Emily Blackburn, founder of Blackburn Goods, designed a Slim Wallet perfect for everyday use. Download the FREE pattern and follow step-by-step instructions to get started!
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Instructions:
Step 1: Trace and cut out all your pattern pieces. (A thin flat cutting mat is the ideal surface to use for this work.)
- Maker Tip! Tandy has a simple Folding Utility Knife that works well. The blades are easy to replace and affordable!
Step 2: Apply a thin layer of Tokonole to the curved edge of L1, L2, R1 and R2 pockets.
Step 3: Then burnish the edges of the pockets by using a small piece of canvas or a wooden burnisher and rub the Tokonole into the fibers of the leather with a back-and-forth motion. Repeat twice for maximum shine.
- Maker Tip! Burnishing the edges binds the fibers together for a clean refined look that will take your wallet from a craft to a luxury product.
Step 4: Prep the pockets for glue by laying L2 on top of L3 and using an awl or a needle to mark where the top of the L2 begins. Repeat this step and lay R1 over R2. (Left picture is left panel not including L3 on the bottom. Right is R2 on the bottom and R1 on top.)
Step 5: Using a rougher tool, scratch the leather that will receive the glue. Do this on all three sides of L3 and R2 pockets. (Again repeat for R1 and R2.)
Step 6: Now, apply a thin line of glue to the front scored panel of L3, the back of L1 and R1 pattern pockets. Using a glue spreader, spread the glue to the edge of the leather to ensure a tight bond between both layers of leather.
- Maker Tip! A Glue Spreader may seem unnecessary but it is SO helpful when working with adhesives!
Step 7: Once the glue has been applied place L2 on top of L3 and L1 on the top of those. Then place R1 on top of R2.
Step 8: Allow to sit for about 20 minutes before moving to the next step.
Step 9: Repeat steps 2 & 3 to burnish the edges for the L1, L2, and L3 panel and the R1 and R2 panel. (You can cut any edges here that aren't lining up to get smooth and level edges, just be sure to do it before burnishing!)
Step 10: Using a Wing Divider, mark a line ⅛” from the burnished edge by tracing it around the edges to get an indentation on your leather. (Do this for both the L and R panels and outside of the body.)
Step 11: With your paper template, use an awl to mark the stitch start and end marks. (Do this for both panel sides and the body.)
Step 12: Now set the diamond chisel on the stitch start position. Then, begin striking the end of the chisel with a few medium hits to punch the stitching holes.
- Maker Tip! Use an acrylic mallet or rawhide mallet and place your panel on top of a poundo mat. Using a metal hammer will deliver too much power for this delicate leather.
Step 13: Repeat this step setting the last two prongs of the chisel into the last two holes made all the way around the panel, following your creased line in the leather. (Do this for both panels and the body.)
Step 14: Using 25" of your waxed thread on the left side saddle stitch the panels and body together. Then use 35" of the thread to saddle stitch the right side together.
- Maker Tip! You don’t exactly need a stitching pony BUT it takes out 75% of the frustration that comes from stitching with two needles so I highly recommend the investment. I use the Craftool® Large Stitching Pony from Tandy and it offers great versatility in position because it can attach to the edge of any table and can be angled in 360 degrees.
Step 15: Be sure to finish stitching on the inside so you can cut and melt the thread with a lighter for a great finish!
Step 16: Of course, be sure to follow steps 2 and 3 again to get those nice shiny edges along the outside exterior.
Step 17: Sit back and bask in the reflected glory of your beautiful Slim Wallet!
Blackburn Goods
Seventeen years ago I began tinkering with leather and the alchemy of design. As a self taught artist it was sculpture that captured my attention and that interest blossomed with the discovery leather and it’s versatility. My passion turned into an opportunity to bring people better leather goods than the market had to offer. Top grain leather, beautiful and thoughtfully sourced hardware and durable design separate Blackburn Goods goods from others. My hope is that you find a bit of yourself here and take it on your next adventure.
Website: https://www.blackburngoods.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackburn_goods/
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