Pattern Update - Voyage Passport Wallet

 Hello, 

Recently I updated the Voyage Passport Wallet pattern to include the zipper closure tutorial, especially for those who prefer the written tutorial to the Video Tutorial. The pattern is the same as the original one and I only added the instructions for zipper closure. 

If you purchased the Voyage Passport Wallet Pattern before Dec 7, 2023, you can download the tutorial for FREE. The Add-On file DOES NOT INCLUDE a complete tutorial to make the passport wallet.

The Voyage Passport Wallet is a quick and easy-to-make accessory with a minimalist design that can hold a lot of items. It can hold up to four passports (two on each sleeve), as well as two cardholders. Its compact size makes it perfect for carrying it in your travel handbag or backpack.

Voyage Passport Wallet Pattern

A few video resources are also included in the pattern now, such as how to machine sew the binding and how to make DIY Bias Binding.

The trick for sewing a zip-around wallet is to always use a zipper foot! I don't always use it as the regular foot I am using is pretty narrow (don't be like me 😀 ) and if you can set the speed, use the slower speed. Take your time to learn. It's not rocket science, so with enough practice, I am sure you can master it too. 

In the tutorial, I showed how to sew the zipper end tab the easy way, but you can always use the metal zipper end or the button style like in this video. 

Don't forget to use the coupon code CVG20 when purchasing the pattern either from my WEBSITE or ETSY SHOP.

Thank you so much once again for your continued support! If you have any questions regarding sewing or quilting and want me to make video tutorials, simply reply to this email. I'd love to hear your ideas! 

Until next time,

Happy Sewing!

Elvira

Tutorial: Adding Zipper Coin Pocket on Nuno Wallet

Nuno Wallet with Zipper Pocket 

Hello, 

A few weeks ago I had a customer asking for a zipper pocket instead of a flap pocket for the Nuno Wallet. While making the order, I decided to take photos of the process and share it with you. In this additional tutorial, I will also share how to create Faux Binding.

So without further ado, let's start.

Additional Material and Cut:

- #3 All-purpose zipper 5" long

- Cut the divider panel lining piece 4.75" wide.

Please note that this is an additional tutorial for Nuno Wallet. The original pattern may not include this tutorial.

WATCH THE VIDEO

Let's go:

1. Use #3 or an all-purpose zipper around 5" long or longer. Fold the end of the zipper tape as shown in the picture below.

2. Place the zipper right side facing down on the right side of the fabric, 1.5" away from the center crease. Baste stitch with a seam allowance of 1/8" (3 mm).

3. Now bring the left part of the pocket fabric on top of the previously sewn zipper and top stitch with a seam allowance of 1/4" (6 mm). Don't forget to backstitch at the beginning and at the end.

4. Turn the wallet right side out, poke the corner, and finger-press the seam flat. Now, top stitch with a seam allowance of 1/8" (3 mm). Trim the excess zipper tape.

5. Fold the pocket 1.5" away from the left at the point where the zipper is and top stitch with a seam allowance of 1/8" (3 mm). Backstitch at the beginning and end.

6. From this point, follow the pattern by placing the pocket panel and the card slot panel on the divider piece. Then, Place the assembled panel on the divider lining piece. Baste stitch along the sides and bottom with a seam allowance of 1/8" (3 mm).

7. Fold the extended lining piece towards the wallet's raw edge and then fold it to encase the raw edge. Make sure it covers the previous stitching line. Pin in place.

8. Carefully topstitch close to the edge.

and that's it! It's pretty simple and easy, right? Sewing a wallet or bag with a zipper is not difficult. I personally like to baste the zipper first before doing the permanent stitch. That way it will come out neater.

VIDEO TUTORIAL:

Small Bifold Wallet

Now you have an option for making The Nuno Wallet with a zipper pocket instead of a flap pocket. This Nuno small wallet is very compact and functional. With cashless payment becoming a trend everywhere now, many people carry fewer cards.

I hope you can learn a few things from the tutorial. Do let me know in the comment below if you have any questions.

Thank you for stopping by!

Happy Sewing

Elvira

New Rosie Wallet Sewing Pattern with Video Tutorial

Rosie Wallet Pattern

Hello, 

Hello there! It's been a while since I posted here. I hope you're all doing well and healthy! 

I recently returned from my holiday to Indonesia and have been keeping busy working on my latest creation - the Rosie Wallet! This wallet is not only stylish, but it's also functional and can hold more than 10 cards, folded notes, and coins. It's a great pattern for both beginners and experienced sewists and makes for the perfect gift during festive seasons and birthdays.

