This sewing guide will show you step-by-step how to add inseam pockets to dresses, skirts and pants. The video tutorial will help you utilize this technique for your projects!
Hey y’all, today we’re going to talk about how to sew pockets. I’m all for going purse free when I can. If you sew your own clothes, you can have the deep pockets that most women’s ready to wear clothing doesn’t have. Today I’ve got a tutorial to show you how to sew pockets in side seams. I’m also sharing a free pattern that works with any pattern that has a side seam.
To add side seam pockets, first download the pocket pattern here, then watch the video below to for sewing instructions. If the video below won’t load for some reason, you can also watch on YouTube here. Or you can scroll below the video for a written guide.
Pocket Sewing Instructions
Time needed: 20 minutes
How to Sew Inseam Pockets
- Cut out a pocket pattern and cut your fabric.
You’ll need two mirror image pieces for each pocket. You can add interfacing to the wrong side to stabilize the pockets if your fabric has stretch or is lightweight.
- Mark the side seams where you want the pockets to go.
Make sure to mark the front and back in the same places. I like to align the top of the pocket just below the waistband.
- Line the pockets up right sides together with the front and back pieces. Pin.
The straight edge of the pocket (where your hand goes in) will match the side seam and the bag of the pocket should be against the front or back piece of the garment (whichever side you’re sewing).
- Stitch the pocket pieces to the front(s) and back(s) of the side seams.
After stitching, press the pocket wrong sides together with the front(s)/back(s)
- Open the pocket out and understitch the seam allowance to the pocket piece.
This will help the pocket lay flat at the side seam.
- Place pockets and garment front(s) and back(s) right sides together and stitch side seams.
Stitch down the side seams, over and onto the top edge of the pocket, around the curve of the pocket, then back over onto the side seam and down to the bottom of the skirt.
- Turn garment right side out and push pockets to the inside.
Now you can enjoy using your pockets!
And if you want to check out more ways to add pockets, see this post to learn how to sew patch pockets and this post for how to sew welt pockets.
If you’d like to see the tutorial for how I sewed the rest of this skirt, check it out here. That post will show you how I drafted the skirt pattern, and you can check this post to see how I made the thread chains for the button loops, and then this post to see how I made the covered buttons on the skirt.
Ann B
Thank you for the video and pattern for the side seam pocket. I have several purchased dresses that need pockets; now I can add them. I like the additional suggestion to understitch the pocket so it stays put.
I didn’t realize I am only subscribed to your You Tube Channel. But no longer…now I’ve subscribed to your newsletter, too.
Sandy
Perfect tutorial! I appreciate you so much for all you do. Thanks.
Vicki Pickelman
I agree, this tutorial shows and explains exactly how to sew a side seam pocket! Thanks, much appreciated.
Bryonna
Great! Will try this next skirt I make … thank you!
Carol
Nice to see this being posted, I was trying to explain via phone to my niece how to insert pockets into any pattern. She will find this easier.
Maria
Thank you all your sewing make my hobby easier.
Liz
Love this side pocket tute and You Tube. Now I want to add pockets to ready-made garments. Any chance for a tute on that, or will it be just as easy as adding to construction of a new garment?
Riley
Thanks so much for this! It’s always a huge disappointment when a pattern doesn’t have pockets in them! I just printed and put one together, I’m so happy that I no longer have to deal with not having pockets!
Joe Oliveri
My daughter asked me why must everything have pockets? My response was” why not add pockets and use material that would be waste anyway?”. Its a win win for everyone.
Toony L.
Thank you so much for this. I was able to sew pockets on my husband’s PJ pants because of your video. He was very impressed. You’re one of my favorite sewing gurus on YouTube!
Josie
When shopping for dresses, skirts and pants pockets were always an issue. Then I learned the magic of adding pockets! This tutorial also works on pants that have everything but the actual pocket. I open the stitched faux pocket and then add the lining or make the pocket deep enough to actually be a pocket. Thank you for this tutorial, it will help free women from the pocket challenged outfits designers think we want.
Cindy
That’s a great idea. I think I will try that (as you suggested) when I make the Sora sweater again.
RuralUtah
Thanks, I am attempting my very first pair of Pj Shorts with your patten and I will include the pockets.
Liz
I always look forward to your emails I have learnt so much thank you … your tutorials are great as I have a problem trying to follow written instructions for anything …… I never thought I would be able to sew half of the things you post but thanks to you I am a happy sew’er …… thank you from Australia