How to Sew A Slip Pocket For Your Bag - A Tutorial

How 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.

For a single pocket that holds a cell phone nicely, cut a 5” x 10” piece (this will make a square pocket). OR use scraps & cut two squares that are approx 5.5” x 5.5”.

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!

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