Style Adaptation for Greater Pocket Access: Kwik Sew 3663 and McCall's 6973

UPDATE:  This note is for future reference in case this project makes it to the cutting table.  the placement of the cargo pocket should be higher.  The center of the pocket sits where the knee bends.  an adjustment will be necessary.  Otherwise, the idea of a front upper leg cargo pocket is a win.  

Kwik Sew 3663 has been elevated to tested and trusted (TNT) status as this is the fifth time this pattern hit the cutting table.  I am still smitten with the technique for sewing the side pockets and they are much appreciated by the wearer of the previous pairs.  So why am I messing with this design?  Well, pockets are everything.  

And more important, easy access to a pocket.  These pants are gifted to someone who spends most of their day sitting.  Mobility issues have been forefront in my gift and charity sewing and consideration of style adaptations.  

Threads magazine wrote a wonderful article on adaptive clothing and suggests moving cargo pockets to the front upper thigh.  Fingers are crossed that these work as I did cut into a much treasured piece of denim.  The cargo pocket pattern was borrowed from McCall's 6973 and I decided to leave the flap off this design since I was seeking greater pocket access.  

The fabric is a beautiful 100% cotton denim from Emma One Sock that I was thinking about turning into a pair of jeans for moi.  Plans change and it is hard to deny the fabric was much better suited for this project.  The denim is not stiff, it's actually a very nice weight to handle the elastic wasistband.  

The fabric was pre-treated with a wash and a dryer tumble before hitting the ironing board for a good stream pressing.   

Note:  While trying to find a link to this pattern, I discovered that Kwik Sew patterns are being discontinued.  This pattern, Kwik Sew 3663, is still available on various online seller sites.  

Project Details

Seams:  2.4 -- 2.6 straight stitch

Seam finish:  Serged

Fabric:  2.10 metres

Elastic:  1 metre

Patterns:  Kwik Sew 3663 and McCall's 6973

Additional Tools & Supplies:  Cutting table, pins, measuring tape, measuring gauge, scissors, thread clippers, serger, threads, sewing machine, walking foot, blind hem foot, regular presser foot, iron, ironing board, seam ripper and safety pins.  

Stay safe and keep sewing!