Lesson on How to Sew Pockets on a Lined Jacket

Whether you're giving an old jacket new life or creating an addition to a new purchase, sewing a pocket on a lined jacket is a project that will accessorize your garment. Making this alteration after the jacket is already finished requires some extra steps and effort. However, with a little patience and practice, you'll have the pocket sewn on by hand. Design the feature specifically for what it will hold, such as pens, a watch or your hands.

Instructions

1  Select the fabric you want to sew the pocket with. This fabric might match the color of the jacket; you can also choose fabric in a contrasting color and texture to add an extra element to the garment.

2  Iron the fabric so that it doesn't have any wrinkles.

3  Measure how large you want the pocket to be. For example, if you're going to use this pocket to hold pens, ensure a few of them can fit inside. When measuring, add 1 inch around the pocket to account for the seam. Mark the measurements in chalk on the fabric. Cut the fabric along the marked measurements.

4  Fold back the top of the pocket fabric to create a seam. Sew the seam in place across the top of the pocket to make a smooth edge.

5  Use a seam ripper to separate the jacket lining in the area you're planning to sew the pocket. You must do this, otherwise you'll sew through both sides of the jacket and see the pocket stitching on the other side. Remove only as much of the lining as you need to comfortably work the needle through the first layer of material.

6  Pin the pocket in place exactly where you want it to sit on the jacket. Try the jacket on or put it on a model to ensure the pocket is even.

7  Hand sew the pocket along the right, left and bottom edges. Use a whip stitch to hold it in place.

8  Sew the jacket's lining back in place. Use similar thread and stitching as the rest of the garment.