I got a few questions about adding an exterior zipper pocket on a wallet after I posted several wallets I made with a zipper pocket on my Instagram. I really like this kind of pocket because you get 2 exterior pockets and looks so cute! And my customers loved them too.
So, as promised here's a quick tutorial for you all. This is I added a zipper pocket on Nuno Small Wallet. This will work with any wallet, like this mini travel wallet I made last month.
Let's get started:
1. Cut 2 pieces of zipper pocket lining the same size as the wallet main body panel. Then cross-cut one of the wallet lining and the exterior body panel (cut the exterior after interfacing is applied).
2. Sandwich the zipper between the exterior and the lining and sew in place using a scant 1/4" seam allowance.
3. Pull the exterior and lining panels away from the zipper so that the wrong side is together and topstitch using 1/8" seam allowance. And since I am using a longer zipper here, I cut one end of the zipper at this stage. This way it's easier to line up the panels while sewing the other part of the pocket.
4. Now repeat step 3 with the other panels.
5. Cut off the other end of the zipper after you pull the zip head in. Stitch on both ends of the zipper to prevent it from sliding off the zipper tape.
This is how it looks on the reverse side.
6. On the reverse side, place the remaining lining panel on top of it, right side together. Sew the short sides of the lining together (don't sew through the exterior panel) and then baste stitch the long sides too. The finished size of the exterior with the zipper panel should be the same size as the main body panel. This is where the seam allowance while attaching the zipper is important. The zipper tape I used is a little narrow, hence I used a scant 1/4" seam allowance.
7. Now your exterior wallet with zipper pocket is ready. Proceed according to the pattern to finish the wallet.
What do you think? It's super easy, right? I'm working on a video tutorial now and hopefully will be up on my
Youtube Channel by end of this week. Wish me luck!
If you have any questions, you can write them on the comment below or you can reach me via Instagram or our Facebook Group. I'll be glad to help you.
If you find the tutorial helpful, please share it with your friends and on your social media accounts.
By the way, I will be changing the platform for delivering the blog into your email since Google has announced that they will discontinue Feedburner which I'm currently using. I'm still learning the rope of using the new platform, so please bear with me. I apologize in advance for any inconvenience. Thank you so much for always supporting me.
Until next time,
Take care & stay safe!
Elvira
