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How to Make Pant Pockets

Pants pockets, particularly the front ones, tend to puzzle beginning or inexperienced sewers because their construction isn't immediately apparent as it is with other clothing additions. However, making pant pockets is a relatively simple task that doesn't require special sewing skills or equipment. It is easiest to add pant pockets to a garment that is unfinished, and you will want to use the same fabric as the rest of the pants or something complimentary since a portion of the front pocket and all of the back pocket will show once the project is completed.

Things You'll Need

1/3 yard fabric
Scissors
Ruler
Straight pins
Sewing machine or needle and thread

Instructions

Back Pockets
- 1
  Measure the back area of your pants to determine how big the pockets should be. Usually, this will be about 4- to 5-inches square.
- 2
  Lay out your pocket fabric, and mark out the desired size and shape of your pockets. Cut out the pockets.
- 3
  Sew a 1/4-inch hem around all sides of the back pocket.
- 4
  Pin the pockets in place on the seat of the pants, with the "right" side of the fabric facing out. Sew around three edges of the pockets, leaving the top open and being sure not to let the front of the pants get in the way. Trim any excess threads.
Front Pockets
- 5
  Evaluate your pants to decide where along the side seams the front pocket should be placed. Usually, the top of the pocket sits at the bottom of the waistband and the opening extends for 4 to 5 inches.
- 6
  Mark a line the length of the seam opening plus 1 inch on your fabric. Lay your hand on the fabric, and trace around your hand from one end of the line to the other, keeping your hand at about a 45 degree angle from the line. Cut four layers of fabric in this shape to form your pockets.
- 7
  Turn the pants inside out. Pin a piece of the fabric to each side of the seam, ensuring that the pockets line up properly when held together and the "right" sides of the fabric are facing each other. Sew a 1/4-inch seam, attaching both sides of the pocket to the pants.
- 8
  Pin the pocket sides and sew them together, creating a 1/4-inch seam around the edge. When the pants are turned right side out, the pocket will remain inside. Repeat the process on the opposite side to end up with two front pockets.

Sewing