Moving right along with our Protea construction, we’re going to cover the pockets & skirt today! This applies to both the skirt and dress versions. In fact, if you are making the skirt view, this is the first post for you! So, dress or skirt, let’s get this started…
Make sure to cut four pockets with your pocket pattern piece.
Finish the curved raw edges of each of the four Pockets separately using a serger/overlocker, zig-zag stitch or binding.
Lay one skirt piece down with right side up.
Place two pockets on the skirt piece with right sides together so that the pocket notches line up at the side seams. Pin in place.
Sew 1/2″ (1.3 cm) from the raw edge along the pocket opening.
Finish the raw edges of the side seams, from top to bottom, not just at the pocket, by your preferred method.
Press the pocket and seams outwards away from the skirt.
Understitch close to the seamline on the pocket.
Repeat with the other skirt and the other two pocket pieces.
Place the two skirt panels right sides together so that the pockets and side seams are aligned.
Sew along the side seam from the waistline down to the first pocket notch 5/8″ (1.5 cm) from the edge.
Then sew from the second notch down the side seam to the hemline, again with a 5/8″ (1.5 cm) seam allowance.
Ensure that you do not sew the skirt together between the two notches, as this will be the pocket opening.
Sew around the pocket edge until reaching the side seam to close the pocket bag using a 5/8″ (1.5 cm) seam allowance.
Here you can see how the stitching around the pocket reaches the side seam stitching below the second notch.
Press the pockets and seams towards the front of the garment.
Now let’s prep the gathering stitches at the top of the skirt for when it’s time to attach the waistband or bodice.
Set your sewing machine to the longest stitch length. With pockets out of the way, sew a line of basting stitches 5/8″ (1.5 cm) from the raw edge along the back waist beginning and ending at the side seams. Do not backstitch and ensure that you leave long threads on each end. Again with pockets out of the way, do the same thing along the front waist.
So you are sewing two separate basting stitches, side seam to side seam, with the pockets free and not included.
** Do not backstitch and ensure that you leave long threads on each end.
For more controlled gathers consider sewing a second line of basting stitches roughly 3/8″ (1cm) from the raw edge.
We’re going to leave it there, and pick it up again when it’s time to attach the skirt to either the bodice or skirt waistband!
LOOKING FOR MORE PROTEA POSTS?
- How to choose between Protea & Protea Curve
- Protea Inspiration & Ideas
- Protea Tester Round Up & Protea Curve Tester Round Up
- Hacks for the Protea Capsule Wardrobe
- Protea Maker Round-Up
- Sewalong: Staystitching, Darts & Shoulder Seams
- Sewalong: Neckline Facing
- Sewalong: Side Seams & Sleeves
- Bonus Protea Hack: Sleeveless Protea
- Sewalong: Dress Drawstring Channel
- Sewalong: Pockets & Skirt (this post!)
- Sewalong: Tiered Skirt
- Sewalong: Attaching the Skirt to the Bodice
- Sewalong: Dress Drawstring
- Sewalong: Skirt Waistband
- Sewalong: Hem
- Bonus Protea Hack: Elastic Puff Sleeves
DON’T HAVE THE PATTERN YET?
