I've been sewing up someone else's bag pattern again this week. Another from Swoon Patterns. Did you see my video tutorial from before on how to sew the Glenda Clutch Bag? This is a great pattern too, give it a try if you are looking for a clutch bag.
This week, the Della Wallet pattern. I like sewing other designers' patterns. Gives me an idea of the materials they are using, any techniques I might want to try out, and how they are writing their instructions. All good tips for improving my own pattern writing skills. The Della Wallet is no exception, with some interesting ideas to work on.
This pattern is described as:
” The Della Wallet Clutch is an ideal accessory, she’s easy to sew and practical enough to use daily. This wallet features 8 credit card slots, 2 bill or check slots, and 2 zippered pockets large enough to zip your phone into one and your change in the other.”
It has an interesting closure with a contrast strip across the front that has two magnetic snaps and little tabs that come out from the side to attach and keep everything together. What's nice is that you can still open the zipper pockets on the top if you want and keep the rest closed. There's an optional wrist strap too.
So I made up the Della Wallet and made a video of my adventures and experiences along the way – especially for all of you who are more visual learners and prefer a video over the written word like I do.
Of course, Swoon Patterns already provides excellent written instructions on how to sew the wallet, and this video is only intended to be used in conjunction with those, not to in any way replace them. In the event of any discrepancy or difference, of course, go with the instructions that come with your pattern.
Not everything came out perfectly and I did make some mistakes along the way – same as you might so there are a couple of things to watch out for and I'll show you what I did wrong so that you don't have to do it too!
How to sew the Swoon Della Wallet Clutch Bag
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{This video is intended as a supplement to the written instructions only, not intended to replace them and you should still follow the written instructions and refer to the video for further clarification.}
Final thoughts and tips on the Della Wallet Clutch
Cute wallet! With all those layers, the final sewing can be quite thick so take your time and use the edge of the Peltex as a guide for where to sew your seam. I recommend stitching around with a slightly shorter stitch length. I usually sew at a 2.5 but switched to a 2.0 for sewing around the outside.
Trim well to reduce bulk. My tabs fitted just fine into the mag snaps on the front just with cards and cash in the wallet, but I think if you really loaded it up with a phone and some coins in those zipper pockets too, it might be tight to close. So consider giving yourself a little extra slack and moving the magnet snap just a little bit closer to the rounded end of the tabs on each side.
I hope you'll find this sewing tutorial helpful if you decide to make the Della Wallet Clutch Pattern.
You can buy this Della Wallet Clutch Pattern from Swoon Patterns. Also check out the Glenda Convertible Clutch bag too. The pattern comes as a downloadable PDF for $5.95.
Thank you Deby you are a life saver! I couldn’t figure that last part of folding the pleated pockets. After watching your video, I realized I had folded my pleats toward the outside and sewn the center down, so i had to rip that out and then follow what you did. No wonder I didn’t get it, since I did something wrong before that step. Thanks for doing this video! I appreciate it.
such a lovely bag. will include this in my next project
Thank you for being such a giving and sharing person. I have been sewing since I was a little girl too and I still learn something every day. Your tutorials are wonderful!
Thank you very much Mary, it means a lot to me that you took time out of your busy day to leave such a nice comment.
You have a wonderful website!
Thanks so much Susie.