Sunday, May 2, 2010

Pocket Problem! HELP!?

I'm working on my first pair of summer shorts, using an old pattern from the stash, McCalls 5393 (oop 2007).  When I opened the envelope I found that it had already been cut to size 14, although I don't remember when!  My favorite RTW shorts feature the same type of slant pockets and low-rise (no) waistband.  I grabbed some stretch twill from the fabric stash (1 yard), and whipped a pair up to check the sizing.

The good news is... they mostly fit.  They need a 1/2" pinched in at the center back top, and I might add a little to the top to prevent panty-peekage, as the finished top edge sits about 1/2" below my navel.  (The really good news is that last season's shorts are too big!)

The bad news is... the pockets pull open, which I hate.  I could stitch them shut, but that defeats the purpose of having pockets, which I frequently use in my favorite shorts.  When I pin them closed, I love the fit, so I don't think I should go up a size.

So, what's the trick?  I know there must be one out there somewhere.  How do you keep pocket openings flat?  Sorry I have no pics to show you, the photographer is otherwise engaged!  Thanks in advance!

ETA: Thank you for the quick reply, ladies!  I'm going to stitch around the pocket bag on this version, and try extending it into the fly on the next version.  I didn't expect any feedback until tomorrow, so this was a pleasant surprise!  You guys are the best!!!

9 comments:

becki-c said...

would you consider putting a button there to hold them shut? I had a pair of pants like that once and it bugged me so much that I never used them and eventually sewed them shut.

Michelle said...

How are the pocket bags shaped? Are they ones that just hang inside the pants, or are they the ones that have the extension that gets sewn into the fly? Burda does the latter often, and I have found that those don't gape open as much. Maybe you could pull out an old Burda and use it to redraw your pocket? Or...if the short is casual enough, could you stitch around the pocket bag like on the Marrakesh Pant? Those pockets don't gape open at all.

Anonymous said...

I have a pair cargo pants from Banana Republic--long,long time ago and they are still my favorite comfy pant! The pockets are closed with a square of velcro. Works well. Good luck!

Jenny said...

I hate that problem! I don't know any secret tricks. It seems like you have already sewn them so I would agree with Michelle- and try to topstitch along the outline of the pocket, which might prevent them from pulling. I would love to know if there's a secret trick out there as well!

KID, MD said...

I was going to suggest the sewn in the fly thing like Michelle. The other Kristine had a tutorial on her blog... I found it! http://beangirldesign.blogspot.com/2010/02/forever-in-blue-jeans-not.html

Beangirl said...

I'm not sure I'd call that a tutorial, exactly, but it's a good way to do pockets. I'm not totally sure it would solve your problem tho. I think that if RTW use buttons and velcro, there's probably a reason why. I like the velcro idea I think.

debbie said...

Try pulling the top of the pocket about 1/8-1/4" higher into the waistband. It takes a bit of the slack out and makes it hug the hip better.
That's worked for me on slant pockets before.

Also did you stabilze the stitch line before you sewed so it didn't stretch?

Linda L said...

I like Debbie's suggestion; yet buttons and velcro sound like an easier solution since you have completed them.

Bunny said...

Did you tape the pockets edge? Use either twill tape or selvedge. Cut it to the exact length of the pocket edge. Now cut off 1/8 inch. Ease the pocket on to the tape and then install. I would do this as well as use the extension that goes into the fly. Cool trick? connect the pocket bag inside edge to a piece of power net and use that to extend into the fly. Instant spanks and flat tummy. I haven't done this in a while but used to do it whenever I used those slant pockets. Let us know what you decide.