How to add Piping to Pockets

Let’s talk about this super easy DIY pocket tip. Every-time I use piping in a DIY pocket project I always get a lot of compliments. You can use piping to add a subtle detail to your project or you can take the project up a notch by adding  piping in an opposite color for the “wow” factor.

You can add this detail to the pockets on a pattern of your choice or you can add your own pockets to a project that did not have pockets. For the purpose of this tutorial I made my own pockets for a skirt front panel, which I finished the waistband and hemmed. I will reuse this skirt panel as a teaching tool. If you are a sewing instructor this would be a really cool way to show a project to your class.

Materials to add Piping to Pockets

• 1 Package of Pre-made piping (or you can create your own piping trim)
• Sewing machine (I use a BERNINA 350 PE)
• Zipper foot #4/#4D
• Iron and pressing surface (I use my new toy, an Oliso Pro)
• Coordinating sewing thread
• Optional serger to finish pocket edges

Let’s get started! If you are following the instructions to a pattern you will just add the piping to the edges of your pockets and continue with your instructions.

Step 1: Cut out your pockets and finish your edges with pinking shears, zig-zag stitching or you can use a serger as I did.

Step 2: Turn under the edges that will not be sewn into a seam about a 1/4 inch.

While we are at this point can I talk to you about this Oliso Pro itouch technology iron? To know me is to know that I am serious about ironing as I am about sewing. Not only is it necessary to iron your seams as you go but you can get immediate satisfaction in your work with a simple pressing. I used to dream about this iron and now I own this beauty. When you put your hand on the handle because of the itouch technology it goes down to touch your fabric, once you remove your hand from the handle the hydraulics lifts the iron off of your fabric. No need to move the iron away from the fabric and sit it up-right on your ironing surface, this is the part that is going to take a little time to get used to doing. So far I love this iron.

Step 3: Prepare the garment area where you will be adding your pockets.

Step 4: Cut your piping to fit your pockets.

Step 5: Pin your piping to your turned under edges (this step is optional, you can sew on your piping without pinning).

For one pocket I added two rows of piping adding another dimension to my pocket.

Step 6: Using your zipper foot secure the piping to the turned under edges by stitching as close the the edge towards the piping as possible.

Step 7: Add the pockets to your garment by pinning them in place.

Step 8: Stitch the pockets to the garment and finish constructing your garment.

In the above image I used two rows of piping and a thread that matched my fabric to stitch the pocket to the skirt front. In the image below I used only one row of piping and a different color thread along with  two rows of visible top-stitching. I have two totally different looks that I can add to any project.

This is my finished skirt panel showing both pockets.

I hope you have enjoyed this tutorial. If you want to find more tutorials and updates on my new sewing magazine that I have in the works, stop by and say Hello!