How to Sew Chair Pockets

I LOVE my chair pockets. I couldn't do without them! Each child has one on their chair and it holds their 2-pocket folder, pencil box and any papers, notes, or projects that I decided to send home. We don't have separate mailboxes because I just put all of their "stuff" in their FOLDER HOLDER which is what we call them in my room.

I have had 2 sets over the years. My first set was from a tan fabric that was a medium weight. Not lightweight 100% cotton because that would have been to flimsy and wrinkly. My current set I made from denim. That has worked out much better - it is heavier and more durable and doesn't show the dirt quite as easily. The only drawback to denim was that it had a right side and a wrong side which affects how you put the chair pocket together. Each set laundered easily but did need ironing after I washed and dried them.

If you don't sew, recruit a friend or parent to help you with this project or pass the directions on to a parent that sews. I do not accept responsibility for what happens when you attempt this! :o) But I know chocolate eases frustration!

I created mine by trial and error and this is not a fool-proof plan - take your time, practice with scraps of fabric, draw it on paper, take a towel and play with folding it until you get the pocket, whatever it takes for you to visualize and understand the steps. I didn't have the materials to make a pocket as I created this page, so I didn't include a photo of each step. I plan to do that in the future - but can't promise when. Happy sewing!

READ ALL THE STEPS BEFORE YOU START.

THE GUIDE SHEET

Well, here goes nothing. I will do my best to explain how to create these, but you'll have to do what works for you. I am not going to give you specific measurements since everyone's will be different depending on the chairs you have, fabric width you choose, what you want them to hold and how you choose to sew them together.

My pockets are about 10.5 inches deep and 15 inches wide finished. When we made them it was definitely "backwards planning." We knew what we wanted and worked backwards to get the dimensions that we needed. I started with a strip of fabric that was 17 inches wide and 33 inches long. That gave me enough fabric for the hem allowance and the side seam allowance.

Things to consider:

You want a fabric sturdy enough to stand up over time.

You want a fabric that is easily washable and won't fade too much when washed.

You will want to use a sewing machine to hem the edges and finish the side seams.

A serger works well to finish the edges.

Consider the grain of the fabric and be sure to cut straight against the grain so your chair pockets don't twist.

Prewash the fabric and dry it so that if it is going to shrink it will do it before you sew it into pockets.

1. Measure the back of your chair and decide how wide you need your pocket. Add a couple of inches to the width so that your pocket can hold several things, including pencil boxes. I think I added about 2-3 inches.

2. Next check the depth that you'll need. Consider that a folder is about 9x12. A pencil box is 8.5 x 5.5 x 2.5.

3. Choose fabric - I suggest something the weight of a medium denim. If your fabric has a definite right side/wrong side you will have a few extra steps. If you fabric is the same on both sides you can skip a step :o).

4. Figure out how much fabric you will need.

How many chair pockets will you need to make? Draw it out on paper and see how you can get the most out of a yard of fabric.

5. Cut out ONE piece and create ONE pocket. Then you can be sure that have everything right before you cut up all of your fabric!!

SEWING DIRECTIONS:

If your fabric is the same on both sides - NO definite right or wrong side - you will need to hem both 17" ends and then do a tri-fold and stitch the side seams.

Here are the steps:

Your fabric needs a side A and a side B - that is how I will refer to the sides. I usually have to mark it somehow because I can't tell which is which on fabric that looks the same on both sides.

1. Hem the top edge with Side A as the right side. Be sure that you don't leave an unfinished edge - either tuck it in the hem allowance or serge the edge.

2. Hem the bottom edge in the OPPOSITE direction with Side B as the right side.

When you hold up the strip you will see the right side of one hem and the back side of the other. That is because as you do the tri-fold you will need one going in each direction.

3. Time to fold the strip so that you sew the side seams. Lay the fabric out so that Side A is facing you -the top edge has the hem turned to the backside (you see the finished side) and the bottom side has the hem facing you (you can see the backside of the hem).

4. Fold the bottom half up one third of your length. Fold the top half down over that so all edges are flush. Adjust if necessary.

5. Pin the sides to hold them. Stitch or serge both side seams. Be sure to double stitch the ends. Trim the corners so that your pocket will have crisp corners when it is turned to right side out.

6. "Unfold" the pocket by sliding your hand into the pocket that was created and turn it up and over.

Now you can slide one over the edge of the chair and put your folders and supplies in the pocket! :o)

If your fabric has a definite right and wrong side you will need to cut your strip and then cut it into 2 pieces, sew a seam and then complete the tri-fold. Otherwise one side of your pocket will have the wrong side showing.

1. Layout your strip of fabric on the cutting board. (The tall way - like a door, NOT sideways.) Measure and divide into equal thirds. Cut your strip into 2 pieces - one-third and two-thirds. (You will have a small rectangle for the one-third piece and a larger rectangle for the two-thirds pieces. You will not have long strips.)

2. Hem one edge of the smallest piece - be sure you are hemming what will be the top and not the side!

3. Hem one edge of the largest piece - be sure you are hemming what will be the top and not the side!

4. Stitch the two pieces together - lay out the long piece with the wrong side facing up and lay the short piece on top of that with the wrong side up - TRUST ME :O) - the hems are on the bottom of both pieces and the unfinished edges are on top lined up with each other. STITCH or SERGE that edge.

5. Turn the stitched piece over so that the right sides are both facing up. Press the seam flat.

6. Now turn the bottom third up so that it is right side to right side with the top third. (This is now a tri-fold of the long strip.)

7. Pin the sides to hold them. Stitch or serge both side seams. Be sure to double stitch the ends. Trim the corners so that your pocket will have crisp corners when it is turned to right side out.

8. "Unfold" the pocket by sliding your hand into the pocket that was created and turn it up and over.

Now you can slide one over the edge of the chair and put your folders and supplies in the pocket! :o)