How to Add Pockets to a Dress
Hello friends! Let me start this post with an apology for being so long absent. But hopefully, the fulfillment of my promise of a tutorial on how to add pockets to a dress (!!!) from my last post will prove worth the wait.
If you follow me on Instagram, you already know this, but I now know for sure that I have Stage III Mucinous Epithelial Ovarian Cancer. This isn’t anything new, but this is the second opinion. So now we’re ready to move forward.
All visible cancer has been removed, but we have to assume there’s microscopic spread as well.
Which brings us to my treatment. Right now, the plan is 6 cycles of chemotherapy with three weeks in between treatments. Mr. Refashionista and I have been doing a LOT of prepping to get ready for this, both emotionally and logistically.
It’s been tough. It’s going to keep being tough. but so are we.
I’m actually sitting in the oncology center getting my first dose of chemo as I write this.
In an impressive move by 2020, my final (and toughest treatment) is on December 23. Merry Christmas to me. Seriously…this reminds me of when I broke up with a guy who had my Netflix password and he changed my queue to nothing but animated Disney movies (which I haaaate), thus throwing off my Netflix algorithms for months. I couldn’t even be mad because it was just such a perfectly pointed act of spite. I may have slow clapped.
But…Pockets!
I started with this non-pocketed dress in a beyoootiful ’80s print.
There really isn’t anything wrong with this dress, per se. It fits fine (just needs a belt, as the top is supposed to be blousy), and as I said, that print is just so pretty.
The only thing this dress needs is pockets!
Here’s how to add side pockets to just about any dress (& other garments too)!
First off, make sure your dress is right for pockets.
Supplies you’ll need:
Now, let’s add some pockets!
I decided to harvest the fabric for my pockets from the bottom of the dress, which meant shortening the dress.
Then, I folded that bottom scrap over to give me enough fabric to make two mirror images for each side (4 pieces total).
Of course, this meant I needed to add a new hem to my dress, which I did!
I pinned the raw edge under.
Then, I stitched it down.
1. I used the pocket I removed in my last refashion as a template, but you can also just trace a pocket you like from an existing garment onto a piece of paper, making sure to add a seam allowance to the straight edge.
2. Then, I cut my pockets out!
This left me with four pocket pieces.
3. Mark where you want the top & bottom of your pocket to be on your dress with a pin. It’s a good idea to try your dress on and see where your hands fall before making your mark.
4. Beginning just above the mark you made, unpick the side seam until just below the end of the pocket. Leave about 1/2″ above and below from where the pocket will sit.
5. Keep your dress right-side-out and pin one pocket piece to the front and another to the back, with right sides of the fabric together.
6. Stitch along the straight edge of the pockets for both sides of the dress, following the original seam lines. Make sure to backstitch when you start and finish to lock your stitches.
7. Press the seams toward the pockets with your iron, and then press the pockets away from the dress.
8. Turn your dress inside out and pull out the pockets so they lay on top of each other, then pin them together like so:
9. Beginning above the pocket on the side seam of your dress where you’ve unpicked, sew down and around the pocket and back down the unpicked seam below the pocket. Remember to backstitch when you start and finish to lock your stitches.
10. Reinforce your pockets by overlocking the raw edge, or with a simple zigzag stitch.
11. Turn your dress right-side-out and push the pockets in. Iron and favor the edges so the pocket is completely invisible. Because secrets are fun.
Get ready to say, “Thanks! It has pockettttssss!” a lot, friends!
I styled my dress with a $1 thrifted vintage necklace, a $1 thrifted belt, $4 thrifted sandals, and a pair of bright red sunnies!
I’m sure there’s a dress hanging in your closet just begging you to rock it with a pocket (or two)!
Side note: How fahbulous is the button-up back of this dress?
What are you waiting for?
Cheers!
How To Add Pockets to a Dress
Here’s how to add side pockets to just about any dress (& other garments too)!
