May Sew Along: The Gemella Wallet (Week 2)

Welcome back to week two of the Gemella Sew Along! If you are just joining us, make sure to check out last week’s post, where we cut out the materials and fused the stabilizer.

Before we get started, I want to thank everyone who joined my livestream last week. We chatted about the Sew Along and some exciting things that Simply Classic has coming up, including events and classes. During the live, I got a few questions about whether we offered Maker's Kits for the Gemella. You asked and we listened — The Gemella Wallet Maker's Kits are now available, with all the materials you need to sew a beautiful wallet.

The Gemella Wallet Maker's Kit

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Materials, Tools, & Notions

This week, we will construct the flap and the snap tab, the credit card slots, and the ID window. You will need the following materials, tools, and notions:

• The Gemella Wallet pattern

• The pieces you cut last week

• Double-sided tape

• Scissors or rotary cutter and ruler

• Fabric pen

• Ruler

• Edge punch (optional — see pattern for details)

• Basecoat and edge paint

• Sewing machine

Video Tutorial: Sew the Gemella Wallet with Me

Here is the full video tutorial for the Gemella Wallet. For each step below, I also include links to jump to the applicable timestamp in the video.

Step 1: Flap and Snap Tab

Click here to jump to this step in the video tutorial (14:14).

First, we will need to cut your Flap and Snap Tab pieces. I recommend using an edge punch to get the Snap Tab shape just right, like I do in the video (timestamp: 16:36), but scissors or a rotary cutter will also work. Then, it’s time to stitch the pieces together (timestamp: 19:50), trim the edges, and apply our basecoat and edgecoat.

One important note: You can use a magnetic snap, press snap, twist lock, or any similar type of fastener to securely close the flap and snap tab. If you’re using a magnetic snap, be sure to install the male portion of the snap prior to sewing the pieces together.

Step 2: Credit Card Slots and ID Window

Click here to jump to this step in the video tutorial (22:45).

For this step, you will need ⅛” double-sided tape. I like AJ Sign World’s 1/8" Double-Sided Tape because it’s not super sticky. It allows you to rip it by hand as you go instead of having to stop and cut it.

First, we will use clear vinyl to create the ID window. When we stitch around the ID window, instead of backstitching, we will pull the threads through to the back and tie them off (timestamp: 25:09). Then, we’ll add the Window Lining (timestamp: 25:42) and use the same technique of pulling the threads to the back and tying them off.

Then, we will finish making our credit card slots (timestamp: 32:14). This is where you can start to customize the wallet to fit your needs. For example, you can flip the direction of the credit card slots on one side, or you can move the phone pocket to the inside if you don’t need all the credit card slots. As I always say, a pattern is just a suggestion. Consider this pattern to be a starting point, and you can get as creative as you’d like!

For the credit card slots, I recommend using adhesive lining to make the process easier. You can use a ruler to help you fold the adhesive lining, which you can see in the video at 39:25. Follow the steps in the pattern and the tips in the video, and your credit card slots will be complete in no time.

Join This Week's YouTube Live

We did it — two weeks down and one to go! Next week, we will finish constructing the wallet and give it some finishing touches.

Click the "Notify me" bell on YouTube to get notified when the livestream starts.

Don't hesitate to let me know if you have any questions! There will be a discussion post in the Simply Classic Inspiration Group on Facebook where you can ask questions and share your progress. See you there, and happy sewing!