Handmade Wallet 

Before my trip to Indonesia last month, I made several gifts (although I didn't get a chance to take pictures of all of them). My friends and sisters instantly loved the gift because it was easy to slip into their small bags or jeans without being bulky.

Rosie Wallet is pretty easy to make and with 2 in 1 zipper pocket, you can easily have 2 zipper pockets by installing 1 zipper! I think it's my current fave of pocket. Because we always need space to keep odds and ends in our wallets, such as my hijab pins, a ring, etc. 

The Rosie Wallet features: 

- Slim and compact design
- 2 slip pockets for cash and extra cards
- 4 cardholders - can fit in 3 cards in each slot! 
- Hidden Kam snap button closure
- Dual Compartment Exterior Zipper Pocket

It does not take much material to make this wallet. You can practically make the wallet using the scraps! That is how I first came up with the idea! 

As for the binding, in this pattern, I included step-by-step photos to finish the binding by machine and also you can watch the VIDEO TUTORIAL for more details. 

The pattern is now 25% off on both ETSY and WEBSITE until the end of the month! 

 

I hope you enjoy making the wallet. If you have any questions, leave a comment or two, I'd be glad to help you. 

Please use hashtag #chezvies or #chezviespatterns when sharing your handmade wallet so that others can see your beautiful works too. 

Happy Sewing!

Elvira

New Video Tutorial - Classic Bifold Wallet

Classic Bifold Wallet

Hello, 

Finally, the supporting video to make this classic bi-fold wallet is here. I hope you enjoy making the wallet. This chic classic wallet is slim and spacious for organizing your cards, cash, phone, and other necessities. 

The pattern is written in simple English and includes a cutting guide, full-scale templates for various flap designs, step-by-step photos, and helpful diagrams to guide you through the sewing process. The wallet is designed to be sturdy and durable.

The materials needed to make this wallet: 

- Assorted quarter yard of fabrics

- Quarter-yard all-purpose interfacing

- Fleece batting 

- Lightweight Interfacing

- Zipper

- Kam Snap Button

BUY THE PATTERN

DETAIL FEATURES:

* Finished Size: 4.25" W x 8" H

* 6 card slots

* 2 slip pockets that can accommodate a smartphone and passport,

* a long zipper pocket for cash

* a snap button closure

VIDEO TUTORIAL: 

I hope you enjoy making the wallet. If you have any questions, leave a comment or two, I'd be 

glad to help you. 

Please use hashtag #chezvies or #chezviespatterns when sharing your handmade wallet so that others can see your beautiful works too. 

Happy Sewing!

Elvira

Kodomo Kids Wallet Video Tutorial

Kodomo Wallet

Hello,

Today I want to share the new beginner's friendly wallet pattern, KODOMO WALLET, that I recently released on my Webshop as well as in my Etsy shop. Kodomo means child in Japanese and this is what exactly the wallet is about. A simple and functional wallet that is perfect for kids as well as adults.

I have been making this kodomo wallet in my handmade shops and it is popular with my customers. They love the simplicity and functionality of the design, and also the fun print choice we can use. 

If you are a beginner or novice sewist in wallet making, this might be the perfect pattern for you.

The materials needed to make this pattern:

3 Fat eighth (9” x 22”) quilting weight fabrics for exterior, interior, and card slots

1 Fat eighth all-purpose fusible interfacing (SF101 or equivalent) 

1 Fat eighth  lightweight  fusible non-woven interfacing for card slots

 1 – 0.75” diameter cute button

 5” long 1/4” wide elastic

 #3  all purposes zipper – 9” or longer

And of course, video tutorial is also available on my YouTube channel for those of you who are more visual learners. 

I made a couple of wallets for the shop using this kids' print fabric that I have in my stash.  These Alice in Wonderland Wallets are really cute and are popular with my customers. 

More wallets for kids! They are so fun, right? 

Red Riding Hood & Dinosaurs Wallets

The Kodomo Wallet has 6 card slots, and 1 zippered compartment and is closed with an elastic and cute button. Just perfect to keep cards, cash, and coin. The size is also pretty compact at 4" x4.5" and can easily fit into a pocket or small bag.

The pattern is written in English with step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow and also comes with full-size templates. 

