Yes, yes, YES for this zipper wallet!
Ok these may not be like BEST PRACTICES for working with leather. But ya know what? It looks good & my last wallet like this lasted like 4 years so I’m happy! Let me know how you like it and share your pictures with us! We can’t wait to see how yours comes together!
Now watch the video, it is very instructional. 👌🏽
Fabric Recommendations:
LEATHER (best option)
Sourcing & Selecting: My go to is Tandy Leather or Hobby Lobby for their remnant leather packages. These packages are the leftovers from who knows what that would just be going to waste otherwise. Some pieces are big and some are little and there’s not a guarantee that it’ll have exactly what you need but for small projects like this it should definitely do the job. Plus it's a fun little gamble that won’t leave you penniless? Sure you can order online but if you’re worried and want to be a little more selective - go into Tandy or Hobby Lobby to pick the package that will likely work best for you!
Refashioning from another source like a leather jacket could be a great option too!
Another thing to consider is the thickness of your leather - If you are planning to construct your wallet with a home machine don’t go too thick with your leather. I really tested the limits of my machine with a very sturdy leather ⅛” thick. It turned out beautiful but I can’t say I’d try it again on her. So, you know, don’t go that thick okay?
FAUX LEATHER (VINYL) or FELT could be ok too because they don’t fray and can hack the exposed edges but they don’t have quite the same stiffness and body as leather. Also note that faux leather usually has a white material backing that will show because the edge is exposed (of the three wallets pictured the white is a faux leather but because the outer side is white it doesn’t look weird like it would with a black faux leather, ya feel me?).
Supplies
6” x 8” Leather
5” Zipper (I like the look of a metal zipper but there are other options too) Check out the deals on Amazon or Wawak if you want more options than a regular craft store!
5/8" x 2" Leather Tab (Optional)
Key Ring (Optional
Leather Machine Needle (optional but will have a smoother stitch)
Directions:
1. Cut leather to 6” x 8”
Optional - if it is helpful to you create a template pattern on a piece of paper to help you cut out your material. See Video above.
2. On the WRONG side of the leather draw a line down the middle of the 8” side. Draw a line on both sides ¼” away. Make a mark ¼” from each end of the center line. Connect the mark to the outer lines with a line for a squared look or a half circle for a rounded look.
3. Cut opening. I prefer to use a rotary for the straight edges and scissors for the corners or rounded edges. You could also use a utility knife if that’s what you have on hand.
4. With the RIGHT side of your fabric facing up center your zipper in the opening. Tape in place. Yeah, I said it. Clear tape for the win. It’ll hold the zipper in place and come off really easily. If you use pins, they will leave little marks that will never go away. So clear tape ok?
5. Adjust your machine’s settings. This does require you know where the buttons you need are - if you’re not sure, google the make and model of your machine and for your user guide. I show how I made these adjustments on the video above.
Replace regular presser foot with the zipper foot that came with your machine.
Move over needle position as needed. I put mine all the way to the right.
Stitch Length - increase to a 5 or your longest setting. (a longer topstitch will feed easier through your machine especially with thick leather and it looks way more professional)
Needle Down - most machines have a Needle Up/Down button. By putting it in it’s “down” position every time you let off your foot pedal it will automatically put the needle down into the fabric. This is helpful for when you need to pivot on a corner or create a curve. If you don’t have this button just turn your hand wheel each time you need your needle down!
6. Stitch around the zipper about ⅛” away from the edge of the opening. Pivot to curve around a rounded end or turn a corner of a boxed edge (whichever you chose to do).
7. Fold in half with WRONG SIDES TOGETHER and tuck the zipper ends to the inside. Hold corners together as you sew (as seen in the video) or if you’re nervous use your tape again around the edges to keep everything where you want.
8. Sew around the edges at ⅛”-¼” from the edge. Note on the diagram that you don’t have to go all the way to the zipper, just as close as your presser foot will allow. Pivot at the corners.
Another option is to curve your stitch around the corners as well and then trim to match.
Done!
Let us know if this worked for you and share your pics with us!!
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