The side seam pocket is a super convenient pocket that you can sew onto any garment of yours which has a side seam. This is very well hidden in the folds of the side seams so a very popular choice when you sew your own clothes.
I regularly have to use a seam ripper on to my store brought tunics to add this very discreet ( name it hidden) pocket. The convenience of this cute pocket outweighs the inconvenience of unpicking the stitches.
What fabric do you need to sew a side seam pocket Fabric :
2 small pieces of fabric each 8 inch by 10 inch. I use lining fabric to make this pocket in a complimenting colour. You can use any lightweight fabric as you do not want the bulk in the side seams or the pocket causing the fabric to hang down
Related posts : Different Pocket styles
How to sew the side seam pocket
Step 1 – Make the pocket pattern pieces
You need to mark the pocket first. It is easy to mark it straight on to the fabric. Just keep your hand spread out and mark around it in the shape given below.
For one side pocket, you need 2 pieces of this pattern.
Step 2. Mark pocket placement.
Mark where you want the pocket to be. On both the front piece and the back piece. Please know that your hip is some 7 inches from your waist so if you want the pocket near the hip you need to place it accordingly. It is usually placed 3 or 4 inches down from your waist.
If you are adding the pockets to a store brought garment, you need to unpick the side seam stitches with the help of a seam ripper before you mark.
Step 3. Stitch pocket to the garment.
On the front piece pin one of the pockets right sides together. Stitch the seams.
On the back piece also pin the other pocket piece right sides together. Stitch the seams.
Use a 1/4 inch seam allowance or a seam allowance lesser than the side seam allowance. This is so that the pocket will stay inside the side.
Finish the edges with a zig zag or overlock.
Step 5. Stitch side seams.
Now stitch the side seams as usual but when you reach the pocket pivot the needle to complete stitching the pockets together then continue sewing the side seams till the end.
Easy peasy right – you have a well hidden side seam pocket drafted and sewn with the help of your hand literally.
Other types of side seam pockets
Side seam pocket with zipper.
The top edge side seam pocket.
If you want to add this type of pocket on your clothes, check out this tutorial to sew a gathered skirt with pockets.
Another method of adding a side seam pocket is explained in this post on sewing a paperbag waist pants
Result is a pocket like this.
Yet another method is given in this tutorial to make a harem pant
