Stay Clutter-Free and Sew Fabric Wall Pockets
Out of self space? Take your organization to the walls with these customized fabric wall pockets. Choose fabric to accent your home décor and make these pockets for any room in your house. Made from simple rectangle and square fabric pieces—the sewing is enjoyable and the end result is as fresh in appearance as it is useful.
This wall pocket project is demonstrated in part two of the Sewing With Nancy TV show, Sew Simple with Rectangles & Squares. You’ll also find directions for bins in three different sizes, plus many other sewing projects made from rectangles and squares, in my book Sew Simple with Rectangles & Squares.
Supplies
Small Pocket: Finished Size 6-1/2″ x 9″ x 2″ depth
- 1/3 yd. cotton fabric—outer fabric, trim, and lining
- 2/3 yd. craft interfacing such as Peltex
- Three medium plastic grommets
- Roll of 1/2″ wide paper-backed fusible web tape, such as Lite EZ Steam II
- Removable wall hooks, such as 3M Command™ Hooks
- 1″ wide Create-a-Strap
- Optional: double-sided basting tape
Medium Pocket: Finished Size 7-1/2″ x 11″ x 2″depth
- 1/3 yd. cotton fabric—outer fabric, trim, and lining
- 2/3 yd. craft interfacing such as Peltex
- Three medium plastic grommets
- Roll of 1/2″ wide paper-backed fusible web tape, such as Lite EZ Steam II
- 1″ wide Create-a-Strap
- Removable wall hooks, such as 3M Command™ Hooks
- Optional: double-sided basting tape
Large Pocket: Finished Size 10″ x 14″ x 2-1/4″ depth
- 3/8 yd. cotton fabric—outer fabric, trim, and lining
- 3/4 yd. craft interfacing such as Peltex
- Three medium plastic grommets
- Roll of 1/2″ wide paper-backed fusible web tape, such as Lite EZ Steam II
- 1″ wide Create-a-Strap
- Removable wall hooks, such as 3M Command™ Hooks
- Optional: double-sided basting tape
Note from Nancy: Cut a 2″ strip of remaining fabric from each pocket to use as trim. If you are making only one pocket, use a 2″ strip from a coordinating fabric for trim.
All seam allowances are 1/2″ unless otherwise noted.
Cut and Mark
For the small pocket:
- Cut two 9″ x 10″ rectangles from outer fabric.
- Cut two 9″ x 10″ rectangles from both lining and Peltex.
- Mark and cut out a 1″ square in each of the lower corners.
For the medium pocket:
- Cut two 11″ x 15″ rectangles from outer fabric.
- Cut two 11″ x 15″ rectangles from both lining and Peltex.
- Mark and cut out a 1″ square in each of the lower corners.
For the large pocket:
- Cut two 14″ x 15″ rectangles from outer fabric.
- Cut two 14″ x 15″ rectangles from both lining and Peltex.
- Mark and cut out a 1″ square in each of the lower corners.
Remove fabric 1″ down from the top of the cut rectangles for the lining and Peltex.
Assembly
Note from Nancy: The large size of the wall pocket is featured in the photos.
- Create and stitch trim to pocket by first cutting a length of Create-a-Strap to the measurement of the pocket width.
- Cut a piece of coordinating fabric 2″ x pocket width.
- Follow the Create-a-Strap package directions and press the Create-a-Strap to the wrong side of coordinating trim fabric.
- Fold along perforations. Press.
- Position and pin the trim on the front wall pocket outer fabric piece. Optional: Use paper-backed fusible tape to hold trim in position for stitching.
Place the trim:
- Small Pocket: Position trim 2″ from top cut edge.
- Medium Pocket: Position trim 2-1/4″ from top cut edge.
- Large Pocket: Position trim 2-1/2″ from top cut edge.
Edgestitch along both sides of trim.
- Machine baste Peltex to wrong side of outer fabric along side and lower edges.
- Stitch lower seam with right sides together. Press open.
- Stitch over center of seam with three-step zigzag stitch to hold it in position.
- Press paper-backed fusible web web to the wrong side of each outer fabric along top edge.
- Stitch side seams.
Note from Nancy: Press seams over a dowel to eliminate press marks from the seam allowances.
- Optional: Use double-sided basting tape to hold the seam open.
Shape Bottom
- Fold side seams to meet bottom seam, forming gussets.
- Stitch gussets with 1/2″ seam allowances. Trim off excess seam allowances with a decorative rotary blade or pinking shears.
Finishing
- Stitch lining lower edge, side seams, and gusset as shown with pocket, except use 5/8″ seam allowances.
- Press seams open.
Note from Nancy: The wider seams allow lining to slip inside the outer pocket with ease.
- Pin wrong side of lining to Peltex on the inside of pocket.
- Trim top edge of pocket with a decorative blade in the rotary cutter, or with a pinking shears.
- Fold under 1″ at the top of the pocket along the Peltex interfacing line.
