tutorial: pleated pockets

I just added these cute little pleated pockets to a skirt I made for the Little Miss. They are pretty easy to make and here's how - I hope my instructions and pictures are clear!

By the way: I used a 5/8" seam allowance and if you use the pattern I provided below the pocket ends up being about 4 1/2" high and 4" wide.

step 1. Cut out pocket and pocket band (see pattern below). Baste stitch across pocket top and pull to gather. Fold over pocket band with wrong sides together about 1 inch (or 1/3 of the height) and iron.


step 2. Pin pocket band to pocket with right sides together with folded edge of pocket band on the bottom. Adjust your gathers so the edges match up.

step 3. Stitch across top, trim seam allowance to 1/4".

step 4. Open up and iron seam allowance toward pocket band.

step 5. Fold down pocket band to outside seam line and pin in place.

step 6. Stitch around all raw edges (not across the top).

step 7. Trim seam allowances to about 1 cm and cut top corners diagonally.

step 8. Turn pocket band to inside.

step 9. Iron pocket band flat and raw edges of the pocket to inside.

step 10. Slip stitch open edge of pocket band closed.

step 11. Pin pocket in the position you want it on your garment. (If you are making your garment from scratch do this before you sew it all together - it's a lot easier).


step 12. Stitch around sides and bottom close to edge. You're done!

Click on picture to enlarge and print.