Adding Pockets to Knitted Garments
Simple Instructions for Adding a Patch or Knitted-In Pocket.
This article shows the two main techniques for enhancing your knitting with pockets.
It is very straightforward to add a pocket to a sweater or cardigan. There are two main techniques for this. In one case your pocket is on show at the front of the garment, and in the other it is hidden behind your sweater front.
Patch pockets
As the name suggests, these are sewn onto the front of the garment like a patch.
Advantages:
- This type of pocket is useful if you want to set it at an angle to the direction of stitching.
- It is possible to make an interesting design feature of these pockets. For example, the pocket could be an unusual shape, such as a circle, or made of a contrasting yarn.
Disadvantage:
- Because these appear on the front of the item, they do not allow the garment to have a smooth silhouette.
To make a simple patch pocket:
- Cast on the number of stitches required, and work straight in stocking/stockinette stitch until you have reached the length that you want. Ensure that two stitches at each end of each row are in garter stitch, as these will help to prevent the pocket curling
- Edging the pocket - A simple k1, p1 rib for the last few rows of your pocket would be enough to give it a firm edging. However, it is possible to use a more interesting hem, such as a picot edge. For this effect, work the pocket from the top down, so that the picot edge forms the open side of your pocket.
Knitted-in pockets.
These are more traditional lined pockets which sit behind the main fabric of the garment.
Advantage:
- This type of pocket gives a classic line, perfect for more tailored garments.
Disadvantage:
- These pockets can only be inserted along a row of knitting, and so the placing of them is more restricted.
To knit in a pocket.
- Before you start the part of your garment to which your pockets will be added, you must first make your pocket linings. These are usually made in the same yarn as your garment, but can be a good way to use up oddments. Simply ensure that the yarn you are using is the same thickness.
- Cast on as many stitches as you need, and work straight in stocking stitch until you have reached the required depth of your pocket, ending with a wrong side row. Do not cast off. Place the stitches onto a stitch holder, or a spare needle.
- When the required number of pocket backs has been made, you can now start on the piece of your garment in question. Work as per your pattern until you reach the point where you’d like the top of the pocket to be. For example, if your cardigan front is 80 stitches wide, and you want your 30 stitch pocket to go into the middle, then work 25 stitches.
- Slip the next thirty stitches on to a separate stitch holder, and instead knit across the top of your pocket lining, before continuing with the rest of the row. Carry on knitting until you have finished the piece.
- To make up: working from the stitch holder, work the edging for your pocket top (eg a rib, to match the waistband and cuffs of your garment).
- To finish, simply sew the edges of this rib to the body of the fabric, and sew your pocket lining into place.
The copyright of the article Adding Pockets to Knitted Garments in Knitting Patterns & Techniques is owned by Lesley Arnold-Hopkins. Permission to republish Adding Pockets to Knitted Garments must be granted by the author in writing.
