How to Sew a Pocket | Sewing Pockets the Easy Way
We learned how to clip corners and curves in the previous tutorial, and now we’ll learn how to sew a pocket of any shape to add style and functionality to any garment.
How to Sew a Pocket
Patch pockets are simple to make and the inside doesn’t fray in the wash, so you can add them to a finished garment in your closet or to your latest sewing project.
More Pocket Tutorials
This tutorial demonstrates how to make a patch pocket, but there are other types of pockets you might like to make. Zippered pockets are great for bags and purses and can be easily added to most patterns. A concealed pocket, also known as a side pocket, is great for safety.
How to Make a Pocket – Instructions
How to sew a pocket: There are seven steps to sewing a pocket, starting with making a pattern, and these pockets can be used for clothing, bags, and anything else you can think of – regardless of the type of bag or outfit you have!
Step 1 – Make the Pattern
1. On a piece of paper, draw the shape of a pocket.
Step 2 – Add the Seam Allowance
Add a seam allowance, such as u215c inch (1cm) for a square pocket, and cut around the seam allowance line to create a custom pattern. Other shapes you could make include a traditional curved pocket, tulip shape, or even a heart.
Step 3 – Cut the Fabric
Cut two pieces of fabric from your pattern piece; cotton or cotton blend fabrics are best because they are easy to iron and crisp; for thin fabrics, a layer of fusible interfacing can help give your pocket some body and shape.
Step 4 – Draw the Stitching Line
When you draw in the stitching line of the pocket, you’ll get the best stitching accuracy, which will give you a really nice finished shape, especially for fancy shapes like the tulip and the heart. How to Sew a Pocket – Accurate Stitching Guide
Step 5 – Stitch Around
Stitch the pocket pieces all the way around with right sides together, leaving a 1 to 2 inch (3.8-5cm) gap at the side or bottom; the larger the pocket, the larger the gap required; try to leave the gap somewhere straight.
Step 6 – Clip
Clip the corners and curves; if your pocket’s seam allowance is greater than 6mm (0.01in), trim it back, leaving the gap untrimmed; I used pinking shears to cut around the curves instead of clipping them.
Step 7 – Turn Right Way Out
Turn your pocket the right way out and press well, making sure any curves are poked out and the curves are smooth.
Step 8 – Attach the Pocket
Pin the pocket in place on the right side of your garment, ensuring that it is straight, and then stitch around the sides and bottom with a close-to-the-edge topstitch, which will also close the gap in the side or bottom.
Pocket Decoration Ideas
Pockets don’t have to be plain; add a line of ric rac or pom pom braid to the seam for a pop of color, or embellish them with sequins, beads, or even rhinestones, which can be used separately or combined with hand embroidery.
How to Sew a Pocket – In Conclusion
Almost any pocket shape can be made for your clothing; do you have a favorite novelty shape pocket or an extra tip?
How to Sew a Pocket with a Zipper
If you’re making a pocket for a bag or purse, you might want to consider adding a zipper pocket, which can be made to fit your phone and keys using my simple tutorial. Zipper pockets keep your valuables safe and can be made to fit your phone and keys.
How do you sew on a pocket?
Sewing In-Seam Pockets the Easiest Way
- Serge the sides and bottoms of the front and back skirt pieces.
- Mark 5u201d (13 cm) down from the top of the skirt pieces with right sides together.
- Line up the top of the pockets with the mark made in step 3.
Why do some coats have fake pockets?
Suit jacket manufacturers sometimes sew the pockets shut to keep them looking fresh and tailored, as Business Insider explains. When customers try on a jacket and put their hands inside the pockets, the fabric can stretch out and make it look rumpled, and no one wants to buy a frumpy-looking suit.
How do you make a pocket flap?
Procedures
- Apply fusible interfacing to the wrong side of the upper flap piece.
- Pin the two flap pieces right sides together.
- Stitch the two pocket flaps right sides together at the indicated seam allowance (3/8u201d in our case).
How do you sew a curved pocket?
Sew down the pocket facing’s short sides, then bag it out and turn it right side out, poking out the corners and pressing it flat. You can sew across the facing to keep it in place and add some decorative top-stitching.
What does patch pocket mean?
Patch pockets are made by sewing pre-cut pieces of material to the outside of a garment, like a patch, rather than sewing inset pockets. Patch pockets often have a flap at the top and become a design feature u2014 think of the patch pockets on Paddington Bear’s duffle coat.
Why should irregularly shaped patch pockets be lined?
How do you fix a pocket in a gown?
How to make a dress with pockets
- Step 1: Choose a pocket pattern and size.
- Step 2: Determine your pocket placement.
- Step 3: Mark your pocket placement.
- Step 4: Cut out the pockets.
- Step 5: Open the side seam of your garment.
- Step 6: Stitch the pocket pieces on the side seam.
- Step 7: Press the pocket seams.
How do you make the secret pockets in pants?
How to Create a Simple Hidden Pocket
- Step 1: Turn the garment inside out and place a scrap piece of material behind the existing hip pocket.
- Step 2: Trace the Outline of the Pocket onto the scrap material.
- Step 3: Sew the New Pocket Over the Existing Hip Pocket.
How do you add pockets to side seams?
How to Add Side Seam Pockets (Nerdy Sewing Tips)