Hey everyone. Today you'll learn how to make a quilted wall pocket organizer that keeps every remote right by the sofa.
No more digging between cushions. No more remotes on the floor. Just a padded panel that hangs by the arm of the couch, with a pocket for each thing you reach for.
Here is why this one works. Batting gives the pockets body. They stay soft and padded, so remotes and glasses do not clatter or slip out. Interfacing keeps the edges and the backing crisp. It stops the whole panel from sagging and stretching out of shape.
You need both helpers here. Batting alone goes floppy. Interfacing alone feels stiff and flat. Together, you get comfort and shape at once.
If I can do this, y'all can do it. Take your time. It's not a race.
Materials
- Outer fabric: one piece, 14 inches by 20 inches, plus pocket fabric cut into three strips, each 14 inches by 6 inches
- Backing fabric: one piece, 14 inches by 20 inches
- Low-loft batting: one piece, 13 1/2 inches by 19 1/2 inches, plus one strip per pocket, 13 1/2 inches by 5 inches
- Medium fusible interfacing: one piece, 13 1/2 inches by 19 1/2 inches for the backing panel
- 80/12 universal needle and thread to match
- Two ribbon loops or a fabric hanging sleeve, plus a small dowel or hook strip
- Press cloth, clips, marking pencil, and your iron
Cut the batting and interfacing a little smaller than the fabric. That keeps them out of the seam allowances. Less bulk. Flatter edges. Just like that.
How to make it
- Interface the backing first. Fuse the interfacing to the wrong side of the backing fabric. Use a press cloth. Hold the iron 10 to 15 seconds per spot, then lift and move. Do not slide it. Sliding can shift the interfacing before it bonds.
- Build the padded panel. Layer the interfaced backing, batting, and outer fabric on top, right side up. Pin or clip all around. Quilt a few simple lines to hold the layers together. Stitch in the ditch along a grid works great, or try straight lines every 3 inches. Use a 2.5 mm stitch length and a walking foot if you have one.
- Prep each pocket strip. Layer a pocket fabric strip over its batting strip. Fold the top long edge down 1/4 inch, then another 1/4 inch, over the batting. Press lightly and topstitch close to the fold. That folded top is the mouth of the pocket, so keep it straight.
- Place the bottom pocket. Lay the first pocket strip across the lower part of the panel, right side up. Pin the sides and bottom. Stitch the bottom edge down close to the edge.
- Sew the dividers. Mark vertical divider lines to fit your remotes. Most remotes need a pocket about 3 to 3 1/2 inches wide. Stitch from the hemmed top edge down to the bottom of the strip. Backstitch at the top edge. That is the stress point where hands pull. Slow down there, or the needle can snap on the thick layers.
- Add the next pockets. Overlap each new strip so its bottom edge covers the raw bottom of the strip below it, spacing the rows about 4 1/2 inches apart. Stitch the bottom edge, then sew its dividers. Work from the bottom row up.
- Finish the edges. Trim the whole panel to 14 inches by 20 inches. Bind all four sides with double-fold binding, just like a quilt. It gives you a clean edge and locks every layer in place.
- Add the hanger. Sew two ribbon loops or a fabric sleeve to the top back. Slide in a small dowel, or hang it from hooks beside the sofa. Test the pockets with your real remotes before you call it done.
Tips and variations
Size pockets for real life. Make one wide pocket for a tablet or a paperback. Make one narrow pocket for glasses or a phone. Completely up to you. Measure the things you actually use, then add 1/2 inch for ease.
Want it by the entryway instead? Same panel, different pockets. Wider dividers hold mail, keys, and sunglasses. The padding keeps keys from scratching the wall behind it.
Skip the quilting if you like. You can baste the batting in place and let the binding and pocket stitching hold it. I like a few quilted lines better. They stop the batting shifting in the wash. We're not reinventing the wheel here.
Care is simple. Spot clean most days. For a full wash, use a gentle cycle, then lay it flat to dry. It will hang straight again. Super duper easy.
Do not worry if a divider line wobbles a little. You're your own worst critic. Folks will only see a sofa that finally has a place for the remotes.
Thanks for sewing along with me, folks. We'll see you next time. Bye.
Shop Fusible Fleece Pellon 45in x 60in at Linda's Electric Quilters.
