How to Sew a Patch Pocket

Generously-sized pockets are an essential feature of a functional garment.  Patch pockets, which are applied flat to the outside of a garment, are a simple way to add some storage capacity.  They are easy to access, and big enough to stash a phone and keys, or all those little treasures that seem to accumulate over the course of a day. 

Here, we demonstrate two ways to sew a patch pocket - lined and unlined.  They are shown here with the Fable Dress, but can be used on any project where you'd like to add a simple pocket.  

The two patch pocket options are:

  • Lined pockets - this is the option of choice if you wish to embroider your pocket because the lining will conceal the back of the stitching.

  • Unlined pockets - this option uses less fabric and is suitable if you are using a heavier weight of fabric.  

DOWNLOAD PATTERN PIECES BY CLICKING HERE


    Lined Pockets

    1. DOWNLOAD PATTERN PIECES BY CLICKING HERE
    Cut out 2 main and 2 lining pocket pieces.  For the lined version, trim off the top of the pocket to the notch.  

    Patch pocket for the Fable Dress sewing pattern by Twig + Tale

    2.  Place one main and one lining pocket piece with right sides together.  Stitch around the pocket with a 3/8" (1cm) seam allowance, leaving a gap for turning.  

    Adding a patch pocket to the Fable dress by Twig+Tale

    3.  Trim the corners.  

    Patch pocket for the Fable Dress sewing pattern by Twig + Tale

    4.  Press the seams open.  

    Patch pocket for the Fable Dress sewing pattern by Twig + Tale

    5.  Turn the pocket over and press the turning gap edge from the other side.  

    Patch pocket for the Fable Dress sewing pattern by Twig + Tale

    6.  Poke out the corners.  

    Patch pocket for the Fable Dress sewing pattern by Twig + Tale

    7.  Position the pocket on the skirt piece with the turning gap at the bottom.  When the pocket is top-stitched to the skirt, the gap will be closed and there will be a nice smooth edge at the top of the pocket.  

    Patch pocket for the Fable Dress sewing pattern by Twig + Tale

    8.  Align the top of the pocket with the placement line.  The placement is a guide, so feel free to place them wherever you desire.  

    Adding a patch pocket to the Fable dress by Twig+Tale

    9.  Top-stitch the pocket to the skirt, backtacking at the upper corners for extra strength.  

    Adding a patch pocket to the Fable dress by Twig+Tale

    Unlined pockets

    1. DOWNLOAD PATTERN PIECES BY CLICKING HERE

    Double fold the top edge using the notches as a guide.  Press, and stitch along the edge of the foldline. 

    Adding a patch pocket to the Fable dress by Twig+Tale

    2.  Fold all remaining edges 3/8" (1cm) to the wrong side and press.

    Adding a patch pocket to the Fable dress by Twig+Tale

    3.  Position the pocket on the skirt using the placement line as a guide, as above.  

    Adding a patch pocket to the Fable dress by Twig+Tale

    4.  Topstitch the pocket to the skirt, backtacking at the upper corners for extra strength.  

    Adding a patch pocket to the Fable dress by Twig+Tale

    That's it!  You now have some functional patch pockets on your garment!

    Please feel free to join us at the Twig + Tale Facebook group where you can ask questions, look for inspiration, and of course share photos of your creations.  You can also find us on Instagram - be sure to tag your projects #twigandtale so that we can find you too!

     Read more about the Fable Dress here:

    ~ Cover image by Rachel Baldacchino ~