Knitting & crochet
Creative techniques for adding pockets and functional compartments to knitted garments and accessories.
Discover practical, stylish ways to weave pockets, hidden compartments, and organized spaces into knitted projects, enhancing everyday wear and utility without sacrificing comfort, aesthetics, or fabric integrity.
July 17, 2025 - 3 min Read
Pockets in knitted pieces began as simple extensions of fabric, but clever designers have transformed them into durable, integrated features. The key is choosing the right placement early in your pattern planning, aligning pocket openings with natural hand positions, and ensuring the fabric tension remains consistent around the pocket. When you knit pockets directly into a garment, you gain a clean, seamless look and reduce bulk. Techniques such as knitting from the garment fabric inward, or adding a gusset to widen the pocket, help maintain drape and comfort. Weaving in a pocket gets trickier with patterned stitches, yet it offers a refined finish that supports daily use.
To add functionality without bulk, consider using modular pockets that can be attached later or detachable options for laundering ease. Knit a simple square, then sew it into the garment with invisible mattress stitching, ensuring rows align with the surface texture. For accessories like hats or scarves, a small pocket can be knitted separately and anchored with a few secure stitches along the lining edge. If you anticipate frequent access, position the pocket entrance at a natural handline and reinforce the edge with a garter or slip-stitch border. Always test the pocket’s tolerance with a light item before finalizing stitching or closures.
Detachable and hidden compartments for clean lines and versatility.
The first principle is access and comfort. Place pockets where hands naturally rest, such as the hip or side seam of a sweater, or near the brim of a hat for quick stowage. When working with colorwork or texture, choose pocket panels that echo the motion of the fabric and don’t disrupt the pattern. A shallow, softly rounded pocket opening is friendlier to fingers than a stiff rectangle, particularly in lighter yarns. To maintain structure, incorporate a small gusset or a reinforced border around the pocket mouth, using a contrasting stitch that doesn’t cling when the garment moves. The goal is a pocket that is useful without drawing attention away from the garment’s design.
Aesthetics matter just as much as function. Matching yarn weight and fiber content across the pocket and main fabric preserves drape, while choosing a fiber with a bit of stretch helps keep the pocket from sagging. If you’re working with a textured stitch, consider a pocket knit in stockinette or garter to reduce puckering at the opening. Lining pockets with a thin fabric or knit-plied piece can dramatically extend their life and keep items from snagging. When sewing in pockets, use a nearly invisible stitch line on the garment’s outside and a robust, color-matched seam inside to prevent wear from daily use.
Proportions and stitch choices that maintain comfort and structure.
Detachable pockets are ideal for garments that require washing or changing functions. Knit a pocket pouch with a narrow opening and attach it with small buttons or snaps that blend with the garment’s texture. The pouch can be slid in and out, allowing for easy removal during laundering. For a hidden approach, embed a pocket within the lining or create a faux welt that hides the opening beneath a fold of fabric. This keeps the exterior sleek while granting storage space for keys, cards, or small tools. Remember to reinforce the attachment points so everyday movement doesn’t loosen the pocket over time.
When adding compartments to accessories, such as bags or mitts, consider modular seams that preserve flexibility. A zippered inner pocket made from a complementary scrap fabric can be stitched into a lining, providing secure storage. In mitten designs, add a compact pocket on the interior cuff, finished with a tidy seam and a soft border that won’t irritate skin. For scarves and cowls, a slim, flat pocket along the edge offers practical storage without adding bulk near the neck. Always verify that the pocket opening stays accessible while wearing, and ensure the pocket doesn’t interfere with the garment’s closure or fit.
Clever closures and reinforcements to secure contents.
Gauge consistency is essential when integrating pockets into knitted pieces. Uneven fabric around a pocket can cause distortion, especially on sweaters or fitted accessories. To minimize this, maintain the same needle size and tension within the pocket areas as the rest of the fabric. If a patterned fabric requires a pocket, consider knitting the pocket on a held garment panel to avoid pulling. A subtle increase along the pocket edge can help support the opening, while avoiding bulk. When shaping pockets parallel to the fabric’s grain, ensure the pocket’s facing edges align neatly with hems or seams for a tidy finish.
Stitch texture around the pocket can act as a decorative element and reinforcement. For example, a tidy row of slip-stitch or single-crochet around the pocket mouth adds durability without visible bulk. In sparkly or fuzzy yarns, choose a micro-border in a simple knit or purl that stays discreet yet strong. Consider adding a secondary pocket inside the main pocket for even more capacity, using a lighter yarn to reduce weight and keep the accessory comfortable to wear. The interplay of textures can highlight both function and style, making pockets an intentional design feature rather than an afterthought.
Testing, care, and long-term use of pockets in knitwear.
Closures protect items in pockets during movement and wash cycles. Lightweight buttons, toggles, magnetic snaps, or hook-and-eye closures can be integrated into knit pockets with careful planning. For knitted garments, choosing closures that mirror the garment’s aesthetic—wooden buttons on rustic designs, ceramic on modern patterns—helps maintain a cohesive look. When using zippers, select coil types suitable for yarn-based fabrics and reinforce zipper ends with fabric bands attached to the pocket to reduce stress. Reinforcement is especially important at the pocket mouth, where frequent opening and closing can loosen stitches. Thoughtful closures turn a simple pocket into a durable, everyday feature.
Another practical reinforcement is to stabilize the pocket’s edges with a lining or fusing that’s compatible with the knit’s elasticity. A lightweight interfacing behind a pocket mouth can prevent sagging and create a crisp edge. If you sew a fabric lining, ensure it’s washable and colorfast to avoid staining the garment. For hand-knit pieces, you can simulate a lining by binding the pocket edges with a firm slip-stitch around the interior. The combination of a secure opening and stable edges will keep contents secure while preserving the garment’s shape and comfort.
Before finishing, test each pocket with typical items to assess how it alters the garment’s silhouette and movement. A shallow test with a few coins, keys, or cards helps reveal bulk points and edge wear. If a pocket shows too much bulge, consider resizing or adding a slight taper to the pocket opening to maintain a flattering line. After washing, inspect fabric integrity around the pocket and reseat any loose stitches. Regular maintenance—snugging up initial seam lines or re-stitching pocket borders—extends the life of the pocket. Good care ensures pockets remain functional without compromising wearability.
Finally, consider the garment’s overall style and wearer needs when designing pockets. For travel bags or outerwear, extra capacity and secure closures are paramount, while for everyday sweaters, hidden or decorative pockets may suffice. Encourage experimentation with pocket shapes—rounded squares, teardrops, or vertical slots—that suit body contours and clothing lines. By integrating pockets thoughtfully, you transform knitwear from simple warmth into versatile, practical pieces that invite daily use and express personal taste. The best pockets feel invisible when worn and indispensable when needed.
