How to Sew Doll Clothes: Adding Slant Front Pockets

I can't stop myself from doing something else with the patterns that I design. This skirt is the Basic A-line Skirt pattern that you get to download when you join my mailing list. 

Once you sign up you get a link to download the skirt pattern as well as an access link to the Newsletter Patterns and Tutorials folder.

If this sounds good then click the button below to add your email to the list.

Doll clothes look so cute with front slant pockets. They are easy to add to garments that have a waist seam. This skirt has a waist band. You will need the Basic A-line Skirt pattern and the pocket pattern pieces to make this skirt with pockets.

The method works for any low gather skirt or trousers with a waist band as well as a dress with a narrow skirt attached at the waist.

First you have to realise that adding extra bulk to the front as pockets will affect the fit. You need to add more ease to the skirt front or the front of any pattern not sized for front pockets.

Place the centre front of the skirt pattern 1/8" from the fold and cut it out. This doesn't have to be exact. Cut the backs the same as the pattern. 

Cut out the pocket pieces using the same fabric for each or you can use a lighter or cheaper fabric for the pocket lining.

If you want to do piping trim you will need to stitch the piping to the right side of the lining top edge first.
Place the pocket linings on the skirt front, right sides together and matching the side and waist edges.
Stitch along the top edge of the lining 1/4" from the raw edge.

Trim the seam. Clip the curve every 1/4".

Turn the pocket linings to the inside and press. Do top stitching or fancy stitching or add trim at this point.

Place the pocket bag right side down so it matches the edges of the lining and the waist and side edges of the skirt. At this point you can stitch around the curved edge of the pocket to join the lining and bag. Then you pink the seam.

If you are going to use the French seam finish you will need to sew the seam twice.
Flip the pocket bag over and pin the pocket bag to the lining, inside out.

Match and pin the inside edges. They come together easily but you have to distort the skirt to get them together.

Stitch around the inside of the pocket with a 1/8" seam allowance. I didn't find it necessary to clip the curve.

Turn the pocket. The neat edge is on the outside and the raw edge is on the inside.

Stitch around the outside of the pocket so you just enclose the raw edge on the inside.

Finish the skirt as directed in the pattern.

You can get the pocket pattern pieces in the Newsletter Patterns and Tutorial folder. I have created a new Pattern Hack Series folder where you will find folders for different patterns. The first one is the basic A-line Skirt. Future series will be for the patterns in my shop.

If you don't already have access to the patterns you can sign up to my newsletter below.

Happy Sewing,
Val