Oilcloth is a great material to sew with. It’s more affordable than many of the cottons out there today and comes in a wide variety of fun patterns and colors. Unfortunately it can be a little bit stiff to work with, but this pattern for a cute wallet is perfect for oilcloth because you don’t have to turn the pattern inside out at all.
Follow these steps to make a fabulous little wallet or oilcloth clutch complete with slots for cash and credit cards, a zippered coin section, and a hand snap enclosure.
Pattern Download: Oilcloth Wallet Pattern
Related Video: How to Make an Oilcloth Wallet
Supply List:
• ¼ yard oilcloth
• Magnetic snap
• 7” zipper
• Binder clips and paper clips
Tips Before You Begin:
• Before you start, put a piece of Scotch tape or masking tape on the bottom of all the feet you will be using. Otherwise, your foot will stick to the oilcloth and won’t move!
• Use binder and paper clips. Oilcloth is tough to pin through, so clipping works great.
• Use a stitch length of 3.5. Because oilcloth is heavy duty, no need to use a smaller stitch length.
• Turn your tension to a higher number to get through the thicker parts.
Assembling the Pieces
Step 1: Cut out the pieces of your pattern. Cut the zipper windows and the snap placements from the pattern.
TIP: DO NOT CUT the zipper windows or snap placement from the actual oilcloth pieces unless told!
Step 2: Trace all of the pieces onto the back of your oilcloth. Remember not to cut out the zipper windows or snap placements!
Label them with their names as well. I used a Sharpie here for photographs, but I recommend a pencil. That won’t show through on lighter colored oilcloth.
Step 3: Fold one long edge of each A, B, and C pocket pieces over ½ inch. Press the crease with your fingers, paper clip, and top stitch close to the folded edge.
Step 4: Stack one piece B on top of piece C lining up the bottom long edges, and clip together. Stitch ¾ of an inch seam along the raw edges of these pieces. This will prevent cards from slipping down too far into this pocket!
Step 5: Now stack piece A on top of sewn pieces B and C, lining up the bottom raw edges, and clip them at the sides.
Mark the middle line with pins, then use a sticky note to connect the two (since chalk pencils don’t work well on oilcloth). Starting at the bottom raw edges, sew right along the edge of the sticky note, stopping to backstitch at the finished edge of pocket piece B (no need to sew all the way through C to the top!). Set pocket stack aside.
Step 6: Then, take another piece A and piece B, leaving OUT the C this time, and stack them together. (By leaving out piece C, you get the perfect sized pocket for cash! If you want more credit card pockets, then follow the previous steps.)
Mark the middle line as in step 3 above, sewing to the top of pocket piece A. (No need to sew all the way through B to the top.)
Step 7: Take the C piece that is left and stack the stitched A and B on top of it, matching up the bottom raw edges, and clip it on the sides to hold them all together.
Now, lay out the lining piece right side up, and lay each pocket stack on top of the lining piece, matching up the bottom raw edges of the pocket stacks with the raw edges of the lining piece. Clip together with binder clips.
Step 8: Baste around the edges with a long stitch length VERY close to the raw edges to hold everything together as one entire piece.
Installing the Snaps
Step 9: On the backing piece, you will have traced a circle where the snap should go. Using the metal piece that came with it, trace the two lines onto the fabric and seam rip them.
Then, insert the female part of the snap through the slits, put the metal back on, and open the legs like a brad so they lay nice and flat.
Step 10: Repeat this process on the handle with the male side of the snap. This time, turn the legs of the brad inward instead of outward, as shown.
By turning them inward, there is no risk of us breaking a needle since we are going to sew very close to this snap.
Making the Strap
Step 11: Fold down each long edge of the strap ½”, fingerpress, and clip edges.
Then fold in half and secure with a binder clip.
Step 12: Topstitch around the entire edge of strap. Notice here I had to cheat a bit with my zipper foot so the foot does not drive on top of the snap. I moved my needle as far left as it would go to sneak around.
