How to Add a Pocket with Kayla of Kayla Smith Sews

April 07, 2022

Hello sewing friends! I am thrilled to be on the blog today to show you an easy way to add a pocket to just about any pattern.  I use this style of pocket on hoodies, skirts and especially dresses because it lays very flat and can be a fun way to add detail to your project.

I picked out this beautiful print for the skirt on Shutterstock and had Raspberry Creek custom print it on their athletic base.  Raspberry Creek athletic fabric is so luxurious and it makes the perfect base for a swing skirt. Athletic fabric is not just for running or walking- it is a little heavier in weight, making it perfect for skirts, dresses and hoodies as well as tanks, bras, leggings and joggers. I love using it for vacation skirts as it has the added bonus of being wrinkle resistant! I used Raspberry Creek fabrics solid black athletic  for my tank. The RCF solid athletic fabric was added to the shop in the last few months and I am a huge fan! I have joggers and leggings on my list of things to make with it next. It is not a flowy fabric- so it works perfect for a more fitted tank! 

Let’s get started on the pocket! The first step is to trim off the piece of fabric that will be the pocket opening.

Be sure the opening will be large enough for your hand to fit through. Next, create a pocket bag. 

When I do this, I typically hold my phone or other items I might keep in the pocket and draw a pocket pattern piece. Be sure to match the pocket piece up to the top and side of the skirt.

The last piece of fabric to cut out is the band- cut 2 stripes of fabric 1.5” x 7”- I used this black and white double brushed poly. 

Next head over to the sewing machine. Fold the band in half as you would a neckband and sew it right sides together to the pocket opening- stretching the band slightly as you sew. Trim the excess band fabric.

Then give it good press and topstitch (optional). I used a reverse coverstitch but a zig zag would also work well here. 

Next apply washaway wonder tape or a glue stick to the curve of the pocket to make it easier (and less shifty) to topstitch.

Topstitch the pocket to the skirt along the pocket curve.

This is a fun place to add a decorative stitch! Finally, baste the top and side of the pocket to the skirt to avoid any shifting when finishing the skirt. Repeat for the other side and you have a slim look pocket! 

I used the Sybil Illusion swing skirt from Love Notions and the Lille Tank from Greenstyle Creations. These are tried and true patterns in my collection and I highly recommend them both. I can’t wait to wear my new outfit to the beach this year!!

Here are a few pictures of my finished outfit!! Look how smooth the pockets look on my skirt!

Check out my Instagram page to see other ways I have used this style of pocket (hint I use it a lot!!). 

@kaylasmithsews

Thanks for reading and happy sewing!!

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