How to Add Pockets to a Ski Jacket

Life would be easier if your ski jacket had a lot of pockets in it. But since these jackets are supposed to keep you warm, they are typically made with non-removable liners. Adding pockets may not work if you're thinking of those that allow you to access your things from outside the jacket. Besides, most ski jackets these days already come with outer pockets. If you want to add pockets to your ski jacket, the best way to do so is from the inside. An inner jacket pocket is great for keeping valuables with you even when you're skiing.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Material that matches what your jacket is made of
• Cardboard
• Tailor's chalk
• Needle and thread
• Snap fastener, Velcro or button
• Scissors
• Sewing pins

1. Turn your jacket inside out and decide how big you want the pocket to be. Take accurate measurements of the length and width of the pocket and create a pocket-shaped pattern on the cardboard. Add half an inch seam allowance.

2. Cut the cardboard according to the dimensions of your pocket and trace the pattern on the fabric with the use of a tailor's chalk.

3. Cut the fabric following your pocket shape.

4. Add the pocket on the side of the jacket that is opposite your dominant hand. With the jacket turned inside out, the pocket goes to the left hand side if you're left-handed and on the right-hand portion if you are right-handed.

5. Position the fabric on the side where you want it installed. Mark the area using your tailor's chalk.

6. Sew one half of the fastener. With inner pockets, use Velcro as it is easier to open but secure enough to keep your valuables from falling out. Sew the loop side of the Velcro onto the inner lining of your ski jacket half an inch from where you marked the upper part of the pocket. Sew the hook side of the Velcro onto the pocket.

7. Sew the pocket in place with the Velcro facing downward by backstitching along the bottom, left and right sides of the fabric. Make sure that you don't leave big holes along the edges where small objects can fall. Keep the hook side of the Velcro aligned with the loop side that is sewed onto the jacket lining.

Tips & Warnings

• The loop side is the hairy half of the Velcro.

Resources

• Sewing Patterns and Tips