In my opinion, all the best clothes have pockets. But. if you’ve bought something lacking pockets or skipped this vital step when sewing, it’s never too late to add some skirt storage. Follow along as I show you how to add side-seam pockets to pre-made skirts and dresses.
Here is the pocket pattern – I have provided both an extra-large option to fit lots of treasures, and a standard pocket.
I am adding side-seam pockets to a dress I made this year. I had intended to add patch pockets (thus left out the side-seam pockets) but patch pockets didn’t suit the final dress. So, I’ve pulled out my seam ripper to make this worthy alteration.
Machine Requirements
- PFAFF machine
- General Sewing Equipment
- Narrow Edge Foot
- Overcast Foot (optional)
Requirements
- 60 x 42cm of fabric similar to that of your original garment (in weight and colour)
- Thread in a matching colour
- Pocket pattern
Sewing Instructions
- Cut four pocket pieces (two pairs), using the pocket pattern.
- Overlock or zig-zag stitch around the edges of your pockets. Because we are attaching these pockets after the garment is made, they need to be finished on their own. Here I have used the closed overlock stitch (22) with the overcast foot on my PFAFF Creative Ambition 640
3. Try on your garment and mark or pin where you would like your pockets to start.
4. Unpick your side seams 5cm above the marking and 20cm below the marking/pin.
5. Pin your pockets in place. Align the top of the pocket with the marking/pin and pin straight seams together, facing the right side of the pocket to the right side of the garment (see photo).
6. Attach the pocket to the garment along the straight edge using a 1cm or smaller seam allowance.I recommend using a seam allowance 3–5mm smaller than the garment’s seam allowance. For example, if your garment has 1.5cm seams, attach the pockets using a 1cm seam. This ensures the pocket is hidden within the seam.
7. Press the pockets and seams away from the dress
8. Under stitch the pocket 3mm away from the pocket edge, catching the seams underneath. Use your edge stitching foot (and move your needle to the side) for a neat finish.
9. Pin side seams and pockets together, right sides together.
10. Sew together the side seams and around the pocket using the seam allowance on your original garment.
11. Press side seams closed, pressing pockets inside the dress.
Congratulations on finishing your project!
We can’t wait to see what you create! Don’t forget to share them with us on Instagram, tagging @pfaffsewingaus and using the hashtags #pfaffsewingaustralia #pfaffsewing #perfectionstartshere or our Facebook page Pfaff Australia