How to Add Pockets to a Skirt, Shorts, Tunic, Etc.

*Even though pockets are covered in this tutorial, I'm re-posting a separate how-to for organizational purposes.*

Pockets can really add so much functionality to your creations. I don't know about you but, I'm much more motivated to buy a dress I like in a store if it has pockets. It only makes sense to add them to what I make. Besides adding pockets to a pattern, you can use this tutorial to add pockets to store bought dresses, skirts, shorts, etc. (just be prepared to lose around an inch in seam allowances). If you're  adding pockets to your own pattern or to another tutorial follow the steps below. If you're adding them to an already put-together garment, first rip the outer seams out a few inches above and all the way down (to the hem) from where the pockets will be. 

Materials:

1/3 yard Cotton

Tutorial:

Fold your fabric so that you have four layers of fabric on top of one another. Lay your hand down and free hand a pocket pattern. One side of the pocket should be a straight line. The rest doesn't really matter too much, kind of a slanty oval works best. As you can see this is quite the roomy pocket (I like mine that way :). 

It's really a lot like cutting valentines hearts out. 

Cut so that you have four identical pocket pieces. 

Pin the pockets 3 inches below the waist of the garment, right sides together.

Sew with a 1/4" inseam.

Iron the seam open.

Pin the panels of your garment right sides together with the pockets outstretched as shown. 

Sew with a continuous stitch everywhere shown in the picture below. Finish the edges with a serger or a zig-zag stitch.

Turn the garment right side out and shape the pockets with an iron. 

I love how it adds a pop of color to my color block dress. A printed fabric would be really fun too. 

Questions? Ask away (:

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