How to Sew a Pocket: 14 Steps
1. Gather your materials: Before you start sewing, gather all the necessary materials such as fabric, pocket pattern, thread, scissors, pins, measuring tape, and a sewing machine or needle.]
2. Choose your pocket style: Determine what type of pocket you want to sew – patch, side seam, in-seam, or welt pockets are popular options.
3. Prepare your fabric: Wash and iron your fabric before cutting it according to the pocket pattern. Make sure to leave a seam allowance of approximately ½ inch.
4. Cut the pocket pieces: Use the pocket pattern to cut out the required pocket pieces on the fabric. Ensure that you have a front and back piece for each pocket.
5. Sew any decorative elements: If you want to add embellishments to your pockets like lace trims or embroidery, now is the time to do it.
6. Pin the pocket pieces together: Place the front and back pocket pieces right sides facing each other, and pin along the edges.
7. Start sewing the pocket: With a straight stitch on your sewing machine or using a needle and thread, sew the pinned edges of the pocket with a ½ inch seam allowance. Remember to leave an opening at the top for turning.
8. Clip corners and trim seams: To achieve neater corners and reduce bulk while turning, clip the seam allowance diagonally at each corner without cutting through the stitching line.
9. Turn the pocket right side out: Gently push the right side of the pocket through the opening you left at the top and use a pointy object like a knitting needle or chopstick to neaten up the corners.
10. Press your pockets: Iron your pockets flat, ensuring that all edges are even and all seams are well pressed.
11. Sew around the edges (optional): You can topstitch along three sides of your pocket (excluding the opening) for a more finished look.
12. Pin the pocket to your garment: Determine where you want your pocket(s) and use pins to secure them in place on your garment with the right side facing up.
13. Sew the pocket onto the garment: Start by sewing along the top edge of your pocket using a straight stitch or hand sewing, and remember to backstitch at the beginning and end. Next, sew along the sides and bottom, taking care not to sew the pocket opening closed.
14. Press your completed pockets: Iron your finished pockets once more to give them a polished appearance, and enjoy your perfectly sewed pockets on your garment.
Now that you have mastered the art of sewing pockets, you can confidently add functional and stylish details to any outfit. Happy sewing!