*
Hi,
I’m teaching first grade in a new classroom this year. The students will sit at tables rather than desks. I would like to make chair back pockets so the students can store their belongings at their seats. I’ve seen chair back pockets but I’m unable to find a pattern for them. Most of my chairs have an oval back supported by two vertical bars down to the seat. Some have a mostly solid back with a small triangle at the base.
Thank you in advance for your suggestions.
Janet Hill
Threads Insider
Get instant access to hundreds of videos, tutorials, projects, and more.
Start Your Free TrialAlready an Insider? Log in
Sponsored Content
Replies
*
Jill, check to see if Vogue 2081 is still in print; it has several chair-suspended organizers. Basically, any pattern for hanging cloth organizers can be adapted to the style of chair you have, so you might want to take a look at McCall's 8260 view G; Simplicity 8862 view A or D; or McCall's 2720 (the back of door organizer). I have seen similar things in the Kwik-Sew catalogue, too. To find these patterns, go to the home dec or craft sections of pattern books.
There is also a pattern for a chair-back caddy on page 24 of a little book titled "Great Sewing Accessories--To Sew," by Carol Parks.
*Janet, it may be difficult to find an exact pattern for your chairs, but it is surprisingly easy to make your OWN pattern.With the arrival of the chair slipcover trend, a variety of books are available that can give you technical advice. Your library probably has at least a few on the subject.The "recipe" is easy:Make a paper pattern by laying the chair on its back and tracing the oval backrest onto a large piece of paper. Be sure to leave enough room around the edge to account for the depth of the backrest, plus a bit for ease. Remove the chair from the paper. Make a line parallel to where the floor would be just past the bottom of the backrest; draw lines perpendicular to the bottom line, that just touch the sides of the backrest. Add seam allowances all around (generally 5/8" around the top/sides and 1" at the bottom).Make a prototype to make sure it slides over the back of the chair, and if necessary, make adjustments to your pattern.Then, the pocket. Figure out approximately what the little people are likely to store there - lunch? note-books? Find a large envelope that is about the right size for this amount of loot, for example, a 9" x 12" manilla business envelope. Use those dimensions to make a simple pouch, remembering to add seam allowances where necessary.Sew the pouch to the back of the "slipcover." If weight in the pouch makes it slide around, consider adding tie-tabs, or grommets and string, or snaps.It would be fun, economical and practical to make the pouches from drapery or upholstery remnants. If you explain to a store-owner what you will be using them for, you may even be able to convince him/her to donate them.If you would like, I would be happy to sketch my directions and email them to you - just let me know. Good luck!
This post is archived.