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MN2208 Dawn / MN2211 Ash / Sewalongs

Dawn + Ash Jeans tutorial: How to finish pocket bags with french seams

how to finish jeans pocket bags with french seams by Megan Nielsen Patterns

Hello friends! I have a fun little bonus tutorial for you today that works for both the Dawn and Ash jeans. There were quite a few requests for tips on how to get a cleaner finish on the pocket bags. So today we’re going to go over how to finish your pocket bags with french seams!

If you’ve ever sewn any kind of french seam, this is the same exact concept. It’s going to create a pretty and clean finish along the edge, where the raw edge of the fabric is complete enclosed. It gives a nice little professional looking touch.

Are you ready to see what I mean? Let’s get to it!

how to finish jeans pocket bags with french seams how to finish jeans pocket bags with french seamsSo at this point, your jeans should look something like this. You have already attached the coin pocket attached the pocket facings to the pocket bags, attached the pocket bags to the jeans, and topstitched. If you need help walking through these steps, you can find the sewalong post here.

how to finish jeans pocket bags with french seams Now, normally, and as described in the instructions for Dawn and Ash, you would fold the pocket bag in half with wrong sides together, stitch 5/8″ from the edge, and finish the raw edge. This is what it looks like finished that way:

how to finish jeans pocket bags Here’s an example of a pair of Ash jeans with pocket bags finished following the instructions.

And now let’s discuss how to finish them with a french seam, instead…

how to finish jeans pocket bags with french seams Instead of folding the pocket bag in half with wrong sides together, you will want to fold it in half with right sides together. To do this you’ll have to kind of manoeuvre the pocket bag over to the side.

Align the outer edge and bottom curved edge. Pin along the bottom curved edge only.

how to finish jeans pocket bags with french seams Sew along the bottom curved edge only, 3/8″ from the raw edge.

how to finish jeans pocket bags with french seams Trim back the seam allowance to 1/8″.

how to finish jeans pocket bags with french seams how to finish jeans pocket bags with french seams Flip the pocket bag back around so the wrong sides are back together. Re-shape the curve of the bottom and press well.

how to finish jeans pocket bags with french seams Now stitch again 1/4″ from the curved edge. This will encase the raw edge on the inside.

how to finish jeans pocket bags with french seams That’s it! Repeat for the other side, and you have some super neat and clean, fancy pocket bags!

You can now continue on with the instructions – basting the pocket bags to the side seam and waist.

how to finish jeans pocket bags with french seams

LOOKING FOR MORE ASH AND DAWN POSTS?

Here is the full list of Dawn and Ash jeans posts:

We absolutely love seeing what you make, so don’t forget to tag your creations with #MNdawn or #MNash and @megannielsenpatterns when sharing on social media, and check out what everyone else is up to!


Don’t have the Dawn pattern yet?

Dawn & Dawn Curve

Order Dawn today in sizes 0-20 and Curve sizes 14-30


Don’t have the Ash pattern yet?

Ash & Ash Curve

Order Ash today in sizes 0-20 and Curve sizes 14-30

About Author

Holly writes part time for the Megan Nielsen blog– sewing like crazy, creating tutorials and sewalongs. She has been sewing since she was a little girl, and has her degree in apparel design. Now she’s a stay at home mama, and spends all her free nap times at her sewing machine.

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