Materials
Tools
Instructions
Notes
102 thoughts on “How to Add Pockets to a Dress”
I love that dress, after you shortened it! Great job, Jillian, and remember that you have hundreds of us pulling for you. Love and hugs!
Easy peasy pockets! Continued prayers for you.
Thank you so much for sending us creative inspiration in the midst of the awful things you guys are going through! I am joining your many fans who are pulling and praying for you! So sorry to hear of your “Christmas gift” of a last treatment right before the holiday.! 🙁 But you know, Christmas miracles are a thing… 🙂
This dress is so cute. I love it. Pockets for the win! Sending positive and healing vibes your way from California. I adore your refashions and humor. I’m truly thankful I found your blog years ago. It always brightens my day. You Rock!
Probably one of my FAVORITE dresses that you have done! I LOVE the print and I have to admit that I might not have had the vision that you had in re-designing this, so it might still be on that Thrift rack. Thanks so much for helping me to see beyond what it was and striving to see what it can be.
Great work on the pockets and thatdress so needed to be shortened! I love a good tropical vibe print, to say nothing of pockets. Good to see that your way with words is still going strong, you do make me chuckle.
Hope the chemo went OK and is even now doing the Space Invaders thing to any cancer cells left over. xx
Thanks for the update on your health! Sending you and Mr. Refashionista lots of love! You got this!!!
This dress and pockets are inspirational. I hope that all goes well with your treatment, and that by this time next year, this will all be just a dim and almost-forgotten memory on your way to vibrant health. Best wishes to everyone (and every pup) at the Refashionista household.
Love those pockets! Nice to hear from you and thank you for the update. I’m so sorry to see you go through all this. Praying for you to heal and get well soon! Hugs, Melanie
Pickets FTW! Wishing you all the best for a speedy recovery. Sending strength and comfort! <3
Thank you for update-been wondering how things are. Good luck -your sunniness shines through even when things are poo. Look after you , prayers to you and the guys . Love the pockets and written instructions – your brilliant refashes will help give you your outlet when you need to just put your foot to the pedal and swear!,
Nice work! I was thinking (just looking at the pictures) that you turned it into a romper. That would have been cute too! You have a great style! Keep up the good work! Best wishes for you on your treatment. 🙂 Sending prayers on your behalf. Hang in there! 🙂
Love it. Wishing you the all best with the therapy
I LOVE it! The dress that is. Super cute details and print but now with pockets!
Keeping you in my thoughts as you go through treatment.
Love the tutorial. I completely agree that all dresses/skirts deserve pockets. You sound really positive and I sincerely hope your treatment is a complete success. What a way to see 2020 out. Will keep you in my thoughts x
Such a great tutorial! Thanks for making the cool Pinterest-pinnable instructions! Hope your first session is going well 🙂 Sending love your way.
Love, love, love you for making the instructions printable. Guess what I did right away. LOL! I have been waiting for this for years and no one has done it, that I’ve seen, till you, just now. Thank you! <3
Oh Hon, I’m so sorry you’re having to go through all this. My heart aches for you, but you’ve got a great man by your side and a plan–that’s so important–and a ton of folks praying for you.
Hang in there, we’re all behind you. And I know I’m not alone when I write, I wish there was more I could do for you. You’ve been a bright light in my own journey. Keep shining! (((Big Hugs!)))
All the pockets of love and light to you!
Nice to hear from you, I am sending positive thoughts and prayers for you and your family. I wish you the best in this journey, best of luck with the treatments.
Love this refashion, beautiful the way you put it all together.
“Come together. Right now. Over pockets.” THAT made me laugh!!! I love your sense of humor!! Great old Song, by the way, for anyone who missed that little reference! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_IX9K_Gk4M The Beatles! Loved this tutorial. As Always!
I love all your creations and tips. I just wanted to tell you I am praying for you and you journey ahead of you. Keep your head up and know that the good Lord has you in his hands holding you firmly and taking this walk with you. You are not alone. All your fans are with you holding you close to our hears. Cyber hugs from Virginia.
