A diagram to help with the terms I’ll be using:
Materials Needed:
- 12″x12″ piece of 1/4″ corkboard tile (available in office supplies at Target for around $4/4-pack, or art-supply stores for around $10/4-pack)
- 11 3/4″ x 11″ cardboard piece (I cut mine from an old box)
- 11 1/2″ x 11 1/2″ piece of iron-on adhesive (I use HeatNBond Lite), OR fusible webbing
- 2 fat quarters of coordinating fabric for background, and pocket
- Fabric for backing (I used some that I regretted buying)
- 3+ ft of coordinating grosgrain ribbon
- 6″x12″ piece of stabilizer (such as Peltex 70)
Step 1: Cut fabric and ribbon
- Cut background fabric 13 1/2″ x 13 1/2″
- Cut pocket fabric 13″ x 13 1/2″
- Cut 2 strips from pocket fabric 2″ x 15″ for top binding
- Cut backing fabric 13 1/2″ x 131/2″
- Cut ribbon into 2 pieces – one 14″ piece, one 24″ piece
Step 2: Iron iron-on adhesive onto one side of corkboard
Iron adhesive to what will be the front of your wall pocket. You will later fuse your background fabric to the corkboard to keep the fabric from pulling off of the corkboard when you pull your thumbtacks out.
Step 3: Peel off the paper backing and set aside
Step 4: Prepare the pocket
Fold the pocket piece in half so that it is 13 1/2″ wide and 6 1/2″ deep. Center the stabilizer inside the pocket, flush with the fold and pin into place.
Edge stitch along the top of the pocket, securing the stabilizer as you stitch.
Determine placement of 14″ ribbon and pin into place. Using coordinating thread, edgestitch along long edges of ribbon.
Step 5: Assemble the fabric case
Lay the pocket on top of the background fabric, flush at the bottom and sides. Pin into place with pin head sticking out the side so you can see it when sewing later.
Lay the backing fabric right side down on top of the pocket and background, lining up on all sides. Pin into place
Starting at the top right side, using a 1/2″ seam allowance, sew down the side, across the bottom, and up the other side. DO NOT SEW ACROSS THE TOP. Clip the bottom 2 corners.
Turn pocket right side out, pushing out corners with a narrow tool. Slip the corkboard into the pocket, with adhesive facing up, making sure the side and bottom seams are behind the corkboard. Slip the cardboard behind the corkboard so that it is 11″ tall and 11 3/4 inches wide.
Smooth the background fabric out with hands and fuse as much of the background fabric to the corkboard as you can reach with your iron.
Trim the top of background and backing fabric so that it is flush with the top of the corkboard.
Step 6: Prepare the top binding and ribbon hanger
Iron a 1/2″ crease toward the back on the bottom side of each strip of pocket fabric.
Lay the strips on top of eachother, right sides together, raw edges up. Place both ends of the 24″ ribbon between the strips about 11-12 inches apart. The raw edges of the ribbon will be poking out along the raw edge of the strips. Turn ribbon 45-degrees, aiming the end of the ribbon out and pin into place.
Using a 1/2″ seam allowance, sew along raw edge of strips, securing ribbon into the top binding.
Place inside out on top of wall pocket, centering the ribbon along the top of the wall pocket. Mark with a pins the outside edges of the binding, keeping in mind that there is ~1/2 of thickness the binding will have to go around.
Sew a line where the pin was placed.
Turn right side out for a test fit. Adjust as necessary. Cut off extra fabric.
Step 7: Attach the Hanger to the Wall Pocket
Turn the binding right side out, pushing out corners. Place over top of wall pocket making sure the side seams are pushed to the back of the corkboard.
This is where it gets fun. If your machine can sew through corkboard, then use the zipper foot. My machine has moveable needle position so I move it over to the left as far as possible. Lengthen the stitch length to about 3 mm or more. Use blending thread if using this method because the stitches are not always so pretty when sewing through this thickness. You will be sewing through corkboard, NOT cardboard AND corkboard. Use ~5/8″ seam allowance sewing close to the cardboard, but not so close that the binding puckers.
