How to Make Customized Pockets for Your Daily Essentials

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cal patch, contributor

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The pocket's pleat and elastic keep my wallet safe and secure.

Cal Patch

These are some of the things I grab repeatedly on a daily basis.

Cal Patch

Measure the width and length of each object for which you are making a pocket.

Cal Patch

The pocket's pleat and elastic keep my wallet safe and secure.

Photo: Cal Patch

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3. Make the pockets. Finish the top edge (the opening) with a 1/2-inch double-turned hem. Press the remaining three sides under by 1/2 inch. For objects with significant depth, you might experiment with dimensional pockets, rather than flat. I added a pleat to my wallet pocket and threaded elastic through the top hem to keep my wallet secure (and hidden).

The elastic top and pleat will keep my bulky wallet safe and secure.

You could also put flaps over some pockets for the same reasons. Take some time to consider what details will work best for each specific item.

The extra width of this pocket will accommodate the depth of my phone.

4. Attach the pockets. Placement is almost as important as size when it comes to the functionality of your customized pockets, so take care in planning where each one will go. You might want to mock up the tote with safety pins to really visualize how it will all come together. Some things to consider: Which side do you carry your bag on? Which items will be reached for most often? (These should be placed in front.) Pockets for heavy or valuable items should be near the bottom of the bag. Once you have determined the placement, pin everything in place, and edgestitch the three pressed-under sides to attach. Reinforce both sides of the opening with extra backstitching; since you are sewing all of these pockets to the lining of the bag, you won't be able to repair them by machine without stitching through the outside or taking the whole bag apart!

My phone fits perfectly into its own little pocket.

5. Finish the bag. Now that your hyper-efficient interior is completely outfitted, you can proceed with sewing the rest of the lining together and completing the bag.

Enjoy your new tote! Every time you pull out your date book/pen/glasses in the blink of an eye, thank yourself for your effort. This is one project that can actually improve your quality of life!

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Comments (5)

Ravyn writes: I love this idea and will use it for some other items as well as my handbag. this idea can be used to make things like a Bingo Bag or diaper bag or to hold my crafting supplies. great job on the demo.

Posted: 11:16 am on January 23rd

LooseButtons writes: Thank you for submitting this idea. I was considering putting pockets "easy" pockets where special things you need to reach in a hurry will and can be found. I look forward to adding this to my bags of tricks. Check my blog out. Google: zionsnana2000@gmail.com Thank you!
Posted: 2:02 pm on October 13th

soggs74 writes: I love this! If you make the pockets and attach them to a separate piece of fabric, you can switch them from one bag to another...

Posted: 7:12 am on October 4th

CalPatch writes: thanks! can't wait to see yours... post it in the gallery when you're finished!
Posted: 2:31 pm on October 3rd

ifthebirdsknew writes: Wow that's awesome...love your fabric! I am gonna get cracking on that pocket RIGHT NOW! do you think you might wanna do a sling tutorial?
Posted: 7:57 am on October 2nd

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