Teacup Pocket In-the-hoop

In-the-Hoop Teacup Pocket Tutorial

A finished, decorative teacup-shaped appliqué pocket embroidered onto an apron.

Stitch Sequence Overview

The embroidery design file and color chart for the teacup pocket.

Color 1: The plate appliqué guideline. After this stitches, pause the machine and lay the fabric right inside the shape.
Color 2: The plate fabric tack-down seam. After this stitches, pause the machine and trim the excess fabric.
Color 3: The pocket placement guideline. After this stitches, pause the machine and lay the folded fabric piece inside the shape.
Color 4: The pocket fabric tack-down seam. After this stitches, pause the machine and trim the excess fabric.
Color 5: Teacup decorative details.
Color 6: The satin stitch outline covering the plate fabric edge.
Color 7: The satin stitch outline covering the teacup fabric edge.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Hoop and Stitch the Plate Appliqué

Hoop your main item (e.g., an apron or tea towel) with a stabilizer.

An apron hooped with stabilizer, ready for embroidery.

Stitch the plate appliqué guideline (Color 1).

The placement outline for the teacup's saucer stitched onto the apron.

Pause the machine and lay your appliqué fabric for the plate right inside the shape.

A piece of appliqué fabric placed over the saucer outline.

Stitch the plate fabric tack-down seam (Color 2).

The tack-down seam stitched around the saucer appliqué fabric.

Pause the machine and carefully trim the excess fabric from around the plate. Attach the hoop back to the machine.

Step 2: Create the Teacup Pocket

Stitch the pocket placement guideline (Color 3).

The placement outline for the teacup pocket stitched onto the saucer appliqué.

Take a piece of appliqué fabric that is twice the size of your pocket. Fold it in half.

A piece of fabric for the pocket, folded in half.

Pause the machine and lay your folded pocket fabric flat inside the placement shape. Align the folded edge with the upper placement stitch.

The folded pocket fabric placed inside the teacup guideline.

Stitch the pocket fabric tack-down seam (Color 4).

The tack-down seam for the pocket fabric is stitched.

Pause the machine and carefully trim the excess fabric around the shape close to the seam.

Trimming the excess fabric from around the teacup pocket.

Step 3: Finish the Design

Attach the hoop back to the machine and complete the design. This will include stitching the teacup details and the final satin stitch outlines that cover the raw edges of the appliqué fabrics.

The completed teacup pocket with all decorative elements and satin stitching finished.