Mesh pockets are commonly found on athletic gear such as backpacks, duffel bags and lacrosse sticks. However, mesh pockets can be added to any article of clothing, like a pair of pants or a sweater. Mesh pockets offer the advantage of being lightweight, stretchy and slightly transparent. If you add a mesh pocket to the outside of your backpack, you'll be able to determine its contents with a single glance.

Determine the appropriate dimensions of the pocket. If you are adding a pocket to a flat surface, such as a backpack, the pocket should be about two inches wider and one inch longer than the backpack's surface. If the pockets will be shaped like traditional pockets, the size can vary. A typical pocket is 2 to 4 inches wide and 2 to 3 inches tall. These pockets consist of two identical pieces of fabric.

Trace the dimensions onto the mesh fabric using fabric chalk.

Cut the fabric out of the mesh using a pair of scissors. Cut carefully to avoid any frays or tears.

Sew the top portion of the pocket to an elastic band, if desired. This helps keep the mesh pocket flush against the surface. Sew using a sewing machine.

Sew the ends of the mesh pocket to the appropriate surface. Place one end of the pocket over the appropriate fabric. Run the fabric through a sewing machine so that the tip of the needle is about 1/4-inch away from the edge of the mesh. If you are adding the pocket to a backpack, you will attach mesh to the front of the backpack. If you are creating an all-mesh pocket, you will sew the mesh to another piece of mesh.