How to Sew a Slip Pocket Inside a Bag

In this tutorial I’ll walk you through my favorite method of sewing an interior pocket, aka slip pocket, to a lined tote bag. I love this method because the two layers of fabric add structure to the pocket, it looks good on the outside and inside and it’s easy to do! And like the name suggests, it’s easy to slip things in and out and so easy to customize to your personal preference.

I use this method in my August Tote and Eva Quilted Tote bag patterns, but really this method can be applied to any type of bag. On both those patterns, I included an inside zipper pocket as well for more storage options and to make it easier to find things in your bag. Head over to my zippered pocket tutorial if you want to learn how to make one!

Some Things You’ll Need

• Washable fabric marker or chalk
• Ruler
• Pins
• Coordinating thread
• Fabric scissors or rotary blade
• Two pocket pieces in your chosen lining fabric

Let’s Get Started!

In my example I’m using a pocket size from my Eva Quilted Tote pattern, but really the pocket can be whatever size you want! For reference, the pocket pieces are 12″ x 9.5″ (30.5 x 24.1 cm) for the Eva Quilted Tote. Don’t forget to account for seam allowance on all sides – I’m using a 1/4″ (0.6 cm) seam allowance.

Step 1: Prepare the Pocket Pieces

Start by cutting out two pocket pieces in your lining fabric (or a contrasting fabric if you want!). Optional: Apply interfacing to one of the Slip Pocket pieces for additional structure.  

Step 2: Sew the Pocket Pieces Together

Pin Slip Pocket pieces right sides together. Leave an opening at the bottom (one of the long sides) and sew together with 1/4” (0.6 cm) seam allowance. 

Step 3: Turn Right Side Out

Clip the corners and turn right side. Turn in the raw ends of the opening to the inside of the pocket (it will be sewn closed at a later step). Poke out corners and press flat.

Topstitch along the top edge (the one without the opening) 1/4” (0.6 cm) away from the edge.

Step 4: Place Pocket on Lining and Sew

Find the middle of the Slip Pocket by folding in half, short sides together, and draw a line with chalk or fabric maker down the center. You can also choose to customize your pocket how you want – make it one big pocket, or add slimmer pockets for pencils or pens.

Pin Slip Pocket in place right sides together on one of the Lining pieces (leave the top edge unpinned), centered in the middle and however far down from the top you want. If you’re following along in one of my bag patterns, I let you know where to position it – in the Eva Quilted Tote Pattern, the Slip Pocket is 5″ from the top of the lining.

Edgestitch the 3 remaining sides, leaving the top open and backstitch at the tops to secure.

Start at the bottom of the pocket and sew a line down the middle (starting at the bottom avoids puckering) and backstitch at the top. You can see in my example below, I forgot to start at the bottom so I ended up with a pucker. 🙂

And that’s all there is to it! If you’re following along in either my August Tote or Eva Quilted Tote patterns, then the next step is sewing the lining pieces together.

Hope you enjoyed this tutorial and use it to add all the pockets to your bags! 🙂