- Remove the paper from the paper-backed fusible web, and press the top edge over the lining to secure.
Note from Nancy: You may opt to use a decorative machine stitch 1/4″ from the folded top edge, or simply leave it pressed in place.The lined pocket is now ready for grommets.
Apply Grommets
- Follow the manufacturer’s directions to apply the large (1″) plastic grommets.
- Trim away the Peltex on these thick layers before you snap grommets together.
Attach two large (1″) plastic grommets to the back of each wall pocket.- Small Pocket: 1-1/2″ down from pocket top edge and 2-1/2″–3″ from the center on each side.
- Medium Pocket: 1-1/2″ down from pocket top edge and 3-1/2″– 4″ from the center on each side.
- Large Pocket: 1-1/2″ down from pocket top edge and 4″–5″ from the center on each side.
Hang wall pockets using removable wall hooks, such as 3M Command™ Hooks, for ease of repositioning.
Use the size specifications above, and in my book, Sew Simple with Rectangles & Squares, to create fabric pockets in all three sizes.
Watch Sew Simple With Rectangles & Squares on Sewing With Nancy online.
For a chance to win a copy of Sew Simple with Rectangles & Squares from Nancy’s Notions, leave a comment telling us what fabric items you recycle into new projects.
Bye for now,
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MonicaAD
Denim is always my fabric of choice for recyclables … FIESTA 😉
PHYLLIS HAZEN
i love recycling old clothing into new items of all kinds. i deconstruct them saving zippers, buttons and all usable fabric to make into quilts, bags and craft items, i like going to local thrift stores to pick up many items to recycle
Donna Fecteau
Men’s shirts into aprons and denim into many things.
PHYLLIS HAZEN
i love recycling old clothing into new items of all kinds. i deconstruct them saving zippers, buttons and all usable fabric to make into quilts, bags and craft items, i like going to local thrift stores to pick up many items to recycle.
Bonnye
I use denim to make purses.
Bonnie DeKay
I like to go to the local Thrift Store and look for bed sheets in good condition. 100% cotton is the best. After washing them I can use them for quilting or making cute summer dresses for myself or my Granddaughters! They are fun to look for in pretty colors and prints!
Tina
Such great ideas. I have a few men’s shirts I plan to make into aprons and also a quilt. I’m using my daughter’s favorite t shirts to make a memory quilt for her graduation. Thanks!
Patti King
I have two huge bins of fabric to recycle. I need to get busy and find uses for all of this stuff!!
Zachary Aivaliotis
I recycled a 2-piece Ralph Lauren cotton flower print outfit and a Warner Bros men’s denim shirt by merging them together into one very feminine tunic shirt. The denim shirt was good quality and I was able to turn the shirt inside out to cover the cartoon characters on the button placket. I used the cotton print material to create 2 puffy 3/4 sleeves with an elastic ruffle to create a 3 inch ruffle. I cut the the back of the denim shirt to high waist and with the cut denim sleeves I sewed the bottom half and 2 sleeves into a 3-panel piece which I gathered and sewed onto to the back of the shirts. I did some other detail work to this beautiful tunic top. Let me know where to send you a pic of it if you want to see it. Thank you.
Patty
I use my Christmas scraps to make hand print and foot print memory squares for my grandkids.
Kathe Howe
Before I dispose of anything, I put it into a suspense stack and think about what else I could make from it or salvage from it such as denim jeans, 100% cotton button down shirts, canvas bags no longer wanted, etc. Then I’ll see an idea online, in a magazine or library book that motivates me to create and reuse these items into something “new” and interesting.
Esther
I use old jeans. I have a wall hanging using jean pockets on the wall above my cutting table. It has 14 pockets. One is a double pocket behind 3 others that hold my 5x 24 ruler.
Rotary cutter, scissors, pencils, marking pens, etc.
Susan Spiers
I like to recycle old clothes, or out of fashion clothes! Always look for cotton fabrics-use them when I need them for quilts of other items-love these wall pockets-great stuff! Thank you, Susan
Leah
I hope to use some jeans to make home decor items. I also have added machine embroidery to store bought items like men’s ties, sweatshirts, t-shirts and napkins.
Laura
I like to use free upholstery samples for bags and pouches and book covers. Jeans are also a favorite to work with. For art quilts, I will cut apart silk blouses etc that I find at thrift stores.
Cheryl Fabiano
I like to use worn and outgrown clothing from my family to make doll clothes. I can always work around the the stains and thin spots and it preserves a memory if it was a favorite article of clothing.
Beverly
I love recycling old jeans into usable items, but having acquired numerous sets of scrubs during my nursing career I have frequently repurposed the 100% cotton fabrics into craft and quilt projects. What fun to reuse a favorite fabric.
Karen payton
I like to use old towels to make apron’s for baby,dog or dish washing.
MaryL
I have recycled jeans into mats, trivets and quilts.
