Not long after finishing the pattern for the Gusset Zipper Pocket it dawned on me that this pocket could be made by piecing it together and skipping setting it into a window.
Since the big blog post last week was about patchwork, here it is in patchwork which also nicely shows off the way it is pieced together.
This way is faster than the window version in the pattern, but maybe not as finished looking because of the extra seams. Making it in patchwork is one idea to give it visual interest and distract from any not-so-straight seams. Careful piecing will also help with just a generally neater finish.
Maybe there are other creative ways to make the seams work to your advantage, but I'm out of ideas. Perhaps you'll think of something and come back to share your idea? This pocket works best in an out of the way spot like the back of a wallet or in the lining of a bag anyway, so the extra seams aren't a big deal, but I wanted to point out the extra seaming.
Before going over the basics, keep in mind in the photo above I could have, and should have, sewn the red piece on the left closer to the pocket front. In the pattern, the window edge covers the left side of the gusset some. I followed the edge of the "pocket back" piece with a 3/8" SA, and but should have sewn that red floral piece to the other pieces with a larger allowance. So watch for that when making yours.
The basic is idea is below. The fabric pieces around the pocket can be interfaced, but do not interface the pocket pieces--they will be too thick and hard to sew. You can also make the entire piece and then once you are done, fuse interfacing or fleece to the WS. It won't adhere to the seams as well as a flat piece of fabric, so consider topstitching the seams to help hold it in place.
Step 1: Cut (1) additional "pocket front" piece (green piece in example) & skip cutting the window piece.
Steps 2 & 3: Skip
Step 4: Complete
Step 5: Prepare both pocket front pieces (5.a - 5.c). Pay attention to any directional prints when determining which edges to fold for the exterior piece. Once they are both prepared, set the one you'll use on the exterior (ex: green piece) to the side.
Step 6: Complete & after step 6.e place the second pocket front piece WST with the other and topstitch it to the gusset & zipper. It will be thick at the elbow corner, so use a long stitch and sharp needle.
New Step: Baste the pocket front pieces/zipper/gusset to the pocket back piece.
Step 7, 8 & 9: Skip
New Step: Sew pieces of fabric to the bottom, top, and then each side. Or start with the sides and then add the top and bottom.
