How to make the perfect slip pocket for your bag?

14-08-2024

Annie

Do you want to sew an inner pocket or insert into a bag? But don't know how to do it yet? Then you've come to the right place! In this 10-step plan with photos and video tutorial, we show you how to easily sew an inner pocket yourself.

How to make the perfect slip pocket for your bag?

DIY an inside pocket in your own bag!

A sewing tutorial for making an inside pocket for your favourite bag design is absolutely essential. Why, you say? Well, as many of us will agree, a bag without an extra pocket is the recipe for a big gaping hole where you literally lose everything. And that, of course, goes against the ease of use that bags kind of stand for.

We made the compartment as part of the popular Tote bag tutorial: How to make a tote bag. The ideal sewing project for beginners! So the dimensions below perfectly fit such a tote bag. Want to sew an inside pocket for a different design? That's no problem! Simply adjust the dimensions accordingly and you can get started.

The dimensions of the finished inner pocket are: 21 x 11 cm

What do you need to make a slip pocket in your bag?

Firstly, it is important to know that the inner pocket will be attached to the lining fabric of the bag. Were you not planning to add an inner lining? Then the stitching of the inner pocket will show on the outside of your bag. This is not always pretty, nor common, but who knows, it might be a great idea for a controversial bag design where the stitching is not hidden. In this step-by-step plan, we sew the pouch to the inside lining of the bag.

Fabric required

0.25 metres of fabric per inner pocket
Thread in matching colour

Materials required

Sewing machine
Fabric shears or rotary cutter
Cutting mat
Pencil
Pins
Tape measure
Pattern paper or baking sheet
Optional: iron & ironing board

Measuring, trimming, cutting, etc.

Cut or trim 2 times 25 x 15 cm of fabric for the inner pocket

1. As always, the first step is to measure and cut or trim the fabric. For convenience, we used a piece of baking paper. That way you only have to measure the dimensions once.

2. Next, pin the perfectly measured paper to the folded fabric for your inner pocket. Cut or trim along the edge of the paper and you're done.

A3 Foldable Cutting Mat

Rotary Cutter with 3 blades

An inside pocket in 10 steps - just like that!

1. Place the 2 pieces of fabric for the slip pocket right sides together and pin them in place. Make sure you leave an opening of about 7.5 cm. We will use this for turning the fabric inside out.

2. Sew along the outside of the fabric. Use stitch pattern 2 on the Crafts&Co Sewing Machine (straight stitch of 2.5 mm stitch length) with a seam allowance of 6-7 mm.

* A seam allowance is an extra piece of fabric you need to stitch the pieces of fabric together.

3. Then go along the outside of the fabric again with zigzag stitch pattern 11 (stitch length of 2 mm). Make sure you sew exactly between the straight stitch and the outer edge for best results.

Note: don't forget to leave the 7.5 cm gap for turning the fabric.

4. Then remove the corners of the fabric with fabric shears or a sharp rotary cutter. When doing so, make sure not to cut the straight stitching.

5. Now it's time to turn the fabric inside out. The right side of the fabric is now turned outwards. Also push the corners out well and press the fabric flat by hand or use an iron for extra ease.

6. To create a professional, finished look, sew a straight line along the top of the fabric (the opening in the fabric is now at the bottom of the pocket). Use a 2-3 mm straight stitch (stitch pattern 2) with a 3 mm seam allowance.

7. Take out the lining fabric cut to size, as the inner pocket is just about ready. Decide exactly where you want to attach the inner pocket to the lining fabric. Make sure you have enough room for the seam allowance and possibly a closure at the top of the bag. Pin the sides of the pocket to the lining fabric.

8. Lay the pinned insert pocket widthwise in front of you and locate the centre of the pocket. Use a marking pencil to mark the top and bottom.

9. Grab the sewing machine and sew with a straight stitch from the bottom mark to the top mark. Use a 2-3 mm straight stitch (stitch pattern 2). Don't forget the double stitching - back and forth and then through - for a good seam finish. This line of stitches creates the two squares.

You might need to smooth the pocket fabric slightly and re-stitch the sides and bottom before continuing.

10. Sew the sides and bottom of the inner pocket in 1 line. Use a 2-3 mm straight stitch (stitch pattern 2) with a 3 mm seam allowance. By stopping at each corner, lifting the foot and then turning the fabric, you can easily continue sewing in one line. The inner pocket is now firmly attached to the inner lining and the opening at the bottom is also sewn shut.

The slip pocket is ready!

Are you more visually inclined? Then watch the tutorial on video and let's make the slip pocket together!

Sewing Machine for Beginners - 12 built-in stitches

Sewing kit - 98 pieces

Curious about our other hobby blogs? Then take a closer look!

How to make a tote bag. The ideal sewing project for beginners!

By now, have you become super inspired and want to make the full Tote bag? Then follow our tutorial How do I make a tote bag from scratch? The ideal sewing project for beginners! and the simple steps will show you the way.