You might find that when the needle pulls out while sewing, sometimes it takes the handle with it! Feel free to hand walk the needle around the tough parts using your machine fly wheel on the side to get this part perfect.
Step 13: Cut out the zipper windows that you traced onto the backing and inner pocket pieces.
With the backing piece wrong side up and inner pocket lining right side up, line up the zipper windows so they match perfectly.
Step 14: Put your zipper face up on the table, flip your backing piece over so it is right side up, and lay it on top of the zipper so the zipper is centered in the little window. Pin into place.
Step 15: Lining up the raw edge of your strap with the top raw edge of the zipper window (snap face down), center the strap on the zipper window, and pin into place.
Step 16: Topstitch around the zipper window, which will also sew the strap into place.
TIP: Don’t try to sew around the zipper head, which will make your seam wonky. Just put your needle down, lift your presser foot, unzip the zipper a little way so the head is out of the way, lower your foot, and continue!
Step 17: Place the outer pocket lining on the inner pocket lining, right sides together (trim the zipper tape if needed). Pin on all four sides, and sew into place.
TIP: Make sure that you are folding the backing piece out of the way so you only sew around the pocket edges!
Step 18: Lay the backing piece wrong side up. Center the pocket panel on the top, right side facing up.
Step 19: Fold the edges over to bind on all sides and paperclip. Feel free to make mitered corners as you go!
Step 20: Topstitch all the way around the binding. As you are going, be sure to leave the strap in the path of the needle (as shown) so you stitch it to the wallet a second time.
TIP: If you are getting a little bubble that travels along in front of your foot, just stick a pin through it and into the wallet, then sew over the pin, and it should sew the bubble down. Here is where you will need a high on your tension!
Step 21: Now fill up your new wallet with all the essentials, and you are done!
Happy sewing!
Get in touch! Leave a comment or email editor@nationalsewingcircle.com.
Lookng forward to making this wallet.
I am able to download the instructions but I cannot find a place to download the pattern pieces for the oilcloth wallet. Can you help?
Hi April. Here is the link. https://www.nationalsewingcircle.com/article/oilcloth-wallet-pattern/
Thanks
Sarah
National Sewing Circle Video Membership
What are the dimensions of each piece. Measurements would be very helpful.
Hi Lora. You can download the full pattern for this wallet here:
https://www.nationalsewingcircle.com/article/oilcloth-wallet-pattern
Thanks
Ashley
National Sewing Circle
What are the Measurements of the pieces??? There is nothing saying how big the pieces need to be how do I know how to start this project if there are no measurements per piece for the wallet????
This instructor is very good.
I love this project..
can’t get the pattern pieces for this wallet. I love it, have the perfect fabric and want to make it for myself. Please help
Can I get a PDF of the instructions sent to my email?
love your wallet
I had been thinking of making this with old leather, but I didn’t know how to make the pockets. thanks
I think I will try this . I never thought to sew with oil cloth thank you
Would like to have the instructions so I could print them. I need to be able to read as I do the work. I am unable to have the computer and the sewing going together. I was able to get the pattern. Thank you.
I was able to download the pattern, thanks but it would be nive to have a shorter printable of directions. A bit demanding for a freeby so thank you for the pattern:)
I printed the pattern, but there seems to be a problem with the dimensions. It’s too big. Also, is there any way to simply get the measurements? Since it’s only rectangles I’d rather not waste paper for printing a pattern.
Dear Nina,
Thank you for your patience. In response to your question-
Unfortunately I do not have the measurements, just the pattern. I apologize that the pattern pieces seem to be too big. Please check your print settings when printing the pattern pieces to ensure that you are printing at the correct size and not ‘scaling’ or ‘fitting to page’.
We’d love to have you be a part of our community. We are convinced you will enjoy the benefits of becoming a member and having access to the best instructional how to videos and professional tips. We would like to offer you a special promotion for your first-year membership.
https://go.nationalsewingcircle.com/c16625
Cheers,
Ashley
I am trying to download the pattern and I cannot download it
Dear Cassandra,
Thank you for contacting us. I’m sorry you having issues downloading the Oil Cloth Wallet Pattern. Please follow the instructions to download the pattern.
