Facebook Email Pinterest Twitter Instagram Tiktok Icon YouTube Icon Headphones Icon Favorite Navigation Search Icon Forum Search Icon Main Search Icon Close Icon Video Play Icon Indicator Arrow Icon Close Icon Hamburger/Search Icon Plus Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon

Threads Project Guides

Fit and Sew Pants

Guide Home
Chapter
Insider

Sign in or become an insider to access this story

Sign In

How to Create A Slimming Look with the All-In-One Pocket

You can add a hidden front extension to your pants pockets to prevent the tummy from pulling open the pockets or pleats and to create a smooth, clean silhouette—giving the appearance of a flatter stomach. This technique works equally well on all pant fronts, with or without pleats, and with any style zipper opening—side, back, or fly front.

To create this smooth look, the pocket pattern is extended to the center-front seam or into one seamless piece across the front. This forms a front stay (a fabric support used to help hold in your tummy comfortably). Once the new pattern is drafted, there are only a few construction changes.

I’ll show you how to draft and construct the all-in-one pocket and front stay. 

Pocket anatomy

A pocket consists of several pieces. Knowing what they are and how they go together helps you construct the front stay. The pocket lining—sometimes called the pocket facing—is sewn to the pant front, the overlay is attached to the side front, and then the two units are sewn together.

Pocket anatomy Diagram

Draft the pattern

Before beginning, cut out the pants as usual in fashion fabric and set them aside. Then alter the pocket pieces into a front stay. 

1. Draw a vertical line along the center front of the pant front pattern piece. If your pant front has pleats, fold them closed from the waist to the crotch level. 

pant front pattern

2. Tape a 4- to 6-inch tissue extension to the side front and the pocket lining, or pocket facing, pattern pieces. Front pockets consist of two pieces, a side front, which forms the pocket’s back, and a pocket lining. 

tissue extension diagram

3. Place the pocket lining pattern over the pant front pattern, and align the waist and side seam. Extend the original centermost cutting line to…

Start your 14-day FREE trial to access this story.

Start your FREE trial today and get instant access to this article plus access to all Threads Insider content.

Start Your Free Trial
Previous: Add Pockets and Subtract the Zipper in Your Favorite Pants Pattern Next: Reader Question: Flattering Pants Pockets
Discuss

Discuss

  1. chebre | | #1

    I'm getting an error message. How can you download this ?

  2. Evamarie | | #2

    Hi Chebre, Your Adobe plugins may not be up-to-date. Try updating them and let us know if it works.
    Thanks,
    Evamarie
    Web Producer

  3. chebre | | #3

    Thanks for the suggestion and love the article!

Log in or become a member to post a comment.

Fit and Sew Pants

Fit and Sew Pants

Making your own pants is a great way to get a perfect fit, every time. 

View Project Guide

View All Project Guides »

Become a member and get unlimited site access, including the Fit and Sew Pants Project Guide.

Start Free Trial

Fitting Secrets
Pockets and Closures
Waistbands, Linings, and Hems
Pants Pattern Reviews