10 Jan 2018 • • by Heather Lou

Sewing Gusseted Pockets // Kelly Anorak Sewalong

Setting in a two piece sleeve with cuffs // Sewing tutorial // Closet Core Patterns

When I started working on the Kelly AnorakĀ pattern I knew right away I wanted, big, deep, roomy pockets. I take the pup out for long walks a few times a day and I like being able to carry everything I need without lugging around a purseĀ (like treats, keys, my phone, aaaand let's be honest: an old droolly tennis ball). Gusseted pockets are great because they create a little more volume without adding to the square footage; our pockets are about 1" deep and trust me, you can feel the difference.

For our green twill sample, we used the pockets we included in the pattern and that's what we'll cover in this post. For our blue waterproof sample, we removed the folded flap on the pocket and added a flap to the outside so the pocket would be completely concealed and waterproof. If you’d like to do the same, you can download the modified pattern pieces and instructionsĀ here. While we don’t have step by step photos for this pocket, much of the construction is the same as the regular gusseted pocket, so please refer to this post if you need a little extra help.

To start, finish the straight raw edges of the pocket bags as I've done below. If you don't have a serger you can finish with pinking shears or a zig zag stitch. The goal is to reduce unravelling inside the pocket. Make sure you can still spot the notches you should have marked when you cut the pockets out.

Kelly Anorak Sewalong // How to sew a gusset pocket // Closet Core Patterns

Next up, fold the straight edge of the pocket facing in 1/4" two times, press and topstitch into place.

Kelly Anorak Sewalong // How to sew a gusset pocket // Closet Core Patterns

With right sides together, line up the facing along the pocket extension and pin into place. Make sure the circle marks are clearly marked.Ā Sew around the circumference of the pocket facing Ā using a short stitch length, starting and stopping at each circle. Backstitch each time.

Kelly Anorak Sewalong // How to sew a gusset pocket // Closet Core Patterns

Trim the seams all around to about 1/4". Trim a little closer around the corners so you get a clean point in the next step.

Kelly Anorak Sewalong // How to sew a gusset pocket // Closet Core Patterns

Turn the entire thing right side out. You may need to snip to the circle markings to get everything to lay flat.

Kelly Anorak Sewalong // How to sew a gusset pocket // Closet Core Patterns

Kelly Anorak Sewalong // How to sew a gusset pocket // Closet Core Patterns

Now fold all three straight edges of the pocket in 5/8". Press the free edges of the facing in while you're at it.

Kelly Anorak Sewalong // How to sew a gusset pocket // Closet Core Patterns

Fold the bottom and the long sideĀ edge in 1" and press.

Kelly Anorak Sewalong // How to sew a gusset pocket // Closet Core Patterns

Stitch the pocket facing to the pocket itselfĀ just above the pocket facing seam. Now unfold the sides. The folds you pressed will now act as a sort of guide.

Kelly Anorak Sewalong // How to sew a gusset pocket // Closet Core Patterns

Fold the bottom corner right sides together at 45 degrees so that the pressed guides line up with each other. I've drawn the line in question in chalk so you can see below. Pin into place.

Kelly Anorak Sewalong // How to sew a gusset pocket // Closet Core Patterns Kelly Anorak Sewalong // How to sew a gusset pocket // Closet Core Patterns

Sew along this line, from the angled edge to the first folded guide. Backstitch.Ā Trim the seam to 1/4" and snip along the angled edge if necessary to get the seam to open flat.

Kelly Anorak Sewalong // How to sew a gusset pocket // Closet Core Patterns

Press the seam open.

Kelly Anorak Sewalong // How to sew a gusset pocket // Closet Core Patterns

Turn the pocket right side out.Ā Give itĀ a press along the edges you folded earlier so that the pocket gussetĀ presses in on itself like a pleat.

Kelly Anorak Sewalong // How to sew a gusset pocket // Closet Core Patterns

Now it's time to topstitch the bottom and long side along the edge. You will only be topstitching the face of the pocket to the adjacent side like below.

Kelly Anorak Sewalong // How to sew a gusset pocket // Closet Core Patterns

To sew, stitch 1/8 from the edge, keeping the folded seam allowances tucked in. You can either stop at the corner, backstitch, and then turn the pocket to sew the next stitching line. Or, you can keep the 3D gusseted edge folded away from your stitch line, keep your needle down when you are ready to turn the corner, raise your presser foot to readjust the layers of fabric, and continue sewing the second edge.

How to sew bellows or gusseted pockets // Closet Core Patterns

It should look something like this when you're done:

Kelly Anorak Sewalong // How to sew a gusset pocket // Closet Core PatternsĀ Ā Kelly Anorak Sewalong // How to sew a gusset pocket // Closet Core Patterns

You should install your snap buttons now (see our tutorial here); it's a little easier to installĀ them before attaching the pockets to the jacket.Kelly Anorak Sewalong // How to sew a gusset pocket // Closet Core Patterns

Before sewing the pockets to your jacket, I like to use a chalk pen and quilting ruler to identify exactly where toĀ locate them, using the circle markings as a general guide. Ā Below I have drawn in the side and bottom edge of the pocketĀ - the side is parallel to the center front.

Kelly Anorak Sewalong // How to sew a gusset pocket // Closet Core Patterns

Pin your pocket into place along the bottom and side, lining up the edge with the chalk guideline. Press the pocket flat - only the sides of the pocket gusset shouldĀ be pinned - the face of the pocket should be out of the way. You may need to trim the corner seam allowance to get everything to neatly tuck in along that corner.

Kelly Anorak Sewalong // How to sew a gusset pocket // Closet Core Patterns

Stitch theĀ side and bottom of the pocket to the coat, 1/8" from the edge of the seam. Start and stop at the inside corner as you did before, backstitching to secure. The top and shorter side are still hanging free.

Pin the remaining sides of the pocket into place, ensuringĀ that everything is neatly folded together.

Kelly Anorak Sewalong // How to sew a gusset pocket // Closet Core Patterns

Topstitch the remaining free sides of the pocket to the jacket, 1/8" from the edge. You will be stitching through the both the face of th epocket and the fold of the pocket underneath. Backstitch when you start and finish.

Kelly Anorak Sewalong // How to sew a gusset pocket // Closet Core Patterns

Since the opening on the pocket will be put under a lot of stress, I like to finish up by sewing a little bar tack at each corner to help secure it.

Kelly Anorak Sewalong // How to sew a gusset pocket // Closet Core Patterns

And that's it! Three-dimensional gusset pockets are sewn in! Enjoy filling your pockets with everything you used to carry in your purse.

Kelly Anorak Sewalong // How to sew a gusset pocket // Closet Core Patterns

 


Read the next posts in our Kelly Sewalong series: sew the drawstring casing or sew the zipper placket!


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