How to Sew a Back Welt Pocket
Embroidering a back welt pocket is a fantastic way to add a touch of sophistication to any garment. Whether you’re working on a pair of jeans, a dress, or a pair of trousers, this tutorial will guide you through the process of how to sew a back welt pocket. With a few simple steps and some patience, you’ll be able to create a professional-looking pocket that will enhance the overall appearance of your project.
Materials Needed:
Before diving into the steps, make sure you have the following materials on hand:
– Fabric: Choose a fabric that matches or complements the garment you’re working on.
– Thread: Select a thread color that coordinates with your fabric.
– Pinking shears or a zigzag stitch on your sewing machine.
– Seam ripper.
– Measuring tape.
– Scissors.
– Pins.
– Seam gauge.
– Iron and ironing board.
Step 1: Measure and Cut the Fabric
Begin by measuring the location where you want the back welt pocket to be placed. Once you have the dimensions, cut a piece of fabric to that size. Remember to add extra fabric for seam allowances.
Step 2: Prepare the Welt Pockets
Fold the fabric in half lengthwise and press with an iron. Open the fabric and fold the long edges inward by 1/4 inch (6 mm). Press again. Then, fold the fabric in half widthwise and press once more. This will create a pocket opening that is 1/4 inch (6 mm) wide.
Step 3: Sew the Welt Pockets
With the right sides of the fabric facing, pin the welt pockets in place along the back of the garment. Sew the pocket edges together using a 1/4 inch (6 mm) seam allowance. Make sure to backstitch at the beginning and end of the seam to secure it.
Step 4: Trim and Press the Welt Pockets
Trim the excess fabric from the seam allowances, leaving a 1/4 inch (6 mm) seam allowance. This will prevent the fabric from fraying. Press the seam allowances open with an iron.
Step 5: Create the Welt
Fold the bottom edge of the garment upward by 1/4 inch (6 mm) and press. Then, fold it up another 1/4 inch (6 mm) and press again. This will create the welt for the pocket. Pin the welt in place along the back of the garment.
Step 6: Attach the Welt Pockets
Sew the welt to the garment using a 1/4 inch (6 mm) seam allowance. Make sure to backstitch at the beginning and end of the seam. Once the welt is attached, press the seam allowances open with an iron.
Step 7: Topstitch the Welt
Topstitch the welt along the bottom edge, 1/8 inch (3 mm) from the edge. This will give the pocket a finished look and help secure the welt in place.
Step 8: Insert the Pocket Bag
With the right sides of the pocket bag and the garment facing, pin the bag in place over the welt. Sew the bag to the garment using a 1/4 inch (6 mm) seam allowance. Make sure to backstitch at the beginning and end of the seam.
Step 9: Trim and Press the Pocket Bag
Trim the excess fabric from the seam allowances, leaving a 1/4 inch (6 mm) seam allowance. Press the seam allowances open with an iron.
Step 10: Topstitch the Pocket Bag
Topstitch the pocket bag along the top edge, 1/8 inch (3 mm) from the edge. This will give the pocket a finished look and help secure the bag in place.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully sewn a back welt pocket. This technique can be applied to various garments, and with practice, you’ll be able to create beautifully finished pockets with ease.
