How to Put Pockets in Shorts
This is a tutorial for adding pockets to loose gym shorts or pajamas that are already commercially finished. If you are making your own pants or shorts, there are easier ways to add pockets.
These are Under Armour brand gym shorts. My boyfriend asked me to add pockets to them because he wants to keep his phone in his pocket at the gym. Since these don’t have pockets, he almost never wears them. When he does wear them, he quickly remembers why he never wears them.
Pockets are super convenient. If you have a pair of shorts or pants that fit great but are annoyingly absent of pockets, then read on! This is an easy project as long as you have some sewing experience and the right tools.
What you will need for this project:
- Sewing machine
- Quarter yard of Fabric (I used black swim suit lining material from Joanns)
- Matching thread
- A pocket pattern or pair of shorts to use as a template to make a pattern
- Seam Ripper
- Scissors and/or Rotary Blade and Cutting Mat
Steps:
- Make your pattern
- Cut pieces
- Sew pieces to garment
- Use seam ripper to open sides
- Sew pocket to sides and then together
- Reinforce the seams
Making a Pattern:
I used another pair of gym shorts as a template for my pocket pattern.
Any kind of paper can be used to draw a pattern on. I keep a stash of gift wrap tissue paper and shoe box stuffing for this purpose. Fold the edges of the paper under so that there is space to add seam allowance. Place the paper between the shorts and pocket and trace the shape with a pencil.
Cut the pattern along the traced line. Unfold the edges and trim, leaving half an inch longer to allow for seam allowance. Double check that you’re happy with the pattern by placing an object likely to go in the pockets on a regular basis.
Cut the Pieces:
The quickest way to cut the pieces is with a rotary blade. I use a dumbbell as a paperweight to hold the pattern in place. You can also pin the pattern to the fabric and use scissors to cut out the pattern. You will need to cut 4 pieces.
I used swim suit lining as material for these pockets. A quarter yard of fabric was needed.
Sewing the Pockets:
Sew the first two pieces together along the top edge.
Using pins, attach the sewn top edge to the elastic band, with the long straight edge of the pocket aligned to the side seam. If it is not possible to sew on the band, sew directly to the shorts. Use a zig zag stitch and matching thread.
Rip Open the Seams:
Using a seam ripper, open the side seams of the shorts. Start about 1 inch down from the elastic band, and make the opening 4-6 inches wide. Use the template pair of shorts as a guide if need be. Take your time and be careful not to put holes in the fabric.
Sewing the Pockets:
Pull the top pocket piece away from the garment and pin the inner pocket to the opening that is to the rear side of the shorts.
Begin sewing from as high as possible to about two inches shy of the bottom. We will sew it all the way later.
Pin the top pocket piece to the opening that is on the front of the shorts.
Begin sewing from as high a possible to about two inches shy of the bottom. As with the other side, it will be sewn all the way later.
Turn the shorts ride side out. It should look like a pocket now.
Turn the shorts back to inside out and pin the pocket pieces together along the curved edge.
Sew from the very top next to the elastic all the way to the end of the curve, and then up the seam side a half an inch. Pin and sew the places along the seam that were previously difficult to get to. Make sure to keep the seams aligned.
Repeat the process on the other side.
Reinforce:
Try on the garment and adjust pockets if necessary. When you are happy, reinforce the seams above and below the pocket opening with a narrow short stitched zig zag line.
Enjoy new pockets!
Notes on Putting Pockets in Pants:
This project cost $2. I had everything needed, except the fabric. A quick look on Amazon showed similar shorts for anywhere from $20-$70. Tailoring your own clothes at home is a cost effective to upgrade your wardrobe and help the environment by reducing waste. Please let me know if you have questions about this project!
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