By Future Craft Collective
This project is reminiscent of the lanyard/vinyl sewing projects of my youth. Think summer camp or parks and rec craft programs. Remember how simple those projects were in their layout and design? This wool wallet is just as simple, but uses upcycled materials instead – no pesky plastic cord to contend with. This is a great project for teaching kids different basic stitches such as blanket stitch, running stitch, and whip stitch. And it makes a great party project too. For kids or grown-ups alike.
Materials
Felted wool from an old sweater or wool blanket
Big sewing needle If working with little kids, the repair style needles are great for little hands and inexperienced sewers.
Embroidery floss
Cardboard for pattern
Button
Scissors
Pins
Ruler
Fine-tipped marker
Coffee cup
Directions
Step 1: Draw out your pattern on a piece of cardboard. This one is 5 3/4″ wide by 9 3/4″ long, but you can make it bigger or smaller (i.e. cereal box).
Step 2: To round off your top corners, place a coffee cup on the edge and trace.
Step 3: Trace your pattern onto a piece of wool and cut. We used a piece cut from an old wool blanket that’s been put through a super hot wash and hot dryer.
Step 4: Cut out your embellishment. We chose a flower.
Step 5: Position your flower onto the pattern piece as shown. This will be the back of your wallet.
Step 6: After pinning the flower into position, sew it securely using a whip stitch.
Step 7: Fold your wallet as shown (remember: flower on back) and pin.
Step 8: Starting at the bottom corner sew all the way around using either a whip stitch, blanket stitch, or running stitch. We used a whip stitch and switched to a running stitch at the top of the wallet.
Step 9: Fold the top of the wallet down as shown.
Step 10: Determine where your button will go by folding the top down and using your finger as a guide. Make sure it doesn’t hit the flap too close to the edge.
Step 11: Attach the button using embroidery floss.
Step 12: Again fold the flap down and again using your finger determine now where the buttonhole will go. Mark with a small dot.
Step 13: Cut carefully and make it a little bit on the small side. It will stretch out a bit when you sew.
Step 14: Sew around the inside of the buttonhole with a whip stitch.
Step 15: And that’s it! You’re finished. Make a bunch. Give them to your friends. Send one to your aunt and your grandma. These are perfect to fit a cell phone and a few bucks!
About the Authors:
Future Craft Collective is brought to you by Kathie Sever and Bernadette Noll. Kathie is an accomplished seamstress, creator of Ramonsterwear Custom Western Wear, artist, and mother of two. Bernadette is a writer, co-founder of Slow Family Living, and mother of four. They have found renewed energy in their collaboration and are continuously amazed by the ideas, inspiration, and a-ha moments that have come from this shared effort. Their new book, Make Stuff Together (published by Wiley) will be in bookstores this June.
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