Change Pockets on Vogue 1051

I have made this pattern three times now. I love the cut of these slacks, so I know I'll use it again. I want a black and dark brown pair, and wouldn't mind a khaki set either. I tend to buy the same cut of slacks again and again, so I don't necessarily mind having a wardrobe full of the same slacks, I just don't particularily like the welted front pockets in this pattern.

I decided to mix up this pair a wee bit.

First, I changed the front pockets from welted to a standard pocket. Second, I only kept one back pocket. This is my tutorial for switching out the welted front pockets with what I will call "regular" pockets. It can also be used to add pockets to any slacks pattern that does not have them... probably a skirt or dress too. I'll have to try it and let you know. I just love pockets, don't you??

Note: Click on any picture to enlarge.

First, figure out the shape you want for your pocket opening and pockets themselves. In this picture, you can see the pink line, which is the pocket opening, and the blue line, which is the pocket lining.

I just free-handed this in the shape I wanted. I don't like my pockets to be too deep, and this is about an inch bigger than my hand to account for seam allowance (see edit at the bottom of this post).

Cut out the pants along the pink line, and around the rest of the top of the pattern piece. Transfer all the markings from the pattern onto your paper.

Now you have a new pattern piece. :)

Next, trace your pocket to another piece of paper and cut out your pocket pattern piece:

You can see that I also transferred the pink line, which is for the pocket front. Technically, you should cut two pattern pieces out -- one for the back of the pocket, one for the front -- but I didn't because I'm lazy.

Here are the pockets all cut out:

Now you’re ready to sew! The next steps will replace steps 1-11 in the pattern.

Step 1: Right sides together, sew your pocket front to your pants front along the pocket opening:

Step 2: Understitch, and trim the seam

Step 3: Right sides together and keeping the pants front piece free, sew the pocket front to the pocket back.

                                      Keep the Pants Front piece free from stitching.

                            
Step 4: Stitch seam again ¼” inch

Step 5: Tack down the sides and top of the pockets to the pants front piece.

Step 6: Admire!

See? Easy peasy, Japaneasy! I only have one edit... I cut these pockets waaaaaaaay to shallow. The better rule of thumb would be to cut the depth of the pocket one hand deep from the bottom of the pocket opening. So basically, I cut here...

when I should have cut here....

Make sense??  Please let me know if I can clarify anything or if you have any questions!