Back Pocket Pointers for Jeans

Sharing some Back Pocket Pointers

Let’s face it, back pockets on jeans seem to catch attention.  As I’ve been writing tutorials and sewing samples of the different parts of Jalie’s Eleonore pull-on jeans, I came up with some back pocket pointers. 

1. To make the turning under and pressing easy, make yourself a simple pressing gauge.  I made mine from a strip cut from a file folder.  A line 3/8″ drawn parallel to one edge and another one 5/8″ makes measuring and pressing those increments easy.  Lay the gauge on the fabric, fold the edge of the fabric around the gauge to the line and press.  1/4″ along the other edge is useful, too.
2. Fabrics that don’t stay pressed need help.  I use 1/4″ wide Steam a Seam 2 to first temporarily hold the turned edge down, then press it with my iron for a permanent hold.  It comes on a roll, and is a staple in my sewing room.To use it, tear off a strip the length you need, pressing it along the edge with your fingers.  Carefully peel off the paper and you’re left with a tacky film.  Fold the edge over and finger press it to temporarily hold it until you get to the iron.  This photo is of a back pocket for my Eleonore pull-on jeans.  The top needs to fold over by 5/8″.  Do you see the white line parallel to the top?  It’s 1 1/4″ from the edge.  (5/8 inch times 2)  Much easier to fold to a line I can see, than one hidden at the fold, and I couldn’t use my handy dandy pressing gauge this time.
3. My third tip is to use a fine white chalk pencil to accurately mark on dark fabrics.  My personal favourite is one by Fons and Porter.

I videoed the sewing process for you, thinking it would be relatively easy to add audio afterward, WRONG!  Here’s a successful attempt, not perfect by any means, but perhaps it’s useful to you.  Please let me know if it helps.

Watch my Video

  In the meantime, here’s a link to my article on twin needle top-stitching.

And a link to a pair of Eleonore jeans I made with stretch bengaline.  I found the pocket edges difficult to keep pressed under and used the Steam a Seam very effectively on them.