Pockets can be a handy addition to any apron, whether you want one big pocket (like overalls often have) or several small ones. You’ll probably want to make the pockets from the same type of fabric as the apron and match the apron as closely as possible, but you can also make contrasting pockets. The pockets can be any size you want. They can be simple rectangles, or rounded on the bottom. You can leave the pockets plain, or add decorations such as lace or rickrack. You can also add buttonholes to the pockets if you want to be able to keep them closed, or make gusseted pockets if you need extra room in the pockets for bulky items. Since the stitches on the pockets will show, make sure to use thread that matches the fabric.
Sew Pockets on an Apron
Cut a rectangle of fabric about 2 inches taller than you want the pocket and 1 inch wider. Round off the lower corners if you want. You may want to fold the pocket in half before you cut it, so that the pocket will be symmetrical.
Fold each edge of the pocket 1/2 inch toward the wrong side of the fabric. Press the folds flat.
Hem the top edge of the pocket by folding over the top edge about 1 inch. Press the fold flat, then stitch along the lower edge of the fold.
Position the pocket on the apron and pin it in place.
Stitch along the side and lower edges of the pocket, about 1/4 inch from the edge of the pocket. Leave the top of the pocket unstitched.
Things You'll Need:
- Apron
- Fabric
- Matching thread
- Measuring tape
- Scissors
- Straight pins
- Iron
- Ironing board
- Sewing machine
Tip
To make gusseted pockets, cut the fabric about 3 to 4 inches wider than you want the pocket. After you’ve pressed the sides and hemmed the top, fold a small pleat in each side edge of the pocket. Press the pleats flat. When you stitch the pocket to the apron, stitch along the bottom layer of the sides. Do not stitch the upper layer of fabric on the gussets, so they can open fully.
To make pockets that button, add a buttonhole to the center of the pocket, near the top, before sewing it to the apron. After you sew the pocket to the apron, position the button underneath the buttonhole and sew it to the apron.
Warnings:
- Use caution when working with scissors, pins, irons and sewing machine.
Tips
- To make gusseted pockets, cut the fabric about 3 to 4 inches wider than you want the pocket. After you’ve pressed the sides and hemmed the top, fold a small pleat in each side edge of the pocket. Press the pleats flat. When you stitch the pocket to the apron, stitch along the bottom layer of the sides. Do not stitch the upper layer of fabric on the gussets, so they can open fully.
- To make pockets that button, add a buttonhole to the center of the pocket, near the top, before sewing it to the apron. After you sew the pocket to the apron, position the button underneath the buttonhole and sew it to the apron.
Warnings
- Use caution when working with scissors, pins, irons and sewing machine.
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