More Alice in Wonderland Wallet

I hope you enjoy making the wallet, and if you have any questions, please leave a comment here or on the Youtube Video. I'll be glad to help you! 

Happy Sewing!

Elvira

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Linking up to these wonderful BLOGS

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TUTORIAL - Patchwork Zipper Pouch - Lots of pics!

In this tutorial, I use a simple zipper with a tab. There are several methods on how you install zippers in pouched and bags. I will try to post a few mini-tutorial on those methods. 

FAQ :

1. What interfacing do you use?

Interfacing depends on how you want the look that you want. It totally depends on you. I love soft pouches. I normally use fusible interfacing and flannel or fleece batting (that's a substitute for fusible fleece). For a stiffer pouch, I use canvas interfacing.

2. Batting

As I mentioned, I usually use flannel for quilted pouches or bags. Flannel gives a good structure and enough softness. I use fleece or cotton batting for gadget cases.

3. How to reduce the bulk?

Always cut your batting 1/2" smaller than the main and lining fabric. If you use thicker interfacing, cut the interfacing 1/2" less than the main and lining fabric. That will save you lots of headaches struggling with the machine.

4. Ironing

 Ironing is also very important. Iron your interfacing well. I normally set in Cotton and always use the DRY setting. Iron your fabric first then attach the interfacing. If you use anything other than cottons, like silk or cotton mix, do not iron on the fabric. Iron nicely on the interfacing, reduce the heat to (silk/rayon) then iron gently.

That's as far as I can remember. Ask away if you have more questions. 

*** Please refer to the numbering of each photo ***

Let's start 

Supplies :

Fabric scraps

Fusible Interfacing

Batting (fleece, cotton, or flannel)

Zipper {sorry forgot to include it in the photos)

Embellishment (ribbon, lace, buttons)

Cut the fabrics according to the pics and sew up the strips accordingly

iron flat and sew the green polka dots

Green polka dots: 3" x 9" 

**ironing is very important to get a crisp look **

Please NOTE that you NEED to frequently straighten your panel

Use DRY setting and COTTON setting to fuse the fusible interfacing

First, iron the fabric and then attach the interfacing. 

This is important, cos it's difficult to smoothen wrinkled-interfaced-fabric. 

here I cut the tab 1" x 2" 

Trim the metal stopper of the zipper and cut 8" (1" smaller than the panel)

Sew the tab to both zipper ends

now, decorate your pouch panel

this is the fun part

I did a little quilting with this decorative stitch in my HV

I love my Viking, it has all fancy decorative stitches 

Now ZIPPER time!

Don't be scared 

it's very easy!

Follow the steps in pic #9 below

remember, ALWAYS use zipper foot! 

you can either baste it first or you can pin and sew

1st zipper is done, now the second part

Open the panels as shown in pic #10

(remember, the position of the zipper should be like pic #9)

Bring the zipper to the main panel. Line up the sides properly

 you can pin the middle panel if you want

Now, fold the lining and line it up on top of the zipper

it should look like pic #13

now pin and sew the zipper

once the zipper is installed

pull out and separate the main and lining as shown in pic #13-1

we're almost done! yay

before pinning your panels, make sure that the laces are matched. You don't want as lopsided pouch, right?

and trim the batting 1/4" all around.

This is to reduce the bulk

match the zipper point

the seam facing the lining and pin

Don't forget to OPEN the zipper halfway!

Now all sides pinned

trim the zipper tab and start sewing

sew with 1/4" or 3/8" on one side

don't forget to back-stitch on both ends

On the other side, leave a 2" opening on the LINING side. 

This will be your turning point

Back-stitch on both ends and also at the opening points.

This is important, cos you don't want your stitch to unravel while you're turning the pouch

now, let's make the square bottom

Method #1: puff up the corner and pinch evenly and mark 1/2" from the corner

sew the marked line and cut the excess

or you can do 

Method #2

Cut 1/2" square at all corners 

and sew them close.

This is easier cos you tend to get a more even box bottom

So that's done, now turn inside out from the opening

do it gently! I know it's frustrating but it is DOABLE.

Once done, check the corners, if you're happy with the result, iron your pouch (main and lining)and sew the opening, either by hand or machine.

Yay! you got new pretty patchwork pouch you can flaunt to your friends.

and if the sewing machine is not your best friend, you can always visit my SHOP and I'll be glad to make one ESPECIALLY  for you ^^

I hope you enjoy my tutorial

Happy Weekends & Happy Sewing

Elvira

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