Learn to Sew Inseam Pockets Into Scarves

by ddefilippo

20K1900

Intro: Learn to Sew Inseam Pockets Into Scarves

Inseam pockets add sophistication and comfort to any garment.
They also give scarves a professional touch since they are nearly invisible when closed.

Materials you'll need:
  • Fabric
Scarf: 2 pieces of 64"Lx8.5"W or 1 piece 128"L x 17"W fabric of choice
Pockets: 1/2 yard of fabric in contrasting color
  • Sewing Machine
  • Pins
  • Tailor chalk
  • pocket pattern or you can draw your own by sketching a teardrop shape at 8" x 11"

STEP 1: Cut Out Scarf Pieces

Cut 2 identically sized rectangular pieces of fabric for your scarf's front and back.
The dimensions used here are:
Length=64"
Width=8.5"

This scarf was a present for my very petite aunt who is 5'1" tall.
If you're making this for someone taller than 5'2", I suggest adding around 6" in length to your fabric pieces.
(A 70" long scarf will allow for much more comfortable pocket placement.)




STEP 2: Cut Out & Position Pocket Pieces

We are going to start by cutting 2 pairs of pocket pieces that should look like mirrors of each other.
See Shopaholic.net photo of 4 pieces above.

Start by
  • folding the fabric you're using for pockets in half, right sides of fabric together. I suggest using a pocket fabric that's a contrasting color to your scarf fabric. It looks more eye catching this way.
  • Trace the pocket pattern (above) onto fabric twice at fold and cut out. You should now have 2 pairs of pockets (4 pieces total.)
Next, Decide where you want the pockets to go on scarf and mark above pocket top.
  • Cut small notch at marks, cutting thru both pieces of fabric. Repeat for 2nd pocket.
  • Pin pocket piece to scarf front at notch, right sides together, matching seam edges.
  • Sew with 3/8” (1cm) seam allowance.
Suggestions:
-Make sure pocket depth and placement will be comfortable for the wearer of the scarf.
-Pocket sizing should be about 1/2" to 1" smaller than the finished width of scarf for a nice fit.
-Pocket dimensions for my scarf here are 8" x 11"
-Finish seams with serger or zigzag stitch





STEP 3: Sew Pocket Pieces to Scarf

ThreadingMyWay.com has a fantastic tutorial for sewing inseam pockets into pants. But it works for scarves too. I've been using it as my pocket reference guide ever since I found it.
I've summarized all the tutorials useful information as it applies to scarves on the next few slides.

  • Sew one pocket piece to the front of scarf directly under notch.
  • Pin remaining 3 pocket pieces under notches and sew onto scarf.

Suggestions:
  • Place pocket pieces on the same side of scarf so pockets lie on outside edge when finished. When wearing it, your hands will slip into both pockets comfortably and easily.
  • Accurate marking is vital to pocket placement. All 4 pocket pieces should line up precisely between top and bottom fabrics.
  • Top stitching pocket openings makes finished scarf look professional.
  • Use fabric pencil or tailor chalk when marking directly on fabric to avoid permanent damage.

STEP 4: Topstitch

Top-stitching pocket openings helps fabric lay flat and gives garments a finished look.

  • Fold the pocket pieces out and press the seam towards the pocket.
  • Top-stitch1/8" from the seam.
  • Reference photos from ThreadingMyWay.com above.


STEP 5: Connecting Front to Back & Real Pockets


  • Line up the two pocket pieces, right sides together and pin around pocket edge and down side seam. See pictures above from Sewaholic.net
  • Sew the front to the back at side seam, sewing around the pocket and continue down the side seam.
  • Back-stitch at the top and bottom of the pocket.
  • Make sure all seams are finished with a serger or a zigzag stitch.

STEP 6: Enjoy & Impress!

Enjoy your gorgeous new scarf or give it to someone you love.The nearly invisible pockets always seem to impress when they are noticed.