Mary Ellen
I’ve recycled old valences that I made. I can try new blocks and use some of the fabric to try on the die cutter machine. Plus, I can also do free motion quilting practice.
Linda Horn
I use older bed blankets that need replacing in decorative pot holders. Doubling or sometimes tripling the blanket fabric provides the insulation needed to keep hands safe!
Marty
Currently recycling old embroidered linens I find at thrift shops; most have stains but embroidered areas can be added to housewares, dolls or clothing in patchwork for quilt square centers, decorative pockets or edges.
Kathryn E
My latest project – I used fabric from a free nylon advertising tote to patch the carry bag for a bag chair. The carry bag had holes in it and the bag was a tight fit for the chair. I cut apart an old tote bag for material and used heavy nylon thread left from a different project. The the carry bag for the chair will probably last longer than the chair.
beth
I recycle embroidery designs samples into wall hangings in a frame.
Linda Edwards
I love recycling jeans into new items.
Gail Beam
Right now I I am recycling some jeans into some tote bags(unfinished as yet by my sewing machine). I love to use old jeans for machine embroidery applique letters using both satin and raggy outline stitch on beach towels and other things.
Eileen Jones
I love to refashion men’s t-shirts into women’s t-shirts with a pattern I bought from Nancy’s Notions. I get compliments on my t-shirts a lot because they aren’t like the poor fitting ones I have bought in the store. I am plus sized and many store bought things don’t fit properly…so I make my own. I can even use 2 t-shirts to make nightshirts for each member of my family.
Noreen
I recycled several worn blankets into linings for quilts. I also like to use old jeans for making things, too – they’re so sturdy.
Sue Camino
I am recycling my wedding dress. So far I have made a wedding album and am thinking about making a bear with some of the fabric too. The items can be passed down to my children.
Shirley Clark
I’ve used my husband’s shirts to make dresses for my granddaughter. My dil gave me some pjs and a gown that I used to make Shelby pjs and a gown. The fabrics were too pretty to waste.
Gina M
If it’s fabric, I’ll recycle it! My current favorite is mens’ neckties. They are easy and inexpensive to find in thrift shops. Most are silk! They wash beautifully! After applying a fusible, non-woven backing, they can be used in almost any quilt block. Without a backing, neckties are also great for English Paper Piecing. I also love to cut up mens’ plaid shirts and various weights of denim. Flannel sheets make *GREAT* backs for quilts that are wide enough without piecing. Wool garments are wonderful to felt! Flannel back tablecloths make nice design walls that can be rolled up when not in use. I also love to use vintage needleworks and doilies for quilt labels and project inserts. Last year I repurposed a glitzy Christmas tablecloth into delightful Christmas stockings with a matching table runner as a gift for a newly married couple (+ two extra stockings for the future). I get a special delight in making something old-and-unwanted into something new-and-special.
Kathy V
I make bedspreads into potholders, coasters, mugrugs, and place mats.
chicky
My first recycle project was a doll for my sister. It was made with a dish detergent bottle for the body, the arms and head from a discarded doll and fabric from our mom’s ‘rag’ bag. Her costume had a boater style hat, dress of pink gingham with sleeves and rickrack trim and I fashioned a closed parasol for her to carry. That was the BEGINNING of recycling for me at 12. At 50 years later- anything goes and new ideas are always welcome.
WF
I made pot-holders using materials from an old pair of jeans with the jeans pocket intact on one of the sides for the hands to slip into. On the other side, I stenciled the word “peace” in kanji using black fabric ink. For the lining, I used double layer of old towels. My son has had these potholder for many years and he loves them. The denim material holds up extremely well, and has a masculine look.
Alice
I like to recycle t-shirts into comfy soft bed throws, jeans make great bags with built in pockets, and I would like to recycle something of my mothers clothes into something I can keep, but dad isn’t ready to give her things up yet. I have a large button drawer from my grandmother and mother and I add to it, sometimes using old buttons on new things.
Anne Z.
I like to recycle denim. I am also learning to recycle a family linen tablecloth into a quilt. (I plan to use the motifs, which my Great Aunt hand embroidered, as the center of the quilt blocks.)
Starla
In addition to recycling my husband’s jeans for all sorts of things — including my favorite cross-body bag and numerous bins — I have recycled some of my first bags into new (and better sewn) bags.
Erma Desper
I use my husband’s old jeans to make grocery shopping bags, doll clothes and whatever else I can think of. I also use the handles and other hardware from old purses on my new sewn purses. Since watching you make handbags, I’ve become obsessed. LOL
Bonnie
I enjoy recycling fabric from old clothing into crazy quilts.
Deb
I use old dresses, jeans & shirts to fashion into childrens clothing & home dec.
Linda Nelson
I love making t-shirts into skirts!
Pat Bean
I recycle upholstery fabric from worn out or broken chairs/sofas into bags. The fabric is very sturdy and you can find great colors and patterns.
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