Custom Built Purse - Accordion Fold Pocket

This is my accordion fold pocket. The folds that are put in the edges allow the pocket to expand, without pushing or stretching any of the fabric. This is good for thicker items, like my cell phone (it's a really old slider phone) or my Nintendo DS.



I got the idea for this pocket from my current purse. There are two accordion fold pockets on the inside of the current bag and two on the outside sides.

Here is how I made mine.

Accordion Fold Pocket A

Begin by creating a simple pocket A. In order to make sure that the pocket will fit around the bulk of the object it will hold, I wrap the fabric or measuring tape around the front and both sides of the object.

Next, make your first fold by folding in the side to match the depth of your device and the seam allowance. I chose to fold in 1". Press. If you would like some extra decoration, you can sew the fold in, very close to the fold (see the inside pockets of my current purse).

Once your first fold is completed, make a second fold on the inch of fabric folded in, I choose to fold make a fold ¼” form the first fold line, which leaves me a ½" amount of fabric to sew the pocket on to the lining with, rather than trying to fidget when trying to sew with the fold in the way. Press. Repeat on the other side of the pocket.

Sew bottom close to edge to hold folds in place. Don't worry about super pretty stitching, it will be hidden on the inside bottom of the pocket.

Attach the pocket by the bottom to where you want it to end up, with the pocket upside down. Sew along bottom with ¼” seam.

Fold Pocket up along bottom seam, pin in place and press bottom seam, keeping raw bottom edge from showing out of the sides.

Topstitch along sides and bottom, fully attaching the pocket to your work. Reinforce the top of the sides if desired.

Accordion Fold Pocket B

Begin by creating a simple pocket A. In order to make sure that the pocket will fit around the bulk of the object it will hold, I wrap the fabric or measuring tape around the front and both sides of the object.

Next, make your first fold by folding in the side to match the depth of your device and the seam allowance. I chose to fold in 1". Press. If you would like some extra decoration, you can sew the fold in, very close to the fold (see the inside pockets of my current purse).

Once your first fold is completed, make a second fold on the inch of fabric folded in, I choose to fold make a fold ¼” form the first fold line, which leaves me a ½" amount of fabric to sew the pocket on to the lining with, rather than trying to fidget when trying to sew with the fold in the way. Press. Repeat on the other side of the pocket.

Sew bottom close to edge to hold folds in place. Don't worry about super pretty stitching, it will be hidden on the inside bottom of the pocket.

Fold the seam allowance for the bottom up and press.

Attach the pocket by to where you want it to end up and pin in place. You could also attach it just by the bottom at first, and then fold the pocket up and topstitch the sides and bottom.

Topstitch along sides and bottom, attaching the pocket to your work. Reinforce the top of the sides if desired.