Hi sewing friends!
Last year I had shared with you a tutorial on how I hacked a Cleo pinafore dress pattern to make a slanted pockets. Today I will show you a detailed instruction of how to sew it up. I had couple requests on how to construct it and thought it would be a perfect time to make another Cleo dress…..but hey, who needs an excuse!
If you are not familiar with how to alter the pattern, you can find that tutorial post here.
Sewing tutorial
Cut out all pattern pieces and copy all suggested markings on front pieces, top pocket pieces and pocket bag pieces.
Interface or staystitch the pocket opening on front pattern piece to stop the pocket from stretching out of shape during use.
(Optional) For better result I find it easier to mark a seam line at the pocket corner.
With right sides together place pocket bag along the longer pocket opening edge making sure that dotted mark matches the marked corner and pin in place.
Starting at the dot sew it together.
Fold the seam allowance towards the pocket bag and pin it to keep it out of the way for the next step.
With right sides together place the top pocket piece at the shorter pocket opening edge and pin it in place.
It is best to turn the fabric over to the other side to clearly see the marked sharp corner and exact place where the first stitch line ends. Starting at that point stitch the short edges together.
Next, carefully clip the corner as close as possible to the stitching line.
Turn the pocket bag towards the wrong side and press the seam.
Repeat the step for top pocket piece.
(This is how it should look like from the right side).
If you prefer not to top-stitch the pocket you may skip next few steps.
To top-stitch the pocket opening fold the top pocket pieces out of the way. Leaving long thread tails start to top-stitch as close as possible from the pocket corner. Only back stitch at the side seam.
On the wrong side pull both thread tails and securely tie them up together.
Instead of cutting tread tails short, thread it through the needle and insert it between both fabric layers. Only then snip the ends. By doing this it is less likely that the thread will unravel in the future.
Place the top pocket piece and the pocket bag right sides together and pin it in place.
Starting at the end of a second ( shorter) stitch line machine the pocket bags together.
Overclock or zigzag the seam allowance around the entire pocket bag.
Pin and baste the pocket bag at the side seam.
To top-stitch the other edge of the pocket start at the beginning of the first top-stitching line and sew around the corner. It is easier to first draw a line. Remember to leave a long thread tail and secure it in place as before.
Give it a final press and your pockets are done!
Now follow the rest of the pattern instruction to finish sewing your garment.
Hope you enjoyed this little tutorial and find it useful!
See you next time!!!
Monika xxx
