How a kangaroo pocket is sewn onto sweatshirt fabric

Short answer: A kangaroo pocket is sewn on by laying a piece of fabric on the front panel and stitching along the edges, while the side openings are reinforced. The stitching must be even and strong, because the pocket carries weight and the hands pull on it every day.

What a kangaroo pocket is

The kangaroo pocket is the large pocket on the belly of a hoodie or sweatshirt, where both hands can enter from either side. It is sewn onto the front panel as a single piece of fabric. The name comes from its likeness to the animal's pouch, and it is practical because it warms the hands and holds small things.

The fabric behind the pocket

The pocket consists of an outer piece of fabric and often an inner layer that gives it shape and strength. Sweat fabric is soft and stretchy, so it holds best if the layer behind is a little firmer. Check that the pocket does not feel limp and that the fabric behind it lies calmly against the belly.

How it is sewn on

The pocket is laid on the front panel, and each edge is sewn down at the bottom and sides, while the openings are left open. The stitching is often a dense, stretchy seam that gives with the fabric as you move. Turn the sweatshirt inside out and see whether the seam follows the edge evenly and does not run crooked.

The side openings

The hands go into the openings, so this is where the fabric wears most. That is why the edges are often sewn twice and the ends reinforced with small cross stitches, so the pocket does not tear. Look for them, and check that the opening is large enough for the hand to slide in easily without catching.

How the pocket fits

The pocket should sit at a height where the hands can rest naturally. If it sits too high you tense your shoulders, and too low feels awkward. Put your hands in and stand relaxed. The shape of the pocket should not pull the sweatshirt out of shape when you put something in it.

What you can keep in it

A kangaroo pocket is best for light things such as keys, a phone or a pair of gloves. Heavy things pull on the seams and make the fabric sag. If you need to carry more, use a bag. That spares the stitching, and the sweatshirt keeps its shape for longer. It applies to a bamboo jogging set too.

Washing and caring for the pocket

The pocket can collect lint and dust, so turn it out and shake it before washing. Wash the sweatshirt inside out at a low temperature to spare the seams, and do not hang it by the pocket while it is wet. Let it dry fully so the pocket keeps its shape and does not hang limp.

The pocket across your clothes

The same thought applies to the rest of the clothes: pockets sewn in several layers with reinforced corners last longest. That goes for the sweatshirt and for the trousers in a set. See how it looks on bamboo jogging sets for men, and check the seams before you decide. Hands and feet need calm, so think of bamboo socks too.

Frequently asked questions

Why does the kangaroo pocket sometimes tear at the corners?

Because the hands pull there most. Look for reinforcement at the openings, and avoid stuffing heavy things into the pocket, so the seams last longer.

Can I keep my phone in the pocket?

Yes, but a heavy phone can pull the fabric down. Use the pocket for light things, and carry heavier items in a bag if you walk for a long time.

Does the pocket need washing separately?

No, but turn it out and shake the lint off before you wash the sweatshirt inside out. That stops dust settling in the seams.

You can find the full range at Copenhagen Bamboo.