I love the surprise of opening my inbox and seeing an email from refashionista! I’ve been a follower for many years but have never commented, till today. You have inspired an entire community of followers that will be excited to see an update as much as we will send positive thoughts and prayers when we don’t see one. You do what is right for you and Brian and we will be here supporting you, without the need for apologies.
NOW on to pockets! This is an amazing tutorial!! I have always wondered the easiest way to make a pocket but have always been a little afraid to try. This gives me a clear method and inspiration to try!!! And you are certainly right about the “get ready to say ‘thanks, it has pocketttssss’ a lot” because I bought a dress from a local thrift store for our company Christmas party and got so many compliments on it and I said that all night!!!
“Thanks, it has pocketttsss” with a flashy show of me putting my hands in my pockets and turning from side to side! Lol!! Pockets in a dress are awesome!!
Sending prayers for you and Brian (friends and family too). Please share if you guys decide to open a P.O. Box we can send cards to. I’m sure there are many that would love to send you snail mail to lift you up on days we can’t send love through comments.
((Hugs))Sherrie
Love dresses with pockets. I have one with a boat neck that I’d like to have as a daily uniform. When I was going thru chemo, I wore a hot pink wig and matched my outfits accordingly. I can see you sporting all kinds of wigs, wraps and big hoop earrings. You’ve got this! Thanks for always being such an inspiration in so many ways! XO.m
I love dresses with pockets! Thanks for making the process a little less intimidating.
I hope your treatments go smoothly and your Christmas present this year is going to be being DONE with cancer!!
The dress is gorgeous and all the better for the pockets (pocket power) and all your accessories. I hope your first treatment was not too tough, take care of yourself, sending lots of good wishes your way xxx
Thanks for the tutorial – there are some dresses wating for pockets at my place. You´ve been in my thoughts. Love and hugs from Germany
Pockets are great! Your outfit is cute and flirty and suits you. Love it… Was very good to get an update… Sending good vibes and healing thoughts….
I’m following you since years, I never tried any of your tutorials but I always loved so much to see how even the most useless piece becomes a cute thing in your hands.
Sending now all the positive vibes I can, thanks for keeping us updated on your situation.
Francesca
Thank you for another great tutorial. I much prefer the shorter pocketed version, it looks so much nicer. Thanks for the health update. Thinking of you and sending hugs to you and Mr Refashionista. Stay strong xxx
Agreed, I am always happy to see your posts in my inbox.
I do also love seeing your matching sunnies. It’s the small things in life, right! They make the outfit and show your quirky personality – love it!!
Take care. Sending white healing light across the miles.
P:S I hope you don’t mind, but I did chuckle about the ex-bf netflix thing. What a little toad he was doing that. But kind of funny in a toadie way…
What a great idea! I’ve always completed the pockets first and than I had a hard time sewing them in. Your idea is great and it makes the whole process a lot easier.
Best of luck with the chemo treatments. You are strong and you have Mr. Refashionista to back you up. I’m sending healing vibes and best wishes to you.
Excellent tutorial. Every garment we wear should have pockets! Best of luck with your chemo treatments. Will be thinking of you.
I didn’t think it had been long at all, considering all else you have going on. But always glad to see you in my in box. I don’t know why I’ve never thought about attaching each pocket piece separately and then joining them. Duh. I’ve been sewing the pockets pieces together and then inserting them. You just simplified my process. Thanks much. Cute dress for sure
A delightful how-to.. and one I’ve been needing for a while because, in all the years I’ve been restyling secondhand clothes, I never really knew how to add pockets and pockets are a must have as far as I’m concerned. I admire that you are continuing on with the voodoo that you do do… Normalcy in a time of crisis is so important and especially if the magic that you do gives you a sense of purpose and well being. I have a chronic illness and if I didn’t have my artwork and sewing to do… well, first of all, I’d be bored stiff and then I’d be awfully sorry for myself. Keep it up, Hon! And, don’t forget, you mean a lot to a lot of people just by being yourself and passing it on. Hugs!
you are so fabulous – never apologise for time between posts – they are a lovely surprise in my inbox. You have this and I have every belief that you will beat it!
