Twig + Tale garment patterns include lengthen/shorten lines so that you can easily adjust pattern pieces for different heights. Most of the time, this is a simple adjustment, however when adjusting the rise of pants or shorts, elements like pockets can be impacted.
For example, if you are shortening the rise of a pair of trousers, you'll want to ensure that the pocket opening remains functional (if the pockets are too short, belongings will fall out) and that it looks proportional to the rest of the garment.
There are no hard and fast rules for making pocket depth adjustments, so this tutorial discusses general guidelines and techniques that will help you make decisions about pocket depth when doing rise adjustments.
Adjusting Front Patch Pockets
Patch pockets are simple to adjust (for example, the Coastal Cuffed Shorts). The main considerations will be to keep the proportions looking correct, and to ensure that the pocket is still functional.
If the pocket has a side opening, leave it the same length and move it with the waist section.
When making a rise adjustment, the lengthen/shorten line will likely go through the bottom section of the pockets. It generally works fine to leave the pocket the same length (especially if you are taller) or shorten it (especially if you are making shorts). It is not necessary to shorten the pockets by the same amount as the rise adjustment, as they may look out of proportion, or lose their functionality by being too shallow.
Side Pocket Openings (in seam or slash style)
For inseam or slash pockets (like the Shore Pants), leave the pockets the same size and length and move them with the waist section - do not change the size of the pocket opening. If possible, split the rise adjustment lengthen/shorten line across the garment below lower point of the pocket opening. If this is not possible, then measure how long the pocket opening is and re-mark the lower notch after adjusting the leg.
Back Pockets
Back Pockets are generally kept the same length regardless of your height, but may need a little length adjustment of up to 5/8" (1.5cm) if the proportions start to look a bit off. Move the pocket position up/down with the waist section of the pant as adjusting. If you are much shorter than the size chart you may want to move the pocket position slightly up toward the waist to prevent the pockets looking too low on your buttocks. 1/4" - 1" (6mm - 1.3cm) depending on your height difference should be enough.
Remember, the guiding principles for the pocket adjustments will be functionality (keeping the pocket deep enough to hold belongings and the opening big enough to get your hand in) and proportion (making sure that the pocket looks "right" for the garment and your height).
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