Handbags and Wallets Part 10

I was asked to make a small wallet for a little boy to carry his money for baker’s day. This would have to be something simple, yet with enough space for a few keepsakes as well. I decided to make a wallet with a zipper as well as an open side pocket. I would also put a ring inside the wallet to which he could hook any hidden treasure. You can download the pattern here from APrettyTalent.com.

The pattern would consist of the body and the pocket only. Simply measure these to the size you want the wallet to be. Remember that the pocket has to be the same width as the body of the wallet, but slightly shorter. You will need a piece of string/ribbon, a ring and a short zipper.

The body of the wallet is cut twice from fabric. The pocket is cut only once.

The same layout applies to the lining with the body cut twice and the pocket cut once.

The zipper

Pin the zipper to the top of the wallet, right side of the fabric facing the right side of thezipper.

Pin the lining to the back of the zipper, right side facing the zipper.

Sew as close as possible to the zipper.

Sandwich the other side of the zipper to the remaining fabric and lining and sew this as close to the zipper as well.

Iron the zipper flat.

Trim the excess zipper away by cutting it off with a pair of scissors.

The Pocket

Lay the fabric and the lining of the pocket on top of each other, sight sides facing and pin in place.

Sew, allowing for 1,5 cm seam.

Fold over so that the right sides are facing out and iron flat.

Top-stitching (optional)

You do not have to do any top-stitching to the wallet. This step is entirely optional and for decorative purposes only.

Set the machine to a longer stitch length for top-stitching. I set mine to an embroidery stitch.

Stitch along both sides of the zipper, but take care not to stitch into the 1,5 cm seam allowance.

Stitch along the top of the pocket.

Pin the lining out of the way.

Lay the pocket on top of the wallet, lining it up at the bottom and the sides.

Fold the wallet so that the pocket is sandwiched between the two panels of the wallet. Pin in place.

Pin the ribbon and ring in place. After I had sewed the bag for the blog, the little boy I was making he wallet for arrived and I realized I had made a mistake here. He was actually wearing a belt and it would have made more sense for the ring to be on the outside of the wallet so he could hook the wallet onto his belt, rather than using it as a hideaway for treasures. I quickly unpicked the stitching and sewed the ring to the outside of the wallet. If you intend to do this, the ribbon and ring should lie inside the wallet, between the outside of the pocket and the wallet panel.

Sew with a 1,5 cm seam allowance. It is best to open the zipper slightly before you start sewing. This will make it easier to turn the wallet right side out when you are done. When you reach a corner, drop the needle to the down position, lift the foot and turn the fabric. Drop the foot and continue sewing.

Trim the corners away so you can turn the wallet inside out.

Open the zipper all the way and turn the wallet outside in. (It was right about now that I had to quickly fix the ribbon to be on the outside of the wallet – fortunately before I did the sewing by hand).

Fold the seams of the lining in and pin it in place.

Sew the lining by hand.

Some views of the wallet when it’s finished.

For more crafty ideas and great products, visit APrettyTalent.com.

Remember to keep nurturing your TALENT for making PRETTY things.

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