Hi everybody! Today, I show you how to add a super simple pocket to an existing skirt. This is really fast to do, and adds a fun pop of color (and practicality)!
GIVEAWAY UPDATE: we have a winner! She says, "My favorite pocket EVER was a welt pocket I put in a plaid outfit while I was in college. It was in a cape which matched a skirt and vest & all the plaid matched so the pocket was invisible but wonderfully practical." Marian, that is a great story, and I'm sure that pocket was spectacular! We'll be in touch via email soon. :)
All you need is some fabric, and a skirt. (You can also grab some cute trim, like I did -- but the trim is optional.)
Figure out the size and shape of your pocket. I like to do this by cutting up scrap paper, until I get something I'm happy with. This pocket is a rectangle 1.5" high x 1.75" wide. (If you're not sure about where to start, you can always use your doll's hand as a guide. :)
Trace around your pocket template onto another piece of scrap paper, and add 1/4" extra to the sides ("seam allowance") that you can fold over later. I added it to both sides and the bottom, but not the top, since I wanted the raw edge look along the top of my pocket.
Cut out the pocket!
If you're using trim, now is the time to sew it down along the top of the pocket.
If you aren't using trim, and you left some extra fabric along the top of the pocket, fold it over now and sew that down.
Press under the other three edges of the pocket.
Carefully place the pocket on the skirt, and pin it down. You can put a hard plastic ruler, or a piece of cardboard, inside the skirt; this will help make sure you just pin through the top layer.
Sew around the folded edges of the pocket. Don't forget to backstitch at either end of the top of the pocket!
And that's it -- congratulations :)
Thanks everyone, and have fun with this!
For Pixie Faire,
Melinda
49 Comments
My favorite pocket was 2 puffy organdy pockets on my feed sack dress made in 1944 when I started 1st grade. My Mother made it and anything new was wonderful during the war and so soon after the depression. I felt so special whenever I wore that “fancy” dress. It had a little yoke out of organdy to match the pockets. Mothers had to be so creative to make something cherished out of what little they had to work with.
My favorite pocket ever was the one inside my coat to hold mittens but invariably held something else that was more interesting.
My favorite pocket ever was the inside pocket of my old jean jacket because it was the perfect size for an ice cold drink!
My favorite pocket was a pocket jumper dress for my two year old ( she is now 43) daughter. The jumper had a button on pocket for every holiday and occasion. All I had to do was give my daughter a new pocket and she could take off the old pocket and button on a new one depending on the holiday or occasion. She loved it, and so did I.
My favorite pocket is the one that is shared with my kids to help keep their hands warm.
But funny story about a pocket, in college I had a suit coat I was starting to interview for jobs. I also had a really nice Cross pen, I couldn’t find that pen for anything. Then one day I discovered a hole in my suit coat pocket, and behold there was my pen. You can bet I never had a hole in that pocket again.