Video Tutorial - How to Sew Zip Around Fabric Wallet

Watch on Youtube

Finally, I finished editing the video tutorial for Nuno Small Bifold Wallet and upload it on Youtube. Pheew, that's one big list I can tick off my list this week. I hope it helps you to visualize when you decide to make the wallet.

I made the zip-around version of the wallet in the video and I also included how to add 2 in 1 exterior zipper pocket. 

Download the Pattern

This Nuno wallet is pretty quick to sew. It takes longer to choose the fabric combo than actually sewing it:). This time, I learn to add a timestamp to the video description, so that you can just click the link and go to the part that you want to know more in detail. 

The zipper closure is only using single zipper tape. You can use this zipper closure technique for any wallet. This is my fave zipper closure method now. Do let me know if you want a picture tutorial for this method. 

Also read: Zip Around Wallet with Binding

I also made this Wonderland Nuno Wallet with Exterior Zipper for a customer on Etsy. She wanted 2 card slot sets inside and a zipper pocket on the outside.  When I showed her the 2 in 1 pocket, she readily agreed. 

Nuno Small Bifold Wallet features: (use coupon CVG20 to get 20% off )

- Spacious Bill Compartment

- 4 Slots for Cards

- Snap Coin Pocket

- 2 optional closure using snap button or zipper

- Additional Tutorial for 2 in 1 Exterior Zipper Pocket

- Easy construction method.

Now let's check out the video and please let me know what you think. 

Thank you for stopping by today. Don't forget to share if you find this post is useful.

Take care & happy sewing!

Elvira

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Tutorial : How to Make Easy Fabric Key Fob

I got a bunch of key fobs that I ordered from Aliexpress before the Pandemic. I'm lucky that I got all my hardware before the lockdown started in March. 

Personally, I love using a swivel hook for a wristlet, like the one I shared HERE but this key fob looks fancier, isn't it? 

This is a beginner-friendly project for you who just started a sewing journey. It's super easy! If you're in India, you might want to refer to THIS POST about bag interfacing in India. 

Materials needed: 

1. Main Fabric of your choice (preferably cotton) - 3.75" W x 11" H" 

2. All Purpose Interfacing - 3.75" W x 11" H

3. 1" wide key fob

4. Plier (I have one with attached cushioning, if you don't have one just use a flat plier and cover the key fob with batting or fabric scraps so it won't scratch the hardware).

Let's start!

1. Fuse the interfacing on the wrong side of the fabric, and fold the long edges towards the center. Then fold it again to make a scant 1" wide strip. Use wonder clips to hold it in place. 

2. Topstitch using scant 1/8" seam allowance on both long edges, then sew a few lines 1/8" apart. The dense stitching will make the wristlet sturdier. 

3. Notch the raw edges using pinking scissors or simply using normal scissors. This will stop the fabric from fraying. (you can also apply clear nail polish on the raw edges).

4. Bring the short ends together and sew in place. 

5. Fit the key fob and mark where the prongs are. Make a hole in the marks you just made. This way you won't break the prongs. Trust me, I broke a couple of them :D. 

 

6. Carefully replace the kef fob and use the plier press it nicely and make sure it won't come off when you pull it. 

et voila! Your key fobs are ready. This will make a great gift for your family and friends!

If you like to use a swivel hook, you can follow my previous tutorial. In this key fob tutorial, I am using all-purpose interfacing which gives the wristlet enough structure. 

But if you're using a swivel hook, you can use medium weight interfacing or a combination of all-purpose interfacing and batting. If it's too thick for your sewing machine, you can always use rivets.  Don't be afraid to experiment to see which one you like better. 

If you find this tutorial useful, please share it because sharing is caring :). 

Thank you for reading my blog.

Stay safe & happy sewing!

Elvira

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Video How to Make Pleated Surgical Face Mask

Hello,

I hope you're all doing fine. We're in the third week of lock down now and I sort of get used to it. Few day ago I recorded video while making the pleated mask and just have time to edit and put it up on my YouTube channel. I hope this video will help. You can download the pattern in the link below this post. 

I'm still learning how to record a better video. This time, I am using my pocket camera and I sort of like it better. I am still editing it form my mobile though. 

Anyway, I hope you enjoy the video and inspired to learn or make  one ^^.

I gotta go and finish few more mask now.

Until then,

Take care and stay healthy!

Elvira

Download Free Tutorial

Pattern Update: New Video for Family Passport Wallet Pattern

Get the Pattern on Etsy

The Family Passport Wallet is my first Pattern that I release a few years ago. Although I write blogs and tutorials, but pattern is totally a different experience. I will try to keep sharing the updates through this blog. I'm thinking of re-writing the pattern but it will be difficult to resend the pattern to those who already purchase it. So, I thought sharing an update in this blog and my Youtube Channel is the best solution for all. 

The question I got the most is about assembling the passport slot and the zipper pocket. So, here's the updated version on how to make the passport slot and the mini zipper pocket. The method is  slightly different from the pattern: 

Mini Zipper Pocket (Easy Method)

Passport Slot (Easy Method)

I hope you find the videos helpful!

 Please subscribe to my blog and Youtube Channel so that you won't miss an update. 

Thank you for stopping by,

Happy Sewing

- Elvira- 

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Resources: 

Family Passport Holder Pattern
How to do Zip Around Closure Wallet

Zip Around Wallet with Binding Tutorial

As promised here is the tutorial for the zip around wallet. This method is finished with binding. We are going to use bias binding here and you can check how to make bias binding in this Post. 

What you need:

- Family Passport Wallet Pattern or Travel Wallet Pattern

- Bias binding 1.75" wide 

- #5 zipper - 24" long
- ZIpper Foot (Optional)

Let's start :

1. Assembled the passport wallet as per the pattern instructions, minus the FLAP making part. Mark the centre top and bottom of the wallet with erasable pen. Then mark approx 3/8" to 1/2" on each side of the centre mark, like shown the in the picture below. 

2. Prepare the zipper : 

On the open end, fold the zipper tape diagonally like the above picture

Then fold it down and hold it with a clip or pin

sew along the edge like the above picture.

Sew across the close end of the zipper to prevent the zip puller from slipping off

3.  Attaching the zipper.

We will attach the zipper from the interior part of the wallet. Open the zipper and start at the top, align one folded end of the zipper , right side up,  on the right side mark. 

 Using wonder clips, clip the zipper tape all around and start sewing from the top with 1/8" seam allowance and stop when you reach the right side mark at the bottom. 

Go slow around the corners. Sew one stitch at a time as you maneuver the wallet. 

Now close the zipper and draw a line on the zipper tape from where the stitch end, like in the picture below. 

Now open the zipper again and place the marked zipper tape  in line with the left side mark at the bottom. Clip all around and start sewing from the marked line all the way to the top of the wallet with 1/8" seam allowance and stop on the left side mark. 

When finished, it will look like the pictures below: 

4. Attaching the binding. 

Fold end of the bias binding  diagonally and place it on one side of the wallet, covering the zipper tape. Sew with scant 1/4" seam allowance. 

  

Be careful while maneuvering around the corners. Remember to always push the zipper teeth away. Setting the machine speed lower will help. 

when you reach the bottom, just pull the zipper tail inward and continue sewing. 

Before turning the bias binding, slightly cut /round the corners and make small clips on the zipper and binding fabric in the corners.  

Now, put on your fave movie and start hand sew the binding :D

Last step, trim the zipper end by about 2" and encase the end of the zipper tape with a matching fabric. 

et Voila!! Pat yourself on the back for completing your beautiful wallet with all around zipper! 

I hope the tutorial is clear enough. I will try to make a video tutorial when I make my next passport wallet! It was kind of difficult to take photos and video at the same time ^_^ 

here is the wallet in action on my YouTube Channel

Do tag me in Instagram if you make one based on this tutorial. 

Thank you for your patience reading this long post :)

Happy Sewing!

- Elvira -

Tutorial Reversible Quilted Trivet or Coaster

Hello,

I'm still in scrap buster mode. Now, let's make Reversible Trivets or coaster. It's really easy - mind numbing project. This is the kind of project that lifts up your spirit or gets your sewing mojo back.

Alright, here's what you need:

- Fabrics scraps of various sizes and colors. 

- Batting scraps - I am using flannel in this tutorial. 

First, you need to decide the size. I normally go with the whatever size of the batting scraps. In this project, the batting is roughly 6.5" x 7". 

Now grab 2 small pieces of fabrics and put them RIGHT SIDE TOGETHER in the middle of your batting piece. Sew with 1/4" seam allowance. You can go with 1/2" or 3/8 seam allowance. It doesn't really matter. 

Now flip them open and finger press. I trimmed the pink stripe fabric a little bit. For a small project, the narrower the fabric strip the better. At least for me.

Now take another strip of fabric and put them Right Side Together along with the longer side of the previous unit. Sew down with 1/4" seam allowance. 

Flip it open and finger press. 

Repeat the process until the batting area is covered. Once done, start quilting the panel. I love doing line quilting. You can quilt it in whatever design you like. Don't worry even if it's not straight. It's "your quilt, your rule" kind of project. 

Once it's done, trim the panel to the desired size. In this tutorial, I trimmed the panel into 5.5" x 5.5" roughly. It doesn't have to be square. 

Repeat the whole process with the other piece of batting and now you have 2 bright and beautiful quilted fabrics ready to make into something F U N. 

If you want to make a pot holder, you can add another piece of batting in between the two quilted panels. 

for trivet or coaster, it's not necessary. Put the quilted panels right side together, and sew all around, leaving 2" gap for turning. 

Trim the edges by cutting the corners diagonally. Be careful not to cut into the stitches. 

Now turn the coaster inside out. Close the gap by hand sewing the opening or apply fabric glue. 

Voile, your one of a kind coaster is done and you can admire it. 

Actually, whenever I made something from those small scraps I feel like I saved the world. LOL. I wish I could sew clothes like Zero Waste Daniel . 

Here is another one I did. This one was hand quilted and hand sewn the binding. 

You can make many things with those tiny scraps. 

Like  Patchwork Pouch, Mug rug,  Table Topper or scrappy table mat. 

Now go and make few from your scraps. Tag me on Facebook or Instagram if you made something from this tutorial.

And if you ever need fabric scraps, you are most welcome to join the CLUB or check the CHEZVIES SHOP. 

Thank you for stopping by.

Until then,

Happy Sewing

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