Sewing Inseam on Pants: Master Pants Making With an Inseam Pocket DIY (2024)

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To create an inseam pocket on pants, place the pocket piece on the front pant leg, aligning the right sides.

Sew along the straight edge, then fold the legs to create the pocket opening.

Trim the seam allowances at the opening and reinforce by sewing above and below the trimmed areas. This forms the inseam pocket.

Proceed to assemble the pant legs by sewing the outer and inner seams, finishing raw edges, and connecting the legs at the crotch seam.

With the pocket secured, you can proceed to attach the waistband and hem the pants to finish the project.

This essential step enables the full potential of customized pants construction.

Gather Materials and Tools

You’ll need a lightweight poly/rayon fabric (around 2 yards), matching thread, 2-inch wide elastic, sewing pins, a sewing machine, scissors, an iron, and an ironing board. Make sure you have all the necessary materials and tools collected before starting the pants-making process.

Lightweight Poly/rayon Fabric

Lightweight poly/rayon fabric is ideal for pants due to its soft drape and breathability. Choose a color that complements your style.

Matching Thread

Choose thread weight, color, and type wisely. Adjust tension for smooth stitching. Store thread properly. Follow pocket tutorial for inseam pants sewing.

Thread Weight	Thread Color	Thread Type
Lightweight	Match fabric	All-purpose
Medium	Contrast	Polyester
Heavy	Blend	Cotton

2. inch Wide Elastic

Grab 2-inch wide elastic for a snug, comfortable waistband. Position and insert elastic with even tension for a perfect fit.

Sewing Pins

You’ll also need sewing pins to:

1. Guarantee pinning accuracy.
2. Plan pin placement.
3. Match pin types/sizes.

Sewing Machine

You’ll need a sturdy sewing machine for smooth stitching. Consider an adjustable design.

Scissors

Grab sharp scissors; you’ll need cutting precision for fabric accuracy.

Iron

You’ll need an iron to press seams and shapes fabric pieces correctly.

Ironing Board

You’ll also need an ironing board to smooth out fabric pieces and pant sections. Here are four tips:

1. Adjust height
2. Use proper cover
3. Make sure stable footing
4. Check for heat-proof surface

An ironing board allows precise pressing and proper fabric care during pants construction. With the right ironing techniques and heat settings for your fabric type, you’ll achieve professional-looking results. Proper fabric preparation is key to successful pant making.

Prepare Fabric Pieces

To prepare the fabric pieces, start by tracing the pants pattern pieces onto the fabric while they’re inside out. Cut around the tracing, adding a 1/2 inch seam allowance, and you’ll need two front pieces, two back pieces, and two pocket pieces, all cut with a slight forward dip in the front pant legs.

Trace Pants Inside Out and Add 1/2 Seam Allowance

You’ll trace the pants pattern onto fabric, inside out. Add a 1/2 seam allowance on all edges for proper seaming. For the front, trace a slight forward dip to allow ease over your knees – this provides comfort and a professional look. Precisely trace the shape, ensuring the seam allowance remains consistent. This guarantees your pants fit impeccably.

Cut 2 Front Pieces, 2 Back Pieces, and 2 Pocket Pieces

With your fabric laid flat, use your traced pattern to cut 2 front pieces, 2 back pieces, and 2 pocket pieces from the lightweight poly/rayon, leaving 1/2 inch seam allowance. Pay close attention to pocket placement, ensuring they line up with the front pant legs. Double-check your cutting – accurate fabric shapes are key for proper seam alignment and a professional finish.

Create Rectangular Inseam Pocket

It’s time to add an inseam pocket – the perfect spot to stash your phone or keys.

First, position the pocket piece on the front pant leg, right sides together, and sew along the straight edge.

Flip it open and do the same for the back leg.

Now fold the legs so the pocket forms – you’re a master tailor!

Clip those seam allowances at the opening for a crisp finish.

Reinforce by sewing above and below the clipped areas – no fraying pockets on your watch.

The pocket size is key – not too big to bunch but roomy enough to be functional.

As for placement, higher on the hip is trendy but lower provides easier access.

A poly-rayon blend offers the perfect balance of structure and stretch for your pocket fabric.

With a reinforced zig-zag stitch, that pocket will be secure yet seamless.

Just a few pro touches make all the difference.

Sew Pant Legs

Begin by sewing the outside and inside seams of each pant leg, making sure to finish the raw edges neatly to prevent fraying. This will create two separate pant leg tubes ready for joining.

Sew Outside and Inside Seams of Each Pant Leg

Next up, you’ll sew the outside and inside seams of each pant leg:

1. With right sides together, pin the curved edges, matching the seam allowances.
2. Thread your machine and adjust the stitch length to your desired setting.
3. Slowly guide the curved fabric edges under the presser foot as you sew.

