Tutorial: Side slant pocket

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A reader commented on my post ‘Three meters of black linen’ , asking about how I made the side slant pockets for my son’s pants. So this is a tutorial on how I made them. You can also use this method for adult’s clothing by simply changing the dimensions.

Making the pockets pattern

Side slant pocket
Draw pocket line.
  • Trace the front part of the pattern.
  • Draw the slanted opening line of the pocket. Make sure that it is big enough for the hand of the wearer.
  • My example here is for kid’s pants with separate waistband. If the pants has no separate  waistband (i.e: pyjama pants with elastic or drawstring), the width of the elastic/drawstring area should be added to the side length of the pocket.
  • The pocket is 6 cm at the top and 10 cm on the side. You might need to make it bigger for adult’s size.
  • You can also make a curved line instead of straight line.

Draw the pocket lining

Side slant pocket
Draw the pocket lining.
  • Make a rough shape, approximately 12×20 cm. Make it bigger if you like deeper pocket.
  • Round the corner for easier sewing.
  • Trace pattern pieces

    Side slant pocket
    Pattern pieces: front pant piece, pocket lining, and pocket pouch.
    • Mark the placement of pocket line on the pocket pouch.
    • Trace all the pattern pieces on separate pattern paper and add seam allowances to the pieces.
    • You will have three pieces: front pant piece, pocket lining, and pocket pouch.

    Sewing the pockets

    Side slant pocket
    Front pant pieces, pocket linings, and pocket pouches.
    • Use your pattern to cut fabric.
    • You can use different fabric for the pocket lining for added detail and/or to prevent bulkiness if your fabric is a bit thick.
    • Since the slant pocket lines are not cut on fabric grain, I suggest to use fusible interfacing stay along the slanted lines to prevent stretching.
    Side slant pocket
    Place pocket lining on front pant piece, right sides together.
    • Place pocket lining on front pant piece, right sides together.
    • Sew along the slanted line (or curved, if your pocket is curved).
    Side slant pocket
    Turn the pocket and press the edge.
    • Turn the pocket and press the edge. If your lines are curved, clip the seam allowance before turning the pocket.
    Side slant pocket
    Topstitch the edge of pocket.
    • Topstitch the edge of pocket to keep the lining from ‘rolling’ outside. I usually use longer stitch length to do topstitching.
    • You can also make topstitching with thicker or different colour thread for added visual interest.
    Side slant pocket
    Pin the edge of pocket and sew along the edge.
    • Take your pocket pouch piece and place it on the pocket area, matching the placement marks.
    • Pin the edge of pocket and sew along the edge.
    Side slant pocket
    Finish the raw edge with your choice of finishing.
    • Finish the raw edge with your choice of finishing. You can use a serger, but I usually just use zigzag stitches.
    Side slant pocket
    Baste the top and the sides of pocket.
    • Baste the top and the sides of pocket to the front pant piece.
    Side slant pocket
    Finish your pants as usual.
    • You have a pair of front pieces with side slant pocket! Finish your pants as usual.

    I hope my tutorial is useful! (^_^)/

    Side slant pocket Side slant pocket
    Side slant pocket Side slant pocket

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