Lou Box Top Sewalong – Part 7 Pocket and Hem

Today is the last day of the Lou Box Top sew along! You almost have a top all finished and ready to wear. This is the point where I get really excited that I will have a new garment to wear soon and also immediately start thinking about my next project.

First up, let's do the pocket. The pocket is totally optional and I do it about half the time. Sometimes I think it just doesn't look great on a certain fabric or it's unnecessary. But on other tops, the pocket really completes the look. So, when I get to this point, I try on the top and if it looks good I skip the pocket. But if it looks like it's missing something I go for the pocket.

Step 1: Finish all edges of the pocket. Fold top edge of pocket along fold line from pattern with right sides together. Stitch sides from fold to top edge. Turn right side out.

Gently pull out the corners of the folds. Fold all edges to the wrong side .5 inch and press.

Pin pocket to front of top using pattern guidelines. Try on the top and adjust placement if desired. My secret weapon for keeping the pocket in place while stitching is glue. You'll want to use a water soluble glue and there are some specifically made for sewing. Just apply glue to the seam allowance and stick onto the top.

Topstitch pocket along sides and bottom edge, backstitching at beginning and end.

Step 2: Hem bottom edge. Stitch .25 inch from raw edge of hem using a longer stitch, 3.0-4.0.

Fold edge to wrong side along stitching line and press. Fold again enclosing raw edge. Along the curved edges, you might need to help the fabric lay flat or stretch. This is called easing the fabric. Where the curve goes out you will need to gather the hem a little bit by pulling the thread from the stitching line. Where the curve goes inward (where the seam ripper is placed in the photo), use a seam ripper to cut the stitching line and allow the fabric to stretch along the curve.

Topstitch or handstitch in place. For curved hem, topstitch around vent opening as shown in pdf instructions.

Thank you so much for sewing along with me. I hope that this has been helpful. Please let me know if you have any questions. If you haven't already, check out the rest of the posts in the series:

Part 5: Neck Binding // Part 4: Sewing the Back // Part 3: Cutting Your Fabric // Part 2: PDF Pattern Prep // Part 1: Supplies // Sewalong Schedule // Tester Roundup