HOW TO ADD IN-SEAM POCKETS TO A GARMENT (+ free pattern download!)

Hands up if you love clothes with pockets? Show me a DIY dressmaker who doesn’t!

What if the pattern you’re making doesn’t include pockets? No problemo – as well as topstitching patch pockets to the outside of a skirt, it’s easy to add in-seam (hidden) pockets to dresses, trousers, skirts and more. Today I’m going to show you how to add pockets to the side seams - give this a whirl on the Alexa jumpsuit, Dominique skirt and more!

Thank you for watching! Don't forget to give the video a thumbs up and subscribe to our channel for more sewing content. Happy sewing! x

--

Find us:

[imjazzi]

I thank you for your excellent tutorial, but may I make one suggestion: as the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. It would be helpful if the fabric you use to demo the pocket had a clearly visible right and wrong side to avoid any mixup about which sides are placed together when first stitching the pocket to the side of the dress. Your spoken instructions do clearly state they go right sides together, but it's helpful if the picture reinforces that. I say this because I watch videos like yours to recommend them to students, and the best ones actually work even if they don't pay enough attention to the verbal instructions.

[nekkidnora]

Oh god, you do not want to know how long I spent trying to figure out inset pockets on my own before finally looking for help. It's sad. Thank you so much!

[cat-and-raven]

After battling for two hours with pockets, this is the easiest way to sew them. Thank you so much!

[judyf]

Thank you! This was so helpful. I added pockets to a store bought dress and it turned out perfect!

[mrgarner]

Great tutorial.
I just finished sewing a shacket with a lining. Before I sew up the side seam of the lining, I am going to add sideseam pockets. You make it look sew easy I know I will be successful.
Thank you.

[elaine]

Oh my, this is such a easy way to sew pockets, you can always rely on Tilly’s tutorial, thankyou as always !!!

[twooceansapart]

THANK YOU!!! My pockets turned out awesome!!! Your steps were very easy to follow.

[bzlpbou]

Thanks for video. Very helpful. Can you please let me know how you would topstitch the seam and pocket. I have a pattern for a child’s hoodie and I have to topstitch the seam and hidden pocket. Any help would be appreciated.

[secretdiva]

Thanks so much for your generous free pattern, much appreciated 🙏 you have a new fan.

[happywombat]

How would the technique vary on a garment where I use French seams, please? I don’t like the feel of overlocked/raw edges on my skin.

[evelynschepens]

Great tutorial, simple and straightforward

[christycampbell]

So helpful!! I have plans for the Dominique and the Lotta so this will be perfect 🥰

[constancee.]

Very helpful tutorial! I added pockets to my Coco dress -- thanks for the video!

[curious]

At 1:55 you say it's a good idea to understitch at this point. Is that exactly where you pointed or should I look up understitching? Unfortunately, the reason I watched your video is to see how to understitch.

[judybloom]

so how wouid you add a pocket to an already sewn garment? Very good tutorial.

[upyours]

Hello
Just wondering, after finishing sewing the pockets, in my Lyra instructions it says to snip into the seam allowance right above and below the pockets, and then press the side seam open and press the pockets towards the front skirt. Wont this ruin the overlocked edge?
Im a bit scared to do this step

[Emily_Linka]

I want to do this on a Dominique and I’m just wondering at what point I trim my seam allowance and if I should still be zigzagging the seams together or not. Am I supposed to leave it as an open seam instead? Do I need to trim the seam allowance before I start the process for adding the pockets (I’m guessing maybe yes because you’re finishing the edges…)