The dress looks so much cuter. Thank you for the tutorial. I’ve been thinking of you and keeping you in my prayers. The one good thing about having the last of your chemo right before Christmas is you can kiss your treatment good bye along with 2020.
Sending prayers for you and Mr. Refashionista to get through this with flying colors. When I went through it, I found it was most helpful to drink an Ensure before bed. It’s a long time between dinner and breakfast and I actually had a little more energy in the morning by drinking that drink at bedtime. It’s not fun and as my team told me, the side effects of chemo get worse with time, not better, resting, sleeping, eating when you should and a complete meal replacement drink at bedtime were a help to me. I hope something in that is helpful to you, too.
Love the pockets and love your spirit. I’m thinking about you often and sending prayers your way.
Having your last treatment right before Christmas can be a blessing in disguise. I had my final TMS therapy session to treat severe depression on 12/23/2019 and it saved my life. May your outcome be even better than mine.
Sending love and healing energy your way. ❤️
I love pockets! I’m absolutely going to add superfluous pockets to everything now.
Also, you’re mentioned in my prayers nightly. ❤️
“Favor the edge”? I’m not familiar with that term. Hugs and prayers for you.
Thank you so much for keeping up with the blog despite what you’re going through. I’m sure it’s a great outlet and the refashions just keep getting better and better.
Take care of yourself, your adorable doggos, and of course Mr. Refashionista. Sending all my love from Canada
Thanks for the post, but take care of yourself first! i’m keeping you in my prayers and sending love your way.
Thanks, great tut! Hugs, prayers and best wishes, Debbie
I love pockets! Thank you for the detailed instructions. I discovered ginger tea helps with nausea . I use Tetly lemon-ginger teabags. I am saying your name in my prayers each night.
I ADORE that you matched your necklace to the buttons on the back, that attention to detail is beyond awesome and makes me so happy. You know what else makes me happy? Saying ‘Not today, Satan. Not today.’ to cancer. Kon Marie that sh*t, it does NOT bring you joy! In all seriousness, I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that you’ll get through this and do it with the elegance and humour that you use in your refashions, and will continue to be my super creative virtual BFF that I’ve never actually met.
Wish I could give you a hug, instead I’m going to suggest you watch Bluey (I think you guys can get it through Disney Junior?). Trust me, even if you hate cartoons and animation in general, it’s one of the most hilarious, cutest, Australian things you can watch (other than Chris Hemsworth); something for when you just can’t be bothered with anything. Or ‘What We Do in the Shadows’ and ‘Strictly Ballroom’, two of the funniest films ever made. Sending you love from the far reaches of the Antipodes xo xo
Thanks for this fantastic tutorial! You took that dress from dowdy to dynamic! It’s cute now AND practical. I love pockets.
Sending you heartfelt hugs for good healing.
And so much cuter when it’s shorter! ….. So many people care about you! <3
Love pockets and love your blog. I’m glad and sad to hear you have started your treatments. But you have started the process to kill the beast (that’s what I called my melanoma). I sincerely hope the best for you and your family.
Think about how many people have been touched by you and we don’t even know you. That says so much about you and your personality. Stay tough and kill the beast!!!!!! You are in my prayers.
I will keep you in my thoughts and you have such a large community of friends following you and rooting for you too! It will be a perfect end to a sucky year and you can start fresh in 2021!!!
Hi Jillian! Thanks for the health update. Every girl needs pockets, right? I’m seeing more and more wedding dresses and formal dresses with pockets – yeah!!! Somebody finally figured that out!
