Unlock the Secret to Perfectly Knitted Side Pockets in Your Cardigan

Knitting is a beloved craft that has been passed down through generations, but have you ever wanted to take your knitting skills to the next level? If you’re tired of plain and simple cardigans, why not add a functional and stylish touch by learning how to knit side pockets? Not only will this skill add a unique flair to your cardigan, but it will also come in handy for storing small items on-the-go. In this article, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of creating side pockets in your cardigan. So grab your needles and let’s get knitting!

Understanding the Purpose of Side Pockets in Cardigans

Side pockets are a common feature found in cardigans, adding both style and functionality to the garment. They are small compartments usually located at the hips on either side of the cardigan. While they may seem like a simple design element, side pockets serve an important purpose.

One of the main reasons for having side pockets in a cardigan is convenience. They provide a place for you to store small items like keys, phone, or lip balm without having to carry a bag. This is especially useful during colder months when carrying a bag can be a hassle.

In addition to convenience, side pockets also add extra warmth to your hands during chilly weather. Simply tucking your hands into the pockets will keep them warm and cozy. This is particularly useful when you’re outdoors and need to protect your hands from harsh winter winds.

For those who prefer practicality over fashion, side pockets offer a functional solution. They can hold items that you need easy access to, making them perfect for running errands or out for a walk with your dog.

Moreover, side pockets in cardigans also add an interesting design element. They can break up the monotonous look of a plain cardigan and make it more stylish and dynamic. With so many variations in style and placement, they can completely transform the appearance of your cardigan.

How Are Side Pockets Knitted into Cardigans?

Knitting side pockets into a cardigan may seem like a challenging task, but with some basic knitting skills, it can be done easily. Here’s how:

1) First, you need to begin knitting your cardigan as you normally would until you reach the point where the pocket should be placed.

2) Then cast off stitches equal to the desired length of the pocket opening. For example, if your pocket opening needs to be 4 inches long, cast off 8 stitches.

3) Next, using a different color yarn, start knitting the pocket lining. This is the part where your hand will go inside the pocket. Knit until you reach the desired length of your pocket. This will depend on how deep you want your pockets to be.

4) Once your desired length has been reached, it’s time to start knitting the pocket itself. Using the main color yarn, continue knitting across both sides of the cardigan, incorporating the pocket lining into your stitches as you go.

5) After you’ve reached the end of your pocket stitches, knit to the end of your row and then turn to continue knitting in rows for a few more rows. This will create a closed pocket ready for use.

6) Continue knitting as normal and complete your cardigan.

Tips for Knitting Side Pockets in a Cardigan

Knitting side pockets can sometimes be tricky, but with these tips in mind, you’ll be able to incorporate them into any cardigan pattern like a pro:

– Make sure to knit the pockets with strong, durable yarn that won’t stretch or wear out easily. This is important for maintaining stability and longevity of your pockets.
– It’s always best to knit both pockets at once instead of one at a time. This way, you can ensure that they are symmetrical in size and placement.
– Consider using contrasting colors for the pocket linings to add visual interest and make them easier to see.
– If you’re not confident with knitting techniques yet, try practicing on smaller projects first before attempting side pockets on a larger garment.
– Don’t forget to take precise measurements before casting off stitches for the pocket opening. This will ensure that both sides are even and look professional.
– Experiment with different styles and placements of side pockets on your cardigans to find what works best for you.

Trouble-shooting Knitting Side Pockets

Even with precise measurements and careful knitting, mistakes can still happen. Here are some common issues that may arise when knitting side pockets and how to troubleshoot them:

– Uneven pockets: If one pocket is larger than the other, go back and count how many stitches you cast off for each opening. Make sure they are equal on both sides.
– Pockets too small: If your pockets turned out smaller than expected, carefully unpick the pocket stitches and re-knit them to your desired size.
– Holes in the corner of pocket linings: This can happen if you didn’t pick up enough stitches when joining the pocket lining to the main cardigan piece. Simply pick up extra stitches in the corners to close the holes.

Final Thoughts

Adding side pockets to a cardigan is a great way to elevate its style and practicality. Whether you prefer them for convenience or fashion, knowing how to knit side pockets will give you endless options for customizing your own cardigans. With patience, practice, and some creativity, you’ll be able to create unique and functional side pockets in any cardigan pattern. Happy knitting!

The Benefits of Adding Side Pockets to Your Cardigan

Cardigans are a staple in almost every wardrobe. They are versatile, comfortable, and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. However, one of the most frustrating things about cardigans is that they often lack functional pockets. Fortunately, you can easily solve this issue by learning how to knit side pockets in your cardigan.

There are several benefits to adding side pockets to your cardigan. First and foremost, they increase the functionality of your garment. Instead of having to carry a purse or bag, you can simply slip your phone or keys into the pocket of your cardigan. This is especially useful for events where you don’t want to carry too many items with you.

Additionally, side pockets add a touch of convenience to your daily routine. Whether you’re running errands or just lounging around at home, having quick access to your essentials is always a plus. You won’t have to go searching for your phone or wallet when it’s right there in your pocket.

Moreover, side pockets can also elevate the design of your cardigan. Not only will it make it more functional, but it will also make it look more stylish and put-together. You can even get creative with different types of pocket designs and contrasting colors for a unique and personalized look.

Lastly, knowing how to knit side pockets in your cardigan gives you greater knitting flexibility. You won’t have to limit yourself only to patterns that include pockets – instead, you can add them to any cardigan design you like for an extra touch of personalization.

Gathering Materials

Before you start knitting side pockets in your cardigan, you’ll need to gather some materials first. The most important one is yarn that matches the color and weight of the yarn used in your cardigan. You’ll also need knitting needles (circular or straight), a tapestry needle, and scissors.

