How to Add Inseam Pockets to a Skirt or Dress

Rubyvale Road
by Rubyvale Road
7 Materials
$5
20 Minutes
Easy

Everybody loves pockets! Learn how to add inseam pockets to your skirts and dresses! This small detail can turn pieces you like into pieces you love! Follow my tutorial and become a pocket master.


Tools and materials:

  • Fabric
  • Tracing paper
  • Pencil
  • Measuring tape
  • Scissors
  • Pins
  • Sewing machine
Add pockets to a dress

Method 1

There are three different ways to get the perfect pocket template. The first is using an existing pocket as a pattern. Just make sure that when you trace it, you add 1.5cm (0.59) of seam allowance. 

Add seam allowance

For this method, all you need is a pencil, ruler, and tracing paper.

Trace around your hand

Method 2

The second method is to trace around your hand in a sort of kidney bean shape. Position your hand downwards and add a straight line where your wrist is. 

Use a pattern

Method 3 

The third method is to just use a pocket template from a sewing pattern. 

Add pockets to a skirt

When using a template, fold the fabric over, right sides together, and pin the template down. Grab a pair of scissors and cut around the template. Cutting on a double layer of fabric ensures that the pieces will match. 

Use a zig-zag stitch

Serge the raw edges 

Zig-zag stitch or use a different method that you like to sew the raw edges of all four pocket pieces. 

Measure

Mark the placement 

Before you can sew the pockets onto the skirt, mark from the top of the skirt where you want the pockets to start. Once you have the placement, pin and sew each pocket piece to the straight edge of the skirt Make sure that the distance from the waist to the pocket is the same for all four pieces. Then sew from the top of the pocket to the bottom on the straight edge of the skirt. Make sure that the right side of the pocket faces the right side of the skirt and repeat on the other side. 

How to add pockets to a skirt

Sew on the pockets 

Next, pin and sew the side seams of the skirt but make a small detour around the pocket leaving the pocket opening unsewn. You don’t want the pocket opening to be too big so sew a little of the side seam by the opening closed on either side of the pocket. 

Inseam pockets

Try on the skirt to make sure the pockets are just as you wanted them. Finish your skirt or dress and enjoy wearing the piece with your new inseam pockets. I would love to hear what sewing project you plan on trying out this new skill on! Let me know in the comments! 

Suggested materials:
  • Fabric
  • Tracing paper
  • Pencil
See all materials

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Comments
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6 of 9 comments
  • Martha Martha on Jan 15, 2021

    I will definitely try this project. Thankyou so much.

    Have you, or any other travelers have tried to make a money belt that you wear under your clothes. I'm going to be touring this summer, and the belt was recommended for additional security.

    • See 3 previous
    • Barb Dean Barb Dean on May 03, 2021

      Remember that most money/security belts are worn under clothing, but since you can’t have anything in pockets, etc, the money/security belt would need to be removed before going through security (or put on after).

  • Karen Dunnam Karen Dunnam on Feb 06, 2021

    When I acquire a thirft store dress, I remove the shoulder pads, unsew them, and use them as the pocket facings. That way the portion of the pocket that tends to show will match the garment, so it's not as obvious. I use remnants or leftover scraps to make the rest of the pocket.

    Pro tip: cut to pocket as one piece, and use the fold of fabric on the innermost part. Makes it easier to align the edges when you're applying it to the seam allowance of the garment.

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