How to Sew Pockets With French Seams by Sew Sew Live

These are so much easier than you think! And what a finish.
Time Stamps
0:00 Intro
0:51 Sew Pockets to Garment
2:57 Trim Seam
4:08 Iron Seams
5:48 Finish Pocket Seams
6:58 Clip Seam Allowance
7:21 Sew Side Seam Wrong Sides Together
10:12 Clip in to Corners
10:33 Trim Seam
11:58 Iron Side Seam
15:41 Sew Side Seam
17:42 Create Pocket Openings
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THANK YOU!

[@scarie7789]

This is the only tutorial one would need to pull their garment together! I keep referring back to this for a handful of projects. Thank you!

[@SewSewLive]

Enjoy your new pants! Thanks for watching!

[@lornabrown9570]

My daughter asked me to sew a robe for her. She sent me a pattern and fabric. I looked at the patterns directions for French seams and was not impressed with the directions. A quick search on KZbin and I found your clear and concise directions. Thank-you. you saved me from having to figure out a better way.

[@SewSewLive]

Your daughter is going to love it! Glad I could be a part of it!

[@noahburke]

Another great tutorial. Thanks.

[@SewSewLive]

My pleasure! Thanks for commenting.

[@lucymalouf4277]

Thank you! This was really helpful. I followed your instructions to the letter and the pockets turned out perfectly!

[@SewSewLive]

Glad it helped! Thanks for watching!

[@maryzegura9195]

It's a real pleasure to watch such an expert at work - absolute magic! And kudos to her videographer.

[@SewSewLive]

Wow thanks! On both accounts. It’s a one person show here.

[@pray4L1FE]

This makes so much more sense to me now. Thank you for such a clear and concise video!

[@SewSewLive]

You’re welcome. Thanks for watching. 🙂

[@marieeaton-smith5168]

Wonderful, thank you so much.

[@SewSewLive]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching.

[@patriciavandebergbecker7970]

This was a great help. I ripped a jumper when the pocket caught on the arm of a chair, tearing an inch and a half past the seams. I could not have fixed it without this video.

[@SewSewLive]

Aw your poor jumper! I’m glad you get it fixed. It’s so worth it right?

[@Needleworkstudio]

Fantastic work!!

[@SewSewLive]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@Chericherry4]

I watched 5-6 other videos on this and was left so confused. Thank you! I really needed this.

[@SewSewLive]

That's great!!

[@pearlygirl88]

Thank you for this! I was trying to figure it out on my own and I was stumped. You made this so easy to understand.

[@SewSewLive]

It’s definitely not intuitive. I’m glad it could help! 🌊

[@marta77inf]

Your explanations are brilliant. Thank you Anamay.

[@SewSewLive]

Glad you like them!

[@crystaltaylor138]

Thanks so much. Your channel is great, especially learning techniques like this so I can sew them on my old singer!

[@SewSewLive]

Wonderful! Thanks for watching!

[@cathanina1]

Thank you for this wonderful tutorial! I made my very first skirt (also my very first sewing project really) and I wanted to have french seams. Now I also have pockets! It worked really well. So if I can do it (with zero experience), everyone can make it work!

[@SewSewLive]

Congratulations!!! That’s amazing. I’m so glad I could be a tiny part of it! Happy sewing!

[@melissakueny234]

Thank you so much. I have tried making french seam pockets several times, and they turned out messy and bunched up. This time I followed your amazing video, step by step, and my pockets turned out perfect.

[@SewSewLive]

This is wonderful. Congrats!!!

[@christinem.connolly5899]

I love this technique and esp. your explanation. I have watched and followed step by step. TERRIFIC THANKS

[@SewSewLive]

Awesome! So glad it helped!

[@jonelleprideaux3286]

I have never seen french seams in action before! This seems soo efficient. Thanks for sharing 😇

[@SewSewLive]

They’re such a nice finish. You do have to sew everything twice but I like the way the garment feels.

[@blairconger240]

I am making a yellow skirt in a light weight yellow cotton with sunflowers. This is the perfect method for this skirt. Two times through for good measure and I am ready. Thanks, Saremy.

[@SewSewLive]

Nice! You got this!

[@elizabethanstuff4430]

Hurray! I've needed this. And, as usual this is super clear.

