Sew back patch jeans pocket #TH04
In the following video and illustrated text instructions, I explain how to sew a patch pocket on the back of a pair of jeans and what you need to bear in mind.
1. This is required
![smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of a pair of jeans - required pattern pieces and materials smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of a pair of jeans - required pattern pieces and materials](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/jeans-hosentasche-aufgesetzt-naehen-lernen-DIY-1-benoetigte-materialien.jpg)
Pattern pieces made from main fabric:
- patch pocket (TA HH) – 1 pair
- back pieces (HH), where the yoke and back seams are already joined
Tools and aids:
- the paper template for the finished pocket (P-TAHF)
- the paper template for pocket position (P-TAHP)
- the template for pocket decorative topstitching (P-TAH), if applicable
- pins and/or clips
- scissors
- tailor’s chalk or marking pen
- copy paper and copy wheel for transferring the decorative stitching if necessary
Tip
If you are using selvage denim, you can create a great highlight by using the selvedge as the top edge of the jeans pocket. To do this, fold the pattern piece along the marked line and place it on the selvedge.
2. Apply decorative stitching
![smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of jeans template with decorative stitching smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of jeans template with decorative stitching](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/jeans-hosentasche-aufgesetzt-naehen-lernen-DIY-2a-schablone-mit-ziersteppungen.jpg)
I start with the decorative topstitching to the trouser pocket. The shape can vary depending on the design. If you are working without decorative topstitching, you can continue reading here.
![smartPATTERN Sewing instructions for back patch pocket of a pair of jeans-jeans-pocket-patch-learning-DIY-2b-copy-paper-to-transfer-the-stitching smartPATTERN Sewing instructions for back patch pocket of a pair of jeans-jeans-pocket-patch-learning-DIY-2b-copy-paper-to-transfer-the-stitching](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/jeans-hosentasche-aufgesetzt-naehen-lernen-DIY-2b-Kopierpapier-zum-uebertragen-der-ziersteppungen.jpg)
I use copy paper to transfer the decorative stitching.
![smartPATTERN sewing instructions for patch back pocket of jeans-transferring the decorative stitching with copy paper smartPATTERN sewing instructions for patch back pocket of jeans-transferring the decorative stitching with copy paper](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/jeans-hosentasche-aufgesetzt-naehen-lernen-DIY-2c-uebertragen-des-Steppverlaufs-mit-kopierrad.jpg)
I place the tracing paper with the colored side on the fabric of the left trouser pocket so that I can still reach the edges to place and align the template. I trace the gradient with the copy wheel and transfer the color to the right side of the fabric. For parallel stitching, it is sufficient to transfer only one of the courses of lines.
![smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of a pair of jeans-transferred decorative quilting pattern smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of a pair of jeans-transferred decorative quilting pattern](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/jeans-hosentasche-aufgesetzt-naehen-lernen-DIY-2d-tasche-mit-uebertragenen-steppverlaufen.jpg)
I mirror the template for the right trouser pocket and repeat the steps.
![smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of jeans-stitching the decorative seams smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of jeans-stitching the decorative seams](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/jeans-hosentasche-aufgesetzt-naehen-lernen-DIY-2e-ziersteppungen-aufbringen.jpg)
Now it’s time for the sewing machine. I stitch exactly on the markings.
![smartPATTERN sewing instructions for patch back pocket of denim trousers - brushing out the color of the copy paper smartPATTERN sewing instructions for patch back pocket of denim trousers - brushing out the color of the copy paper](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/jeans-hosentasche-aufgesetzt-naehen-lernen-DIY-2f-farbe-des-kopierpapiers-ausbuersten.jpg)
After topstitching, I brush the color of the copy paper out of the fabric as best I can. I have chosen a paper that matches the color of my topstitching thread. This means that it is not noticeable if the copy paper colour is not completely removed.
![smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of jeans - ironing the decorative stitching smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of jeans - ironing the decorative stitching](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/jeans-hosentasche-aufgesetzt-naehen-lernen-DIY-2g-ziersteppungen-ueberbuegeln.jpg)
Finally, I iron the topstitching.