I thank you for the tutorial, I will one day be an accomplished seamstress! I’m sending continued prayers and good vibes to you! I’m glad you have Mr. Fashionista to help you through this, and I pray the chemo goes easy on you! You are an inspiration to me!
Great refashion Jillian. Keep strong and beat the big C with all you’ve got, love from Scotland
Dearest Jillian, I have never sewn a thing in my life yet I love your blog. Thank you so much for it. My only advice for you sweet lady is to not “own” the cancer. It is just an uninvited visitor that will leave soon enough. And when it is gone, let it be gone. Don’t keep wondering when or if it will return. It does not belong to you, let it go xx
Wow! The pic with the pockets show the true beauty of the colors of the dress. I’m very impressed by the written directions!!!! Thank you!!! Hugs for your journey.
I love your picked pockets!
Sweetie, you have a lot of loving/admiring/friends…I’m one. Thank you for your refashions and for sharing your life journey…boy friends, friend friends, and your cancer trip. The damned cancer: NOT FAIR! I’m sure you have thought that. Very grateful to see that you are posting even while on this bad trip.
Thanks! I love all things with pockets so I will have to give this a try on things that don’t have them.
Prayers for you in hours for total cancer free healing.
I’ve really enjoyed following you for years! Your fashion, your style, your wit, all things I love and have kept me entertained. I actually silent cheer when I see a new post in my inbox. I HATE that you’re going through this. I pray for a quick and easy recovery and full healing. Thank you for sharing your journey. Rooting for you and Mr Fashionista ❤️
You have my deepest respect. Your positive energy is amazing.
Love all of your ideas! I have been praying for you and your husband going through this trial I’m sure you will stay strong and beat this❤️
Super ! C’est quelque chose que je ne savais pas encore faire et que je rêvais d’apprendre. Merci !
Thanks for the update hugs and prayers. And a refashion I think I could possibly do!!! Yay
Very pretty refashion, and excellent tutorial. You are my hero(ine) for your pluck and determination in meeting this newest challenge. Prayers and good vibes being sent your way from Canada.
Brilliant! Glad to hear things are progressing well enough. So thankful for what they can do for you and definitely thankful to you for this tutorial! Love that dress!
Sending you lots of positive, healing thoughts! Thanks for taking the time to share such a cute dress and a useful tutorial. Now go kick cancer’s ass!
Love the dress! Great tutorial.
I am so sorry you have to go through this.
Ginger can be great for nausea, one of my friends said ginger tea brought her the most relief.
Would love to send you a care package. Is that something you would be comfortable with?
I live in Fort Mill SC, but don’t get down to Columbia.
Sending you positive thoughts and prayers.
Susan
Been there done that…take all the meds they give you to counter act side effects and you will do well. Let others do for you even if you could do it yourself. Love your blog but you come first now, hard for us busy women.
Jillian, My prayers are for your healing and wisdom for your doctors. And I would tell you now to get dried, crystalized ginger (Trader Joe’s) for the nausea. It works wonders for my migraine nausea. Just put a good-sized piece in your cheek and let it melt—it will never melt to nothingness though. Catch the nausea early with this method.
Wishing you all the very best luck on your journey, lets hope 2021 is kinder to all of us!
super cute! i have not yet added pockets to anything yet! so thanks for the tutorial! hang in there lovely lady!
xo eva
Dear one, will your hair be a casualty of these treatments? I found the Wrapunzel Foundation when I lost mine due to treatments. Because of the Covid they are not currently sending free care kits BUT they do sell their products and have great. Videos for styling head coverings with scarves. I love wearing my scarves in lovely ways. Check them out. https://wrapunzelfoundation.org/
https://wrapunzel.com/
Bless you and your ircle as you slay this dragon!
I love your posts, they brighten my day. Take care of yourself. Good vibes and prayers coming to you!
Sending all the peace and healing vibes and sincere wishes for the best possible outcome! You are a beautiful person and just lean on your people and let them help. Love to you. Thanks for the tutorial. You look fab in pretty much everything!!!
