Sewing Pockets

Last tutorial we learned how to clip corners and curves. What better way to put this into practice than sewing pockets to make some lined patch pockets!

I love pockets. Besides being functional, they add color and interest to clothing and are always a fashion favorite. Today we will learn how to sew a pocket and make a lined patch pocket of almost any shape.

Determine the size and shape of the pocket you would like and draw it on a piece of paper. The easiest way to make it symmetrical is to fold a piece of paper in half and draw one side of the pocket.

Add a seam allowance. I like to add 1/4 inch (6mm) seam allowances to pockets.

Cut around your seam allowance line and you have your very own custom made pattern!

Other shapes you could make include a traditional curved pocket, tulip shape or even a heart.

Cut 2 pieces of fabric from your pattern piece.

Take your pattern piece and cut it back to your original stitching line.

Flip one of the fabric pocket pieces to the wrong side and draw around the stitching line with chalk or removable pen. This helps you to stitch really accurately and get a nice shape at the end.

With right sides together stitch the pocket pieces all the way around leaving a 1 1/2 to 2 inch gap at the side or bottom. Try and leave the gap somewhere straight. In this example I have left it at the side. Don’t leave the gap at the top of the pocket.

Clip the corners and curves. If your pocket has a greater seam allowance than 1/4 inch (6mm) then trim it back leaving the gap untrimmed. I used pinking shears to cut around the curves as an alternative to clipping those areas. I still needed to clip the top corners.