How to make a pocket in the side seam of clothes

The side pocket is an integral detail that can be seen on both women's and men's clothing. On light items it is usually simple, symmetrical and made of the same material. For demi-season and warm textiles, the option with a trimmed barrel is used.

Simple side pocket: how to model and sew into a product

It is used on a summer dress, sundress, wide skirt, and children's shorts. The task is not at all difficult; even a novice dressmaker can handle it.

What you need for work

Before you start crafting, you need to prepare:

• the fabric from which the item is made (main);
• lining material;
• scissors;
• centimeter;
• sewing supplies.

Cutting technology

First you need to cut out two blanks - burlap. For light and thin things, they can be made from basic material: this way they will be almost invisible.

The shape of a simple pocket will be round.It’s easy to model: just trace your palm on paper and slightly adjust the contours. If everything is done correctly, the ratio is something like this:

• length from top to bottom is 25 cm;
• at the widest point – 18 cm;
• pocket entrance – 15 cm.

Having cut out the pattern, you need to transfer it to the fabric, allowing for seam allowances of 1 to 1.5 cm. For one pocket you will need two patterns, for a pair - four. Then it is advisable to process all the workpieces around the perimeter.

How to sew

First you need to determine the location of the pocket on the fabric of the product. From the waist line along the side cuts you need to measure 7-8 cm, then 15 cm. The markings should be on both sides of the material.

After completing the preparatory work, the parts are connected in several steps. Need to:

1. Apply burlap to the front and back panels of each side according to the marks and stitch them at a distance of 1 cm from the edge. The seam must go smoothly and cannot go beyond the 15-centimeter mark.
2. Secure the edges of the base and pockets with a curly stitch.
   

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3. Bend the ears and iron the seams.
4. Make a stitch 1 mm wide. This is necessary so that the pocket does not fall out.
   

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5. Carefully connect the sides facing inward so that the parts match, and secure with several pins.
6. Sew the side parts and ears.
   

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7. Unfold, iron and sew stitches above and below the pocket using threads matching the color of the fabric.
   

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Proper processing

On the secret part it is better to make two parallel lines: at a distance of 0.5 and 1 cm from the cut. This will give your pocket double protection.

Facing all open edges is necessary, otherwise the fabric will begin to fray.It is better to use an overlocker for this. If it is not there, a zigzag will do.

Sections need to be processed before or immediately after grinding them down.

At the end, you need to make small transverse stitches approximately 0.6–0.8 cm long along the edges of the pocket (tack). This will help secure it and prevent tearing.

What else you should know

To ensure the job is done accurately, there are a few things to consider:

1. If the pocket is made of lining material, you need to make a valance from the main fabric. In addition, doublerin can be useful to strengthen the structure.
2. Before you sit down at the machine, all parts at each stage of stitching must be either pinned or swept away.
3. During stitching, the thread tension must be adjusted. You can't rush: the fabric will be collected.
4. After each stitching, the “semi-finished product” is ironed.

A side pocket is a very convenient part of a skirt, trousers, dress and other clothing. If it is missing from the purchased item, you can correct the situation yourself: cut it out and sew it in. If you follow all the recommendations and do everything carefully, traces of artisanal intervention will not be visible. Having mastered the simple technology, it is worth trying more complex side pocket options, for example, with a zipper or with a trimmed side.