How to Sew a Pocket on a Shirt by Hand
Embroidering a pocket on a shirt by hand is a delightful way to add a personal touch to your clothing. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced seamstress, this tutorial will guide you through the process of sewing a pocket on a shirt by hand. With a few simple tools and some patience, you’ll be able to create a stylish and functional pocket that complements your shirt perfectly.
Materials Needed:
Before you begin, gather the following materials:
– A shirt (preferably with a pocket already in place to use as a template)
– Fabric for the pocket (matching or contrasting)
– Scissors
– Pins
– Thread
– Needle
– Seam ripper (optional)
– Measuring tape (optional)
Step 1: Prepare the Pocket Fabric
1. Lay out your fabric for the pocket on a flat surface. If you’re using a shirt with a pocket as a template, lay the shirt pocket on top of the fabric and trace around it with a pen or pencil. If you’re starting from scratch, measure the dimensions of the pocket on the shirt and draw a corresponding shape on the fabric.
2. Cut out the fabric using scissors, leaving a 1/2-inch seam allowance around the traced outline.
3. Fold the edges of the pocket fabric under 1/4 inch and press with an iron. Then, fold them under again 1/4 inch and press again. This will create a finished edge for the pocket.
Step 2: Prepare the Shirt Pocket Opening
1. Lay the shirt on a flat surface with the pocket opening facing up. Pin the edges of the pocket opening to keep them in place.
2. Using a seam ripper, carefully remove the stitching from the pocket opening. Be sure to leave a small tail of thread to reattach the pocket later.
3. Press the edges of the pocket opening under 1/4 inch and press again.
Step 3: Attach the Pocket to the Shirt
1. Pin the pocket fabric to the shirt pocket opening, right sides together. Make sure the edges are aligned and the corners match up.
2. Thread your needle with a length of thread that’s slightly longer than the length of the pocket. knot the end of the thread.
3. Starting at the top corner of the pocket, sew around the edges using a straight stitch. Leave a 1/2-inch opening at the top of the pocket for turning.
4. When you reach the starting point, knot the thread and trim the excess.
5. Turn the pocket right side out through the opening you left at the top. Use a chopstick or a knitting needle to push out the corners and edges for a crisp finish.
Step 4: Reattach the Pocket Opening
1. Pin the edges of the pocket opening to the shirt, right sides together. Make sure the edges are aligned and the corners match up.
2. Thread your needle with a length of thread that’s slightly longer than the length of the pocket. knot the end of the thread.
3. Starting at the top corner of the pocket opening, sew around the edges using a straight stitch. Make sure to catch the stitching from the pocket when sewing the opening shut.
4. When you reach the starting point, knot the thread and trim the excess.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
1. Press the pocket and the shirt pocket opening with an iron to set the stitches.
2. If desired, you can add a decorative stitch around the pocket opening or topstitch the edges for a polished look.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully sewn a pocket on a shirt by hand. Enjoy your personalized shirt and the newfound skills you’ve acquired.