Take your time aligning those curved edges perfectly. Once sewn, you’ll have a complete pant leg – well on your way to mastering pants construction!

Finish Raw Edges

You’ll need pressing equipment like an iron and board to neatly finish the raw seam allowances. Consider using an overlock stitch on a serger machine for professional-looking edges that won’t fray. Alternatively, simply turn under the seam allowances and press for a crisp, polished look on your finished product. Taking this extra step elevates the whole garment.

Join Pant Legs

With both pant legs now sewn, carefully insert one pant leg inside the other, making sure the curved inseam edges align. Pin the curved edges together, precisely matching the seams, and sew along the pinned seam to join the two legs together.

Insert One Pant Leg Into the Other

Next, insert one pant leg into the other, right sides together.

Make sure the pocket placements line up – this inseam construction is essential for a polished finish.

For fabrics susceptible to fraying, finish raw edges before joining.

If using a slippery poly blend, use short basting stitches when matching the curved seams.

Proper seam alignment creates a smooth, professional appearance.

Match Curved Edges and Sew

Positioning the curved edges appropriately ensures a flattering fit.

Align the front and back curved edges, pinning for precision.

Precise placement of the inseam pocket is crucial here.

Ponder using a lightweight, breathable fabric such as cotton lawn for the pocket.

Strengthen the curved seam with a series of topstitching or bar tacks.

Alternatively, finish with a flat-felled seam for enhanced durability.

Attach Waistband

For the waistband, fold your 2-inch wide elastic in half lengthwise with the wrong sides together, then sew the short ends to form a loop. With right sides together, pin the raw edge of the waistband to the raw edge of the pant top, stretching the elastic to fit smoothly as you sew.

Fold Waistband in Half Lengthwise, Wrong Sides Together

With the pant legs joined, fold the waistband fabric lengthwise, wrong sides together. Align and adjust its length to fit your waist neatly, with seams facing outwards for a neat look.

Sew Short Ends of Waistband

With the waistband folded, sew the short ends together to create a circle. This waistband construction is essential for proper inseam pocket placement and fit adjustments. Then:

• Finish all raw edges neatly
• Check for sizing before topstitching
• Topstitch if satisfied with waistband’s fit
• Consider using contrasting thread color

Attach Waistband to Pants, Right Sides Together

With the waistband seamed, place it on the pant’s right side, matching the width. Pin every few inches, adjusting for comfort and your fabric’s stretch. Sew waistband securely, using a seam finish that complements the fabric type and desired stretchiness.

Fold Waistband to Inside and Topstitch

With the waistband attached, fold it inwards, aligning the raw waistband edge with the pants. Topstitch around the waistband’s width using a 1/4 seam allowance, securing it to the pants’ body.

Hem Pants

To hem your pants, first fold the fabric to your desired length, pressing it flat and pinning it in place. Next, topstitch along the fold to secure the hem in place, ensuring an even and professional finish.

Fold Hem to Desired Length

Next, fold the hem to your preferred length—whether ankle-length, cropped, or c￭. You’ve got options for your hem types: machine-stitched, blind-stitched, or even a simple serged edge. Consider the hem allowances too, as they impact the hem finish and overall drape.

Press and Pin in Place

Once the hem reaches your desired length, press it firmly. Use pins to carefully hold it in place, ensuring:

• Precise pocket placement avoids bunching
• Consistent seam allowance is maintained
• Fabric choice allows proper drape
• Pocket size is comfortable yet functional
• Strategic reinforcement prevents tearing

Topstitch Hem in Place

Topstitch hem in place using your machine’s topstitch setting. Adjust thread tension and stitch length for a smooth finish. Stitch slowly, guiding fabric gently. Backstitch at start and end. Trim loose threads. Press hem to set stitches. Voila! Your pants are ready to wear with style and comfort.

Finish and Press

With your pants now fully assembled, it’s time to put the finishing touches on your creation. First, give your pants a thorough inspection, ensuring no loose threads remain. Carefully trim any excess fabric from the seams, being mindful not to cut too close to the stitching. Next, press your pants with a hot iron, focusing on the seams and creases to create a crisp, professional look. As you press, consider these customization options:

1. Experiment with different inseam finishes, such as a Hong Kong seam or a flat-felled seam, for added durability and style.
2. Adjust pocket placement to suit your preferences, ensuring they’re positioned comfortably and securely.
3. Choose fabrics that not only look great but also provide the desired level of comfort and durability for your specific needs.
4. Reinforce critical seams, like the inseam and crotch area, for added strength and longevity.

With your pants pressed and ready, you can confidently strut your stuff, knowing you’ve created a pair of custom-fitted trousers that are both stylish and comfortable. Congratulations on mastering the art of sewing inseam on pants!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)