As a person who has gone through chemotherapy before I lost my hair I had it coloured navy blue. Gotta get the giggles in while you can! I have quarterly treatments now and the nurses are fantastic p, the last one was funny, I was embarrassed because she had me laughing so hard!
Good luck!
Lifting you and your family up in prayers daily. I’ll bet you will be facing those treatments perfectly dressed, knowing you. ~Lisa
Now I don’t have to reject a dress bc it doesn’t have pockets or consider a hideous dress just bc it does. Thanks for making it an easy process.
Sending you good thoughts.
Fabulous Refashion! Keep strong! Your such an amazing person you’ll get thought this❤️
Fab post. Thinking of you both x.
And how fun would that be to have a ring of invisibility tucked away in one of those pockets! This is a really great and useful tutorial, Jillian. Thanks so much! Praying for all of you as you enter this part of your lives. Had to laugh when I read about your Netflix “adventure.” It reminded me of a couple of aid-and-abet times where we (1) filled an ex’s car (VW Beetle, fortunately) with inflated balloons during the night. Would’ve loved to watch him trying to clear those out (we fervently hoped he’d be very late for work! ) And, (2) Sewing ruffles onto the only pair of tennis shorts in a friend’s ex’s drawer. Would’ve loved to been there when he found those, as well! Take good care and know that much love and prayers are being sent your way!
I’ve been adding pockets to all of the pants that don’t have proper pockets. Time to tackle the skirts and dresses 🙂
Dearest, you are in my thoughts. What a fucking shitty year!
Hello, I love your tutorial. Fantastic!
Pockets on a dress are my fav! Thanks for the tutorial.
Best of luck with your chemo treatments! They certainly aren’t fun. I hope they don’t make you feel too sick. They seem pretty few & spread out, so maybe it won’t be so bad. But if it starts to make food taste bad (sort of metallic) try using plastic utensils if & when you even feel like eating… that seemed to be helpful for my fiancé. And join a cancer support group. You come across a lot of sad stories, but even more inspiring, beautiful ones! Also, you can interact with people & caregivers who are experiencing the same disease, some with similar experiences and others quite different. The pancreatic cancer support group I joined on FB was invaluable during the toughest year of my life. Sending positive, healing thoughts your way!
A dress without pockets is not a good dress. Thanks for the info. Keep busy using your creativity – its fantastic therapy. I am sending you positive vibes always.
This is the perfect dress to kick ass in! Sending you and yours love.
Praying for you and all your family for strength for the journey. We adore you and thank you for all you give to us! Much healing love to you. Hugs!
You’ve got this. Sending positive vibes your way.
Excellent tutorial – thank you!
Best of luck with those chemo treatments. I bet you’re looking stylish as you do it, too 🙂
Sending you prayers and peace…
Pockets for the win! Love everything about this. Sending you all the good vibes you can handle <3
Thanks for the pocket lesson. You have been in my thoughts. Hugs from Canada!
Been praying for you.
Super cute dress! The shorter length and pockets make it even better! Thank you for the detailed tutorial.
I’m glad you started your treatment plan and we all know you will battle through it with all you’ve got! Take good care of yourself!
Keep on keepin’ on! We love you and all the shares you’ve shared . . . and wunnerful positive energy you spread in the world!!!
Thank you for the inspiration! I have three dresses are sadly lacking in pockets, and now I know how to remedy that!
As an Ovarian Cancer survivor for 26 years now, you’ve got this. Your sisters in teal are sending you strength.
I tried Responding to your last post, but it wouldn’t let me. Just wanted to say, I’m thinking of you!
Everything about this is fantastic, and I wish you the best.
Gorgeous dress, all dresses should have pocketsess. Sending healing vibes your way xx
I so love getting your messages. I am really sorry to hear of cancer invading your body. Its a horrible disease. I will be praying for you. Jackie B.
Great job! All dresses and pants should have pockets.