CUDDLIES by jackie: HOODIE TOWEL FOUR: POCKETS & FINAL TWEAKS

Finishing the towel robe! Here's where it got a little more creative. I hemmed the bottom and made some tweaks based on my friend's feedback.

HEMMING THE BOTTOM

When testing out the robe, my friend reported that the longer length was nice for warmth, but got in the way when moving around or bending over to pick things up.

Making the robe shorter.

I shortened the hem about 4-5", and then folded the edge under a 1/2". My final robe measured 45 1/4" long when pinned.

It was easiest to pin the hem on the floor.

I stitched the hem down with the matching double row of zig-zag (I should note that I compared the neck seam, which was only folded under once, with the hood and sleeve seams, which were folded under twice, creating a triple row of fabric. There was not much difference in sturdiness or thickness, so I decided to skip that extra pinning and stitching step for the bottom hem, and only folded it once).

Stitching the hem down.

SIDE-SEAM ACCESS FOR CLOTHES

This was a completely original idea that my friend proposed. He asked if it would be possible to add a small hole in the robe to pull clothes through when changing. I ended up stitching some of my hem scraps together to make a panel to go under one sleeve.

Using scraps to create my inner "pocket."

This is very similar to inner-pocket construction, but without the inner seam you get an armpit tunnel instead of a pocket...

Stitching the panel into place.

Then the robe was tried on. The armpit access was functional and discreet. I trimmed down the edges and stitched the panel down again.

Test-panel: tacked in place.

POCKETS

Pockets can be simple or very complex. I found this fun blog that gives you beautiful examples of 10 kinds of pockets. She also provides links to tutorials for each one.

So...Inner vs. Outer Pockets?

I wasn't sure if I should make inner, hidden pockets, or a more visible "patch" pocket. I figured that patches would allow me more freedom. I had some scraps of the right size left, so I made two to test out.

I started with two 7" squares, for the pockets, and two 7" x 3" rectangles, for a decorative lapel:

I pinned one rectangle onto the opposite color square. Then I pinned the other three sides of the rectangle, tucking all edges under to create a finished, slightly rounded lapel.

I stitched the main seam connecting the lapel to the pocket. I then flipped the lapel over to have both right sides of the fabric face up, and tacked the lapel down using the same finishing techniques I used on the hood--two rows of zig-zag with a variegated (multi-hue) green thread.

One row of zig-zag stitch

Two rows of zig-zag--a well-secured seam, and a matching look.

These patch pockets would be a great way to add some design embellishment. You can embroider or stitch some shapes onto your patch, and then slap that pocket onto your robe, and voila! Instant flair!

For this robe, we chose to stay relatively plain. We did decide to add Velcro to the pocket opening, for the safe storage of car keys, etc.

I marked the pocket location with pins, and then pinned down and sewed Velcro onto the pocket and robe. I used a double-row of zig-zag around the edges to hold the Velcro strips down. Note: the Velcro packaging recommended having the hooked strip face away from the body for better function, so I sewed that piece onto the robe.

Positioning the Velcro and pocket.

Sewing Velcro into place.

I inverted the pocket so that it was inside out and upside down, and stitched the bottom seam of the pocket to the robe with two rows of zig-zag. I then folded it up into place and pinned the sides under.

Pinning the sides of the pocket to the robe.

I sewed around the sides and bottom of the pocket twice with the zig-zag stitch. I stitched each side of the Velcro opening several more times to reinforce the seam, since they will see extra wear and tear.