Go to the Pattern on our website
Click on Download Patter- under the picture
There should be a white bar that goes across the bottom of your screen
Click on the PDF at the bottom of your screen to open the pattern
I hope this helps!
If you have any other questions or concerns, please contact us at 1-855-208-7187 or chat us on our website.
Sincerely,
Taylar
National Sewing Circle Video Membership
[…] Slim Wallet […]
Will faux leather work for this pattern?
Hi,
Yes, you can use faux leather for this pattern, however, you may find that you need to use a heavier needle such as a leather or denim needle.
Cheers,
Ashley
I don’t have a printer and your pattern layout doesn’t have the measurements of everything. Can you please give them to me for all the pieces?
Hi,
Here is a video tutorial for making the wallet where our instructor gives dimensions for all of the pieces:
https://www.nationalsewingcircle.com/video/how-to-make-an-oilcloth-wallet-003857/
Cheers,
Ashley
pattern link is not working. (Oil cloth Wallet)
Hi Becky, we are sorry to hear you are having issues downloading our pattern; we have tested this PDF successfully. Please refresh your browser and trying accessing the pattern download again. If you continue to have issues please call our customer service team at 1-855-208-7187.
Thank you! Hallie NSC Video Membership
Super video. I got the PDF of the pattern and I Pinned the instructions (haha see what I did there?)
where are the Mesurements for the wallet I did ask once bevor
Kate could you send them to me I was trying to make some for Christmas
Thank you in advance
Chrs
Hi Christa, please click on the pattern download located within the article, you will be able to print and cut the pattern to make your own oilcloth wallet!
Thank you, Hallie NSC Video Membership
are the zipper windows not in the same size ?
why can’t i see the video?
Hi Ariella, The video related to this pattern can be found here: https://www.nationalsewingcircle.com/video/how-to-make-an-oilcloth-wallet-003857/ Please make sure you are logged into your Premium membership, you can do so by clicking the LOGIN button in the upper right-hand corner of the site. If you need any assistance with logging in please contact our Customer Service team at 1-855-208-7187.
Thank you,
Hallie NSC Video Membership
The last comment was January 2015, it is now October 2017 and I can’t download the pattern. You b said the issue was fixed.
Hello Denis,
We were able to download the pattern successfully. Please try using a different browser and downloading it again. If you are still not able to download the pattern, please contact our customer service team at 1-855-208-7187, and they will troubleshoot the problem with you over the phone.
Thanks,
Becky NSC Video Membership
what art the pattern measurements located
I cant make the pattern without the measurements
Hello Cindercrulla,
Click on the Pattern download located within the article. You will be able to print off a copy of the pattern to use.
Thanks,
Becky NSC Video Membership
Hi
I can’t see the video. I’m a primume member
Hi Ariella, please make sure you are logged into your Premium membership, you can do so by clicking the LOGIN button in the upper right-hand corner of the site. If you need any assistance with logging in please contact our Customer Service team at 1-855-208-7187.
Thank you,
Hallie NSC Video Membership
Do you have a PDF for the instructions of putting the Oilcloth Wallet Pattern together? Thank you!
Hello Phyllis,
There is not a PDF of the instructions but you could print of the article. There is a PDF of the pattern that you can print off located within the article.
Thanks,
Becky NSC Video Membership
Suggestion. It would be nice to download instructions as well.
Hi, thanks for the pattern! Just one question: on the pattern piece Pocket B there is no information about how much pieces should be cut. I guess it should be 2 of them? Thanks.
Hi,
Yes, you are correct- 2 of them!
Thanks
Ashley-NSC
hi there been trying to download wallet but didnt work
Hello Diana,
We have tested the link successfully. Try refreshing your page and accessing the link again. If you are still not able to access the download, please contact our customer service team at 1-855-208-7187 and they will assist you with troubleshooting over the phone.