To make sure your pockets turn out the right size and shape, it’s essential to have a knitting pattern or measurements of your cardigan on hand. You’ll also need basic knitting skills such as casting on, knitting, purling, and binding off.

Depending on the design of your pockets, you may also need additional materials such as buttons or zippers for closure. You can also get creative and add embroidery or other embellishments to your pockets for a more unique look.

Knitting the Pockets

Once you have all your materials gathered, it’s time to start knitting! If you’re using a pattern that includes pockets, simply follow the instructions provided. However, if you’re adding pockets to an existing cardigan design, here is a general guide on how to knit side pockets:

1. Determine the placement of your pockets and mark them with stitch markers.
2. Using a long-tail cast-on method, cast on the desired number of stitches for one pocket.
3. Knit in the desired stitch pattern until the pocket reaches your desired length.
4. To create room for your hand to fit into the pocket, use a provisional cast-on method to cast on additional stitches at the bottom of the pocket.
5. Next, join your two sets of stitches together by working in rounds (if using circular needles) or sewing them together with a tapestry needle (if using straight needles).
6. Once all stitches are joined together, continue knitting in rounds until you reach the top row of your cardigan.
7. Bind off all stitches except for those at the top row – these will be used to attach your pocket to the cardigan.
8. To attach your pocket to the cardigan, sew it onto the corresponding side at each stitch marker point.

Repeat these steps for each side pocket until complete.

Adding Closure and Finishing Touches

After knitting the pockets and attaching them to your cardigan, you can add a closure if desired. This can be done by sewing on buttons or attaching a zipper to both sides of the pocket openings. Make sure the closure is secure and functional so that your belongings won’t fall out of the pockets.

You can also add any desired embellishments at this point, such as embroidery or patches. This is an excellent opportunity to get creative and make your cardigan truly unique.

Lastly, finish off any loose ends (literally!) by weaving in yarn tails with a tapestry needle. This will ensure that your pockets are neat-looking and won’t unravel over time.

Maintenance Tips for Knitted Pockets

With proper care, your knitted side pockets can last a long time. Here are some essential maintenance tips to keep in mind:

1. Avoid overstuffing your pockets as it can stretch out the knitting and make the pockets look bulky.
2. Make sure to remove all contents from your pockets before washing your cardigan.
3. Hand wash or wash on gentle cycle using cold water to prevent shrinking.
4. Lay flat to dry instead of using a dryer, which can damage the

Q: What materials do I need to knit a side pocket in a cardigan?
A: You will need yarn, knitting needles, a tapestry needle, scissors, and any additional embellishments you want to add to your pocket.

Q: Can I use any type of yarn for the pocket?
A: Yes, you can use any type of yarn as long as it is appropriate for the weight and gauge of your cardigan.

Q: What size needles should I use?
A: You should use needles that are the same size or slightly smaller than the ones you used to knit the rest of your cardigan.

Q: How do I begin knitting the pocket?
A: You will start by picking up stitches along the edge of your cardigan where you want to place the pocket. This can be done either before or after seaming your cardigan.

Q: Can I customize the size of my pocket?
A: Absolutely! You can adjust the number of stitches you pick up and/or the number of rows you knit to make your pocket larger or smaller.

Q: How do I attach the pocket to my cardigan?
A: Once you have completed knitting your pocket, you will use your tapestry needle to sew it onto your cardigan using an invisible stitch. Make sure to securely fasten all sides for a sturdy pocket.

In conclusion, learning how to knit side pockets in a cardigan is a valuable skill for any knitter to have. By following the steps outlined in this guide, one can easily add functional and stylish pockets to their cardigans, elevating its practicality and appearance.

The key takeaway from this tutorial is that attention to detail and patience are essential when knitting side pockets. Taking the time to properly gauge and pick up stitches, along with carefully sewing the pocket bags onto the garment, will result in a well-made and well-fitting pocket.

Furthermore, this skill can be applied not only to cardigans but also to other knitted garments such as sweaters or dresses. With practice, one can create different types of pockets such as patch pockets or welt pockets, making each project unique and customized. Knitting side pockets also allows for personalization by choosing different colored yarns or adding additional embellishments like buttons or embroidery.

In addition to the practical aspect of adding side pockets, knitting also has therapeutic benefits for mental well-being. The repeated motions of knitting have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, making it a relaxing and fulfilling hobby.

Overall, learning how to knit side pockets in a cardigan not only enhances one’s knitting skills but also adds practicality, personal

Author Profile

Jill Nammar

My name is Jill but everyone calls me Jilly. I design original cross stitch patterns inspired by vintage French and flowers. Roses are my muse.
I hope you have a cozy time stitching my patterns. Put the kettle on, relax and create a heartwarming piece of hand-embroidered art. Personalize your home and turn up the soulful charm with soulful stitchery.

My goal is to provide you with pretty patterns that promote peaceful stitching. My wish is for you to discover the gentle beauty of hand-embroidery.My patterns have been featured around the web and in Homespun Magazine and Boston Magazine. I find my bliss in cross stitch.

From 2024, I have embarked on a new venture—writing an informative blog on the “Embroidery and Cross-Stitch” niche. This blog is an extension of my passion, where I share detailed posts and respond to queries related to embroidery and cross-stitching.

The blog covers a wide range of topics from beginner tips, pattern creation, historical insights, and the therapeutic benefits of stitching. My goal is to build a community where enthusiasts can learn, share, and grow in their embroidery skills, ensuring everyone can find their own bliss in cross-stitch just as I did.

Thank you to all my customers and readers who have supported Sew French. Your kind emails, photos of completed patterns, and continual encouragement fuel my dedication to this beautiful craft. Join me in stitching a world of beauty and peace, one pattern at a time.