How to Sew Pockets + 8 Free Pocket Patterns
Learn how to sew a patch pocket and other types with these easy sewing tutorials and patterns.
Trying to find a dress with pockets is sometimes like trying to find a needle in a haystack. But with our easy-to-follow tutorial, How to Sew Pockets + 8 Free Pocket Patterns, you can transform your handmade garments, or even your off-the-rack clothes, into fully functional outfits!
As a woman, one of the most frustrating experiences of going shopping is being unable to find clothing that has actual, usable pockets. Most jeans or dress pants have either false pockets that exist purely for aesthetic reasons or have tiny pockets that barely hold change, let alone a phone or wallet.
Our guide for how to sew pockets includes a tutorial for sewing a traditional patch pocket. Patch pockets are usually found on skirts, coats, cardigans, aprons, and dresses, so this tutorial is perfect if you've been working on a fun summer dress pattern.
We've also included some excellent free pocket patterns and sewing tutorials that are fantastic for every occasion. Just scroll past the main tutorial to find the awesome ideas. Make your new sewing projects stylish and functional with this wonderful tutorial for how to sew pockets.
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If you're looking for a cute apron to add your patch pocket to, then be sure to check out our free eBook of the most adorable aprons ever:How to Make an Apron: 6 Free Apron Patterns
How to Sew Pockets
If you're just learning how to sew or want to learn how to quickly add some pockets to your new shirt or dress, then this tutorial for how to sew pockets is perfect for you! This beginner sewing project is the best way for you to add your personal touch to your favorite top or dress with some fun and easy pockets.
Materials List
Fabric for pocket pieces
Sewing needle or sewing machine
Thread
Scissors
Pins
Iron
How to Sew a Patch Pocket
This tutorial for how to sew pockets focuses on creating patch pockets, the most basic of pocket sewing skills that all sewing beginners need.
Patch pockets are quick and easy, and this free sewing tutorial teaches you how to sew a square pocket onto anything you want. If you're interested in other pocket ideas, make sure to keep reading below!
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Cut out your pattern pieces using your fabric. You can easily create your own pocket pattern at home or find a free pocket pattern online.
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Stay stitch your pocket using a 5/8 seam allowance on both sides and the bottom of your pocket. Stay stitch across the top of your pocket using a 1/4 inch seam allowance.
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Fold each side of the pocket on your stay stitch line. Make sure your folds are coming toward the wrong side of your fabric. Press and pin your folds into place.
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On the top of your pocket, fold down 1/4 inch and press with iron. Fold down an additional inch with your 1/4 fold hidden. This gives your pocket a clean looking finish.
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For mitering pocket corners: Open the crease you've just formed and bring the right angle corner diagonally towards the pocket center. This should form a triangle. Press in place with your iron. Fold a 5/8 inch seam allowance to hide your corner triangle. Repeat on all corners.
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Apply your pocket to your garment using pattern placement instructions. Have fun rocking stylish and easy patch pockets on coats, dresses, or tops!
Pocket Patterns You'll Love
Looking for how to add pockets to your favorite skirt or how to make an inseam pocket? Then you'll love our list of our top pocket tutorials and projects that are perfect for sewing beginners!
If you have a favorite skirt that would be much more wearable with pockets, this is the project for you. Sewing projects like this go a long way.
Learn how to make an apron with a pocket for storage so you can carry your phone or recipe while you're walking back and forth for ingredients.
Easy-to-make clothing like these pants allows you to avoid sewing on a zipper and dealing with pockets. It can be a real time-saver.
Purses can become stressful black holes for your stuff. If you have a hard time organizing your purse, this purse tutorial will be a life-saver.
Pockets can easily make a dress-up skirt an everyday wardrobe piece by making it functional. Learn exactly how to add pockets by printing this.
Sewists who are exploring learning how to make clothes will absolutely come into contact with a tutorial or pattern that needs you insert a pocket.
From this dress pattern tutorial, you'll get tips and tricks on how to sew a dress, pocket, trim, and how to work in fabric paint.
Pocket tee DIYs are super popular because they are an easy way to make a cheap shirt look fancy without spending a dime.
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KLC
Feb 21, 2022
I did the Pocket Pattern for Any Skirt for a few of my skirts and it's awesome!!
KLC
Feb 01, 2018
What kind of basic sewing tutorials would you like to see? Let us know here! - Editors of AllFreeSewing
sls1885
Jun 06, 2016
Yes!! This is my number one complaint about female clothing! I am constantly having to add pockets or extend pockets. Thank you for your wonderful patterns and tips to make the process easier.
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