I said it, this is a tutorial for a SUPER easy wallet!!! I have used Faux leather to make these. The edges are raw. If you want to use fabric, you will have to finish the edges before you can use. Other options could be Pure leather, Suede, Vinyl or Felt
You will need
1. Faux Leather - In two contrasting colors of your choice.
Cut - From the outer faux leather : ONE piece 9" x 9" & TWO pieces 2.25" x 7.5"
From the lining faux leather : ONE piece 9" x 9", TWO pieces 1.75" x 7.5" & TWO pieces 2.75" x 7.5"
2. Interfacing - Thin but stiff. I used what is locally called the "Dhoti Canvas" or "Buckram" Its as thick as a card paper and can be ironed on to fabric. I like to cut the interfacing about 11" x 11". Make sure you cover the ironing board with a piece of fabric that you can throw away if you do that!
Cut TWO pieces 9" x 9"
3. Thread - Use a thread to match the lining faux leather. I used 40 wt Aurifil cotton thread. It is bold enough to show off on the outer side!
4. You will also need a temporary marking pen. I used Frixion to mark my wallets.
That's all you need! Lets get started!
Step 1 : Iron the 9" Interfacing squares to the wrong side of the Faux Leather. I lay down the leather piece RIGHT SIDE DOWN and follow by the interfacing and iron it.
Step 2 : Mark on the lining Faux leather.
Use the dimensions from the picture to mark on the lining faux leather.
Hint : I have made templates from card paper - 4" x 8" and 2.75" x 7.5" and use them to mark. Its super fast that way!
Mark the centers of at least one of the 7.5" side. I marked both in this case, but I am going to use just one of those.
Step 4 : Stitch them down. Starting at one corner stitch down the OUTER 3 sides of the first pocket. Backstitch at the start and the end.
At the corner, take the needle down and pivot. Just lift the tape to let the presser foot pass.
When stitching the other pocket, you will also have to stitch down the middle to make credit card pockets. That's what we marked the center of the 7.5" side for.
To make these pockets, start like you did earlier. Remember to backstitch when you start. And stitch along the edge. Pivot at the corner and stitch till you reach near the center mark. Now take a piece of card paper and align it with the two points you have marked. Stitch right up to the edge of the paper.
Pivot holding the paper in place. Stitch along the paper till you reach the edge of the pocket. Remove the paper and backstich.
Pivot and turn around and stick back along the line. Till you reach the original line. Now pivot again and continue like you did for the first pocket.
Your lining piece is ready.
Cut away the excess interfacing (if any) and remove the painter's tape.
Step 5 : Layer and tape the Outer leather Right Side Down and the Lining piece with the pockets Right Side Up. This is why I like to leave the interfacing a little larger, so I can just tape them together. You can also use wonder clips instead.
Starting at the intersection of the center line and the outer square, Start stitching along the outer square. Make sure to backstitch at the beginning. When you reach the corner, put the needle down and pivot.
After you have stitched all around, pivot and stitch along the center line. This is the line where the wallet will be folded. When you reach the other end, once again, pivot and stitch to reach the starting point. Doing this helps in keeping the wallet folded! Backstich at the end and you're done!!!
Remove all the painters tape and trim your wallet. Cut at about 1/8" from the outer stitch lines
Take your wallet to the ironing board and cover it with a fabric and iron to remove the Frixion markings. Fold along the center line and iron again.
Your wallet is ready to use!!!
Keep it under a book for a while so that it retains the fold. Even keeping it bound by a rubber band helps.
Use a sharpie or a permanent marker to color the edges to match one of the two colors you have used. There are more detailed methods used to finish edges, but remember this is the SUPER EASY Wallet!!! So I will use what I have on hand!
Carry it around and flaunt it!!! I attached my new wooden label to it. I DID NOT SEW IT ON. I just used the thread I used to stitch the wallet to sew through the holes a few times and then hot glued it on!
If you make one of these, please share them with the hashtag #ShrutiDandekar so that I can see them! I would love to share them too!!! Go on, I just made 50 in 3 days! How many can you make?
