How to Sew a Pocket Protector

A pocket protector is a sheath that holds writing instruments, such as pens and pencils. It slides into the shirt breast pocket. The pocket protector comes in many types of materials such as fabrics and plastic, although plastic does the best job of protecting the pocket from a leaky pen. The pocket protector was invented in 1952 and was originally made from polyvinyl chloride. Although very popular at one time, the pocket protector lost its popularity when technology created an almost leak-proof pen.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Stiff fabric Needle Thread Scissors Tape measure Straight pins

1. Gather up the supplies you will need to sew your pocket protector. Choose a stiff fabric like quilt. You will need a needle and a thread to match the color of the fabric. The scissors must be sharp enough to cut through the fabric.

2. Measure and cut the front piece of fabric 3 3/4 inches wide by 5 inches long. Cut the back piece of fabric 3 3/4 inches by 7 inches. Cut a third piece of fabric 3 inches by 6 inches, which will hang over the front of the pocket to secure the protector in place.

3. Thread your needle and tie a knot in the end. Place the top piece of fabric on the bottom piece of fabric, right sides out. Line up the edges and secure them together with straight pins. The back piece of fabric will be taller than the front.

4. Using your threaded needle, sew the edges together. Bring the needle up from the backside through the fabric. Pull the thread all the way through. Take the needle back around to the backside and push the needle through again to the front side next to the first stitch. Continue this pattern until three sides are sewn together. Do not sew the top edge.

5. Fold the third fabric piece in half and place it over the front piece so that half of it goes inside the protector and half of it hangs over the front.

6. Secure that piece to the top edge of the front of the pocket protector so it does not come off. Put a few stitches on that edge using your threaded needle.

Tips & Warnings

• You can make your pocket protector any size you wish as long as it fits into your pocket.
• Be careful when using a needle so you don't poke your finger.