How to Make a Pocket for Work Clothes

Adding a pocket on your work clothes is definitely an added bonus. You will have an extra place to hold your items securely during the day for easy access, as well as enhance your work attire as a fashion statement. Plus, adding pockets costs less than buying new work clothes simply because they don't have pockets. By making a simple paper pattern, and selecting your fabric and trim, you will be able to add one or several pockets to your everyday work clothes and wardrobe.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Paper pattern
• Fabric
• Thread
• Trim closure
• Pins
• Tailor's chalk
• Sewing machine
• Ruler/pencils/erasers
• Sewing pins

Instructions

1. Select the type of pocket such as a patch, welt, or cargo you want to add. It is beneficial to sketch your pocket prior to making your paper pattern.

2. Measure your garment for your pocket's width and length. Select the area where you will be sewing your pocket. It is important that you turn your garment inside out in order to view any lining or special seams.

3. Draft your pocket on your pattern paper. Make separate patterns for your pocket flap, pocket flap facing, and side bellows if it is part of your pocket design. Mark or notch your pattern for your pocket closure trim such as snaps or velcro.

4. Select your fabric, thread color and trim closures. If you are unable to locate the same type fabric as your work clothes, you can use a fabric that will complement your attire. For example, if your jacket is made from twill, select a pinwhale corduroy in a contrasting or closely matched color. If you are adding novelty grommets or snaps, it is best to attach the trim prior to sewing onto your garment.

5. Separate your lining in order to sew your pocket onto your fabric shell if your jacket is fully lined and your bottom hem is fully closed.

6. Pin your pattern to your selected fabric and cut your pattern pieces as well as your novelty pocket facing. Stitch and attach your pocket facing prior to sewing onto your garment. You can opt to mark your garment with tailor's chalk and pin your pocket for exact placement prior to stitching.

7. Select your stitch type on your sewing machine's stitch selector and adjust your tension if necessary. Sew and attach your pocket.

References

• "Sew Everything Workshop"; Diana Rupp; 2007
• "Bend-the-Rules Sewing: The Essential Guide to a Whole New Way To Sew"; Amy Karol; 2007
• "Encyclopedia of Sewing Machine Techniques"; Nancy Bednar and JoAnn Pugh-Gannon; 2007