A new clutch wallet pattern – what’s to love?

This week’s blog post is all about our new sewing pattern, the Lemonza clutch wallet. I’m VERY excited about this pattern and I can’t wait to tell you why. You can buy the pattern here.

What did the pattern testers think?

“I loved how you designed it to be birthed, it’s brilliant! And the finished result is a beautiful bag/design. I’m in love with this!” – M Graham Sews

”I can’t even express how adorable this pattern is! “ –  Sew Honey Bea

”I have to say, I LOVE this pattern. It turned out so compact and sturdy and smooth looking.” –  Barabooboo Designs

”This pattern is amazing” –  Paradise Shack

What’s special about this clutch wallet?

So what’s special about this pattern? I know it’s difficult buying a new sewing pattern when you’re not really sure what you’re getting. In this post I’ll explain some of the features of this pattern and why it’s worth your time and effort to make the Lemonza.

1. Eliminating bulk
2. A brand new technique
3. It’s practical and fun to sew
4. The step by step instructions leave you in no doubt
5. There’s a video for visual learners
6. Other features

1. Eliminating bulk

There’s a few reasons I dislike bulk in sewing patterns. First, it makes it difficult for those using a domestic machine. But even if you’re using an industrial machine, too much bulk can ruin the look of your finished bag and put a lot of unnecessary strain on the seams. It also limits the materials you can use without it looking clunky.

For this bag, I really wanted a beautifully streamlined, slim finish. This means no bulk. How did we achieve that? Through lots of planning. Here are some of the ways we’ve kept bulk to a minimum:

• Kept pockets and card slots out of the main seams
• Used appropriate interfacing, and where suitable, reduced sized interfacing so it’s out of the seams
• Cut and place stabilisers appropriately so they don’t build up in the seams
• Lots of pressing

To ensure an ultra neat finish, we’ve also incorporated a technique for sewing the main panels together which ensures the stabiliser is right in the edges, giving it a firm and stable structure without bulk.
For a really superb finish and slim seams, I recommend using cotton. Cotton fabrics gives a super sleek finish which suits this small bag. If you’re feeling unsure where to start, check out our maker’s box which includes all the supplies needed to make the bag. Just add thread!

2. A brand new technique

This is probably my favourite part of the pattern. If you follow us, you know we try to introduce an innovative new technique in every sewing pattern we write. This is a great way to ensure we keep learning new skills and trying new things!

The new technique for this pattern is unique. I don’t want to give it all away in this post, but the way we turn this bag out (or “birth” it) is super cool, super easy and results in a super neat finish. It even incorporates sewing the lining in place so your lining will be a perfect fit and always stay neatly in its place. We are so happy with the way this technique turned out that we’re certain we’ll be using it in more patterns in the future!

3. It’s practical & fun to sew

When you write a sewing pattern you need to strike a balance between a useful bag and a fun, practical sew. For example, you may feel that a bag with ten different pockets is really useful, but just looking at the cutting chart for a bag with ten pockets would probably stop you in your tracks. After all, this is sewing and it needs to be fun. It also needs to be practical for the end user of the bag, but not take you a lifetime to make.

For this reason we chose to build multiple pockets out of one piece of fabric – this makes for a simpler cutting chart, less cutting, a streamlined construction process, and a really useful bag when you’re finished.

The Lemonza clutch wallet features a total of 12 card slots, 3 slip pockets for bank notes and receipts, a zip pocket for your coins, and space for your phone. It also has the option for a wrist strap or a crossbody strap. Pretty practical right?

When making a Lemonza, the preparation, cutting and fusing takes a little more time than usual. But this little bag comes together quickly. If you were to batch sew a few, they’d go together even faster, and make beautiful bags to sell at craft shows.

4. The step by step instructions leave you in no doubt

It’s tough when you start sewing a project and then find the instructions aren’t quite as thorough as you’d like. It can leave us doubting what we do next and worrying we’re going to make a mistake.
As with all our patterns, we’ve included step by step photo instructions that should leave you feeling completely confident of each step.

And of course, there’s the video tutorial as a backup when pictures just aren’t working for you.

5. There’s a video for visual learners

If you don’t enjoy learning by reading, don’t worry. There’s a full video tutorial included! In it, I cover every step of the pattern and explain how to use the cutting chart. Watch the video here.

6. Other features

• Imperial and metric measurements
• Provided in both A4 paper and letter paper sizes to ensure a smooth printing experience wherever you live in the world
• A0 pattern pieces if you prefer to use a projector or get your pattern pieces printed by a print shop
• SVG files for those of you using cutting machines (Cricut, Cameo, etc)

I’m confident you’re going to love this clutch wallet pattern and pick up some new techniques to use in your future makes. Hopefully it’s going to become your go-to pattern for wallets!

Grab a copy of the pattern from our shop and get started. Leave a comment below to let us know what you love abut the Lemonza pattern or anything you’d like us to consider changing/adding for future patterns. We hope you enjoy making it as much as we have.

Jo & Adam

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