If your machine does NOT sew through corkboard, then handstitch the binding across the front and back of the corkboard. I’ve never done this before, but it should work. š
Ta da! You’re done!
Step 9: Take a picture for your blog
In retrospect, I should have put the pretty dark blue fabric on the pocket because once the wall pocket is being used, all that pretty fabric is covered up and only the green peas are left. š¦
Step 10: Email me so I can come see!
Disclaimer:
I made my first wall pocket about a month ago. I am NOT an expert on wall-pocket making, but several people have asked me about the process of making them, so here I am – posting a tutorial like I’m some sort of expert or something! Ha ha.
I guess there are 2 things that make this wall pocket unique and challenging: 1. It is a bulletin board on top and a pocket on the bottom; 2. It hangs from a ribbon. Take either of these things out, and the process is MUCH easier.
Without a bulletin board, you could just fill the inside with 2 layers of cardboard and add more pockets. Take away the ribbon hanger so that it just leans against the wall, and the “closing up” process is much easier – no sewing through corkboard required!
I love how there are so many ways to make variations on this idea: extra pockets for pens/pencils or notepad, decorative buttons, etc. I’ve thought that a leather hanger for a cowboy-themed pocket would be really fun as well. Enjoy the tutorial!
Ā© 2006 Craft Apple Creations
Thanks for posting this! I am definitely bookmarking this so that I can make it sometime soon.
Linda, you are the tutorial queen! I am doing this one for sure–after I finish my quilt, of course. Thanks a bunch!
Thanks for another great Tutorial Linda! I see a book in your future.
What a great tutorial! Your wall pockets are beautiful.
Hi, I check your blog everyday and I have been hoping for a tutorial for the wallpockets. Thanks for the tutorial. š
Great explanation! Thanks for showing us how it’s done. I think this would be great for the doors of my kids’ rooms. We could leave messages for them or put their mail there or they could leave themselves notes. I think it would also be a cute graduation gift. Wouldn’t this look great on a college dorm room door? Or in a sorority house? Love it!
I love this wall hanging – it could easily replace the current covered corkboard that I have!
Those fabrics are so pretty. You know I am itching to make a wall pocket!
LOVE IT!!! You are a very good teacher Miss L. I can’t wait to try and see how sturdy my Janome is..hahah!
You do the most amazing tutorials!! I have printed all of them out. Now, if only I could find the time to actually do some sewing š
Thank you so much for sharing your work. You do the nicest tutorials with wonderful pictures. I appreciate it.
Thank you for posting a tutorial. I am excited to try it. Clarice
Wow – this looks like a really great project! Thanks for putting together the tutorial!
Thank you for another great tutorial…seems like everytime I read your blog my to do list gets a little longer š
Happy 100th post!
Wow! Your tutorial sure is complete! One can’t possibly go wrong. š
Thank you for such a complete tutorial…I had put off trying one of these, but now I have no excuse!
Congrats on your 100th post. I will be giving this a try sometime when the insanity settles down. Thanks for posting it!
Blessings,
Hi,
I have been a happy lurker for a while – I just pop in, read, and pop out. But I have to say, your tutorial on cards and journals was great, I have it in my pile of crafting things I MUST make, and now I think that I MUST make a wall pocket too – a project to organize my projects!
Thanks!
Kristy
Congrats on 100 posts – what a fantastic milestone! And thanks so much for this very comprehensive and very cool wall-pocket tutorial – I can’t wait to make one!
Linda,
(I’m sure I’ve commented before, but just wanted to say I found you through Randi)…and LOVE your creativity! Thanks for the inspiration and tutorial, am looking forward to trying this out. š
thank you – I have been wanting to make one since I saw it on your blog. I will have to try this out once I get back from retreat.
