How to Sew A Slip Pocket For Your Bag - A Tutorial
2/01/2012 08:06:00 PMHow about a slip pocket in that bag you are making? Try one of these super easy slip pockets. They are so handy for your mobile phone, your
keys, your cards or even your favourite lipstick. They are quick to
make and look fab! You can't create a bag without pockets!
Slip
pockets can be any size you like, you just need to alter the width and length
of your fabric to adjust the size. In my current work in progress, a beach bag, want very big pockets so I can
slide in something big, such as flip-flops or sun block so I make the large
double pocket shown in the instructions below.
 |
| A double pocket has two openings. |
Materials:
A rotary
cutter, mat, and ruler
Fabric:
1 -
5” x 10” for a single pocket
1 -
10 x 10” for a double pocket
1 -
16 x 16” for a large double pocket
OR use your own measurements
depending
on what size you require
NOTE: If
you are using quilters weight cotton or poplin, I highly recommend some light-medium
weight interfacing on the back of half of a square cut as above, if not the
whole thing.
Let’s get started:
1) For a
large double pocket, cut a square of
fabric 16” x 16”, OR use scraps
& cut two strips that are approx 16” x 8.5”.
 |
| A single pocket. |
If using 16x16 or 5x10 piece of fabric: fold
in half with right sides together, press, sew raw edges, leaving a 3” gap for turning at bottom. Use a ¼ or
3/8” (1 cm) seam allowance.
If
using two pieces: place them right sides together, sew around
all sides, leaving a 3”
gap for turning at bottom. Again, use a ¼ or 3/8” (1 cm) seam allowance.
TIP #1: Always leave your needle down (in the fabric) when turning corners or when you turn your pocket inside right, you will have puckering.
TIP #2: Before turning right side out, press the seam allowance on the 3” in opening open. Do this by first pressing one side back, then flipping over and pressing back the other.
2) Clip corners, turn, press pocket.
3) Top-stitch across long edge (without opening) about ¼” to ½” from
edge. (This will be the top.)
4) Center pocket on lining exactly you would like it to be. Make sure
it’s straight! Pin around pocket.
5) If you are making a double pocket, mark a center line to divide
pockets.
6) Sewing 1/8” - 1/4” from the edge, sew down one side, across bottom
to the half-way point, up the middle line and back down the center 1/8” to the
side of the stitching line. Go the rest of the way across the bottom and up the
other side and stop. I like to do a double row of stitching about 1//8” apart and
bar tack the stop/starts so that they are very sturdy. Press pocket after
stitching.
Voila! An easy and impressive slip pocket
don’t you think? Try different sizes for different bags and uses. Dividers sewn
in for pens are pretty handy too!
Thank you for looking,
Janelle
 | |
| Sew many options! |
10 comments
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteHi I love your website, your tutorials are great. Thanks for inviting me to come see your website. I really enjoy seeing other websites on bag making. I'll add you to my links of blogs to follow.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Natalie. I'll be adding some patterns and more tutorials as I go. I love fabric and bags so much that it's just nice to see what others are making too! Janelle
ReplyDeleteGreat tutorial! Have used it to add pockets to purse-pattern with no pockets. Turned out great ;) Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThank you Mari! That is so good to hear! Janelle
DeleteThank you, great instructions, just what I was looking for.
ReplyDeleteGlad I could be of help, Crystal! Janelle
DeleteLove the idea!! You have other ideas without doing sewing. I don't have a swing machine.
ReplyDeleteGood job. In tip #1 it says need and I believe you mean needle.
ReplyDeleteJust a heads up
Thank you!!
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