When it comes to fashion, function is always a nice perk as well. Add some function to your shirts with your own personal flair with these simple pocket tutorials! Grab some interfacing and your favorite cotton shirting and let’s get started!
The Doctor Style Pocket
Begin by cutting the following shapes from your fabric:
1. Fold the top part of pocket down 1/2″, then fold down another 1″.
2. Top stitch across the pocket. Fold all other raw edges under 1/2″ and press.
3. Place the pocket on the front of your shirt and pin. Top stitch around the entire pocket. After you stitched around the entire pocket, move a ¼” in and sew down 1″, creating a rectangle of stitching at each corner.
4. Fold the pocket band under 1/2″ all the way around. Fold the top and bottom first, then the side. Trim at corners if it’s too bulky.
5. Topstitch the bottom part of the band.
6. Place the pocket band on the left side of the pocket. Top stitch the sides and once in the middle. Make sure to secure at the ends due to pins being placed in the holes a bunch of times.
The Tilted Pocket
1. Cut out your pocket.
2. Flip pocket right side down, fold edges 1/2″ inward, and press. Then, fold the top edge down 1″ (if a serger is available, serge the edges or zig-zag them for a nicer finish inside the pocket).
3. Topstitch the pocket at the 1″ line.
4. Pin pocket to the front of the garment and edge stitch. Make sure to backstitch at the top because that is where the most stress will be if the pocket gets used a lot. (Optional: you could do two rows of stitching or just one.)
The Curved Pocket
First, cut the following shape from your fabric.
1. Fold the outside edges inward 1/2″, apply notches at the curved edge so no puckering happens.
2. Fold the top part down 1″ and double topstitch. Use the edge of the presser foot for a guide for the top part. Then, for the bottom line, use the 1″ line as your guide.
3. Place pocket on shirt and topstitch.
The Envelope Pocket
1. Fold edges 1/2″ under and press.
2. With right sides together, sew at a 1/2″ seam allowance. Trim, flip right side out, and press.
3. Once you pressed the pocket flap, mark your buttonhole, then stitch it onto the top pocket.
4. Get the bottom pocket, topstitch it first at the top. Then, attach the pocket onto the shirt (or pants). Pin, sew, and topstitch all around. You can double topstitch or just do one row.
5. Take the pocket flap and pin it upside down above the bottom pocket about 1/4″ above to be exact. Stitch across and press.
6. Topstitch on top of the pocket flap.
