TUTORIAL: Gathered Pocket

Are you tired of slip pockets?  Try something different...add a gathered pocket!

These pockets are especially great for diaper and gym bags.  They make excellent bottle holders!  Make them a bit tighter and they can secure smaller items like keys and cell phones without the hassle of a zipper.  The best part - they are pretty easy to make!


WHAT YOU WILL NEED:
2 pieces of fabric
1 piece of interfacing
1 piece of 1/2" elastic

Get the full tutorial after the jump...

STEP 1: Prepare and Cut

Cut two pieces of fabric to desired size.  You will want to add about an inch to the width of what you would use for a slip pocket to accommodate the gather.  Cut one piece of medium weight fusible interfacing.

Adhere the interfacing to one of the pieces of fabric - this will be the front of the pocket.

STEP 2:  Create Pocket

Place the two pieces of fabric on top of one another right sides together and sew the top of the pocket using a 1/2" seam allowance.

 Flip the fabric right sides out and press.  Edge stitch about 1/8" in.

STEP 3: Create the Gather

Measure just over 1/2" from that edge stitch and sew a second seam to create the channel for the elastic (you can use your elastic to check the distance needed).

Once sewn, take a safety pin and thread the elastic through the channel

Measure 1" in from the raw edge of each side of the channel and mark.  Sew one side across the channel capturing the elastic inbetween.

Pull the other side of the elastic to create a gather.  How loose or tight is based on preference and functionality.  Once you get the gather as you like, sew across the other side of the channel and trim off the excess elastic.

OPTION: If you are placing this pocket in the center of a lining you will want to turn the pocket inside out and hem up the bottom seam then turn right side out and press.  (sorry, I don't have a picture of this).  Leave the sides open - you will tuck those under when attaching to the bag lining.

If you are placing the pocket so it comes up from the bottom of the purse, the raw edges will be concealed in side the seam, so you don't need to do this.

 Next, serge or zig zag any raw edges to prevent fraying.

 STEP 4: Attach Pocket to Bag Lining

Press the raw edges of both pocket sides under about 1/2 inch.

Place the pocket where you want it on your lining.  Pin in place, securing the folded raw edges under.  You will want to keep the left and right sides straight.

 

You may need to pleat the bottom of the  pocket to make this work....

Using 1/4" seam allowance (or a little less), sew down one side of the pocket, across the bottom and up the other side, backtacking at start and finish.

 Finish your lining, and assemble your bag!

 Your gathered pocket is done!