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
Insider

Sign in or become an insider to access this story

Sign In

Reduce Bulk on In-Seam Pockets | Video

In-seam pockets in pants and skirts offer discreet convenience. However, they can sometimes be bulky and be more visible than you would like. Louise Cutting, a Threads contributing editor, shows how to revise the pocket construction to eliminate a seam and one layer of the pocket pouch; the trade-off is in a nearly imperceptible line of topstitching on the garment front.

Adapt the pattern and construction

In this method, the back pocket pouch pattern is grafted to the garment back at the side seam, which gets rid of one attachment seam. The front pocket pouch is eliminated entirely. Louise explains where and how to apply essential stabilization, through staystitching and interfacing. She also shows where to clip the seam allowances so the pocket elements can be folded into position.

Complete the pocket

After the side seams are sewn, the back pocket pouch is folded toward the front and topstitched in place to the garment front’s wrong side. The finished pocket lies flat along the side seam and front. There’s no seam allowance along the side seam to create ripples or unflattering ridges.

Louise demonstrates this process on her “My Swing Set” pants-and-jacket pattern. You can adapt it to any pant or skirt design that includes in-seam pockets. If your pattern has no pockets, you can draft your own, in the desired shape, and add functionality to your garments.

Discuss

About This Video Series

Louise Cutting, a Threads contributing editor, is a renowned designer and teacher. She focuses on industry sewing techniques that help home sewers achieve a professional result. In Volume 8 of her popular Industry Insider Techniques video series, Louise shares methods for improving your garments with precision construction tips, design ideas, and better closures. This volume includes the following 12 videos: Put a Dart on the Slant Reduce Pocket Bulk Trim a Dolman Sleeve Proper Corner…

More About this Video Series

Discuss

  1. user-6894301 | | #1

    Great - Im going to use this technique from now on!
    Thank you !

  2. user-7225691 | | #2

    Wouldn't stitching like this create puckers as soon as you put something in the pocket?

  3. user-7489592 | | #3

    Great idea. Thank you for sharing this tip.

  4. user-1111923 | | #4

    where is the denim skirt shown with the white stitching?

Log in or become a member to post a comment.

Videos in the Series

More From Threads

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |

Threads Insider Exclusives

View All
View All

Highlights

Shop the Store

View All
View More