Pocket Tutorial

Most of my dresses above size 1 have pockets on them.  Over time I have discovered some shortcuts to making pockets.  I know this is not the way you were taught to do pockets but these pockets look cute and save quite a bit of time.

First, I like my pockets about 5" x 5" (unless I use the cutout from the armhole)

I always make my pockets 2 layers

I sometimes vary my shape (but keep the 5" width)

Fold over 1/4" of fabric at top

There are several things I like to use to accent the pocket.

One of my favorites is a vintage hankie

Take 1/4 of a hankie... cutting it the same width as the fabric 

but about 1/2" above the top of the fabric

Fold over the hankie at 1/2"

Place hankie on the fabric so you have a finished edge at the top

If you are using lace as an accent cut it a little longer than the fabric and place on top

If you are using rick rack cut it longer than the fabric and place on top

Place you second piece of fabric on top with right sides together and pin

Sew together the sides and bottom leaving the top open

Clip corners and cut extra lace or rick rack off

Turn the pocket right side out... using a pointer to push out corners and iron

Here is my favorite tool for doing this

If you have fabric showing at the top just push it into the opening

Stitch across the top making sure that you catch the folded over fabric inside 

and then add any accents

I often add my label to the pocket

Buttons make an adorable accent!  

Just make sure you located them so that you can sew the pocket onto the dress

When sewing the pocket onto the dress be sure and backstitch at the beginning and the end!!

Happy Sewing!!