Tutorial ~ Instapocket Skirt

A while ago, I did a post for the fat Quarter series that U Create hosted. I am posting the tutorial here incase you missed it. The fat quarters I used are "Timber and Leaf", designed by Sarah Watts. I totally love the uniqueness of it.

I wanted a whimsical and pretty skirt for my daughter to wear for the summer. When I was trying to come up with a design, I thought it would be awesome to create a skirt with easy steps for pockets, at the same time showcase the design of the fabric. That is how the "Instapocket Skirt" was born.

{You will need}

5 fat quarters
Thread
3/4" elastic
Pom-pom trim (about 2 yards, depending on the size of the skirt you are making)
Buttons for decoration (optional)

{How to}

1. Cut out the parts you need to construct the skirt. My daughter is almost 8 but she is a little small for her age. The great thing about this skirt is that you can always add or subtract 1/2" or 1" to the measurements to create the best fit for your little ones. Ok, You need:

1- 17"x 21 1/2" front panel, 1- 17"x 21 1/2" back panel, 2- 10"x10" top side panels, 2- 10x 13" bottom side panels, 2- 2 1/2"x 18" 1/2" belt.

2. Treat the edge of the bottom edge of the top side panels. I used my serger, but you can use the zigzag stitch on your sewing machine too.

3. To make the pocket entrance, fold the top edge of the bottom side panels twice; (first 1/4", then 1/2"). Press with an iron and sew.

4. Over wrap the bottom of the side top panel, and top of the side bottom panel pieces together. Make the total length 17", so it will match the front and back panels. Pin.

5. Sew a line 1/4" above the seam line of the top side panel to create the bottom of the pocket first. Then, sew a line in the middle to create two separate pockets on each side.

6. Treat the sides of each panel with your preferred method, and then sew them together. Open the seam and press with the iron.

7. Zigzag stitch on top of the seam line for a decorative effect.

8. Sew both ends of the belt together to make a loop. Open the seam, fold and press 1/4" from the top.

9. With the largest stitch setting on your sewing machine, sew 1/8" and 3/4" from the top edge of the skirt. Pull one thread from both to gather the fabric.

10. Pin the belt you have created on step 8 to the skirt, and sew.

11. Press the seam of the belt piece with the iron, then, fold it to the other side. Press with the iron again.

12. Using 1/8" seam, sew the seam of the belt. Put elastic through, and sew the ends together.

13. Fold the bottom seam of the skirt twice (1/4", 1/4") and press with the iron. Pin the pom-poms and sew with using a zigzag stitch.

14. Sew the buttons on the edge of the middle of the pockets on both sides.

15. It is ready to wear!

Rachel loves the skirt (yea!), I asked her what she liked about the skirt; her response? "The fox and the pockets". That's what I wanted to hear. This skirt has 4 pockets. That is enough to carry candies around, or for some precious finds during a family walk.

I hope you enjoyed my post!