How to Add Inseam Pockets | Sewing Tutorial

It is no secret that I love pockets. I pretty much put pockets into everything I sew. Here’s a step-by-step sewing tutorial on how to add inseam pockets.

I always seem to have something to carry – typically my phone or keys. This is especially crucial when I’m at school. If my outfit does not have pockets (oh, the horror!), I literally walk around with these items in my hand. I also have an ID card that I need to wear and I typically like to clip it on my waist or pocket. So putting pockets into everything is a necessity.

Not all sewing patterns have pockets in their designs, but you can easily put them in.

First off, you’ll need an inseam pocket pattern piece. You could copy one from another pattern, or download the FREE one from the Do It Better Yourself website found here.

Note that since these are inseam pockets, they don’t necessarily need to be made out of the matching fabric since they really won’t be seen. This is a good way to use up some of those fabric scraps.

Inseam pockets are a great addition to garments like tunics, dresses, cardigans and even shorts or pants. If there is a side seam, you can add inseam pockets to the item.

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Step by Step Directions on How to Add Inseam Pockets

Here you will see me attaching pockets to the Made For Mermaids Jordan Dress. The pattern includes a kangaroo-style front pocket, but I prefer inseam pockets. The fabric is a wonderful French Terry from SoSewEnglish.

Using your inseam pocket pattern piece, cut 4 pocket pieces out of fabric; 2 pairs, each mirrored
Position the inseam pocket to the desired location on your garment. I typically do this after the shoulder seams of my garment is sewn. I put the garment on and position the pocket piece where my inseam pocket should be and then clip or pin into place. A general rule of thumb would be 2 inches below the waistline – this especially works well with skirts.

I only do one pocket at first – after that, I position the other 3 to match. TIP: line up the top of your side seam (that corner by the armhole) to ensure all 4 are positioned the same.

Sew the inseam pocket to the front and back of your garment. You can do this either with a sewing machine or a serger.

When sewing your side seams, start at the top (by the armhole), come down until you reach the pocket and then sew around the pocket until you get back to the side seam and then finish off your side seam by sewing down to the bottom hem. Repeat on the other side.