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Sewing an In-Seam Pocket: Free Pattern for Pocket Bags

17.02.2019 by Sabine Schmidt

Nahttasche nähen: Kostenlose Anleitung für Taschenbeutel

Sewing a seam pocket - into any pattern - it's really easy! With my free pocket bag pattern, even beginners can sew a simple seam pocket in no time!

Why not sew a simple seam pocket into a shirt, skirt, or tunic?

It's done in no time - and looks great!

Sewing a seam pocket

You can incorporate the seam pocket into any pattern - whether it's a shirt, blouse, dress, tunic, or skirt.

The only thing that matters is that there are side seams. How about a light tunic with casual pockets?

Because the pocket bag of the seam pocket is fitted into the side seam.

My tip: The finer the fabric, the less the pocket bag shows! You can also sew seam pockets from remnants of lining fabrics.

I discovered the beautiful striped jersey* at Stoffe-Hemmers.

Problems sewing stripes? Then check out my tips on sewing striped fabric!

What you need to sew the seam pocket

Now you're also in the mood to sew a beautiful dress with seam pockets?

Then get right to it and get to your sewing machine! ;)

I found the beautiful fabric - like most of my Jersey fabrics* - at Stoffe-Hemmers.

Happy simple sewing,

your Sabine

Sewing a seam pocket

Links marked with * are affiliate links: If you make a purchase through them, we receive a small commission. The price remains the same for you.

Step-by-step instructions

Sewing in-seam pockets – it's really easy

With the free pocket bag pattern, you can add an invisible in-seam pocket to any garment with a side seam – whether it's a shirt, blouse, dress, tunic or skirt.

Tip: The finer the fabric, the less bulky the pocket bag. Leftover lining fabric works brilliantly too.

  1. Step

    Mark the pocket and cut the pocket bags

    Mark the height of the in-seam pockets on your sewing pattern. On the example hoodie dress (pattern Roosmarei), the mark is 35 cm from the bottom hem.

    Cut the pocket bag twice from a double layer of fabric (4 pieces in total).

  2. Step

    Sew the pocket bags to the pattern piece

    Place the pocket bags right sides together on the pattern piece, with the straight side of the bag along the side seam.

    Using the sewing machine, sew the straight side of the pocket bags on within the width of the seam allowance that will later be used to close the side seam. Sew this seam with the sewing machine so that it lies flatter later on.

    Sew the pocket bags to the pattern piece
  3. Step

    Press the pocket bags

    Fold the pocket bag outwards and press the seam allowance inwards.

    Repeat this step for the remaining three pocket bag pieces.

    Press the pocket bags
  4. Step

    Sew the shoulder seam and sleeve

    Close the shoulder seam and sew in the sleeve as usual.

    Sew the shoulder seam and sleeve
  5. Step

    Pin the pocket bags together

    Fold the pocket bags outwards and pin them right sides together.

    Pin the pocket bags together
  6. Step

    Close the side seam in one go

    Close the side seam from the sleeve opening over the pocket bag down to the hem in one go.

    Sew slowly around the curve of the pocket bag.

    Close the side seam in one go
  7. Step

    Turn, shape and finish

    Turn the dress right side out, push the pockets to the inside and press the seams.

    Then sew the hem, put it on and enjoy!

    Turn, shape and finish

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About the author

Sabine

I come from Siegen-Wittgenstein, where I spent my childhood breaking in cows, jumping off haystacks and scraping a D- in needlework class.

Today, being creative feels like indescribable happiness to me – and it grows even more when I can share it with others. Since 2016 I have been celebrating my passion for sewing on this blog, and I love that sewing connects so many people.