I decided to make chair pockets for my classroom this year and after some trial and error, we figured out the best way to do it! I thought I would share how we made them! If you use these in the classroom, make sure you clean them out every once in a while so that they last for many years!
1. Choose your fabric. I chose two different dot pattern fabrics. If you are trying to save money you can use a canvas drop cloth for one side and cheap bed sheets for the other side. Just make sure you choose one fabric that is thick such as canvas or denim and one fabric that is thin such as cotton. Cut the fabric of your choice to measure 1 yard in length by about 14 or 15 inches wide. You will need to measure the chair you would like it to fit first. Also try putting a folder or notebook on it to make sure there will be room for it when you are all done.
2. Turn the piece you already cut upside down so that the right side is facing the other fabric. Use the first piece of fabric as a pattern to cut the next piece out.
3. Once both pieces are cut, make sure they are matched together with the right sides facing each other. If you are worried about fraying you can use pinking shears. If the material is wrinkled you can iron it during this step.
4. Once the pieces are lined up, use a straight stitch to sew up one end and both sides.
5. Turn the fabric inside out so that the right sides are facing out. Smooth out all of the edges and make sure the corners have been pushed out.
6. Fold up the fabric to create a pocket. I folded mine up about 12 inches but this is up to you depending on what you want the pocket to hold.
7. Turn the pocket over and fold the fabric back to create another small pocket that will slip onto the chair.
8. Iron the entire pocket on the front and the back so that later you can see where you will need to fold it again. Also iron out the edges to make them as flat as possible.
9. On the open end of the rectangle, fold both fabrics in so that you cannot see the raw edges anymore. Iron over this so that it is flat.
10. Sew up the open end of the fabric with a straight stitch.
11. Fold your pocket again using the creases from the iron. The pocket in the front should be much bigger than the pocket on the back. Pin the pocket in a few places so that it will not move while sewing up the edges.
12. Topstitch both sides of the pocket so that it catches the front and back pocket. It gets pretty thick where the pockets overlap so make sure that you are using a heavy duty needle if you are using canvas. On both sides, start at the top and go all the way down to the bottom. Trim up the loose threads and you are done!
These are 3 different pockets that I made for my own classroom. The pocket in the middle was made with canvas drop cloth and a 5 dollar twin bed sheet from Walmart.
Here are some chair pockets made by my readers!
Made by reader Sara Banks
Made by reader Sara Banks
Does this fit a curved chair top?
Fyi- Dollar Tree online have these chair sacks in assorted colors, 24 for $24.00. The reviews were great, I have always wanted them to help keep my scholars desk organized, but I did not want to see them myself. I will use some of the ideas here to add my own flair to them. Just thought I would share.
Was your red material thicker or the dot thicker? I’m curious to know which side I want the heavier material on. The pocket or the part that covers the chair?
Great pattern and tutorial. I made my chair pockets for chairs with backs about 14’15” wide. To fit the bigger chair I cut the fabric 19″wide x 36″ long. I sewed 1/2″ seam allowances. Love the duck cloth with a Goodwill bed sheet.
Working on some pockets now. I love how easy the pattern is to follow. I had to make a size adjustment for the chairs I have, but not a big deal. Would love to share a picture, but not sure how to do it here.
Thank you! I’ve followed your tutorial with the exception of sewing up a pretty seam on the long sides. I’ve sewn them up but left the rough sides outward. They’re turning out great and allowing me to use less material and time. I’d love to share a picture!
Question I don’t have the dimensions from the teach whom I’m making these for but the chair is 13′ wide at the top for the one I’m practicing on at home. What sizes fabric will I need?
Hey Megan…I made these SOOOO long ago so I probably can’t answer but I would try to get the dimensions so you don’t make them and then them not fit. 🙂
How can I post my finished pics if you want them. I did 20!!
Just email me 🙂
Thank so much for this! I’ve always wanted these, since I also have tables instead of desks. But they are so expensive on the teacher store websites!!! I think this will be a perfect summer project for me – shouldn’t take too long since I only have to make about 16.
Hey Crystal! Please share pictures of the chair pockets when you are all done!
I am trying the olefin material from Wal Mart. It is sturdy. Some grocery bags are made of it. It was only $ 1.47 per yard. I believe it will work. Denim was over $ 7.00 per yard. I give credit to the sweet girl at Shawnee, Ok Walmart who suggested it. She could have been an angel. I am making 25 for my Teach America granddaughter in Mississippi
Hey Nelly! Hey I would love to see some pictures when you are done!
Thank you so much for providing this pattern! I am looking at making about 100 of these for the teachers at my school. Your instructions are great!!
Hey Luann! Oh my goodness 100!? Better get started now. I need to see a picture of that stack when you are done 🙂
What we’re the measurements you used in your picture on the pocket chairs
Hey Victoria! They were one yard long by about 15 inches wide but it will depend on the chair. Might want to make one to try it out first. 🙂
The dot and red material in the pocket you made in this tutorial- were they both cotton or one of them a canvas type material?
Hey Nikki! The polka dot was a duck canvas cloth and the sheets were a light cotton. Hope this helps! 🙂
How many pockets can you make with one yard of material? I am just wondering because I saw some for sale for $5 a piece. can you make them for cheaper than that?
Hey Tina! I honestly have no idea because I made these SO long ago that I don’t remember. I used bed sheets and some yardage from the craft store but I couldn’t tell you. I’m sorry 🙂
You need to use a sturdy fabric to hold up. I recommend denim or duck cloth.