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TDK Quilted Wallet Tutorialby
that*darn*kat
Here is a little tutorial to show how I make my quilted fabric
wallets. There are quite a few tutorials out there for little card
cases or zipper pouch wallets, but I prefer the traditional place
for everything wallet. My wallet here has eight credit card slots,
two pockets for bills/receipts, and a double-snap closure.
Start by gathering up the materials youll need. Here are mine
(well, most of them anyhow):
You will need the following:
rotary cutter, mat, grid ruler scissors thread sewing machine
3-4 #14 Universal sewing machine needles. I have broken as many as
three needles while
sewing a single wallet before, so trust me, and have plenty on
hand. No one likes to run to the fabric store for needles in the
middle of a project.
fasteners of some sort. I use poly-resin snaps, and atatch them
with a snap press, you can use snaps/snap pliers, sew on snaps,
velcro, etc.
Here are the dimensions you will use when you cut your fabric
pieces:
fusible fleece, 7.75x10.75 fusible interfacing (I use shirt
tailor), 7.75x10.75 pieced top, 8.5x11.5 lining fabric, 8.5x11.5
upper pocket fabric, 2 pieces, 8.5x7 each lower pocket fabric,
8.5x19
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The first part youll need to assemble is the pieced top. The
finished dimensions of the piecing should be 8.5x11.5.
Next, youll iron the fusible fleece onto the wrong side of the
piecing.
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Then, use the machine to quilt the top. I use a bit longer than
usual stitch for the quilting.
Here is my finished top.
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At this point, I attach my label, and the stud part of the
snaps. Be sure to check which end to put which on if you have a
directional print. Now, your top is finished, so well set it aside
for a bit.
Here is my lining fabric, I fuse the interfacing to the wrong
side of the lining.
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Now is a tricky step. Im going to construct my lower pocket,
which will have six credit card slots. Here, I am marking the back
of the fabric with lines where my folds will be. My markings go at
the following intervals: .75, 1.75, 1.75, 2.25, 1.75, 2.25, 1.75
and 2.25.
Now, I go to the ironing board and press the pocket into shape,
using the lines I marked. (I didnt cut the 19 length for this, Ill
trim off the extra on the bottom later).
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Next, I topstitch along the fold at the top of each pocket.
Here is a pic showing the finished topstitching.
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Next, I will sew a line of stitching along the center, from the
bottom to the top. This separates the credit card slots from one
another.
At this point, youll baste the pockets youve just made onto the
lining fabric, along the outside edges.
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Here are my top pockets. You can make this with two fabrics (as
in the cutting directions), I just used one fabric for mine. Put
your fabrics right side together and sew along the 8.5 edges, turn
and press.
I topstitch along the edges of each side, then fold the bottom
up to about .5 lower than the top.
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I add a row of stitching in the center to separate the card
slots.
Now, youll place your top pockets, and sew along the bottom of
the pockets to atatch them to the lining fabric.
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Great job! Here are my finished lining and top pieces. I align
them so the snaps are opposite the lower pocket and the label
opposite the top of the lining.
Next, put your lining and top right-sides-together and carefully
pin the edges.
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I sew just outside the fleece, and leave a small opening for
turning, shown here in the lower right corner.
I hope you can see the stitching better in the close-up
view.
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At this point I trim the corners, and take out any unnecesary
bulk from the seams.
Next, turn your wallet right-side-out.
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I really steam everything at this point, turning in the seam
allowances at the gap so theyll close properly when I do the
topstitching.
Also, this is a good time to check the size of your credit card
slots. The cards should fit securely but not too tight. I keep a
stack of used-up gift cards and some play money in my sewing area
just for this purpose.
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Now, youll topstitch all around the edges of the wallet. This is
the hardest step because youre sewing through MANY layers. I just
take a deep breath and go slowly and carefully.
From the inside, you can see the stitching, and check the fit of
your credit card once more.
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Now, I fold the wallet and press it well.
Here, Ive sewn a line of stitching along each of the wallets
folds. The last step is to add the snap socket on the top flap.
Yeah! A finished wallet!