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Posted

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

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Posted

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 :)

JLS  "Observation is 9/10 of the law."

IF what you do is something that ANYBODY can do, then don't be surprised when ANYBODY does.

5 leather patterns

  • Members
Posted

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

  • Members
Posted

Second the recommendation. Nigel's videos are great and it is nice to buy his stuff to support his efforts!

  • Contributing Member
Posted

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?)

post-13153-0-30261900-1442063883_thumb.j

JLS  "Observation is 9/10 of the law."

IF what you do is something that ANYBODY can do, then don't be surprised when ANYBODY does.

5 leather patterns

  • Members
Posted

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.

  • Contributing Member
Posted

Sticker on it just says "mylar template plastic" and that it's from teh quilting department. Works good for this, though ...

JLS  "Observation is 9/10 of the law."

IF what you do is something that ANYBODY can do, then don't be surprised when ANYBODY does.

5 leather patterns

  • Members
Posted

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.

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