Thanks,
Becky NSC Video Membership
I can’t download the Oilcloth wallet pattern measurements. Can you please email them to me. Thank you
I clicked on “several patterns” that my membership says I should have no problem downloading – NEVER WORKED! I can download from other sites but not here! I feel like I paid for your premium membership for nothing – I’d like a
a total refund as I’m sure not getting what I paid for!
Hi Dorothy,
I am sorry that you are having problems getting patterns to download. I have emailed you with instructions.
Happy Sewing!
Kate
NSC Video Membership
Following this tutorial and it’s wonderful, got to the second sewing of the pocket and hadn’t cut a piece out as it doesnt say on the print out copy to cut two of pocket B. Have I read the tutorial wrong? Or is it a pattern error?
Thanks
Zoe
Is there a PDF of the instructions that can be emailed to me? I’m purchasing the project now. Also, can other material be used in place of oilcloth? Thank you.
Hi, Cindi. To get the PDF of the pattern, simply click on ‘oilcloth wallet pattern’ next to ‘pattern download’ and it will be available for you to either open and print out or save to your computer. And yes, you can use another fabric, like cotton, for this project.
I just love how easy and how nice the wallet came out. I am very new at sewing, but I do understand the concept. When I was laid up with the shingles for weeks I watched sewing videos all day long for about 5 weeks, and this is the best sewing video I have watched ever. I have had some top of the ling Embroidery/Sewing machines and never had a interest in learning how to sew. (I did machine embroidery from 1991-2014) I purchase a very basic machine recently and I have not taken it out of the box yet, but after seeing this video I feel confident that I if I take my time I can make this wallet. I just hope i can find oilcloth in my area as nice as the one in this video. I love the design on the oilcloth.
I am in my second year of the National Sewing Circle yearly subscription and it is well worth it and plan on continuing with it.
Thank you so much for sharing a wonderful pattern (the wallet) and doing it with such a beautiful pattern on the oilcloth.
Kathleen
I would love to make this cute wallet, but there are no instructions as to what size to cut each pattern piece. Did I miss something?
Please disregard my previous comment about the pattern piece sizes. I didn’t see the pattern pdf at the bottom of the screen until I had submitted the request. I apologize! Thank you!
Hi Lenora. We have an article with the pattern and instructions that go along with the video tutorial. Here it is:
https://www.nationalsewingcircle.com/article/oilcloth-wallet-pattern/
Hope this helps!
Hi, I, too, would like to try the wallet, but need pattern pieces. I’ve already sewn with oilcloth. I made some purses, altering a pattern that was designed for double faced quilted fabric. The many compliments I received inspired me to do more. Thank you.
I was finally able to download the pdf pattern pieces. Thank you so much.
Wonderful tutorials on Oil cloth Wallet. How do i get to see the full video as what i can see is about 1min
Hi Francisca. When you log into your premium membership with your username and password you will be able to view the premium video.
Hello, this sounds like a wonderful project but it would be easier for me in a pdf file. Is this still possible? Thank you again, the video was very well done and easy to understand.
Hi, Bea! We do have a PDF file available with this video. To access this PDF file, please click on Pattern Download.
Thank you, are the instructions also available in pdf?
Hi, Bea! The PDF can be found here: http://www.nationalsewingcircle.com/article/oilcloth-wallet-pattern/
I can’t download the Oilcloth wallet pattern measurements, I just get the instructions. I am a premium member.
Hi Catherine. We are sorry you aren’t able to download the pattern measurements. We have sent you an email with the link to this.
Fits great in my pocket thakns to how slim they’ve gotten it, I’ve been carrying it for two weeks now and have no complaints, even in slim jeans.Picture taking is great too, comfortable and easy, and I’d say even more secure since the leather is so grippy. I feel a lot more safe taking pictures with this case on than I do without it.
Can I also have a PDF of the instructions?
