How to Sew a Pocket on a Shirt: A Step-by-Step Guide
Embarking on a DIY project to add a pocket to a shirt can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to customize your wardrobe and learn new sewing skills. Whether you’re looking to create a functional pocket for storing essentials or simply adding a stylish detail to your garment, sewing a pocket on a shirt is a task that can be accomplished with relative ease. This article will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to sew a pocket on a shirt, ensuring that your project turns out beautifully and efficiently.
Materials Needed:
Before you begin, gather the following materials:
– Fabric: Choose a fabric that matches or complements the shirt you’re adding the pocket to.
– Thread: Select a thread color that matches your fabric.
– Scissors: A pair of sharp fabric scissors for clean cuts.
– Pins: Pins to hold fabric in place.
– Seam ripper: In case you need to remove any stitches.
– Sewing machine: If you prefer machine sewing, or a needle and thread for hand sewing.
– Iron and ironing board: For pressing fabric and seams.
Step 1: Cutting the Pocket Fabric
Start by cutting the fabric for your pocket. Measure and mark the dimensions of the pocket on your fabric, including the pocket bag and the pocket facing. Make sure to add seam allowances to your measurements. Use your fabric scissors to cut out the pieces.
Step 2: Sewing the Pocket Bag
Fold the pocket bag piece in half with the right sides facing each other. Sew around the three open sides, leaving the top open. Turn the pocket bag right side out using a pencil or chopstick. Press the seams flat with an iron.
Step 3: Sewing the Pocket Facing
Fold the pocket facing piece in half with the right sides facing each other. Sew around the three open sides, leaving the top open. Turn the pocket facing right side out and press the seams flat.
Step 4: Attaching the Pocket Facing to the Shirt
Position the pocket facing on the shirt where you want the pocket to be. Pin the facing in place, ensuring that the edges are aligned. Sew around the pocket facing, leaving a small opening for turning. Trim any excess fabric from the seam allowances.
Step 5: Attaching the Pocket Bag to the Facing
Pin the pocket bag to the pocket facing, aligning the edges. Sew around the pocket bag, enclosing the opening in the pocket facing. Turn the pocket bag right side out through the opening in the pocket facing.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
Press the seams flat with an iron. If desired, topstitch around the edges of the pocket for a neater finish. Hand-stitch the opening in the pocket facing closed to ensure that it stays secure.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully sewn a pocket on a shirt. With this new skill, you can now customize your garments and add practical features to your wardrobe. Happy sewing!
