mpluc1 Report post Posted September 11, 2015 Hi LW friends I'm searching for a bifold pattern- I have only ever made wallets from kits, which IMO are pretty flimsy and cheap. I want to be able to make something that will last for a long, long time. My friend recently joined the navy and would like me to make him a wallet. He says he carries cash, a few credit cards, hunting tags, and 3 ID's for work, drivers license, and the military. All of the stuff I've found on here, Facebook groups or through google either don't have a template/pattern for me to print out and cut exactly (HEY, don't roll your eyes... I said I was intimidated of wallets! In my defense, I did TRY to make one on my own but it was way too clunky and I trashed it before I even finished it LOL) or it was for a different style of wallet (front pocket/minimalist, tri-fold, or something else). I totally respect people not wanting other LW's to steal their patterns, hard work and time, and use it as their own. So, with all of my blabbering aside... 1) I'm searching for a basic bifold pattern with a cash pocket, 3-6 credit card/id slots, maybe get semi-fancy with an ID holder. Does anyone have one, or would you be willing to share yours with me, please? 2) Does anyone know of a good material to use for an ID window? I've checked my local craft stores, which are terrible in the first place, with no luck. I read somewhere that the easiest option is to buy a clear shower curtain and cut it, but that seems like it would still need to have better reinforcement? 3) I'd like to eventually get better at making wallets. As far as lining goes, I'd like to maybe just use a handkerchief. What do you guys think works best for this? I know everyone has their own methods to their madness. When lining my belts I've tried QuickGrip all purpose permanent adhesive (I don't recommend using this for anything, FYI), and I'm currently using Tanner's bond contact cement, which I'm planning on buying some 3M spray after the cement runs out. 3a) If you've lined stuff with a handkerchief before, do you burnish the edges of the leather first, then fold the edges of the liner, glue, and sew? I'm just trying to avoid having a gap in between the leather and liner, and of course I don't want to try to have a bigger liner, glue, and cut off excess after because I can already see the liner fraying. Thanks! MP Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tugadude Report post Posted September 11, 2015 http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=54776&hl=%2Bbifold+%2Btemplate Try the link above for a nice example. Hope it helps! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tugadude Report post Posted September 11, 2015 http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=32256&hl=%2Bplastic+%2Bfor+%2Bwindow#entry209784 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JLSleather Report post Posted September 11, 2015 I'll have to dig a bit. I had pictures of some I made 'from scratch', but the other day I didn't see them so I'm guessing they got removed -- likely on one of the backups, though. The plastic material I found at Hobby Lobby in the sewing section (actually, a girl who works there found it for me). Works great, and I still have some -- so maybe can find out what it's called. Comes in flat sheets about 12 x 18 (or around there). Very rigid, very transparent, and stitches in well and stays there. I really need to find those pics Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
25b Report post Posted September 11, 2015 Sent you an email about a couple of things, but will post this part here for others' use... Nigel Armitage's wallet pattern set is very useful...I've bought it and made a few wallets using his patterns and they work great. The patterns are easy to follow. Here is the link to where he sells his patterns. I have no affiliation except as a customer of his. http://www.armitageleather.com/shop/4583584113 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tugadude Report post Posted September 11, 2015 Second the recommendation. Nigel's videos are great and it is nice to buy his stuff to support his efforts! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JLSleather Report post Posted September 12, 2015 I can't imagine needing to purchase something as simple as a wallet design. I mean, it's not like they need to "fit" anything... and can be about any size and shape you like. That said, the many "billfold" craftaids you see are made for carving on wallet "backs" that measure 9 1/4" x 3 3/8" in 3/4 oz leather. FWIW. Oh, and I did find at least some of those pics with the clear ID window 'stuff'... This is one side of a wallet interior, and this particular wallet measured (at a gal's request) 7 1/2" x 3 1/2" (or was it 3 5/8?) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mpluc1 Report post Posted September 13, 2015 Thanks JLS, that helps a lot. Did you figure out what the clear stuff was called? There aren't any hobby lobby's where I live, but I'm sure I could order it online or maybe find it in a different craft store here. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JLSleather Report post Posted September 13, 2015 Sticker on it just says "mylar template plastic" and that it's from teh quilting department. Works good for this, though ... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tugadude Report post Posted September 13, 2015 If you click on the link I posted, the second one, it identifies it as acetate and there is a link to Springfield Leather where you can buy it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mpluc1 Report post Posted September 14, 2015 Thanks for the help everyone! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
keplerts Report post Posted September 16, 2015 I posted the following question to the wrong thread earlier. Hope someone can help me under stand it: "This is a really nice pattern! Thanks for posting it! I have a question: Why is the interior piece only 8.5" long and the exterior piece 9" long? Shouldn't they both be 9" or at least the same? Wouldn't it make for a cleaner looking job? Maybe I am missing some simple thing here. Hope someone can explain this to me!" Thanks, Tom Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JLSleather Report post Posted September 16, 2015 You talkin' wallets? The innards is shorter so it doesn't pucker when ya fold it. 1/2" difference sounds extreme, though.. mine are more like 1/4" shorter. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JLSleather Report post Posted September 17, 2015 ANybody else feel like you could just about GAG on all of the "patterns" and "templates" available for the SIMPLest things? Seriously, HOW tough is a "minimalist" wallet, that people will PAY to have a line drawing? I got one somewheres .. hold on... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JLSleather Report post Posted September 17, 2015 BECOMES Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JLSleather Report post Posted September 17, 2015 What.. don't like that one? Here's one, same deal, a bit more vertical, for those people... BECOMES Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JLSleather Report post Posted September 17, 2015 OR, for you 'other' foks.... maybe a plain, lay-it-open type thingy ... BECOMES Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
King's X Report post Posted September 17, 2015 Thanks for sharing! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JLSleather Report post Posted September 17, 2015 Welcome.. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
keplerts Report post Posted September 18, 2015 Thanks, JLS! That certainly clears it up for me! My simple mind needs simple examples. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JLSleather Report post Posted September 18, 2015 No worries.. have at 'er! Those little things are so simple to do, it's easier to just post a pic of the finished thing than describe the steps (almost takes longer to say it than it does to do it!). Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JLSleather Report post Posted September 26, 2015 Bit 0' time this morning, got a few more of these uploaded in pdf form. I think they're easier to organize that way (instead of two different files for each). Download all ya want.. we'll make more! http://www.jlsleather.com/diy/other-diy/ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
keplerts Report post Posted September 27, 2015 Thanks for sharing the templates JLSleather! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JLSleather Report post Posted September 27, 2015 No worries ... glad ya kin use 'em! Anybody hadno trouble followin that weight belt / kidney belt layout? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JLSleather Report post Posted September 29, 2015 Had m' buddy draw out that kidney belt idea on his fancy 'sunday go-ta meetin" toys. Certainly much cleaner than my chicken scrathin's http://www.jlsleather.com/diy/other-diy/ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
