DIY: How to Make a Pocket Square

Pocket squares add a touch of luxury and sophistication to any suit ensemble. If you’re looking to spruce up your wardrobe without breaking the bank, why not try making your own pocket square? Making a pocket square is quick, easy, and customizable to your individual style. Plus, it’s a fun craft that can be accomplished with minimal supplies and a little bit of patience.

To start, you’ll need a piece of fabric. While silk is the traditional material for pocket squares, you can mix it up with cotton or linen for a more relaxed and casual look. Cut the fabric into a square shape, with dimensions around 12 inches on each side. You can also adjust the size to your liking, but be sure to leave enough fabric for folding and tucking into your suit pocket. Once the fabric is cut, fold the edges in a triangle shape to create a neat and polished look. With a few simple folds, your pocket square will be ready to adorn your suit for any occasion!

Section: How to Make a Pocket Square

1. Gather Your Materials

The first step to making your own pocket square is to gather all the materials you will need. This includes fabric, scissors, measuring tape, pins, and thread. You can choose any fabric you like, but it’s best to use a lightweight material like cotton or silk.

2. Determine the Size

Next, you’ll need to determine the size of your pocket square. A standard pocket square is around 12 x 12 inches. You can make it larger or smaller depending on your personal preference. Use your measuring tape to determine the size you want and mark it on your fabric.

3. Cut the Fabric

Now that you’ve marked the size of your pocket square, it’s time to cut the fabric. Use your scissors to carefully cut along the marked lines.

4. Fold the Edges

Fold the edges of your fabric about ¼ inch and pin it in place. This will create a nice finished edge for your pocket square.

5. Iron the Edges

Use a hot iron to press the folded edges of your fabric. This will help to keep the edges in place and create a cleaner look.

6. Fold the Pocket Square

Now it’s time to fold your pocket square. There are many different ways to fold a pocket square, but a classic style is the square fold. Fold the fabric in half diagonally, then fold in half again. Place the folded pocket square into your pocket with the edges facing up.

7. Experiment with Different Folds

Part of the fun of making your own pocket square is experimenting with different folds. Try the puff fold, the one-point fold, or the two-point fold for different looks.

8. Add Embellishments

You can also add embellishments to your pocket square to make it even more unique. Consider adding a monogram, a contrasting border, or even some embroidery.

9. Personalize Your Pocket Square

Making your own pocket square allows you to personalize it to your style and taste. Choose fabric with a fun print or bold color to showcase your personality.

10. Share Your Creations

Once you’ve mastered making your own pocket square, share your creations with friends and family. It’s a great way to show off your creativity and add a personal touch to any outfit.

Choosing the Fabric

When it comes to making a pocket square, the type of fabric you choose can make or break your project. You will want to select a fabric that is not too thin or too thick, that holds its shape well, and that is easy to work with.

1. Consider the Occasion

Think about the occasion you will be wearing your pocket square for. If it’s a formal event, a silk or satin fabric is a classic choice. For more casual days, consider a cotton or linen fabric.

2. Think About the Outfit

Consider the color and pattern of the outfit you will be wearing the pocket square with. A solid color pocket square will work with any outfit, but a patterned pocket square can add some personality and style.

3. Check the Coordination

Make sure the fabric of the pocket square coordinates well with the fabric of your tie or bowtie. A complimentary color or pattern will help pull the outfit together.

4. Test the Durability

Test the durability of the fabric by gently pulling on the corners of the fabric. If the fabric holds up well and doesn’t easily tear or wrinkle, it’s a good choice.

5. Go for Allergen-free Fabrics

If you have allergies, choose a hypoallergenic fabric such as cotton or linen. Synthetic fabrics such as polyester can be irritating to the skin.

6. Consider Your Skill Level

Some fabrics are harder to work with than others. If you’re new to sewing, choose a fabric that is easy to maneuver, such as cotton or silk.

7. Try Something Unexpected

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your fabric choice. Consider using a unique fabric like denim or tweed for a more unique and casual look.

8. Mix Textures

Mixing textures is a great way to add interest to your outfit. Pair a smooth satin pocket square with a textured wool suit for a stylish and unique look.

9. Enhance Detailing

Consider selecting a fabric with a subtle sheen or texture to enhance the detailing of your pocket square. This will give your pocket square a refined and sophisticated look.

10. Play Around with the Length

You can play around with the length of the pocket square by selecting a fabric with different dimensions. A longer fabric will allow you to create more intricate folds and shapes, while a shorter fabric will give a more minimalistic look.

Choosing the Right Fabric

Silk

Silk is the most popular type of fabric for pocket squares due to its versatility and ability to hold its shape. It has a smooth, glossy feel that adds an elegant touch to any suit or blazer. While it can be expensive, it’s worth the investment for a high-quality pocket square that will last for years.

Cotton

Cotton is a less expensive option that’s perfect for casual events or warmer weather. It has a matte finish and can be easily folded into various styles. However, it wrinkles easily so it’s important to iron it before using it as a pocket square.

Linen

Linen is a lightweight fabric that’s great for summer events. It has a crisp, textured feel that adds a touch of informality to your outfit. It’s important to note that linen is prone to wrinkling, so it’s best to fold and iron it carefully.

Wool

Wool is a warm and cozy option for fall and winter events. It has a soft feel and comes in a variety of patterns and colors. However, it can be bulky to fold and may not hold its shape as well as silk or cotton.

Prints or Solids?

When choosing a fabric for your pocket square, you’ll need to decide whether to go with a print or solid color. Solid colors are more versatile and can be worn with a variety of outfits, while prints add a touch of personality and can be a great conversation starter. It’s important to choose a print that complements your outfit rather than overwhelms it.

Color Considerations

When choosing a color for your pocket square, it’s important to keep in mind the occasion and the other elements of your outfit. Solid white is a classic choice that works for almost any event, but you can also opt for a subtle color that matches or complements your tie or jacket. If you choose a print, make sure it doesn’t clash with the rest of your outfit.

Happy Pocket Squaring!

Well, that’s it for now, folks. We hope you’ve enjoyed this tutorial on how to make your very own pocket square. Remember to have fun with it and experiment with different patterns and fabrics. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. Thanks for reading, and we hope to see you again soon with more creative ideas!