Crafting A Pocket T-Shirt: A Step-By-Step Guide

Adding a pocket to a T-shirt is a simple way to spice up your wardrobe and can be a fun DIY project. It's a great way to give new life to an old, plain T-shirt and can be done at home with some basic materials and equipment. You can use fabric scraps, add a monogram, or choose a fun, patterned pocket to create a unique look. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of making your own pocket T-shirt, from cutting out the pocket fabric to sewing it onto the shirt, ensuring that you end up with a stylish and personalised garment.

Cutting the fabric

To make a pocket T-shirt, you'll need to cut a pocket-sized piece of fabric. This can be done by following these steps:

Firstly, make a pocket pattern on a piece of paper. Draw a 5” x 5” square, and from the bottom centre of the square, draw a 1” line down. Then, from the edges of the square on the bottom side, draw two lines connecting to the centre line. These lines will be 2.5” long. Cut out your pattern.

Now, it's time to cut the fabric for the pocket. Place your pattern on the fabric and cut the fabric to match the pattern. You can use any fabric you like, but it's recommended to wash the fabric before cutting to prevent shrinkage or bleeding that could ruin your work.

Once the fabric is cut, you'll need to fold and iron the seams. Fold the sides of the fabric between ¼” and ½”, starting with the sides and bottom of the pocket, and then folding the top. Pin these folds in place.

After the seams are folded and pinned, you can sew the hem at the top of the pocket, which will be the opening.

Now your fabric pocket is almost ready! You just need to attach it to your T-shirt, but how you cut the fabric will have a big impact on the final look of your pocket T-shirt.

If you want a square pocket, simply trim the corners of your fabric square with a curved snip before overlocking the edges.

For a more unique shape, you can cut the bottom corners of your fabric in a curved or angled line to create a rounded or pointed pocket. Play with the corners until you get your desired shape, and then press the curves or points in place before sewing the pocket to the T-shirt.

Folding the seams

Now that you have cut out your pocket, it's time to fold the seams. This will give your pocket a neat and tidy finish. Take your fabric and fold the sides between 1/4" and 1/2" (0.6 cm and 1.3 cm). Start by folding the sides and bottom of the pocket, and then fold the top. The top fold should be slightly larger, between 1/2" and 1" (1.3 cm and 2.5 cm). These measurements are important to ensure that your pocket is secure and doesn't come undone with wear and washing.

Once you've folded all the sides, you'll need to secure them with pins. Place the pins along the folds to hold them in place. You can then use an iron to press the folds and give them a crisp finish. Make sure to remove the pins as you go to avoid burning yourself or leaving marks on the fabric.

If you want to add extra detail, you can stitch a line 3/4" (1.9 cm) down from the top of the pocket. This will give it a more polished look and help to keep the top fold in place. You can use a sewing machine or hand stitch this part, whichever you're more comfortable with.

Now that your pocket is looking neat and tidy, it's almost ready to be attached to your T-shirt!

Ironing the folds

Firstly, lay out your fabric for the pocket, ensuring it is smooth and free of any creases. You will be working on creating precise folds, so a flat, even surface is essential. Once you have your fabric ready, you can begin folding.

For the sides and bottom of the pocket, fold the edges of the fabric between 1/4" and 1/2". Start with the sides, and then move to the bottom. These initial folds will create crisp edges for your pocket. After folding, use pins to secure these folds in place.

Now, for the top of the pocket, create a slightly larger fold, ranging from 1/2" to 1". This fold will form the opening of your pocket, so it is essential to iron it neatly. Secure this fold with pins as well.

At this point, you should have a rectangular shape with one longer side at the top, which will be the opening of your pocket. Carefully remove the pins as you go, use your iron to press down on the folds, ensuring they are sharp and even. Take your time with this step, as ironing is critical to achieving a polished finish.

Once you are satisfied with the creases, your pocket pattern is ready to be sewn onto your T-shirt! Remember to remove any remaining pins before you begin sewing.

Sewing the hem

Folding the Fabric:

Start by folding the sides of your fabric between 1/4" and 1/2" (0.6 cm to 1.3 cm). Begin with the sides and bottom of the pocket, and then move on to the top. The top fold should be slightly larger, ranging from 1/2" to 1" (1.3 cm to 2.5 cm). This will create a neat finish for the open end of the pocket. Secure these folds in place with pins.

Ironing the Folds:

Use an iron to press down on the folds and create sharp, crisp edges. Remove the pins as you go to ensure they don't leave any marks on the fabric. A well-ironed pocket will not only look more professional but will also be easier to sew.

Sewing the Top Hem:

Using a needle and thread, sew along the top hem of the pocket. This will secure the open end of the pocket and prevent it from fraying. You can use a straight stitch or a simple running stitch for this step. Make sure to tie off the thread securely at the end.

Preparing the Pocket for Attachment:

Now that your pocket is complete, it's time to prepare it for attachment to the T-shirt. Place the pocket on the T-shirt, and using pins, secure it to the desired location. Make sure to put the pins through only the front layer of the T-shirt, so you don't accidentally sew the pocket to the back as well.

Sewing the Pocket in Place:

With the pocket pinned in place, it's time to sew it onto the T-shirt. Start on one side of the pocket, and sew carefully and closely around the edge. Remember to keep the back of the T-shirt away from your sewing needle to avoid accidental stitching. When you reach a corner, lift the needle, rotate the fabric, and continue sewing. Your goal is to create one continuous seam around the three closed sides of the pocket.

And that's it! You've successfully sewn a pocket onto your T-shirt. This project is an excellent way to add a personal touch to your wardrobe and spice up a plain T-shirt.

Stitching the pocket to the T-shirt

Now that you have your pocket ready, it's time to stitch it to your T-shirt! Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

Prepare the T-shirt:

Before you begin stitching, it's important to ensure that your T-shirt is ready for sewing. Put on the T-shirt and use pins to mark the desired placement of the pocket. Take off the T-shirt and lay it flat, making any necessary adjustments to ensure the pocket is straight. Remember to only pin the pocket to the front side of the shirt.

Pin the Pocket in Place:

Place the pocket on the T-shirt, aligning it with the pins you just placed. Secure the pocket to the front of the T-shirt by pinning it in place. Make sure the pins go through only the pocket and the front layer of the shirt to avoid accidental stitching through both layers.

Sew the Pocket:

Set up your sewing machine and ensure that only the pocket and the front layer of the T-shirt are underneath. Start sewing from one side of the pocket, getting as close to the edge of the fabric as possible. Sew around the edge of the pocket, using one continuous seam. Remember to lift the foot and rotate the fabric when you reach a corner. Do not sew the top of the pocket shut—this will be the opening.

Secure the Pocket:

Once you've sewn around the three sides of the pocket, secure your stitches by backstitching a few times at the top opening. This will reinforce the pocket and ensure it stays attached through wear and washing.

Final Steps:

Remove any remaining pins and iron the pocket to set the stitches. Now you can enjoy your newly crafted pocket T-shirt! You can repeat this process to add pockets to other T-shirts or experiment with different fabrics and pocket designs.

Frequently asked questions