| There are varied methods for adding pockets to an | | | | seams. Be careful not to allow the pocket edge to be |
| item or a garment. Generally, there are two very | | | | sewn into the seam. Your pocket now is residing just |
| common types of pockets: the side seam pockets | | | | within the side seam. The skirt front, however, shows |
| and the front pockets. | | | | the stitching of the pockets. |
| Pockets basically have a back and a front part. If | | | | SHIRT TYPE POCKETS |
| pockets are directly sewn onto the front of the shirt, | | | | Start making shirt type pockets by cutting rectangular |
| the inside of the pocket is the shirt front. If pockets are | | | | pieces. Decide the size that you want on your pocket |
| sewn on the side seam of a skirt, the front part is the | | | | but make sure to add half an inch of extra fabric for |
| front of the pocket, while its back is created by | | | | the upper hem. Make room also for seam allowances |
| sewing in a pocket. | | | | on the three remaining sides. Follow it up by ironing |
| Romina Abrigo Editor of the "Sewing Machine | | | | under the three lower edges, as well as the hem. |
| Reviews" website -- -- pointed out; | | | | Topstitch the upper hem into place after you turn the |
| "…The upper edges of pockets are normally made | | | | pocket to the right side. |
| stronger by adding facings and interfacings. These are | | | | Place the pocket on the front of the shirt and make |
| very important especially if the pockets are on the | | | | sure that its right side up. Stitch it onto the shirt around |
| back of pants or even on shirts. Pockets may also be | | | | the three lower sides. Be sure to leave the top pocket |
| added with lining to provide a better finish…" Added | | | | open. To make it more durable, enhance the pocket |
| Romina Abrigo | | | | with some reinforcement stitching. |
| SIDE SEAM POCKETS | | | | What patch pockets are |
| The first thing that you might want to consider with | | | | Patch pockets are commonly used not only for |
| side seam pockets is to add extensions. If you wish to | | | | decorations but also for functions on jackets, blouses |
| have an additional side seam pocket, try drawing an | | | | and shirts. In preparing patch pockets, cut the pockets |
| extension on sides of the skirt. The extensions will | | | | as instructed by the pattern. These types of pockets |
| serve as the facings for the pockets. The hand of the | | | | are generally cut on the lengthwise grain. But still, the |
| user should comfortably extend so make sure to | | | | bias-cut pocket can still be used on plaid and striped |
| measure half an inch on the extension. | | | | fabrics to prevent it from matching with the fabric |
| Before you decide what shape of pockets you want | | | | design. |
| to add, it is helpful that you draw the design that you | | | | Interfacing helps retain the pockets shape. If you go for |
| have in mind. The pockets should be large enough for | | | | a fusible interfacing, before you fuse it in place, cut it to |
| the hands to nicely fit and they should come about | | | | the finished pocket size. If you consider the sew-in |
| two inches below and above the extensions. | | | | interfacing, cut them by the pocket patterns, stay-stitch |
| In reinforcing and clipping facings, start by stitching on all | | | | them in place before finally trimming them close to the |
| the side of the corners of the facings. Clip the facings | | | | stay stitching. You need not interface the hem, though. |
| from the edge but make sure not to cut your stitching. | | | | TIP: Pocket templates can be cut from cardboard and |
| Press this facing under. To reinforce it, sew a box | | | | are effectively used as guides when pressing pockets |
| along its edges. | | | | into the proper shapes. Lay your template on the |
| Follow the procedure by stitching the pocket on the | | | | wrong side of the pocket before pressing the seam |
| skirt front. The right part of the pocket should be | | | | allowance in place over your template. |
| stitched on the wrong side of the skirt front, just | | | | "…Assembling pockets can be confusing especially if |
| around the curved edge. Once done, stitch the skirt | | | | you don't have the right knowledge. |
| front to the skirt back. Make sure you do it on the side | | | | |