How to Sew Inseam Pockets on Pants: A Step-by-Step Guide
Adding inseam pockets to pants is a fantastic way to enhance their functionality and style. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced sewer, following this step-by-step guide will help you sew inseam pockets like a pro. In this article, we will walk you through the entire process, from gathering the necessary materials to completing the final touches.
Materials Needed:
Before you start, gather the following materials:
– Pants with inseam pockets
– Sewing machine
– Fabric scissors
– Seam ripper
– pins
– needles
– thread that matches your fabric
– seam gauge
– iron and ironing board
Step 1: Mark the Pocket Placement
Begin by marking the pocket placement on the pants. Most inseam pockets are placed about 4 inches from the bottom of the inseam. Use a fabric pen or chalk to mark the pocket placement on both sides of the inseam.
Step 2: Cut the Pockets
Next, cut out the pocket pieces from your fabric. The pocket pieces should be cut in the shape of a triangle, with the bottom edge of the triangle being the inseam. Make sure to leave a seam allowance of 1/2 inch around the pocket pieces.
Step 3: Hem the Pockets
Hem the bottom edge of the pocket pieces by folding over 1/2 inch and pressing. Then, fold over another 1/2 inch and sew to create a finished hem. Repeat this process for both pocket pieces.
Step 4: Pin the Pockets in Place
Pin the pocket pieces in place on the pants, aligning the edges with the marked pocket placement. Make sure the pocket pieces are positioned correctly, with the right sides of the fabric facing each other.
Step 5: Sew the Pockets to the Pants
Using a straight stitch, sew the pocket pieces to the pants, following the marked lines. Start and end the stitching at the corners for a clean finish. Backstitch at the beginning and end of each stitch to secure the seam.
Step 6: Trim the Seam Allowance
Using your seam ripper, trim the seam allowance to 1/4 inch, leaving enough fabric to prevent the seam from fraying. This will make the pockets lay flat and look neater.
Step 7: Press the Pockets
Using an iron and ironing board, press the seams open and the pocket edges flat. This will help the pockets lay flat and look polished.
Step 8: Topstitch the Pockets
Topstitch the edges of the pockets using a straight stitch. This will give the pockets a finished look and add durability to the seams.
Step 9: Final Touches
Inspect the inseam pockets for any loose threads or uneven stitching. Trim any excess threads and make any necessary adjustments to ensure the pockets are perfectly aligned and functional.
Congratulations! You have successfully sewn inseam pockets on your pants. Not only have you added a practical feature to your clothing, but you’ve also honed your sewing skills. Happy sewing!
