How to Make Pocket Flaps for Purses
- 1). Measure the length of the area of the purse on which you will place the pocket flap. For example, to create a pocket flap to cover the top opening of the purse, measure the entire length of the opening. Alternatively, measure the area on the side of the purse where you want the pocket to sit. Add one inch to the length measurement. Measure the width of the pocket flap area. For example, measure how far down on the body of the purse you want the pocket flap to rest. Add one inch to this measurement.
- 2). Place the flap material on a flat, even surface. Place the cotton lining material on top of the flap material. Draw a pocket flap shape onto the cotton material using the final length and width measurements and a fabric marker. A standard flap shape is a rectangle. Alternatively, add a small arc or triangular shape to the bottom of the rectangular pocket flap shape.
- 3). Cut out the pocket flap shape, cutting through both the cotton fabric and the outer flap material. Place the outer flap cutout right side up on an even surface. Place the cotton lining flap cutout right side down on top of the outer material.
- 4). Sew together the two flap cutouts using 1/2 inch seam allowance. Leave the top of the pocket flap open. Trim away any excess cloth on the other three sides and turn the pocket flap right side out.
- 5). Fold in the top 1/2 inch of fabric on the top opening of the pocket flap so that the raw edges of both the outer material and the cotton lining are not visible and tucked into the inside of the pocket flap. Pin this top side onto the area on the purse you want the pocket flap to sit. Keep the outer material visible with the cotton lining sitting against the material of the purse.
- 6). Thread a needle with matching thread. Sew the pocket flap into place on the purse using small, delicate stitches.