In the pocket

I’ve been seeing these pattern-pocket tees on the Internet, and lately, I’ve been spotting these beauties hanging on mall racks, too. That’s why I decided to rise to the challenge and do DIY pattern-pocket tees with you. Let’s get started!

Things you’ll need:

Plain shirt

Printed fabric

Paper and marker/ pencil

Scissors

Iron

Fabric glue

Ruler

Thread, needle and pins

Any plain shirt will do, but I suggest you use a white shirt, as it goes with almost any color of printed fabric. When it comes to the fabric, I would propose something that is easy to sew, especially when you’re not going to use a sewing machine.

Procedure:

1.) Using your pencil and ruler, make a pattern on a paper that measures 6” lengthwise and 5.5” crosswise, with the vertical line on the middle measuring 7” and the two diagonal lines that meet on the tip of the vertical line measuring 3.5” each. Cut the pattern off the paper so you can use it as a template for your patch pocket, trace your template on the printed fabric, then cut through the lines you draw.

Note: Make sure your measurements are accurate; you don’t want your pockets to have irregular sides.

2.) Using your marker, you can mark one inch on every side so it will be easier for you to identify where to fold. Next, start from the top, folding it inwards. Plug your iron and press it on the crease so it is folded properly.

3.) After ironing a fold, flip it open and put fabric glue in between, close the fold, and iron it again so it is well placed. Repeat from either side, then end on the two diagonal folds, one at a time.

4.) Rest your shirt on a flat surface and cautiously pin your pocket patch to the shirt. The placement of your pocket depends on where you want it to be, but be sure to try it out first before sewing so you’re sure it’s on your preferred position. Just to give you an idea, on my round-neck shirt, it measures approximately 3” from the collar and 2” from the armpit seam.

5.) Finally, attach your pocket by carefully sewing by hand using your thread and needle, or with a sewing machine. Sew the three sides of the patch, leaving the top side to act as a pocket. Remove the pins, and you’re done! You’ve just made a pattern-pocket tee!

Christmastime is imminent, and surely you’ll be spending more money than usual on presents. DIYs can help you save more, so you can splurge on other stuff, plus the fact that there’s no one wearing the same thing, as you made your own piece. I hope you find this guide useful, and I hope you had a great time playing with patch pockets like I did. Remember, why buy when you can DIY?