How to Sew a Cargo Pocket: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cargo pockets combine practical storage with rugged style. Learn to sew these versatile pockets for pants, jackets, and bags with this complete tutorial.

Why Choose Cargo Pockets?

✅ Extra Storage – Roomy design for small essentials
✅ Style Upgrade – Adds utilitarian-chic to any garment
✅ Customizable – Choose size, shape, and closures
✅ Durable – Perfect for workwear and outdoor gear

Materials You’ll Need

• Main fabric (match garment weight)

• Interfacing (for flap)

• Sewing machine with heavy-duty needle

• Thread (contrast or matching)

• Scissors and pins

• Closures (buttons, snaps, or Velcro)

• Marking tool

• Iron

• Ruler

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: Prepare Pattern Pieces

1. Cut Main Pocket

   • Desired size + 1″ seam allowance all around

   • Example: For 6×7″ pocket, cut 8×9″ piece

2. Cut Flap Pieces

   • Two identical pieces

   • Add ½” seam allowance

3. Cut Gusset (Optional)

   • For 3D pockets: 1.5″-2″ wide strips

Step 2: Construct Pocket Flap

1. Interface wrong side of one flap piece

2. Place pieces right sides together

3. Stitch around three sides, leaving top open

4. Trim corners, turn right side out

5. Press flat, topstitch ¼” from edge

Step 3: Create Pocket Body

Option A: Flat Pocket

1. Fold top edge: ¼” then ½”

2. Stitch hem in place

3. Press side/bottom edges under ½”

Option B: Pleated Pocket

1. Mark pleat lines on wrong side

2. Fold pleats, baste across top

3. Follow flat pocket steps

Option C: Gusseted Pocket

1. Attach gusset strips to sides/bottom

2. Press seams toward gusset

3. Fold and press top hem

Step 4: Attach to Garment

1. Position Flap

   • Mark placement on garment

   • Pin flap right side down at mark

   • Stitch along top edge

   • Flip down and press

2. Attach Pocket

   • Position pocket below flap

   • Align with garment grain

   • Pin securely

3. Secure Pocket

   • Stitch ⅛” from edge (sides and bottom)

   • Reinforce top corners with triangles or bar tacks

   • Add closure to flap

Pro Techniques

Professional Finishing

• Double Topstitch: ⅛” and ¼” from edges

• Reinforcement: Bar tacks at stress points

• Edge Finish: Serge or zigzag raw edges

• Dividers: Stitch vertical lines inside for organization

Closure Options

Troubleshooting Guide

Design Variations

Military Style

• Angular flap with pointed corners

• Button closure at each bottom corner

• Olive drab or camouflage fabric

Urban Style

• Minimalist rectangular design

• Contrast topstitching

• Metal snap closures

Outdoor Gear

• Water-resistant fabric

• Drainage grommets at bottom

• Reflective tape trim

Final Checklist

✓ Pocket symmetrical and properly aligned
✓ All edges finished securely
✓ Closure functional and durable
✓ Topstitching straight and even
✓ Pleats/gussets evenly distributed
✓ Reinforced stress points

Practice on scrap fabric first, then add custom cargo pockets to jackets, pants, or bags for both style and extra storage space.