Beyond The Rectangle: How to Knit a Pocket with a Curved Edge

Making a rectangular patch pocket is pretty easy, cast on the number of stitches you want and knit away. Creating a curved bottom is just as easy, but this pocket requires one more step. 

If you wanted to make a pocket 40 stitches wide, you’d cast on between 38 and 34 stitches to start depending on the depth of the curve you wanted to create on the bottom edge. Once you’ve hit your full stitch count work even until you hit the full hight of the pocket.

Pretty simple, right? The first question people usually ask is: how many stitches do I cast on? The size of your hand determines the size of your pocket. You’ll use your gauge to calculate the number of stitches needed to achieve your desired measurement. 

You’ll create the curve by casting on or increasing stitches at the beginning and the end of your right side rows. Increasing 1 stitch at the start of the row and increasing one stitch at the end will create a gentle curve at the bottom edge of your pocket. 

The more increase rows you include, the steeper the curve on the bottom of your pocket will become. 

Now that you know how to make another easy pocket shape add a pocket to your next project. 

If you enjoyed learning how to make a basic patch pocket, I’d love to invite you to join me for my upcoming class, Picking Pockets: Choosing the Perfect Pocket Style for Your Knitted Garment, at Vogue Knitting Live in New York City on January 16, 2025!

In this fun and supportive workshop, we’ll dive into patch pockets and inset pockets—learning how to make and install them seamlessly into your knitted garments. Whether you want to add a functional detail or a stylish accent, you’ll leave with new skills and confidence.

Hope to see you there!