How wonderfully generous to share your tutorial.
What a pity I’m so far away, or I’d be wheeling and dealing with you to make a swap-a cowboy pocket organizer for some of my cushions.
Many best wishes, and congratulations on making 100 fantastic posts.
Love it! Thanks, I think I am going to try this. I will let you know. I may want to put this up on the company Porch at HSB. I will let you know before I do and get permission again.
Susan
Very lovely pocket (and tutorial!) and happy 100th post.
Nicely written tutorial! I see several wall pockets in my future…
Thanks for the tutorial. I have wanted to try making one of these. Happy 100th post.
You write excellent tutorials! I don’t want to hear anymore of the “like I’m an expert” remarks from you… you are an expert.
Now, if you would send me that wonderful Bernina for a couple of weeks, I would be so grateful š
I love tutorials! You know you are really good at doing these. You use very clear explanations. Your steps are divided down good. You must be a detail person. When craftshow season slows down I want to do one of these. This might be a great project to do with my children.
looks like very clear instructions, here – good job! thanks!
Great tutorial! I’m going to have to make myself a wall pocket. Thanks!!
Too wonderful! I’m including this in my “Crafty Fun Friday” post tomorrow.
Great tutorial, as usual! Yet another thing to add to my future projects list š
And congrats on making it too 100!!! I’ve loved seeing your blog evolve since I first started reading.
Thanks for the tutorial. I have opened up my new sewing machine-only played with it so far. I think I’ll wait until after the holidays to take more classes. I wish we lived closer and you could teach me!
How cool, I’ll save it for when I pull out the sewing machine again! Maybe when Joshua is 30 or so? He,he,he!! You are really are VERY good at doing tutorials Linda, I could never do it, not a detail person here. It’s a definite talent!
Wow what a wonderful tutorial, thank you! I’ve been very inspired by all your lovely pictures.
Ooh.. count me in!! I hope I didn’t miss it.
I LOVE your tutorials!
Thanks so very much for the wonderful tutorial!
WOW! Nice tutorial, you never seem to cease to amaze me. And I am not just leaving a comment to get a wonderful, awesome craft apple seamstress apron…..!!! Congrats on the 100th post.
Thanks for the Tutorial. I think I’m going to try to make this over the weekend.
Another great tutorial! And happy 100th post. Mine is fast approaching and I’m trying to finish the thing I’m giving away so I can DO my 100th post!
Thanks for sharing.
Happy 100th post! I’ve already bought the pattern, so don’t enter me in the drawing.
Great tutorial. That looks like a prime idea for Christmas gifts!
Happy 100th! Best wishes for the next 100!
Thanks for sharing your corkboard instructions. I just found the corkboard squares at our dollar store 4/$1 so I’ll soon be making one of these for both my boys’ rooms and our family center!
Thanks – this looks like a wonderful project, and so clearly explained – I plan to try it out!
Allie
Happy 100th post! Your site is awesome! I’ve been inspired to dust off my sewing machine..
Amy
Congrats on your 100th post!!!! Wow!!!
Great tutorial. I want to try making one (when I have more time.) š Thank you for taking the time to make the tutorial.
Congratulations on your 100th post.
Look how many comments you’ve had!!!
Another great project and tutorial!!! Nice job Linda, everything is beautiful! Happy 100th post! Wow… you may even get 100 comments!
Wow, what a cute wall-hanging. Great tutorial to boot! (Kathy of Pink Chalk Studio pointed me to your site … now you’re bookmarked.) š
Thanks for the tutorial. I really enjoyed your original one you posted.
Thanks for the tutorial — I need something like this to brighten up my under-the-stairs-sewing-area š Congrats on the 100th post!
Wow, lucky me! My first time at your site and I get an incredibly detailed and well put-together tutorial for something I could totally use five or six of, I get to congratulate you on your 100th post, *and* I have a chance to win a cute apron pattern. Whoo hoo! I’ll definitely be back.
