JetSmooth

That helped a lot. Grabbed some file folders from the supply closet and mocked up a few designs until I found something that I like. I'm abandoning the external window in facor of a thunb-slot on the interior that will allow me to pull the ticket out with ease. Also carried it around in my pocket for a few days to make sure it would work. My mockup is naturally a lot thinner than a leather wallet would be. What's the best way to decide what thickness of leather to get? I want something a little hefty and durable like Corter or Tanner, not thin like the $20.00 wallets I've been buying from department stores over the years. My mockup has four layers. (and is then folded like a billfold, obviously.) Also, I'd like to hand-sticth this with red waxed cotton linnen thread. Any sources? I haven't seen red in the few online vendors I've looked at. Granted, I haven't started searching in earnest yet.

Yep. That's what I'm thinking about doing. Good to know I was on the right track. Still not really sure about the overall dimensions of the wallet I want (billfold, long wallet, etc). The Ticket is about a third wider than a credit card, which precludes a "standard" size.

The ticket's literally a piece of stiff paper, not even cardstock. The SmartTrip card is just about the same as a credit card. I'm sure it depends on the thickness of the leather as well. But I'll start with 1/8 inch and see how it goes. thanks! I actually was planning on applying the pocket to the outside of the wallet with the opening on the outside. But now I'm wondering if I would even be better to put it on the inside. When I actually embark on this project, I'll definitely try to get some step-by-steps.

So, this is my first post. I haven't done any leatherwork since maybe the cub scouts. I find myself wanting/needing a new wallet and have been looking at some of the more industrial styles like Corter, Saddleback, Hollows, etc. However, I want to do a few unique things like an exterior window (no plastic) for my train ticket and an outside pocket to put my SmartTrip (Like an oyster card) in it. So I figured I might as well look into making my own. Come tom find out, the Army base near me has a craft shop, including a leather shop. So I thought it might be a good wya to get started. Checking out this forum has given me a little bit of a bug and now I can see a few other projects I might want to undertake (reinforcing a leather satchel I bought in Mexico, lunch bag, etc,) So here's my first question: I want the external card pockets for my Ticket and SmartCard. What sort of seam allowance should I shoot forbetween the sticthing and edge of the card/ticket? That is, if my card ids 3 3/8 wide, how wide should the pocket be? I don't plan to ever put more than one card or ticket in the pocket and I'd like them to stay snug. I'll create other threads when I encounter other issues, I'm sure.