Finish the top edge of the pocket
![smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of a pair of jeans - ironing over the turn-in at the fly smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of a pair of jeans - ironing over the turn-in at the fly](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/fold-seam-allowance-at-jeans-patch-pocket-entry.jpg)
Next I fold the top edge to the wrong side at the notches.
![smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of denim trousers, iron halfway to the opening edge smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of denim trousers, iron halfway to the opening edge](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/fold-half-seam-allowance-at-jeans-patch-pocket-entry.jpg)
Then I fold the fold in half and press this edge over too.
![smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of a pair of jeans - iron double turn-in smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of a pair of jeans - iron double turn-in](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/jeans-hosentasche-aufgesetzt-naehen-lernen-DIY-3c-doppelten-einschlag-buegeln.jpg)
Now iron and pin the double fold in place.
![smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of a pair of jeans - stitching the turn-in to the opening edge smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of a pair of jeans - stitching the turn-in to the opening edge](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/jeans-hosentasche-aufgesetzt-naehen-lernen-DIY-3d-einschlag-feststecken.jpg)
![smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of jeans - topstitch pocket opening smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of jeans - topstitch pocket opening](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/jeans-hosentasche-aufgesetzt-naehen-lernen-DIY-3e-einschlag-feststeppen.jpg)
The fold is 20 mm wide here, so I topstitch it with 2 mm less width, i.e. with 18 mm distance fro the edge with contrasting colored thread from the outside. You can also fold over once and finish the cut edge with an overlocker. Then you can cut back the seam allowance a little if necessary. It should be approx. 5 mm wider than the desired topstitching width.
4. Iron over the pocket edges
![smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of jeans - place finished pocket template on left side of fabric smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of jeans - place finished pocket template on left side of fabric](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/jeans-hosentasche-aufgesetzt-naehen-lernen-DIY-4a-fertige-taschenschablone-platzieren.jpg)
Then press the side edges over 1 cm wide. I use the template of the finished trouser pocket as an ironing aid. The template is placed so that its side notch is on the corresponding notch of the trouser pocket. The 1 cm wide seam allowance remains visible at the sides and bottom.
![smartPATTERN sewing instructions for patch pocket on the back of a pair of jeans - press over the side pocket edges smartPATTERN sewing instructions for patch pocket on the back of a pair of jeans - press over the side pocket edges](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/jeans-hosentasche-aufgesetzt-naehen-lernen-DIY-4b-seitliche-kanten-umbuegeln.jpg)
I press the seam allowance of the trouser pocket along the template.
![smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of a pair of jeans - flatten ironed edges with wood smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of a pair of jeans - flatten ironed edges with wood](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/jeans-hosentasche-aufgesetzt-naehen-lernen-DIY-4c-seitliche-kanten-umbuegeln-mit-holz.jpg)
I use an (unpainted) wooden brush or a clapper as an aid and place it on the pressed seam allowance. The wood draws heat and moisture out of the fabric and helps the seam allowance to lie flatter.
![smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of jeans - pocket prepared for sewing on smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of jeans - pocket prepared for sewing on](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/jeans-hosentasche-aufgesetzt-naehen-lernen-DIY-4d-vorbereitete-tasche.jpg)
5. Iron over pocket edges for round pocket shape
![smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of a pair of jeans - finished pocket template - reinforced with cardboard smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of a pair of jeans - finished pocket template - reinforced with cardboard](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/jeans-hosentasche-aufgesetzt-naehen-lernen-DIY-5a-schablone-mit-pappe-verstaerken.jpg)
If you have decided on a rounded bag shape, I recommend sticking the finished bag template onto cardboard to reinforce it.
![smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of a pair of jeans - ironing the rounded pocket shape smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of a pair of jeans - ironing the rounded pocket shape](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/jeans-hosentasche-aufgesetzt-naehen-lernen-DIY-5b-runde-taschenform-buegeln.jpg)
This makes it easier to press the seam allowance along the edge. You will need a little patience and skill.