Happy 100th! I just found your blog a few days ago! Love the tutorials!
Congrats on your 100th post! I’ve been enjoying your blog for the last few months. It’s great!
Yeosars woman, look at all those comments!
Seriously, this is probably the first thing I’ll make once I complete my stinkin’ secret thank you gifts!
THANKS for this–I’ve been lusting over all the wall pockets I’ve been seeing in blogland, and although I had started thinking through how to make one, I hadn’t really put enough mental energy into it. And now I don’t need to! š
What a great project, and so well done. Now I must confess, I can’t for the life of me make sense of the directions which come with the (Heat and Bond) iron on adhesive. They just don’t make sense to me at all. Sooo, I won’t be attempting this wall pockets until I get that figured out. (Obviously I’m one of those people who have a hard time following written instructions–I’m sure the instructions themselves are well done!)
Lovely wall pockets! Sewing through corkboard though….eeeeek.
Hi! I found you through Randi. I love your tutorials. I just wish I had time to make something š¦
Keep up the inspiration!
Awesome tutorial! Thanks š
Hello:I just discovered your site through Pink Chalk Studio. Congratulations on your 100th post. Love your projects and straight forward tutorials. I believe you were born to teach. Great Job!
Very nice! Thanks for the great tutorial. One more project for my list.
Thanks for the tutorial, and Happy 100th post! Now to see if my sewing machine will sew through corkboard…
Very cool! I love the fabrics and what a great idea!
What awesome directions and photos! You have taken ‘blogging’ to the next level of excellence!
This couldn’t have come at a better time. I am working on my little sewing corner this week and have been thinking about making a wall pocket all week. I’m the kind that needs a visual though! I can’t wait to get started.
Wow! 100th post! Congratulations! Like your blog and was returning to read your stuff.
Happy 100th!! Your tutorial is so good, can’t wait to try one of my own!
š lucy
This is an awesome tutorial. I’m so glad I found it and your site while surfing around today!
Thanks so much for sharing, fantastic idea!!
What a delightful blog. I just found you and will be back often.
Me! Pick me! Here I am! Pick meeeeeeee! Am I too late? Hello? Are you there?
yay. happy 100. can’t wait for more. i enjopy reading your blog.
How cool – 100 posts. And such good, creative inforamtion in these posts.
Thanks for sharing!
This is such a great project — thanks so much for taking the time to put a tutorial up for us.
I want to make one of these for inside my front door to organize mail. Thank you for this awesome tutorial. I can’t wait to give it a try!
Hi, Linda. Though I didn’t use your tutorial, I wish I had. It would have made it easier. But you can see my wall pocket at http://www.thatsillygirl.blogspot.com
By the way, I love the tutorials you’ve made in the past. And my mom’s name is Linda. I don’t mean for that to make you feel old or anything. I mean it in that it is a nice name. :0)
WOW- congratulations!
I came over here from “I have to Say” and I will just have to come back! I need all the crafty help I can get!
Wonderful tutorial!
Blessings,
~Tammy
This tutorial is WONDERFUL. Even more wonderful, however, is your offer of a free pattern. Am I too late?
I hate to be a stalker, but I was just wondering if I’m too late for the pattern.
Is it time to party yet? š
Just found your blog and I LOVE it! Would love to be lucky!!
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This is such a great tutorial! Thanks so much for posting it. As soon as I get some more time, I’ll definately be making it again =)
Here’s a link to my post so you can see the pics!
http://outofhandcrafts.com/blog/?p=232
Thanks for the awesome tut! I just found your site today and I LOVE IT! I am going to try the wall pocket today.
Excellent work in posting such a detailed lesson. I totally need this for a narrow space in my kitchen. I’ll make it in the same fabrics as my curtains! Thanks for sharing a great idea!
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I just found Craft Apple and am ecstatic. I love your ideas and colors. I’m going to make the cork board this afternoon. Thanks so much for your tutorials.
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