Staying with the theme of the last few weeks Friday ‘lists’ today I bring you a collection of free tutorials and patterns for wallets, pouches, clutches and purses. With the wonders of the English language what is considered a ‘purse’ in some countries is a ‘wallet’ in others, and a ‘tote’ in others. No wonder some non-English speakers struggle to learn to speak English fluently – many English-as-a-first-language speakers have the same trouble!
I love little purses/pouches/wallets. First of all they are a great way to show off scraps of fabric from your stash that you just can’t bear to part with, and secondly they are fantastic at helping to keep you organised. Since I started sewing bags my handbag wardrobe has grown dramatically – and in changing bags I often forget to move some important thing from one bag to the next (you know – lipstick, my work pass, migraine medication, cash…..). After making some zip-pouches for friends and custom orders recently it has occurred to me that I should actually make some for myself to hold these bits and pieces in and then changing bags will be as simple as taking the pouches out and putting them in the next bag. Of course the hard part will be working out which fabric to use…..because I have so many pieces I love! Sigh – as I often say, if these are the worst first world problems we are faced with, our lives continue to be amazing!
The beauty of these patterns is that by changing fabric and changing sizes you can make pouches for children, teens, women, men, to be used for all sorts of purposes. Great for whipping up last minute gifts!
So – here is a collection of patterns and tutorials provided by generous bloggers to inspire you and me! I have organised them into zipped, wallets, and ‘other’ (yes – I am a genius). Many of them are similar, but as always, each sewist brings their own tips and tricks to even simple tasks, so I hope you can find one that resonates with your style!
Zipped
Front Zip Pouch in Four Sizes – Sew Mama Sew
Simple Zip Pouch for Beginners – Sew Delicious
Dumplings – Michelle Patterns
Open wide Zippered Pouch Tutorial – Noodlehead
Flat Zip Pouch Tutorial – Listen to the Birds Sing
Sketchy Pleat Clutch – Charm Stitch
Embellished Pouch Tutorial – Polka Dot Chair
How to Draft a Pattern and Make a Zippered Purse with a Flat Bottom – Sew Together
Basic Zipper Pouch – See Kate Sew
Triple Zip Pouch – A Quilter’s Table
Rosy Wedge Bag – Made During Quiet Time
The Bella Clutch – Clover and Violet
Zippy Pouch – with a zipped inner pocket – Sew Happy Geek
Pieced Polka Dot Pouch – All People Quilt
How to Make a Zip Pouch without Dented Corners – Michelle Patterns
Lil Cutie Pouches – Noodlehead
Half Circle Zippered Pouch – Lula Louise
Lined Zippered Pouch – Flossie Tea Cakes
Oil Cloth Zip Pouch – Zaaberry
Zippered Pouch (using Laminated Cotton) – How To Sew.Com – Better Homes and Garden
Zips Pouch – Zipit Zippers
Zippered Heart Coin Purse – A Creative Princess
Zippered Ear-Bud Pouch – Erin Erickson
Pleated Zipper Pouch – Melly Sews
Wallets
The Perfect Wallet – Color Me Domestic
Bi-Fold Wallet – Modest Maven
Wallet Tutorial – That*Darn*Cat
Accordion Wallet – Little Quack’s Craft
Organiser Wallet -LBG Studio
“Other” – Clutches and purses!
Flexi Frame Pouch – Where the Orchids Grow
Zip Pouch Tutorial – Creating my Way to Success – This one is a bit different – it has pockets inside and can be used as a first aid kit, a sewing kit, etc.
Mini-Wallet Tutorial – 7Layer Studio
Mini-Clutch Tutorial – Our Busy Little Bunch
And finally – if that list doesn’t suit your needs, the delightful website Tip Nut has a list of 30+ makeup bags and rolls, and most of the makeup bags are perfect for use as wallets, pouches or clutches.
All Wrapped Up has yet another list of clutches, purses and wallets (about 24)- most different from my list and from Tip Nut’s list.
A huge variety of free patterns and tutorials to provide us with so many ideas! I think I need to start buying zips in bulk!
Happy creating!