How to Sew a Cutlery Pocket – Easy Sewing Project

What you need: 

Start with the basics: a cutting mat, rotary cutter, ruler, iron (I use this Oliso iron in the video) and ironing board, and your sewing machine. I also recommend a quilter’s clapper — a small hardwood press that really sharpens seams.

For fabric, cut four pieces:

(2) 5″ x 10″ (inside and back)
(1) 5″ x 7½” (front pocket)
(1) 5⅜” x 8″ (accent piece)
(1) Medium-weight fusible interfacing (optional but recommended for structure)

Choosing fabrics and adding interfacing

The trick to great-looking cutlery pockets is contrast. Pick an accent fabric that stands out from the pocket and inner fabrics so the curve reads clearly. I like adding fusible interfacing to one of the back pieces for body — it keeps the pocket from feeling floppy. If you want an even firmer holder, interface the pocket piece as well.

Make the pocket front: cutting the angle

Take the 5″ x 7½” front piece and mark 1½” down from one top corner. Decide which direction you want the angle to face and cut from the top corner down 1½”. Keep all pieces oriented the same way so every pocket on your table faces the same direction.

Sewing the pocket to the accent

Place the front pocket and accent piece right sides together, aligning the top point with the top edge of the accent piece, leave extra fabric at the bottom so the accent shows. Sew a ¼” seam along the angled edge, trim the excess, then press the seam open or to one side. Use the quilter’s clapper to set and flatten the seam for a crisp finish.

How to set a seam and trim the accent

“Setting the seam” means heating the seam the way it emerged from the machine, then pressing with the clapper. This reduces ripples and creates a professional edge. Match the bottom edges of the pocket and back, finger-press to make the accent even, then trim the accent fabric to the finished 5″ width.

Assembling and sewing the holder

Layer the inside fabric face up, place the pocket face up on top (lining up bottom and sides), then place the backing right sides together on top.

Clip and sew down one long side, across the bottom, and up the other side with a ¼” seam allowance, leaving the top open. A jeans needle and walking foot help when seams get thick. 

Clip, turn, and press

Clip corners at an angle leaving a small seam allowance so your corners turn sharp.

Turn right side out.

Gently push corners out with a turning tool, press all around, then turn the top edge under about ¼” and press.

Finishing and topstitching

You must stitch across the top to close the turning gap. For a clean look, topstitch from the top of the pocket, up and across and down, so the top edge isn’t pressed flat and sewn to the pocket. Match the bobbin thread to the back fabric for invisible stitches on the reverse.

How to pull up the bobbin thread

If you start stitching in the middle rather than from the edge, pull up the bobbin thread to avoid knots, or “birds nests” on the back of the pocket.

Put the needle down, holding the top thread between your fingers.

Still holding the thread, lift the needle and tug to bring the bobbin thread loop up.

Use tweezers to pull up the bobbin thread.

Tuck both threads under the foot and continue to hold. Take a few stitches forward and back to secure.

Conclusion

Learning how to sew a cutlery pocket is a small project with big presentation value. With straight cutting, a little pressing and simple topstitching you’ll have elegant cutlery pockets ready for your next dinner.

If you try them, tell me what fabrics you used and which occasions you’re planning to make them for, I love seeing variations.