Ivory Jeans with a Bulk-Free Pocket Method

Jeans with a bulk-free pocket method

I made these white jeans a few weeks ago when our UK weather was still grotty. And it was only recently that I wanted to wear them when I realised I should have blogged about them. Oh well better late than never eh?

I call them jeans, but I wouldn’t really say that they have all the typical jeans features, so perhaps they are just denim trousers….buuut…whatever they are I thought I’d share some of my making techniques with you, which are somewhat different to the norm.

Jeans with a bulk-free pocket method

So the fabric I used is a light-ish weight denim with a bit of stretch from My Fabrics. I will say that I’m not totally smitten with the quality. It just feels as though it could lose it’s stretch easily and could do with being a tiny bit thicker. I have another pair of jeans that I find too thick and stiff, so something in-between would be ideal. Actually, if any of you know where to find a good quality, but not as-stiff-as-a-board, cream or white denim with some stretch then do please let me know in the comments. Anyway, back to these jeans…well I used my basic trouser pattern, which I use for all of my trousers and and added the features that I wanted. Originally, I made my pattern by taking one from a combination of an old pair of  RTW jeans and a pair of firmly woven RTW ponte trousers that seemed to fit me well in the rise and crotch curve. I now use that pattern for all of my trousers and just change up the style for different looks.

Jeans with a bulk-free pocket method

I wanted pockets on my jean/trousers, but I really didn’t want lots of bulk so my solution was to only use a single layer for the pocket bag. Using the pattern piece for the pocket from McCalls 7445 I marked my pocket shape and cut a fairly narrow facing to match (note that I lowered the position of the pocket…I now wish I had moved it back up a little more…oh well!)…So I stitched on the facing, making sure to slash well into the corner…a little tip I use is to add a tiny dab of Fray Check in the corner to stabilise the corner…I then turned it over and under-stitched and topstitched. The next thing I did was to cut one layer of fabric for each pocket in the shape of a pocket bag and overlocked all around the edge. Finally I simply placed it behind the pocket edge and stitched it in position.

Jeans with a bulk-free pocket method. Cutting the pocket opening Cut pocket opening Jeans with a bulk-free pocket method. Trim and slash to the corner, then understitch/topstitch Trim and slash to the corner, then understitch/topstitch Jeans with a bulk-free pocket method. Pocket bag on the inside Pocket bag on the inside .Jeans with a bulk-free pocket method. Finished pocket Finished pocket

I did a low bulk method for my waistband too. I just used the top edge shape of my jeans waist and cut a facing shape for both back and fronts. I interfaced it and instead of sewing it so that it was a standard inside facing, it became a waistband by being on the outside. I stitched it with right side of waistband to wrong side of jeans and folded it to the outside. It was finished off  with a row of understitching and topstitching.

 Jeans with a bulk-free pocket method. Inside of waistband Inside of waistband Jeans with a bulk-free pocket method. Back pocket Back pocket

To finish off my jean trousers I added a couple of patch pockets and just machined up the hems. I’d decided on a length which is cropped and the hem width not to narrow so they won’t get stuck on my calves when I sit and stand, plus they’ll look nice and Summery showing a bit of ankle. I’m quite liking this easy pocket/band method and in fact I’ve already got some pale grey stretch twill cut out in the same style. I think they’ll prove to be a pretty useful wardrobe addition.

Jeans with a bulk-free pocket method

Thanks for reading, my sewing friends…see you next time.

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Jeans with a bulk-free pocket method

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14 Comments

  1. Monika
    June 2, 2017 / 9:47 pm

    they’re fab, absolutely love those pockets

    • Diane G
      June 3, 2017 / 9:07 am

      Ooh good I’m glad you like the pocket idea Monika. Thanks for stopping by for a read x

  2. June 3, 2017 / 9:23 am

    I really like the slightly flared ankle and the pocket finish. I must keep it in mind for next summer.

    • Diane G
      June 3, 2017 / 12:39 pm

      Thanks Andrea, I’ve been trying the slight flared cropped look lately and decided that I like it too. Glad you enjoyed my pocket method.

  3. June 4, 2017 / 7:57 am

    They are really lovely, the pockets are such a good idea and have worked really well.

    • Diane G
      June 4, 2017 / 11:00 am

      Thanks Lets get sewing, it was the first time I tried thus tyoe of pocket and I’m pleased with how they worked.

  4. June 5, 2017 / 12:12 pm

    Beautiful job! These pants look on you perfectly. Bravo!

    • Diane G
      June 5, 2017 / 12:24 pm

      Thank you so much Eli!

  5. Sew Sarah Smith
    June 10, 2017 / 9:20 pm

    Love these! Great idea with the pockets and the waistband/facing idea is 👌🏻 – love your blog! I seriously learn stuff! Xxx

    • Diane G
      June 10, 2017 / 9:25 pm

      Aww thanks Sarah, that’s really kind of you to say that. Xx

  6. Sharan
    June 14, 2017 / 5:37 am

    These are great ideas for the pocket and waistband! Thanks for sharing!

    • Diane G
      June 14, 2017 / 8:12 am

      Great! I’m pleased that you like the ideas Sharan. Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the internet 🙂

  7. Anna Irving
    June 22, 2017 / 10:33 pm

    They look great! I’d love to make a white pair of jeans but would most likely spill something on them, before too long 😩

    • Diane G
      June 23, 2017 / 7:07 am

      Thanks Anna! Well there is always that risk with white…Mind you, I seem to have been quite lucky when ever I’ve worn some….however I’m really good at getting bleach splashes on ordinary blue jeans though 😕

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