How to Sew a Suit Pocket: A Comprehensive Guide
Embarking on the journey of learning how to sew a suit pocket can be a rewarding experience, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced sewist. A well-sewn suit pocket adds a touch of sophistication to your garments, enhancing their overall appearance. In this article, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of creating a perfect suit pocket, ensuring that your finished product is both functional and stylish.
Materials and Tools
Before diving into the sewing process, gather all the necessary materials and tools. You will need:
– Fabric for the pocket, preferably the same material as your suit
– interfacing for the pocket (optional)
– Sewing machine or needle and thread
– Scissors
– Ruler or measuring tape
– pins
– Seam ripper (optional)
– Fabric pen or chalk
– Iron and ironing board
Choosing the Pocket Style
There are several types of suit pockets, including patch pockets, side pockets, and breast pockets. Choose the style that best suits your needs and the design of your suit. For this guide, we will focus on creating a patch pocket, which is the most common type of suit pocket.
Preparation
1. Measure the desired size of your pocket and mark the dimensions on your fabric using a fabric pen or chalk.
2. Cut out the pocket pieces according to the marked dimensions. You will need two identical pieces for the front and back of the pocket.
3. If using interfacing, iron it onto the wrong side of one of the pocket pieces.
Sewing the Pocket
1. Place the interfaced pocket piece right side up on your work surface.
2. Fold the other pocket piece in half with the wrong side facing out, creating a crease along the fold.
3. Position the interfaced pocket piece on top of the folded pocket piece, aligning the edges and the crease.
4. Pin the pieces together along the edges.
5. Starting from the top edge, sew around the pocket, leaving a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Backstitch at the beginning and end of the seam to secure it.
6. Trim the seam allowances to 1/8-inch and press the seam open.
Attaching the Pocket to the Suit
1. Place the suit on your work surface, right side up.
2. Position the pocket on the suit, aligning the top edge of the pocket with the top edge of the suit.
3. Pin the pocket in place, ensuring that it is centered and straight.
4. Sew the pocket to the suit using a 1/4-inch seam allowance, starting and ending with a backstitch.
Finishing Touches
1. Trim any excess threads from the pocket and the suit.
2. Press the pocket and the suit to remove any wrinkles or creases.
3. Hand-stitch the top edge of the pocket to the suit for a cleaner finish, if desired.
Congratulations! You have successfully learned how to sew a suit pocket. With practice, you’ll be able to create beautiful and functional suit pockets for your garments. Happy sewing!