I'm slowly going through my wardrobe and evaluating what I can add or change about the clothes I don't wear as much so that I wear them more. The biggest frustration is not having pockets!
Adding pockets to existing clothes may seem daunting at first but it's a piece of cake once you get the first one under your belt! For this project I'm working on a knit garment but if you're working on a woven garment you can construct your pockets the same way!
Supplies:
Stretchy (knit) garment that needs pockets (I'm using PJ pants)
Some stretchy (knit) fabric, 1/4-1/2 yd is fine
Paper for making pocket pattern
Basic sewing supplies
Ball point or stretch needle if using a machine
Sewing machine with stretch stitch or serger
First, you're gonna need to make a pocket pattern. Easiest way to do that is put your hand down and trace around it. Add a seam allowance, neaten out your curves and voilá you have a pocket pattern! You should end up with something vaguely kidney bean shaped. I always use 3/4 in my patterns but if you're overlocking 1/8 is probably enough.
Be sure to label it and note the seam allowance so you can add it to your personal pattern library!
Use your pattern to cut out your fabric, two pieces per pocket. So that's 4 piece if you want two!
Try on your garment on inside out and mark where you want the pocket opening to be. I made mine about 1 1/2 in down from the waistband.
Cut or seam rip open along the side seam, matching the opening of your pocket piece.
Sew or overlock 1 pocket piece to the pants along the opening only with pretty sides facing, do this for both pieces! Make sure that you are only sewing through 2 layers of fabric at a time and that the big curve goes down the leg not up towards the waist!
Turn the garment inside out, line up the pockets and sew or overlock all around the curves. I also re-sew the corners where the pocket meets the pant seam for reinforcement.
Flip the garment right side out, stick the pocket in and you've got yourself a new pocket! Go forth and add pockets to ALL the things!
As always if you try out this tutorial I'd love to see! Tag me in your IG posts @Sunny_Salvage
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