Welcome to My Sewing Hints Page

A place to find hints, tips, techniques and guides on common and not-so-common sewing tasks as well as advice from my own experience selling online.


Sunday, May 10, 2015

Project 2 - Small Unlined Zipper Wallet - Skill Level: Beginner

I haven't posted a simple beginner's sewing project, so I thought I'd start with a simple unlined coin purse or wallet to hold a credit card and small amount of cash that you can take to a dance club instead of a whole purse.

If you have any questions about any step, you can always email me at Sales@gypsy-red.com or post a comment here.

This is the little wallet we're going to make. I've made it with a contrasting zipper so you can see each step better.



First of all, you need two pieces of fabric, measuring 5" wide by 3 3/4" high, as well as a zipper at least 7" long. I used a poly/cotton material, but you can use just about anything that isn't too heavy or stiff.



First, you want to take one piece of material and with the zipper right side up (the pull should be on top), pin the material centered on the zipper, lining up the fabric and zipper top edges.



Then turn it over and pin the other piece of fabric to the other side, lining up the sides with the first fabric and the top edge with the zipper.



Now with the zipper foot attached to your sewing machine, stitch each side to the zipper.



With both sides sewn on, you can now spread it open and press the tops along the seam line.



Here's the bottom side, where you can see the stitching line for the fabric and zipper.



Next, open the zipper about 3/4 of the way across.



This part takes a little attention to detail. Fold it in half, with the top side of the zipper on the inside. Bend the edges of the zipper back away from the bag and pin in place. You might need to have the zipper teeth on the closed end turned a bit so they lay flat.



Now with your regular presser foot on your machine, stitch with a 1/4" to 3/8" seam allowance all the way around the sides and bottom. Back stitch over each end of the zipper so the ends will stay secure with use.



Here's what it'll look like once you've stitched the two sides and bottom:



Now trim off the ends of the zipper so they're even with the fabric, then trim the bottom corners leaving about 1/16" of fabric by the corner. I have an old cheap pair of scissors I use for trimming zippers so I don't ruin my fabric scissors on the teeth.



Now just reach through the opening with the zipper and pull the bag through so it's right side out.



You can use a needle or point turner to pull out the corners. Then just press it lightly, and you have yourself a little ID/credit card wallet to use if you don't want to carry your purse somewhere. It'll easily fit into a pocket.