Sewing Tiny Pockets - The Evolution of the Cargo Pocket

In Part Two we continue with our look at pocket styles and designs. In the prior course, SewingPerfect Pocekts, we explored how to design a basic cargo pocket. In this installment, we take it one step further introducing a new pattern and a few alternate pockets ideas!Patch pockets are great because they can be cut into just about any shape you can imagine and placed just about anywhere on a garment without needing to make any alterations. Cargo pockets are similar to patch pockets in this regard, only their three dimensional design gives them greater functionality and a unique aesthetic that goes far beyond a two dimensional patch pocket.The origin of the Caron Pocket: Cargo pockets were originally designed by the the British military at the onset of World War II. With the evolving nature of war and the introduction of tanks, airplanes, and other mechanical equipment, the British military realized they needed a more practical uniform. The British War Office did extensive research to redesign their standardized uniform suitable for the needs of modern combat. In 1938 they issued a new “Battle Dress” that took a significant change from the formality of the previous military uniform and focused on funtionality. The trousers, featured a large bellowed pocket for maps just above the left knee and a smaller pocket for medications on the right side, laying the foundation for what we now know as the cargo pocket. It was a revolutionary design that transformed a soldiers uniform from basic clothing into a valuable piece of equipment.In 1942, William P. Yarborough, a commander of the U.S. Army Airborne Forces was tasked with redesigning the uniform worn by paratroopers. These soldiers often had to jump from planes with over 100 pounds of equipment strapped to their backs and he needed to find a way to better distribute the weight. Inspired by the new British uniforms, Yarbourough discarded the one-piece jumpsuits in favor of a two-piece uniform with ample cargo pockets called M42. Some of the cargo pockets were designed to store specific equipment so that it was easily accessible, such as the automatic knives used to cut away parachute parachute remnants upon landing. Other pockets, such as the larger bellows pockets on the trousers were suitable for holding type of cargo that might be needed, such as ammunition, field gear, medical supplies, or food rations. Thus the cargo pocket got its name.The cargo pocket proved its worth and by the end of World War II it had been added to military uniforms around the world.By the 1950s, the military surplus and used clothing industry began to take shape and old army uniforms with cargo pockets became and economical and interesting alternative to classic formal wear for young men. By the 1960s and 1970s the sportwear industry caught on and the started including cargo pockets in their sportwear for hunters, campers, hikers, and fishermen.The aesthetic look of the pocket cannot be denied and as they came into more popular use in the sportwear industry the fashion industry took note. By the 1980s cargo pants enjoyed a surge in popularity in civilian fashion. Among the most famouse are the Bugle Boy Cargo pants that were launched in 1986. From there, the comfort and practicality of cargo pants made them popular attire for skaters, becoming a cornerstone of proto-streetwear.As typically happens in the fashion industry, functional designs work their way up to high fashion. And by the 2000s cargo pockets had been completely reimagined and had made their way to the runway. Today, cargo pockets can be found on just about any type of garment in a myriad of shapes and sizes and interesting designs. With that, Cinnamon is excited to show you the latest Liberty Jane design! The Coton Manor Garden Dress is a recent addition to the Euro Libby pattern collection! A few years ago, while visiting the London area, I had the pleasure of visiting many quaint gardens! On of my favorites was Cotton Manor - All I can say is, Wow! It took my breath away and has inspired this latest design! The pattern includes a standard cargo pocket design, it features an all-in-one gusset style cargo pocket with flap. You can follow along in the Cargo Pocket Tutorial to see how to sew it an attach it to the garment. Shari worked with me on this design and came up with an alternate cargo pocket construction. Follow along in this tutorial to see another method. Find the pattern piece in the downloads section too! The Pocket Swap! An just for fun! Check out this darling pocket swap dress! It's the Coton Manor Garden dress with the slouch pockets shown last week in the Edwardian Patch Pocket tutorial!

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