How to Make a Bound Pocket
Creating a bound pocket is a great way to add functionality and a professional finish to your sewing projects. Whether you’re making a handbag, a pouch, or even a pair of jeans, a bound pocket can enhance the look and feel of your work. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making a bound pocket, from selecting the right materials to completing the final touches.
Materials and Tools
Before you start, gather the following materials and tools:
– Fabric: Choose a fabric that matches or complements the main fabric of your project.
– Pinking shears or a zigzag stitch on your sewing machine: These will help prevent fraying.
– Interfacing: Use interfacing to add stability to the pocket.
– Thread: Select a thread color that matches your fabric.
– Scissors: Use sharp scissors for clean cuts.
– Sewing machine: A sewing machine is essential for creating a neat bound pocket.
– Pins: Use pins to hold fabric in place while sewing.
– Iron: An iron is necessary for pressing the fabric and interfacing.
Step 1: Cut the Pocket Pieces
Begin by cutting the fabric and interfacing for your pocket. The dimensions will depend on the size of the pocket you want to create. For a standard pocket, you’ll need two pieces of fabric, one for the exterior and one for the lining, each measuring 3 inches by 5 inches. Cut two pieces of interfacing to the same size.
Step 2: Interface the Pocket Pieces
Place the interfacing on the wrong side of the fabric pieces. Iron the interfacing in place to secure it to the fabric.
Step 3: Fold and Press the Pocket
Fold the fabric pieces in half lengthwise with the right sides facing each other. Press the fold with an iron to create a crease. Open the fabric pieces and fold the bottom edge up to the crease, pressing again. This creates the pocket’s opening.
Step 4: Sew the Pocket Edges
Using a 1/4-inch seam allowance, sew along the top edge of the pocket, leaving a 1-inch opening for turning. Repeat this step on the bottom edge of the pocket.
Step 5: Turn and Press the Pocket
Turn the pocket right side out through the opening. Use a point turner or a chopstick to push out the corners. Press the pocket flat with an iron.
Step 6: Attach the Pocket to the Project
Position the pocket on your project, right side up. Pin the pocket in place, ensuring it’s aligned correctly. Sew the pocket to the project using a 1/4-inch seam allowance, leaving a 1-inch opening for turning.
Step 7: Create the Bound Edge
Cut a strip of fabric that matches the width of the pocket’s opening. Fold the strip in half lengthwise with the wrong sides facing each other. Sew along the long edge, leaving a 1-inch opening for turning.
Step 8: Attach the Bound Edge to the Pocket
Turn the strip right side out and press it flat. Position the strip on the top edge of the pocket, aligning the raw edges. Sew the strip to the pocket using a 1/4-inch seam allowance, securing the bound edge to the pocket.
Step 9: Complete the Bound Pocket
Turn the pocket right side out through the opening in the bound edge. Press the pocket flat with an iron. Topstitch along the top edge of the pocket to secure the bound edge and create a professional finish.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully made a bound pocket. This technique can be applied to various sewing projects, adding a touch of elegance and functionality to your work. Happy sewing!
