How to Seamlessly Sew Pockets onto Your Shorts- A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Sew Pockets on Shorts: A Step-by-Step Guide

Adding pockets to shorts can be a simple and effective way to personalize your wardrobe or enhance the functionality of your favorite pair. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced sewer, learning how to sew pockets on shorts is a valuable skill. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of adding pockets to shorts, from choosing the right type of pocket to completing the final stitch. Let’s get started!

1. Gather Your Materials

Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary materials and tools. Here’s a list of items you’ll need:

– Fabric for the shorts and pocket
– Sewing machine or needle and thread
– Scissors
– Measuring tape
– Pencil or fabric marker
– Pins
– Pattern paper or a template for the pocket
– Iron and ironing board

2. Choose the Right Pocket Style

There are several types of pockets you can add to shorts, including side seam pockets, inseam pockets, and cargo pockets. Choose the style that best suits your needs and the look you’re going for. For this guide, we’ll focus on adding side seam pockets.

3. Measure and Cut the Pocket

Using your measuring tape and pattern paper or template, measure and cut out the pocket pieces. For side seam pockets, you’ll typically need two pieces of fabric: one for the pocket front and one for the pocket back. Make sure to add seam allowances to your measurements.

4. Mark the Pocket Placement

Lay your shorts flat on a surface and position the pocket pieces on the appropriate side seam. Use your pencil or fabric marker to mark the pocket placement, ensuring that it’s centered and even.

5. Pin the Pocket Pieces

Pin the pocket pieces to the shorts, aligning the edges and ensuring that the marks you made in step 4 are aligned. This will help you maintain even stitching as you sew the pocket in place.

6. Sew the Pocket to the Shorts

Using your sewing machine or needle and thread, sew the pocket pieces to the shorts. Start by sewing the top edge of the pocket to the shorts, then sew the side edges. Make sure to backstitch at the beginning and end of each seam to secure the stitching.

7. Attach the Pocket Flap

If your pocket has a flap, cut out the flap piece and sew it to the top edge of the pocket. You may need to use a button or a snap to secure the flap to the pocket opening.

8. Hem the Pocket Opening

Finally, hem the pocket opening by folding the edge under and sewing it in place. This will give your pocket a clean and finished look.

9. Enjoy Your New Pockets!

Congratulations! You’ve successfully added pockets to your shorts. Now you can enjoy the added functionality and style that comes with them. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different pocket styles and placements to find what works best for you. Happy sewing!