Sew New Pockets in Jeans
*rrriiiiiiip!*
The front pocket in my favourite pair of jeans just ripped after I put away my wallet. As I fumble the contents from the ripped pocket to various other pockets I realized that this particular repair has never come up for me before. I figured that replacing a jeans pocket would be a fun project to share.
After some brainstorming and seeking the advice of an expert seamstress I was able to fix my ripped pocket with a new, fun patterned fabric pocket.
Here's how I did it!
The front pocket in my favourite pair of jeans just ripped after I put away my wallet. As I fumble the contents from the ripped pocket to various other pockets I realized that this particular repair has never come up for me before. I figured that replacing a jeans pocket would be a fun project to share.
After some brainstorming and seeking the advice of an expert seamstress I was able to fix my ripped pocket with a new, fun patterned fabric pocket.
Here's how I did it!
Assess Damage
First step is to turn your jeans inside out and assess the damage.
If your rip is near the edge of your pocket, there may be an easy fix: just sew a larger seam and close up the tear opening. However, if the rip is in the centre or top of your pocket, you're probably going to have to replace the entire pocket. It seems my pocket had a small patch that had been worn thin from the edge of my aluminum wallet. So, even if I ran a small stitch over the opening the fatigued fabric would continue to tear. The only solution was to replace the entire pocket.
If your rip is near the edge of your pocket, there may be an easy fix: just sew a larger seam and close up the tear opening. However, if the rip is in the centre or top of your pocket, you're probably going to have to replace the entire pocket. It seems my pocket had a small patch that had been worn thin from the edge of my aluminum wallet. So, even if I ran a small stitch over the opening the fatigued fabric would continue to tear. The only solution was to replace the entire pocket.
Mark Existing Pocket + Remove
Lie the pocket flat and mark on where you want to cut. Make sure not to cut too close to where the pocket is attached to the jeans. By offsetting your cut you'll leave enough fabric for your new pocket to be sew onto.
Transfer Dimensions + Cut
Fold your donor fabric in half (pattern/texture side in) and place flat on a table. Lie the pocket cut-off on your donor fabric, ensuring fabric fold on cut-off and donor fabric match, and transfer the pocket outline with chalk or washable marker. Trace two outlines, the original shape and an offset of about 6mm (1/4")
Cut out along your offset trace, then sew a heavy stitch along trace line. Optional: and surge along the offset.
Cut out along your offset trace, then sew a heavy stitch along trace line. Optional: and surge along the offset.
Sew New Pocket to Jeans
After sewing, turn your new pocket right-side-out and place inside your inside out jeans (confusing, see pictures). After lining up the cut-off ledges use plenty of pins to hold the pocket in place while sewing. Starting from the jean seam, sew around pocket edge along the trace line (optional: use surger if appropriate).
Take your time, this step is tricky.
Take your time, this step is tricky.
Clean Up + Wear!
Turn your jeans right-side-out and admire your new pockets. You're now ready to rock new dino-pockets!