![jeans-hosentasche-aufgesetzt-naehen-lernen-DIY-5c-vorbereitete-gerundete-tasche](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/jeans-hosentasche-aufgesetzt-naehen-lernen-DIY-5c-vorbereitete-gerundete-tasche.jpg)
6. Alternative method for round pocket shape
![smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of a pair of jeans - align the fabric with the grain of the pocket for overlocking smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of a pair of jeans - align the fabric with the grain of the pocket for overlocking](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/gerundete-jeans-hosentasche-naehen-lernen-DIY-5aa-Stoff-zum-verstuerzen-der-Taschenkante-im-gleichen-Fadenlauf.jpg)
Alternatively, the pocket edges can be sewn onto lining fabric and turned. I need a piece of thin fabric, e.g. calico or lining fabric, and place it under my pocket with the grain of both fabrics running in the same direction.
Marking
![smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of a pair of jeans - transfer the slant of the opening edge to the nettle fabric smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of a pair of jeans - transfer the slant of the opening edge to the nettle fabric](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/gerundete-jeans-hosentasche-naehen-lernen-DIY-5ab-schraege-der-eingriffkante-auf-nessel-anzeichnen.jpg)
Then I draw the line of the pocket opening.
![smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of jeans - create pocket and transfer shape to fabric smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of jeans - create pocket and transfer shape to fabric](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/cut-lining-for-round-patch-pocket.jpg)
I push the folded edge of my bag up to this mark and transfer the pocket shape to the fabric.
![smartPATTERN sewing instructions for patch back pocket of a pair of jeans - mark composition markings on pocket and fabric smartPATTERN sewing instructions for patch back pocket of a pair of jeans - mark composition markings on pocket and fabric](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/gerundete-jeans-hosentasche-naehen-lernen-DIY-5ad-zusammensetzmarkierungen-an-tasche-und-nessel-zeichnen.jpg)
Then I draw assembly markings at the side notches and before and after the curves on the pocket and fabric.
![smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of jeans- mark 4mm distance from pocket shape to the inside smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of jeans- mark 4mm distance from pocket shape to the inside](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/gerundete-jeans-hosentasche-naehen-lernen-DIY-5ae-4mm-abstand-von-verstuerzkante-nach-innen-kennzeichnen.jpg)
I put the trouser pockets to one side and mark a 4 mm edge distance inside the pocket shape.
![smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of a pair of denim trousers-Extend the composition markings on the nettle fabric inwards smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of a pair of denim trousers-Extend the composition markings on the nettle fabric inwards](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/gerundete-jeans-hosentasche-naehen-lernen-DIY-5aj-zusammensetzknipse-nach-innen-verlaengern.jpg)
Then I extend the composition markings inwards …
![smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of a pair of jeans - cut out nettle fabric smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of a pair of jeans - cut out nettle fabric](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/gerundete-jeans-hosentasche-naehen-lernen-DIY-5ag-zurechtschneiden-nessel.jpg)
… and cut the fabric along the inner marking maintaining the 4mm distance from the edge.
![smartPATTERN sewing instructions for patch back pocket of a pair of jeans - clipping in the assembly markings on the nettle blank smartPATTERN sewing instructions for patch back pocket of a pair of jeans - clipping in the assembly markings on the nettle blank](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/gerundete-jeans-hosentasche-naehen-lernen-DIY-5ah-zusammensetzmarkierungen-am-nessel-einknipsen.jpg)
I tcut 5mm notches into the lining pieces at the markings.
![smartPATTERN sewing instructions for patch back pocket of a pair of denim trousers - clipping in assembly markings on pocket smartPATTERN sewing instructions for patch back pocket of a pair of denim trousers - clipping in assembly markings on pocket](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/gerundete-jeans-hosentasche-naehen-lernen-DIY-5ai-zusammensetzmarkierungen-an-tasche-einknipsen.jpg)
I place the trouser pockets on top of each other matching the edges and clip in the markings here too.
![smartPATTERN sewing instructions for patch back pocket of a pair of jeans - pin outer edges together at notches smartPATTERN sewing instructions for patch back pocket of a pair of jeans - pin outer edges together at notches](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/gerundete-jeans-hosentasche-naehen-lernen-DIY-5ak-aussenkanten-zusammenstecken.jpg)
Then I lay the trouser pockets so that the right side of the fabric is facing me. I lay the prepared fabric pieces on top and pin both pieces together exactly at the notches.
![smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of a pair of jeans - right sides together smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of a pair of jeans - right sides together](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/gerundete-jeans-hosentasche-naehen-lernen-DIY-5-zusammengeseteckte-aussenkanten.jpg)
Sew trouser pocket
![smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of jeans- sew outer edges together at notches smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of jeans- sew outer edges together at notches](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/gerundete-jeans-hosentasche-naehen-lernen-DIY-5al-aussenkanten-zusammensteppen.jpg)
The fabric is now sewn along the edge of the pocket with an 8 mm seam allowance. As the lining fabric is smaller than the outer pocket, I pull the fabric up to the notch and make sure that the cut edges are on top of each other.
![smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of a pair of jeans - cut seam allowance back to 3 mm width at rounding smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of a pair of jeans - cut seam allowance back to 3 mm width at rounding](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/gerundete-jeans-hosentasche-naehen-lernen-DIY-5am-nahtzugabe-zurueckschneiden.jpg)
I cut back the shortened seam allowance along the curve and at the corner to a width of approx. 3 mm.
![smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of a pair of jeans - turn turned outside edge smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of a pair of jeans - turn turned outside edge](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/gerundete-jeans-hosentasche-naehen-lernen-DIY-5an-taschen-nach-aussen-wenden.jpg)
Now turn the pocket right sides out at the opening edge.
![smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of a pair of jeans - iron turned outer edge with 2 mm outer fabric piping smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of a pair of jeans - iron turned outer edge with 2 mm outer fabric piping](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/gerundete-jeans-hosentasche-naehen-lernen-DIY-5ao-taschenkante-mit-paspelierung-buegeln.jpg)
The edge is ironed in place, leaving approx. 2 mm of the main fabric visible all around the seam.
![smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of a pair of jeans - cut out the nettle fabric on the inside of the pocket at 15 mm edge distance smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of a pair of jeans - cut out the nettle fabric on the inside of the pocket at 15 mm edge distance](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/gerundete-jeans-hosentasche-naehen-lernen-DIY-5ap-nesselstoff-zurueckschneiden.jpg)
I mark 15 mm from the edge and cut out the lining fabric at this distance. This ensures that it stays in place when the trouser pocket is subsequently topstitched (e.g. with 2 and 8mm stitching distance).
![smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of a pair of jeans - inside view of the finished pocket smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of a pair of jeans - inside view of the finished pocket](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/gerundete-jeans-hosentasche-naehen-lernen-DIY-5ar-fertige-tasche-Innenansicht.jpg)
![smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of a pair of jeans - exterior view of the finished pocket smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of a pair of jeans - exterior view of the finished pocket](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/gerundete-jeans-hosentasche-naehen-lernen-DIY-5as-fertige-tasche-aussenansicht.jpg)
7. Place trouser pocket on back leg pieces
![smartPATTERN sewing instructions for patch back pocket of a pair of jeans - place pocket marker template on the left smartPATTERN sewing instructions for patch back pocket of a pair of jeans - place pocket marker template on the left](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/mark-patch-pocket-postion-on-left-back-jeans-piece.jpg)
Now I put my back trousers in front of me so that the right side is facing me. I place the template for the pocket position on the left trouser piece so that it lies against the right topstitching seam of the seat seam and with the top edge against the yoke seam. Then I transfer a few points of the pocket position onto the fabric at the top and sides with chalk.
![smartPATTERN sewing instructions for patch back pocket of a pair of jeans - place pocket marker template on the right side smartPATTERN sewing instructions for patch back pocket of a pair of jeans - place pocket marker template on the right side](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/mark-patch-pocket-postion-on-right-back-jeans-piece.jpg)
For the right pocket position, I mirror the pocket position template and then proceed in the same way. This time, the template must be placed against the left stitching of the seat seam so that the pockets have the same visual distance from the seat seam stitching.
![smartPATTERN sewing instructions for patch back pocket of denim trousers - place pocket on right trouser part smartPATTERN sewing instructions for patch back pocket of denim trousers - place pocket on right trouser part](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/jeans-hosentasche-aufgesetzt-naehen-lernen-DIY-6c-Tasche-rechts-platzieren.jpg)
I now place the pockets on this marking and pin them at the side edges.
![smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket on denim pants- pockets placed on pants smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket on denim pants- pockets placed on pants](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/place-patch-pocked-at-back-piece.jpg)
To align the pockets to the correct trouser leg, I place them so that the notch markings on the sides of the pocket point towards the seat seam.
8. Stitch on trouser pocket
![smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of a pair of jeans - mark the side stitching on the pocket smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of a pair of jeans - mark the side stitching on the pocket](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/jeans-hosentasche-aufgesetzt-naehen-lernen-DIY-7a-seitlichen-steppungverlauf-uebertragen.jpg)
Now I stitch the trouser pockets on. I use the topstitching guide of the template for the finished trouser pocket as a guide. In my example, the inner, second stitching is wider towards the top. I transfer this measurement from the template to the pockets beforehand. Of course you can design the topstitching according to your personal preferences.
![smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of a pair of jeans - straighten the presser foot with the fabric remnant in front of you smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of a pair of jeans - straighten the presser foot with the fabric remnant in front of you](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/jeans-hosentasche-aufgesetzt-naehen-lernen-DIY-7b-naehfuss-gerade-stellen.jpg)
If there is a difference in height in the material, I make sure to set my presser foot straight to get a nice, even stitch pattern. To do this, I place a piece of fabric under the presser foot.
![smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of a pair of denim trousers - use awl to push the seam opening on the fly inwards smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of a pair of denim trousers - use awl to push the seam opening on the fly inwards](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/jeans-hosentasche-aufgesetzt-naehen-lernen-DIY-7c-nahteinschlag-am-eingriff-einschieben.jpg)
I use scissors or an awl to push down the seam allowance at the opening edge so that the fold does not show.
![smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of a pair of jeans - topstitch inner top seam smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of a pair of jeans - topstitch inner top seam](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/jeans-hosentasche-aufgesetzt-naehen-lernen-DIY-7d-innere-Steppnaht.jpg)
![smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of a pair of jeans - topstitch inner top seam to the opening edge smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of a pair of jeans - topstitch inner top seam to the opening edge](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/jeans-hosentasche-aufgesetzt-naehen-lernen-DIY-7d-innere-Steppnaht-oben.jpg)
![smartPATTERN sewing instructions for patch pocket on the back of a pair of jeans - bartack at the pocket opening smartPATTERN sewing instructions for patch pocket on the back of a pair of jeans - bartack at the pocket opening](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/jeans-hosentasche-aufgesetzt-naehen-lernen-DIY-7e-Riegel-am-eingriff.jpg)
The pocket opening can be secured at the top with a bartack or with forward and backward stitches. In the example, I am using a narrow zigzag stitch with a stitch width of 1.5 mm and a stitch length of 0.4 mm.
9. Tip against stretching when topstitching the trouser pocket
![smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of jeans - cut 2 cm wide strips from the sandpaper smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of jeans - cut 2 cm wide strips from the sandpaper](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/jeans-hosentasche-aufgesetzt-naehen-lernen-DIY-8a-sandpapier-streifen-abschneiden.jpg)
If the fabric is cut on the bias, it tends to stretch when sewn together. To avoid this, I use an approx. 2 cm wide strip of fine sandpaper (you can find this in any DIY store) as an aid.
![smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of jeans - strips of fine sandpaper smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of jeans - strips of fine sandpaper](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/jeans-hosentasche-aufgesetzt-naehen-lernen-DIY-8b-sandpapier-streifen-abgeschnitten.jpg)
![smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of jeans - sandpaper strips as a sewing aid to prevent fraying smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of jeans - sandpaper strips as a sewing aid to prevent fraying](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/jeans-hosentasche-aufgesetzt-naehen-lernen-DIY-8c-sandpapier-streifen-als-ausdehnhilfe.jpg)
When sewing, I place this strip next to my desired stitching line under the presser foot and guide it along while sewing. The rough side lies on the fabric. This prevents the fabric from stretching.
![smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of a pair of jeans - finished pockets smartPATTERN sewing instructions for back patch pocket of a pair of jeans - finished pockets](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/jeans-hosentasche-aufgesetzt-naehen-lernen-DIY-9a-fertig.jpg)
And this is what the finished trouser pockets look like.
Below you will find the link to the next step:
If you’re not quite ready yet and perhaps want to start at the beginning, you’ll find some links here: