How to Add Pockets

Why on earth a perfectly good jacket like this didn't have pockets in a normal place is beyond me.  As you can see, it did have pockets at the bust, but I'm not going to walk around all day acting as my own bra, thank you very much.  If you have ever been in a similar dilemma, or wanted to add pockets anywhere along a seam line (skirts, dresses, you name it), here's how.

Step 1: What you Need

All you need to add pockets is a strong fabric to make them out of, a seam ripper, and your sewing machine.  And of course something in need of a pocket.

Comments

[dmarrero]

can this be done on a denim jacket? i purchased this jacket and it doesn't have side pockets?

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/kut-from-the-kloth-fleece-lined-denim-jacket/3322173?origin=PredictiveSearch&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=1481

[Natalina]

It will be a bit tougher because there is a lining, but yes you can add pockets to anything. I would put them on the seam closer to the side seam so there is enough space for the pockets themselves. The hard part will be sewing in the pocket, you'll be able to sew it to the front side, but you might want to sew in the back side by hand unless you want to rip out the whole seam along the hem to access the inside of the garment.

[dmarrero]

yeah i don't wnat to rip out the whole seem either. hmmmm....i am just trying to picture it. i haven't done anything yet because i am still trying to figure out how. i want to practice on my favorite denim jacket first before i intent to do anything on the 100.00$ jacket :)

[ilpug]

I have a jacket that I need a bunch more pockets in, to carry more geek crap.

[canida]

Why is it that women's clothes never come with enough (useful) pockets? I basically refuse to carry a purse.

I've got to add an inside pocket on my blazer, as you can't get through conferences without somewhere to stash an iphone.

[Kaelessin]

Wow! This came out very professionally!
I always like to see mods that look like they were always that way. Those seams made for the perfect opportunity!

I'm looking to add some vents and zippers to a pair of motorcycle pants I just picked up and a couple of the techniques displayed here will come in handy!

[nurse1]

You are so clever and talented! Thank you for a great instructable!

[cleanslate33]

This is great-thanks for the clear instructable! Would you mind telling me where you got your jacket? I would love to know, it looks super comfy!

[Natalina]

It's from H&M, and i got it recently so you can probably still find it in stores.

[criggie]

I like five pockets in my pants, but they don't always come that way. This technique works fine for adding a fob or side pocket too.

[rimar2000]

Thanks for teach us this, it seems not so difficult. All my cheap jackets lack of one or more pochets.

I hate shirts without upper pocket, but these are different, isn't?.

[Natalina]

Yes, these are slash pockets, which means they are inset into a seam with a slit opening. Usually pockets on a shirt would be patch pockets, which are sewn on top of a garment rather than inside a seam. Perhaps that should be my next instructable!

[chibimaddy]

Excellent job with this. Very professional, and I'd never ever know that it wasn't made that way in the first place. Thanks for the great Instructable. :o)

[Metal Crave]

Great Instructable!
Now I have one less thing to be picky about when I go shopping, now that I can just add pockets.

[ilpug]

Well done. i have a coat that i want to completely fill with hidden pockets.

[snideprime]

All winter long, I tried to put my hands in my non-existant pockets, Now I have the summer to add them. Late March, no sense in doing it now, hope I remember before October! Thanks!

[jessyratfink]

Great pictures and very well explained. :D

[caarntedd]

Nice work. Great instructable.