Last Updated on 9 months by Susan Mayrich
You can learn how to make a pocket square with a sewing machine in two steps. We’ll also talk about the best ways to fold a pocket square and what size and fabric to use when making one.
Do you also want to personalize a garment? For example, it’s possible to learn how to monogram a shirt with a sewing machine.
You can consider adding subtle designs to your clothing after making a pocket square.
How To Make A Pocket Square With A Sewing Machine For Beginners
Step 1. Material preparation
- Prepare the fabric for the pocket square and cut it accordingly
- Expect that a cut material will be an inch less in width and length
- Use a rotary cutter and mat to get a clean cut
- Fold the four edges of the square for about ¼ inch
- Press in place and fold again
- Press the folded square edges once more
Step 2. Sewing the pocket square
- Position the pocket square on the sewing machine and begin stitching from one corner
- Backstitch at the beginning of your stitching to keep the stitches from unraveling
- Once you reach the first corner, sew to the edge and stop after all the layers are sewn
- Lift the presser foot to turn the square for 90 degrees and work on the next edge
- Do not remove the needle from the fabric when you turn it 90 degrees
- Continue stitching all the four edges and backstitch at the end of your stitching
- Trim the thread ends, and you’re done
- Put the square on your clothing’s pocket to finish
How Do You Fold A Pocket Square?
After sewing a pocket square, here are the three best ways to fold it. These are also the most common folding methods that should suit various occasions.
Presidential pocket square
- Fold the pocket square vertically
- Bring the bottom up
- Fold the resulting smaller square the same way
Two-point pocket square
- Fold the pocket square vertically
- Fold the bottom towards the top
- Rotate the resulting smaller square into a diamond
- Fold the bottom towards the top and shift it to one side
- Bring the right and left corners in
- Flip the pocket square over
Three-point pocket square
- Rotate the pocket square into a diamond
- Fold the bottom towards the top right
- Bring the bottom right corner to the left of the first two points you made
- Take the left corner to the top
- Fold the excess fabric back over the square so it will be in the middle
- Fold the right side of the pocket square into the middle
- Fold the bottom of the square towards the three points
What Is The Best Size For A Pocket Square?
The best size for a pocket square would be 17 by 17 inches. However, you still need to consider your pocket size, which means the pocket square can be from 10 by 10 inches to 17 by 17 inches.
What fabric is best for a pocket square?
The best fabric for a pocket square depends on the look you’re going for. Do you need it for something formal or casual?
The safest material is cotton, but silk is another excellent fabric for a pocket square, especially for formal occasions. Some also use linen as a safe fabric for a pocket square because it’s versatile for most fashion styles.
Please read how to prewash fabric for sewing to avoid shrinkage.
How Do You Make A Pocket Square With Rolled Edges?
- Roll the fabric at the back of the pocket square
- Insert the needle under this roll and make a straight stitch across the front
- Sew through the roll and start the next stitch under the roll on the back of the square
- Use eight stitches per inch and continue rolling and stitching around the square
- For the corners, twist the two sides together, then sew as normal
Are you struggling to make the rolled edges on the pocket square? We wrote a tutorial on how to make a rolled hem on a sewing machine.
What Can I Use If I Don’t Have A Pocket Square?
Any square section of fabric can be used if you don’t have a pocket square. However, please fold and put it in the pocket, so no frayed edges are showing.
You can also fold a tie until it fits into your pocket neatly the same way a one-point fold pocket square will look like. You can even roll a sock downward and then have the top of the roll visible.
Are there other alternatives for a pocket square? Another fun thing to accessorize your pocket would be flowers, and you can find various boutonniere ideas for inspiration online.
Can I Use A Handkerchief As A Pocket Square?
You can use a handkerchief as a pocket square if you don’t have one readily available. There are various types and designs of handkerchiefs that will look good when folded into the pocket, but make sure that it’s not too large or it will look bulky.
Conclusion
And that’s it! You just learned how to make a pocket square with a sewing machine, which is essentially folding the edges of a fabric of your choice then sewing them in place.
From there, you can choose to make a presidential fold, two-point fold, or three-point fold. But if you don’t have a pocket square, you can also use your handkerchief, sock, tie, or even flowers.
We hope this was easy to follow; leave us a question if you have any.
