Cargo pocket

A large patch pocket, usually pleated at the sides and often having a flap.

This sample has a 3cm self facing along the pocket top, to help the pocket keep its structure fuse a strip of interfacing along the pocket width.

Press over the 3cm facing along the pocket top & press down the pocket sides (the mitred corner will be a guide). Topstitch down the facing if required.

To give the cargo pocket a crisp edge topstitch just inside the edge (see below) pivot the needle at the mitred corners to maintain a continuous stitch.

For a softer looking pocket or if the fabric is heavy weight, don’t bother to topstitch.

Press the seam allowance.

With chalk, mark the 4 corners of the finished pocket on your garment, next line up the pressed edge to each dot & topstitch in place as close to the pressed edge as possible, pivoting the needle at the mitred corner to maintain a continuous stitch.

The cargo pocket can be pressed to form a crisp pleat all round or left unpressed, the type & weight of fabric may determine which you choose!

For a flap cut, sew & bag out a rectangle the same width as the pocket & topstitch 0.5 – 1.00cm above the top of the pocket.