Pattern #11 ~ Gift Prayer Pocket

Note: This post includes instructions for both 4″ and 5″ Prayer Pockets. See the pattern supplies and instructions below. It is recommended to read the project in its’ entirety prior to cutting or sewing.

Ready to sew and looking for a simple FREE PRAYER POCKET PATTERN? Today’s project is all about using up scraps and learning basic sewing skills (or maybe you are just super tired and want to sew something). We have all been there … the desire to create yet no ambition for squaring up components.

What goodie shall we find hidden on this post? The Treasure Hunt is still active. Comment on each post with that sponsor’s prize to be entered. Then go to our Instagram page to the TREASURE HUNT post and tag the sponsor.

PATTERN #10: Gift Prayer Pocket

Today’s pattern spotlight is the GIFT. Christmas is about more than physical gifts but rather the most precious gift of all … God’s grace thru Jesus. Although we truly enjoy finding something special for loved ones.

Supplies:

The first set of supplies indicates the required supplies for a 4″ x 4″ project. If you prefer a larger 5″ x 5″ project, the second set of supplies applies. The steps to construct the project remain the same.

The seam allowance for all Prayer Pocket patterns is 1/4″.

Note: Now that we have sewn a few of the Prayer Pockets, we will focus on the FRONT design detail. I am sure you already understand the process to assemble the rest of the project. If you need to refer back to detailed photo instructions, see the original pattern post HERE.

4″ Prayer Pocket Supplies:

• {1} FRONT Base: 5″ x 5″
• Multiple strips of fabric in various widths
• * {1} Batting: 5″ x 5″
• * {1} LINING Fabric: 5″ x 5″
• {1} BACK Fabric: 4-1/2″ x 4-1/2″
• {1} POCKET Fabric: 4-1/2″ W x 8″ L

5″ Prayer Pocket Supplies:

• {1} FRONT Base: 6″ x 6″
• Multiple strips of fabric in various widths
• * {1} Batting: 6″ x 6″
• * {1} LINING Fabric: 6″ x 6″
• {1} BACK Fabric: 5-1/2″ x 5-1/2″
• {1} POCKET Fabric: 5-1/2″ W x 10″ L

Optional:

Prayer Pockets may be personalized to feature a hanger or to stand independently without. Hang your Prayer Pocket from your purse or tote bag by adding a simple hanger made of ribbon or matching fabric. Suggested options include:

• {1} Ribbon: 4″
• {1} Fabric: 1-1/2″ W x 4″ L
• {1} Swivel Keychain Hook
• {1} Keychain Split Circle

Instructions:

Today’s pattern is a bit more freestyle. When we saw the pile of scraps, most of them cut in strips, the idea came to mind to sew a wrapping paper style Prayer Pocket.

First, we begin with an BASE. This is a neutral piece of fabric to which the strips of fabric will be sewn to create the wrapping paper FRONT. As you saw, the BASE piece is 1/2″ larger than our desired FRONT design overall dimension.

We cut (or gathered) multiple strips of fabric of various widths I believe most of ours were 1-1/4″ wide with the center strip shown cut at 2″ width. To determine the necessary length, you can either (1) leave fabrics in long strips and cut off once sewn in place or (2) lay strips on top of the BASE to determine the necessary length.

To begin, lay the first strip (center) right side down. Position the BASE fabric on top of the strip. We chose to approach this part of the project from the backside as it is a better visual for us.

The angle in which you lay this strip determines the overall appearance of your design. We chose to center the strip from corner to corner. Once positioned, pin in place. Flip over to the right side and pin to secure. Remove the back pin.

Place the neighboring strip of fabric right sides together with your center strip.

Sew the length of the BASE. Our strips are a bit longer than the BASE fabric. We prefer to sew a few stitches before stitching onto the BASE. It is a matter of preference. We always cut our strips a bit longer than needed to ensure they remain long enough once the seam allowance is sewn.

Shown above is the center strip. The left neighboring strip sewn together. Open the strip so you can see the right sides.

Now add a strip to the right side and sew. Continue the process until the BASE is covered in strips.

Here is the view of all the strips sewn to the base. Notice the base is completely covered.

Here is the backside of the base.

It is time to trim your FRONT to the desired size: 4-1/2″ or 5-1/2″. When trimming, we chose to cut from the backside. So our fabric was right side to the mat. We were looking at the BASE (white fabric when trimming. This is the result once trimmed.

This would be an easy block to make even smaller if desired.

What a lovely FRONT design. It is simple and can be personalized based on the direction (angle) you begin the first strip.

While the design does not require a bow, we love a fancy bow on a pretty present. Looks like a quick trip to the store is necessary in the morning.

This was a condensed version of the instructions. Remember, the detailed photo instructions for the Prayer Pocket assembly in available on the initial post (Pattern #1).

As with any design, if you prefer to keep the design front and center, simply sew the 4″ pattern then add borders as we did on the Evergreen pattern. You now have a 5″ Prayer Pocket (with no points to worry about with the outside seam).

Are you inspired to create Prayer Pockets? With every design we share, we add more sketches to our list of possible patterns. Prayer Pockets are a quick project which makes use of tidbits of fabric yet yield wonderful gifts. Consider decorating your tree with Prayer Pockets.

Do you enjoy creating your own quilts? Have you seen the handy QUILTING CARDS by Our First Quilt? They have generously donated a deck of cards to a second lucky winner!

You’re invited … to join DayBrook Designs for our 2021 AZALEA QUILT ALONG. We will be sewing an English Paper Piecing flower consisting of a hexagon and flower petals (link) utilizing the Paper Pieces products. You choose which size of flower best fits your project (link). Sew one block a week starting January 2021 thru December 2021. By the end of the year, you will have a stunning quilt. Watch for more news to be released in December. To keep up to date on QUILT ALONG news, sign up for our newsletter.

About the Sew Along . . .

Have you heard the news? Our next community sewing event ~ the first annual PRAYER POCKET SEW ALONG ~ is starting soon! You are invited to join us 2020 December 4, 5, & 6 on Instagram and Facebook. ‘Tis the season to celebrate. Share inspirational messages of God’s love with others thru this quick-to-sew gift.

Click HERE to SIGN UP to be included in the prize drawings and to read the introductory post about the sew along.

To be entered into the giveaways: (1) Signup for the event. (2) Follow us on Instagram. Then, post your beautiful creations on Instagram.

Entries for the GIVEAWAYS, may be posted starting Friday, 2020 December 4 thru Sunday, December 6 (EST). Remember to include: #PrayerPocketSewlong2020 plus tag @DayBrookDesigns when sharing your pictures.

Not on Instagram? No worries. Follow our Facebook page. Then, upload your Prayer Pocket creations to our Facebook page event album (HERE)