flexi shorts pattern hack

PATTERN HACK - Adding Pockets to the Flexi Shorts

by Tanya Karolia October 24, 2017

Hi everyone,

If you've ever wanted to add pockets to your Flexi Shorts, I hope you'll find this tutorial useful.

I'll start with a video to show you how to modify the front pattern piece to get the pockets. There is a list of measurements below for each size range.

Marking your pockets:

Size NB-0 measure in from the side seam to the crotch 2" and measure down from the waist to the hem 4"

Size 1-4 measure in from the side seam to the crotch 3" and measure down from the waist to the hem 5"

Size 5-7 measure in from the side seam to the crotch 3.5" and measure down from the waist to the hem 5.5"

Size 8-10 measure in from the side seam to the crotch 3.5" and measure down from the waist to the hem 6"

This is roughly how your pocket curve will look - if it's slightly different, don't worry too much, so long as you follow YOUR curve to make the facing it will match.

Once you have your markings and curve follow the video to make the pocket facing and pocket bag. The measurements of the width and length to add are below and I've added in a photo of what your new pattern pieces should look like.

Making your pocket facing

Size NB-0 Add 1.5" to the left of the pocket curve, add 1" to the side of the pocket

Size 1-4 Add 1.5" to the left of the pocket curve, add 2" to the side of the pocket

Sizes 5-10 Add 2" to the left of the pocket curve, add 3.5" to the side of the pocket

You can then use your pocket facing to draw the pocket bag as shown in the video.

Your new pattern pieces should look like this.

Cut your fabric out (make sure all your pics are mirrored) and we're going to sew up the pockets.

Once you're done with this bit, you'll need to sew the pocket bag to the facing - right sides together - you right side fabric will be visible through the curve of the pocket. Sew the pocket bag to the facing along the green highlighted area and then baste the top and sides of the pocket

Just a quick visual of why you need to baste the pocket and how it looks when you add the back piece.

Now, you can follow the rest of your Flexi Shorts pattern if you're making it fully elasticised waist, or the Ruched Blog post if you're making flat front

Tadah!! Pockets!!! Who doesn't love pockets?!?!?

Happy Sewing

T x