Friday, August 15, 2014

Angel Pockets Tutorial

ANGEL POCKETS


These are for babies too small or fragile for clothes, and I think they're my favorite thing to make.  They are pretty simple, and don't require any special seam lengths or trimming of edges.

Here is a Picture Tutorial: It's the first I've done, so please let me know if it is clear enough.


 Here is the PDF pattern:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B31aG0t7rCo-ZXBSQ3VHNzJRTVE/edit?usp=sharing

1. The length of this pattern is 10 in. and after sewing it is about 9" tall.   If you'd like to make a shorter one for even smaller babies, you can take one inch off the bottom.  Print and cut the pattern out on cardstock, or a piece of paper then trace it onto cereal box cardboard.

2. Put two pieces of flannel together, and fold them about the same width as the pattern.  Place the pattern on the fold of the flannel and trace with a pen. It might be easier if you have the right (pattern) sides together at this stage, but it's not a requirement.



3. Put right sides together (patterned side or soft side facing the other), and sew, starting from the bottom corner around to the other corner.  A 1/4" seam works well here. ** DO NOT SEW THE BOTTOM PART YET!!  It should be completely open.**
 

4. Turn the pocket inside out, and sew around from corner to corner again (this time you can do a 1/8" seam so it's close to the edge), leaving the bottom open still.


 






























Top stitched


5. Now decide which side you want to be the inside of the pocket. (You'll be flipping it over, so it might help to think that it will be opposite to what you're folding). Fold the pocket in thirds, using the top "corners" as a guide, remembering that the inside flannel at this stage will be on the outside.


6. NOW SEW THE BOTTOM, just straight across, making sure that you've gotten all of the layers. If the bottom fabric isn't very straight like this one, trim it and the thread. 


7.  Turn the pocket inside out, and the sewing part is done.


8. You can add embellishments: buttons, ribbon etc. and you've got a completed angel pocket!

  .
                With a cloth baby and hat.

We always send two hats, so one can go on the baby and one is for a keepsake.  You are welcome to send an extra pocket as well (it depends on how much you like sewing!).  If you do send two pockets, make sure that they are the same so the parents don't have to choose between two kinds or patterns.  

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