Here's a tutorial for a very simple mini wallet/purse (we call a wallet a purse in the U.K... or we can call a wallet a wallet, just to confuse people Cheesy ) It's really really easy to make.
This pattern makes a handy card/coin/anything small-ish wallet/purse (approx 4.5in/11cm wide by 3in/8cm tall).
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You need:
2x cut pattern (outer and lining) plus cut 1 interfacing if your fabric is very light. (I’ve used both iron-on and –non – both work fine).
One elastic length about 1.5 in/4cm (I use hair elastics – new, not used!!)
One button.
1. Pin outer fabric and lining together, right sides facing.
2. Fold fabric in half lengthwise and mark halfway along the top of the curved end with a pin.
3. Insert the elastic between the layers, wrapping it around the pin. How much you leave in the ‘loop’ depends on the size of your button. You want to be able to close the thing when it’s done!
4. Pin or tack the elastic into place.
5. Pin the rest together.
6. Sew using a small ( inch) seam allowance, I recommend doing the curve first so it sits nicely. Leave a turn-out space on one side seam.
7. Turn out the purse. Trim the seams and two corners. Push out the corners and curve firmly but gently, and re-sew any bits that fall apart due to sewing too close to the edge! Press using your trusty iron. Really do a good job here – it really has a big effect on the final appearance.
8. Topstitch around the edges of the top curve and straight along the bottom.
9. Now have the purse with the curve at the top, and the outer fabric facing you. Fold up from the bottom to where you want the purse pocket to end. For example, I fold up to around 3 in/8 cm, since English pounds are taller than US dollars and you don’t want them sticking out the top! I recommend measuring using your own currency or a credit-card sized thing. Pin together.
10. Sew straight down the sides. Go nearly to the bottom, but not quite all the way (the corners turn out squarer if you do that). Double-sew near the top for strength.
11. Turn purse inside out.
12. Press with your trusty iron. It will look better that way….
13. Hand-sew on your button, after testing that it will fit the loop you’ve made! That’s it! You’re done. Really, despite the 13 steps, they’re pretty easy to make – they take about 20mins. I’m sure some of you could make it faster!
Variations/ideas: Appliqué little cute things on, or felt stars/hearts whatever, or some embroidery if you possess those talents, before you sew the lining and outer together. Make the pattern a little bigger and add a thin strap for a clutch or little shoulder bag. Just a little longer and wider would make a good passport pouch, if you add a neck strap and use a press-stud to close.
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