Little Charmer Wallet {tutorial}

Today I am guest posting at Quilter in the Gap with this cute little wallet tutorial.  It is the first wallet I've ever made, but I think it turned out cute {and I dug into a little of my Central Park by Kate Spain stash!}!  So, head over and check it out, and while you're there, peek around, Rhonda has a super neat Finish-A-Long going on right now.

So, if you have UFOs floating around your sewing room, this is a great chance to finish them up and win some cool prizes too!  Enjoy!

Edit to Add:  You can now find the tutorial here too!


To make this wallet you will need:

• 14 - 5" x 5" squares
• 1 fat quarter
• 1 - 6 1/2" x 4" {zipper pocket}
• 1 - 6 1/2" x 9 1/2" {inside lining}
• 1 - 6 1/2" x 9 1/2" {large pocket}
• 2 - 5" x 6" {card pockets}
• 1 - 6 1/2" x 8 1/2" fusible interfacing {I use Pellon Sof-Shape 880F}
• 1 - 8" or longer zipper
• 1 1/4" x 2" velcro
• Zipper foot

Begin by cutting six {6} charm squares into 2 1/2" x 5" tiles.  Set half aside.  With the remaining half, cut into twelve {12} 2 1/2" squares.

Arrange the squares into a three {3} by four {4} grid and sew together. 

Fuse the interfacing to the wrong side and then quilt.  I chose to use
uneven straight lines for texture.  Next, measure 1 14" from one short side and cut, this is where we'll instal the zipper.

Next, wrong sides together, sew the 1 1/4" x 6 1/2" piece to the zipper using the zipper foot.  Press open and top stitch the fabric to the zipper, sealing in the raw edge.  Repeat for the other side of the zipper.

Then, stitch the 6 1/2" x 4" pocket lining with the right side facing the zipper to the wrong side of the patchwork back. Place the 6 1/2" x 9 1/2" inside lining, wrong sides together, on the back of the patchwork outside, stitch in place 1/8" from edge.  Also stitch through all layers down the center of the wallet, where it will fold in half.

Now, for the inside.  I thought it might be helpful to see a photo of the inside layout before beginning construction, as it might make the process easier.

For the card pockets, take the eight remaining charm squares and divide them into two groups of four.  Finish the top edge of each charm by either serging and folding under, or use a zig-zag {as shown above} and turn the edge under.  Then stitch in place.

Arrange four of the charms with 1/2" between each charm {see photo above}.  Then, place one of the 5" x 6" card pocket linings on top of the charms, with the right side up {I used a 6" x 6" piece in the photos above to demonstrate more clearly}.  Then, stitch 1/4" from the side that will be in the middle of the wallet.  Then fold the piece around to the back.  Then, stitch each charm to the backing piece {and through subsequent layers} 1 3/4" from the top of each charm to create card spots.

Repeat for the remaining set of four charms.  Next, hem the 6 1/2" x 9 1/2" large pocket piece so it measures 5" x 9 1/2".  Place the two sets of card pockets on top of the large pocket with a 1/8" gap between pockets.  Sew around both sides and bottom of each set of pockets, leaving the top open.

Trim the card pockets to the size of the large pocket.

For the velcro flap, use two of the remaining 2 1/2" x 5" rectangles from the charms.  Trim down to 1 1/2" x 4".  Place wrongs sides together and cut at an angle.  Then sew hook side of the velcro to the right side of one of the pieces.  Place the pieces right sides together and sew around the edges, leaving the pinked edge open.  Turn right side out and stitch 1/8" from all edges.  Stitch onto the outside of wallet.  Stitch the loop side of the velcro opposite the flap, as shown.

Trim the remaining four 2 1/2" x 5" rectangles to 1 1/2" x 5" and sew together to form one 1 1/2" x 18" strip.  From the remaining fabric of the fat quarter, cut 1 1/2" strips and sew in line with the charm strips to create a long strip for the binding.  Press all seams open and stitch on the inside of the wallet.

Use the single fold binding method, fold to the outside of the wallet and hand stitch in place.  And there you have it, a finished wallet with lots of space!  Here's a picture of how I filled up the inside:

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask!  And, if you make one of these, I'd love for you to add it to the Clover & Violet Flickr group too!

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