Re printing the instructions— I selected and copied the text/photos. Then I pasted it into a Word document that I had set up in landscape orientation with 2 columns. Then I pasted the selection into the Word doc. It automatically pasted itself in the right order, column by column and page by page. Works like a charm! (check out YouTube if you have trouble figuring out the pagination).
I really want to make this, but the link to the pattern is broken, and the pictures do not load either. Please fix this!!
Hi Tracy. An alternative link was sent to your email.
Is there a pdf of the instructions. Thanks
Hi. Here is where it can be found:http://www.nationalsewingcircle.com/article/oilcloth-wallet-pattern/
Is it possible to get the instructions in pdf so I don’t have to be on internet while doing the wallet?
Hi Linda. It can be found at http://www.nationalsewingcircle.com/article/oilcloth-wallet-pattern/
May I also get the wallet instructions in pdf? My next step would be to find oilcloth in my local fabric store. Thanks.
I was hoping to sew along with the video, but the video only is 1 min. and doesn’t show how to stich the wallet. When I go into the video it says 37 mins. What am I doing wrong?
Hi Jennie, Be sure to log into your account with your username and password to see the full length video.
thank you for the tutorial, I loved this wallet and most important the oilcloth you used on this project.
It’s clear and easy to follow I think I can make this project by my self
Terrific project, especially for oilcloth. Really great video instructions with lots of helpful encouragement and tips along the way. Thanks!
First project seen as a new sign up, really impressed, I may not want to make a wallet, but the techniques are there for other projects with this fabric.
This project was awesome. I have the instructions on DVD and so easy to follow. I made one and turned out perfect. It was a little hard to find pattern piece on internet but found it. Is there an easier way to find the patterns to your DVDs.
It would be really nice if we could download a PDF of the instructions; is that possible???
Many thanks for the pattern, Dawn
Hi Dawn, At this time we do not have step by step instructions to download. We do appreciate your feedback and will forward your comment to the proper department. Thanks!
Is it possible to get the instructions in pdf so I don’t have to be on internet while doing the wallet?
Hi, Kikki! We have sent a PDF file to your email address. Happy sewing!
Thank you! =)
Sad to say it, but I havn’t got any pdf by mail… :,-(
Hi, Kikki! We are sorry that you haven’t received our email yet. We have resent the PDF attachment to your email address.
I look forward to baby bag project but would definitely try the wallet project tnx. sure to have great sewing fun with you.
I can’t open the link for the pil cloth wallet .I would like to try it
Dear Anja,
Thank you for contacting us. I’m sorry you are having trouble accessing the Oil Cloth Wallet Pattern. Please click on the link and then click on “Download Patter”. The pattern will download to your device and it will be saved to your computer.
If you are still having troubles or have any other questions, please contact us at 1-855-208-7187 or chat us on our website.
Sincerely,
Taylar
National Sewing Circle Video Membership
great idea worth trying.
I would be more inclined to use chintz material due to stiffness & not have to be so trobled with slippery use of oilcloth.
Where can i print directions for oil cloth wallet ?. I printed pattern
I was unable to download the pattern. It said “Article not found”.
Thank you for your comment. We were experiencing technical difficulties with this link and apologize for the inconvenience. The issue is now resolved. You may attempt your access again. If you are still experiencing issues, please contact us at 1-855-208-7187.
The link to the Oil Cloth Wallet Pattern is not valid so where (as a premium member) do I get this pattern and also the pattern for measurements for the Oil Cloth Beach Bag
Thank you for your comment. We were experiencing technical difficulties with this link and apologize for the inconvenience. The issue is now resolved. You may attempt your access again. We have sent the link to the Oil Cloth Beach Bag pattern to your email. If you are still experiencing issues, please contact us at 1-855-208-7187.
I also cannot open it.
How do I get a pattern, wouldn’t download
Hi Santa. We are sorry to hear you are having trouble with the download. We have sent a link to your email for this pattern.
I clicked on the link for the pattern but it didn’t work.