[@SewSewLive]

😊

[@noemir8262]

Much needed tutorial on how to do this. Not so great tutorial on rotary cutter safety. LOL. I don't mean to nag but I've cut myself a few times already for not closing the blade asap. I also unintentionally trimmed a finger nail 💅 when putting my hand in front the path of cutting. Oops. Thank you for this tutorial. I'm going to reference this one a lot for sure.

[@SewSewLive]

Glad it helped Noemi! I’ve been using a rotary cutter since they came out and it’s like I turn a faucet on when it’s open. In the back of my mind I know it’s something on and I have to go turn it off. So I promise I’m very aware. I’ve also learned that the overhead camera perspective is deceptive on how close I am to things-it’s safer than it seems! But I’m sorry it caused you concern. And if you saw me once cameras turned off, I’m immediately turning off the tap (so to speak)and cleaning up.

[@helenweatherby1694]

Great tutorial.

[@SewSewLive]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@fionabooth6093]

Thank you so much - by far the clearest demonstration of this that I’ve been able to find!

[@SewSewLive]

Good to hear!

[@BL-cp7eq]

This was awesome! I was always trying to create the opening at the same time I was sewing around the pocket. This makes it so much more clear!

[@SewSewLive]

It’s such a weird sewing thing to do! So confusing, right? Thanks for watching.

[@wormymaple99]

this is such a wonderful tutorial! i just made french seam pockets in a dress for the first time thanks to you.

[@SewSewLive]

Nice job!!

[@mateuszmrowiec4265]

fantastic!!!😀 love how you organize your videos and structure yours tutorials!!! amaizing

[@SewSewLive]

😀

[@becclifford7896]

Thank you this is a perfect tutorial! I in awe of you sewing without pinning!!

[@SewSewLive]

I definitely need pins sometimes!! I’m glad the tutorial helped!

[@JulieWalker-eo2oe]

Thank you for this. You've explained it beautifully.

[@SewSewLive]

My pleasure!

[@vivianh]

Thank you! This was the clearest tutorial I have seen!

[@SewSewLive]

Nice! Good to hear. Thank you. ☺️

[@emmends1122]

This is such an exquisite video-- I refer to it every time I need to do one of these!

[@SewSewLive]

I’m so glad!

[@michelleisaac1310]

Thank you so much you are the best I have seen so far keep teach.

[@SewSewLive]

I’m trying. 🙂 Thanks for watching!

[@rc31802]

Thank you for showing each step very clearly! I just used this for a skirt. It turned out perfectly!

[@SewSewLive]

My pleasure! Glad it was helpful!

[@mamasaidsew4843]

Absolutely love these mini tutorials.

[@SewSewLive]

I’m so glad. I’m really enjoying making them!

[@estela6226]

I'm kinda new to sewing and wasn't ready for the "ham or salami"!!! lol

[@SewSewLive]

Haha! Well ham is definitely an accepted sewing term for that object. But salami is my own. 😅 it’s probably properly called a sleeve thingy. 😉

[@annerobinson647]

Thanks so much!

[@SewSewLive]

You’re welcome!

[@user-ou5xv1vm2m]

I’m new to garment sewing and don’t have a serger (yet☺️), so I French seam everything I can (although to be honest, I fallen in love with the cleanness of French seams anyways). I had started skipping pockets on my bottoms though, because I just couldn’t wrap my head around it and it took too long to figure out. But you’ve made it super simple, and I think pockets will be back in next time! Thank you yet again!

[@SewSewLive]

Nice! I love French seams too! It’s my preference over serging. I think a serger is great if you sew a lot of knits or you have to sew a lot of things fast. But mostly I use French seams! The garment feels so good with them, right?

[@mrs.knecro7044]

Just did my very first French seams and first French seam pockets! I’m very glad this is a practice run again but I’m excited to do this with my linen and rayon linen blend fabrics!

[@SewSewLive]

Nice Carrie/Kerrie! Can’t remember how to spell your name. 🤦🏼‍♀️

[@mrs.knecro7044]

@@SewSewLive 😂 it’s Kerri you were close. It’s my favorite game to play when places what a name for the order cause they always spell it differently lol.

