How to sew a patch pocket

Patch pockets are a simple and effective way to add function to a garment, as well as being a fun design detail. The great thing about patch pockets is you can customise them to any shape you like – we’re dreaming of circular 1960s-style pockets, mini pockets to fit your train tickets in, or bold contrasting pockets to bring a bit of joy to a winter morning. In this tutorial, we show you how to make a kangaroo-style pocket.

You will need

• Thin card
• Temporary fabric spray adhesive (optional)
• Matching thread
• Basic sewing kit

Notes

• Use a 1.5cm (⁵⁄₈in) seam allowance unless otherwise stated.
• Download the bonus kangaroo pocket template

Drafting a kangaroo patch pocket

Use these steps to draft your own kangaroo patch pocket pattern, or use the template available on our website (see notes).

Step 1

Draft a rectangle that is your desired pocket width x pocket height. Our rectangle measures 32x21cm (12⁵⁄₈x8¼in).

Step 2

Angle the top right corner of the rectangle with a line that is your desired pocket opening depth/width. It is important that the pocket opening is not too narrow as you will need to be able to get your hand inside. You will also need to leave some of the top and right-hand edge intact so that you don’t have a triangular pocket! Our top edge measures 12cm (4¾in), our right-hand edge measures 10cm (4in) and our pocket opening width is 15cm (6in). Once you have drawn this angled line, lay your hand on top to check it will fit with a few centimetres either side for ease of movement.

Step 3

Fold the pattern in half vertically and trace the left-hand corner edge exactly the same as the right-hand corner. It is important that your pattern is symmetrical.

Step 4

Unfold and add 1.5cm (⁵⁄₈in) seam allowance all around your template.

Step 5

Cut out your pattern.

Cutting out

Step 1

From the main fabric cut:

• Kangaroo pocket: cut one.

Step 2

Trace around the kangaroo pocket template onto thin card and cut away the 1.5cm (⁵⁄₈in) seam allowance.

Making the pocket

Step 1

Finish the raw edges of the pocket with an overlocker or zigzag stitch. Along the angled pocket opening edges turn 5mm (¼in) to the wrong side (WS) and press. Then turn 1cm (³⁄₈in) to the WS and press again. Topstitch along the open edge of the fold.

Step 2

Place the cardboard template on the WS of the main fabric kangaroo pocket piece. Use a few pins or a temporary fabric adhesive to position the template exactly in the centre of the fabric. There is no seam allowance left along the angled edges, as we have finished these already.

However, there should be 1.5cm (5⁄8in) seam allowance along the top, bottom and side edges. If you are using pins, make sure they are positioned away from the outer edges, as they will scratch the plate of your iron if you press over them.

Step 3

Take the pocket and card template to your ironing board and press each fabric seam allowance edge over onto the cardboard.

Step 4

Neatly fold the corners so that they are not visible from the right side (RS) and lay as flat as possible. If your fabric can be steamed, use the steam function on your iron to get a crisp fold. You may find the right-angled corners difficult to fold without the seam allowance being visible on the RS.

If this is the case, you can pleat the folded fabric slightly so that it is not visible; just make sure that in doing so you aren’t making the corner too bulky. Don’t be tempted to trim away excess fabric at the corners as this can lead to fraying that will eventually become visible on the RS and potentially make a weaker pocket.

Step 5

Remove the cardboard template and place the pocket on your garment. Pin in place to check the position.

Step 6

Topstitch the pocket in place 3-5mm (¹⁄₈-¼in) from the folded edges to finish. Backstitch at the edges of the pocket openings for extra security, and pivot the fabric with the needle in the down position at the corners. Remember not to sew the openings shut!

Top tips

Follow these tips to ensure the topstitching on your patch pockets looks professional.

1. If you’re not confident in topstitching a perfectly straight line, use a thread that is a perfect match to your fabric so it blends in. If you are unsure of which thread colour to use, go one shade darker than your fabric, as this will blend in better than a lighter thread.
2. Follow the guide on your machine plate to get the distance between the pocket edge and the topstitching exactly. If your machine’s markings are unclear, use masking tape to mark your desired distance from the needle.
3. Pivot at the corners of the pockets to avoid distracting backstitching. Sew up until a corner, then turn the hand dial so that the needle is in the down position in the fabric. Raise the presser foot, rotate the fabric so that the next side of the pocket is lined up, lower the presser foot and continue sewing.

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Add style and function to any garment

Sewing your own patch pocket is a simple way to personalise your clothing while adding practical storage. Whether you choose bold, playful designs or classic shapes, a well-made pocket can bring both style and joy to every outfit.

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Follow our guide on how to sew a pocket and rejuvenate plain tees with a simple, stylish update.

Roisin McKenna

Simply Sewing magazine’s former Technical Editor Roisin loves every part of the dressmaking process, from sketching to sewing the final design, and enjoys working with luxury fabrics such as silk and chiffon. She’s a sewing pattern pro with a skill for adjusting and hacking patterns to fit and for editing dressmaking instructions to make them accessible to sewists of all abilities. Before she came to Simply Sewing, the tea-drinking fabric-lover ran her own handmade Lingerie Etsy shop. She drinks a lot of tea and shares a mix of dressmaking projects and fashion history on her Instagram @roisin_handmade.

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