catch both layers of fabric.
- Fold and press the seam allowances: Fold the seam allowances of the pocket over towards the pocket. Iron to press them flat and create a clean finish.
- Topstitch the pocket: Topstitch around the pocket, close to the edge. This will secure the pocket and give it a professional look.
- Secure the inside of the pocket: Fold the raw edges of the pocket opening over towards the inside. Press to flatten. Topstitch around the opening to create a neat and finished look.
How To Add Pockets to Pants
Adding pockets to pants is a great way to add functionality and style. It’s a relatively easy project that can be completed in a few hours. Here are the steps on how to add pockets to pants:
- Gather your materials. You will need a pair of pants, fabric for the pockets, thread, a needle, and a sewing machine.
- Measure and cut the fabric for the pockets. The size of the pockets will depend on the size of the pants and the desired look. For a standard-sized pocket, cut two pieces of fabric that are 6 inches wide by 8 inches long.
- Sew the pockets together. Place the two pieces of fabric together, right sides facing. Sew around the edges of the pocket, leaving a small opening at the top for turning.
- Turn the pocket right side out. Use a pointed object, such as a chopstick or a crochet hook, to turn the pocket right side out. Press the pocket flat.
- Pin the pocket to the pants. Place the pocket on the pants where you want it to be. Pin the pocket in place.
- Sew the pocket to the pants. Sew around the edges of the pocket, close to the edge of the fabric.
- Repeat steps 3-6 to add additional pockets.
Once you have finished sewing the pockets, you can enjoy your new and improved pants!
People Also Ask
How do you add pockets to pants without sewing?
There are a few ways to add pockets to pants without sewing. One way is to use fabric glue. Another way is to use iron-on adhesive. You can also use Velcro to attach pockets to pants.
What kind of fabric is best for pockets?
The best fabric for pockets is a durable fabric that will not tear easily. Some good choices for pocket fabric include canvas, denim, and twill.
How do you add pockets to jeans?
Adding pockets to jeans is similar to adding pockets to other types of pants. The main difference is that jeans are usually made of a thicker fabric, so you may need to use a heavier needle and thread.
