From UFO to DONE

As I have been working on my new sewing space, unpacking, and sorting, I was on the lookout for any UFOs (unfinished objects) so I can make plans to finish them (or not). I came across one that I started years ago and for the life of me, I don’t know why I didn’t finish it. The only thing left to do was the binding! I added the binding and here is the finished project.

Jean Pocket Organizer

I made this as a fun way to keep some essential tools handy, using recycled jean pockets. I do not have step-by-step photos of making this organizer but I’ll give you the high points so you can make it if you want. It’s a simple project so any skill level can make it, including beginners. It’s also a great beginning machine embroidery project.

Supplies

Here’s what you’ll need to make your own Jean Pocket Organizer:

• Four squares of quilting cotton, 10” x 10” – these can be the same fabric, or you may want to use 4 squares of similar prints and/or color
• Four pieces of low-loft batting such as Warm n Natural, 10” x 10”
• Four jeans back pockets – cut the pockets from the jeans, trimming the fabric from behind the pocket and close to the edges of the pockets
• Sashing strip, 1 ½” x 40”
• Backing fabric, 20” x 20”
• Binding strip – piece strips to be 2 ½” x 90”
• One 4” square of felt in a coordinating color
• About 10” of yarn for couching
• 3-5 decorative buttons
• Variegated embroidery thread
• “Sticky” stabilizer for embroidery

Embroidered Words

Embroider the first pocket by hooping a “sticky’ stabilizer, and then removing the paper to reveal the adhesive. Place one jeans pocket in the center of the hoop. Using your choice of font, program the word, “Pin.” on your embroidery machine. Position the word on the pocket using the photos as a guide or as desired. Repeat with the remaining pockets using the following words: Cut. Mark. and Stitch.

Pin. Pocket

Place batting behind one square of fabric and quilt using a diagonal grid pattern. Cut a piece of felt, 3 ¼” x 2”, using pinking shears if desired. Stitch the felt to the lower part of the embroidered Pin pocket. Position the pocket in the center of the block, straight or angled as desired, and stitch the sides and lower edges to the block.

Cut. Pocket

Place batting behind one square of fabric and quilt using horizontal wavy lines of straight stitching. Cut a piece of felt, 1 ¼” x 1”, using pinking shears if desired. Stitch the felt to one side of the embroidered Cut pocket. Position the pocket in the center of the block, straight or angled as desired, and stitch the sides and lower edges to the block.

Mark. Pocket

Place batting behind one square of fabric and quilt using a straight stitch, sewing a geometric pattern as desired. Mark an X on the lower part of the Mark pocket. Using a zigzag stitch, couch a piece of yarn over each line in the X. Position the pocket in the center of the block, straight or angled as desired, and stitch the sides and lower edges to the block.

Stitch. Pocket

Place batting behind one square of fabric and quilt using a running stitch, placed diagonally across the block. Stitch decorative buttons on the pockets as desired. Position the Stitch pocket in the center of the block, straight or angled as desired, and stitch the sides and lower edges to the block.

Block Assembly and Sashing

Place the Pin and Cut squares edge to edge and stitch together using a zigzag stitch. Repeat with the Mark and Stitch blocks. Place the two sets edge to edge and stitch together to form a 4-patch. Fold the raw edges of the sashing to the wrong side to meet in the center of the strip and press. Center one piece of sashing over the vertical line of zigzag stitching. Stitch along each side using a straight or blanket stitch. Repeat with the remaining sashing strip and the horizontal zigzag seam. Trim the quilt to 18” x 18”. Trim the backing to be the same size as the quilt. Place the wrong side of the backing on the wrong side of the quilt using temporary spray adhesive to hold the layers together. Zigzag stitch along all four edges. Bind the edges of the quilt using your favorite binding method.

Added Accessories

Once the organizer is finished, add fun accessories to dress it up and put the appropriate tools in each pocket.  Pin Pocket: Add straight pins to the felt and sewing clips to the upper edge of the pocket. Cut Pocket: Place a small pair of scissors in the felt and a cutter and scissors in the pocket. Mark Pocket: Place fabric markers in the pocket. Stitch Pocket: Place spools of thread in the pocket.

Hope you enjoy this project.Let me know if you create your own Jeans Pocket Organizer. I’ve love to see a photo of it!