Please LOGIN or Join PatternReview

Go to Page: 1 of 1

How would you alter RTW pants? These slant pockets are bugging me!!!
quathy   Intermediate CA USA Member since 6/3/06 Posts: 757	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 10/2/12 5:46 PM I completely ran out of time to sew, and needed pants in a hurry, so I bought some. And a pretty good fit - not bad at all! - I've even traced off a pattern hoping to someday copy them! As much as I like them, these pants remind me why I prefer to make them. For one, I wouldn't have made the welt pockets too short to actually use. If I have to wear this bulky flapped welt pocket, I might at least get to use the pocket! And the waistband... a sway back never fits into RTW pants... so another alteration coming there. But what really gets my goat is these pockets. Slanted side pockets are back in style. These were nicely basted shut so I didn't notice them at first, but once basting is removed, pop! They stick out like elephant ears! I don't want to re-baste them closed, because I like to use my pockets. Can I fix these without taking them all apart? I'm wondering if I put some elastic just to the inside of the pocket, would that hold them shut? Or would it gather up the fabric when I'm standing and look strange? Has anyone done this?
Amy-may Intermediate IL USA Member since 6/7/05 Posts: 1137	Login to reply to this post 2 members like this. Date: 10/2/12 6:26 PM The only workable thing I've ever come up with is to add a button and button hole to the center of the pocket opening. I know you wanted to keep the functionality, I've given up on that. I sew mine shut and cut out the pocket bag. If you have a pear shaped figure, you just cannot afford the extra bulk or the lovely gaping pocket look.
GlButterfly Intermediate CA USA Member since 8/28/08 Posts: 2390	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 10/2/12 7:04 PM The button and buttonhole idea is a good one. If you can't get the pants under the needle to make a buttonhole, you could try sewing a button on the outside and putting small pieces of Velcro in the pocket and the facing. It would close the pocket, but still be usable. Otherwise, to fix the pocket you would probably need to remove a good part of the waistband and side seams of the pants and it doesn't sound like you have time for that. ------ I have not yet begun to procrastinate
stirwatersblue Intermediate KS USA Member since 12/13/08 Posts: 2471	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 10/2/12 7:58 PM When I saw your subject line, I was going to suggest sewing the pockets shut--an alteration they recommend *all the time* on "What Not to Wear." But since you want to use them, I'm going to go with the button idea. I have two new pairs of RTW pants (some trouser jeans and some capris) that have buttons on the front pockets. On the jeans they're decorative, but they're functional on the capris. They're both welt pockets with a loop for the button, but you could probably use any button/hole configuration you liked. I really just wanted to pipe in and say it's a detail that's very current in RTW, so it's not going to look weird to have your front pockets button shut. I would probably resew one shut and do the button on the other (well, probably buttons on both, but only have one be functional), just to keep the lines as slim as possible, at least on one side. ------ ~Gem in the prairie
diane s Intermediate OR USA Member since 8/24/02 Posts: 3886	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 10/2/12 9:08 PM My daughter had a pair of jeans similar to yours. I sewed the pockets shut.They were a welt and I carefully stitched in the ditch through the previous stitching, so it was invisible. Then I cut the pocket lining off! ------ My grandmother taught me to sew when I was 10, and I've been sewing ever since.
quathy   Intermediate CA USA Member since 6/3/06 Posts: 757	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 10/3/12 0:04 AM Thank you all for the replies and great suggestions! What would I do without you guys??? I think a button would bug me, too. I stick my hands in the pockets often to warm them up, or put my phone or keys in. I'd find a button there hard to deal with, although a welt pocket with loop button closure sure sounds cute! And velcro would be noisy, but maybe... or snaps. Those might be easier to work for me... Anything would certainly be better than the elephant ears!
stirwatersblue Intermediate KS USA Member since 12/13/08 Posts: 2471	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 10/3/12 1:27 PM May I suggest mittens and a purse for the days you wear these pants? LOL (Or combine them with one of those cute tops that has pockets as a design detail.) (I, too, like to slip my phone into my front pocket--but more often than not am wearing pants with no pockets, so I've learned to live with it! My DH may find it more annoying. LOL! "Bring your phone. I don't have pockets.") ------ ~Gem in the prairie

Go to Page: 1 of 1

Please LOGIN or Join PatternReview

Printable Version

* Advertising and soliciting is strictly prohibited on PatternReview.com. If you find a post which is not in agreement with our Terms and Conditions, please click on the Report Post button to report it.