[@SewSewLive]

I know EXACTLY what you mean but my game is, what name do they think I said? Samantha? Sarah? Sammy? Jeremy? 🤣

[@jadeite1969]

Wow, i;ve been thinking about doing french seams around pockets, but hesitant until I saw this video. You just make them so easy. Thanks for the video.

[@SewSewLive]

Nice! Let me know how it goes!

[@lrideau561]

Great video! Seems easy after your demonstration. Thanks

[@SewSewLive]

My pleasure!

[@elementgypsy]

Thank you so much. I was unsure. Somehow i missed a step and my pocket side seam was a raw edge. I finagled it and did my second seam to enclose . I nerd to pay better attention! Lol. Gettibg older. I have only made regular french seams with out pockets. You made a great tutorial.

[@SewSewLive]

When I used to do French seam pockets I’d always forget the one that attaches the pocket to the pant 😂 I’m not sure why. But I finally caught myself and remember now.

[@suesmith7995]

Brilliant thank you

[@SewSewLive]

My pleasure Sue!

[@nwinning]

Great tutorial - just what I needed!

[@SewSewLive]

Awesome!

[@Riddisfavorites]

thank you so much! this is very helpful

[@SewSewLive]

You're so welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@JoannCarolus]

I watched another video first. Stitched the pocket bag closed twice and gave up in tears. If I'd seen this one, my skirt would have been done days ago.

[@SewSewLive]

You got this! I just had to remove the sleeves from a shirt because I sewed them on backwards! 😅 Mistakes are just part of it.

[@frynchee]

Great tutorial and so timely as I am making linen pants and decided to add pockets .

[@SewSewLive]

Perfect!

[@thecurseddinkleberg4086]

I'm definitely going to try this today. It's more work but looks worth it

[@SewSewLive]

Definitely worth it! 😊

[@amyeklund746]

Great tutorial. I can't wait to try this. I used some other instructions on my previous two attempts but this one really explains what I am accomplishing in each step and includes one more step. I am confident that last step of evening out the side seam so the opening will lie flat and cover the pocket itself will make the difference in a beautiful finish.

[@SewSewLive]

Thanks for watching! Let me know how it goes 😊

[@joygreig7768]

I really enjoy your videos, nice and clear.

[@SewSewLive]

Thank you! That’s so nice to hear 😊

[@lushcloth]

Thanks Saremy, I found this super helpful. Pockets are now nicely in my dress.

[@SewSewLive]

I’m so glad it helped Oyin!

[@joy7437]

This is a great! Thank you for making it so clear and easy to understand. I will refer to this the next time sewing inseam pockets.

[@SewSewLive]

🙌🏼

[@J.e.nnifer]

I followed this and it turned out so good, thank you

[@SewSewLive]

That’s wonderful!

[@tracys.5143]

An excellent tutorial, thanks for taking the time to explain this so clearly, as you do in all your very good tutes. Much appreciated!

[@SewSewLive]

You’re welcome Tracy!

[@IJAHGETO]

Glad I found your vids. Super clear! Thank you 💕

[@SewSewLive]

That’s great!

[@thesolocreative3538]

thank you I love to french seam all my clothes but was confused about pockets. As every woman knows we crave pockets in everything

[@SewSewLive]

Pockets are life! Thanks for watching!

[@thesolocreative3538]

@@SewSewLive So i have been working through this tutorial and my only concern is that with the fabric I am working on when I do a 2.5mm seam for the first step (conversion from the inches you recommended for a 1.5cm seam allowance the fabric is fraying around the stitch and so I am having to sew it a few times. I can't clip closer to the seam without the seam coming out. I'm just wondering if this is okay or if there is a work around. Sorry to hassle

[@SewSewLive]

Your first seam should be about 6.3 mm. The second seam will be 9.5 mm. (Or 1/4” for the first pass and 3/8” for the second pass).

[@estela6226]

Thank you so much for this tutorial!

[@SewSewLive]

My pleasure!

[@estela6226]

@@SewSewLive Do you have a tutorial for French seam sleeves?

[@SewSewLive]

I do!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/ionHd5yIhphjapI

[@SewSewLive]

I also have a playlist that has all these kinds of videos in it.

[@estela6226]

@@SewSewLive Thank you so much! I'm trying French seams for the first time. The pinky shears work but just don't look good after washing! Do you think I could make my own salami and ham? 😂

[@yogawithester4728]

super awesome tutorial! thank you! just sewed in my first french seam pockets thanks to you :) (and this was after scrutinizing and rescrutinizing my pattern, and having to undo pockets sewn in either backwards or closed shut TWICE. i was about to pull my hair out when i found this :)

[@SewSewLive]

Nice! Yes they’re so funny. Straight forward once you figure it out but hard to believe it actually works when you’re trying it the first time.

[@thisiscj8748]

This was extremely helpful, thanks so much!

[@SewSewLive]

Absolutely!

[@tawniklarke9659]

Thank you soooo much! I was trying to do it on my own, but the way your describe it and show it so clearly I’m now ready to tackle this!

[@SewSewLive]

Nice!

[@_somebitsandbobs_]

Amazing, thank you so much for sharing! Very clear. Just need to actually sew it now 😁

[@SewSewLive]

Nice!!

[@indreklein]

Thank you for sharing - very useful and clear!

[@SewSewLive]

My pleasure!

[@chrischristian08]

Thanks so much for this.! 🌺

[@SewSewLive]

No problem 😊

[@pomegranete]

Sew helpful, thank you!

[@SewSewLive]

Absolutely!

[@farmwife7944]

great tute, thanks! as far as handling badly behaved fabrics, I use lightweight cottons for pockets, either in background colors, flesh tones (for me that’s tan) if the garment fabric has any measure of transparency, or fun prints. I haven’t attempted french seam pockets, but now I know where I can find the info and guidance I will need.

[@SewSewLive]

I love using lighter weight fabric for pockets too! If I’d done that here it would have lengthened the tutorial and shifted the focus on how to sew pockets with a facing. But maybe I can add a separate video just for that!

[@flatbottomflowers7650]

Thank you! Just in time because I wanted to french seam the pockets of the Helen’s Closet Suki Robe that I’m cutting out this weekend.

[@SewSewLive]

Ooh! That’ll be lovely!

[@veraorthlieb]

good camera angles

[@SewSewLive]

Thank you!

[@tanjabaron2131]

thank you so much. You make sewing easy - I just love your videos :) I am looking for tips to do a french seam pocket with an invisible zipper - have you tried that? (and dare I hope - do you have a video on that? :D)

[@SewSewLive]

Thanks for watching. So I’m not sure that a French seam pocket to an invisible zipper is possible. I know I’ve added inseam pockets to a seam that has an invisible zipper but I’m pretty sure they weren’t French seamed. The seams of the pocket would be a bit bulky for the invisible zipper. You could try keyhole or lapped zippers, or skip the pocket on that side, or just don’t use French seams. Your pocket sides need to be able to separate when the zipper is unzipped. But maybe I’ll explore this idea more this year sometime. I’m sure there is a solution! I’m not in front of my machine to try it right now so maybe it’s more straight forward than I’m thinking.

[@delta8885]

This is from way back, but it’s super helpful. Is there any point in understitching the pocket/side seam, or is that overkill?

[@SewSewLive]

Yes you can understitch it! Sometimes I even use a pocket facing just at the opening and then I like to understitch to make the thicknesses a little less bulky. But yes, absolutely okay around with understitching. Or even adding a 1/2” extension on the pant at the opening to tuck the pocket in deeper if that makes sense.

[@lilianafiorino8257]

Love your easy to follow tutorial. I have a dress that I’ve sewn that has French seams. I’ve never taken apart French seams to add pockets. What is your advice? Would love to add pockets!

[@SewSewLive]

I’m sure you can do that! Just take it out a little past where you need to add the pockets. It’ll be easier if you give yourself the space to work!

[@gladtidings4all]

I’m confused you didn’t explain if you sew the pocket to the front pant and back pocket

[@SewSewLive]

It’s at the very beginning. 0:51

[@viddy8379]

Great, What Juki is that?

[@SewSewLive]

It is the 8700-7 😀 I have a couple videos about it in the Sewing Machines Playlist.... I think the Which one is fastest video highlights what it does best: Sewing Machines

[@gc0009]

a ma zing

[@SewSewLive]

Thanks!

[@kaschanewberry2077]

Great video but your use of the rotary cutter makes me soooooo nervous.

[@SewSewLive]

Nothing to worry about! Thanks for watching 🙂