Wristlet Pattern

Back to school time means something completely different to me now that I am graduated. When I did do back to school shopping, especially in college, one of the main things I always looked for was a new wristlet. Wristlets are the ideal college or high school accessory, they can hold your phone, ID, a credit card, and any other small items you need to have with you without taking away the use of your hands. If you are like me (picky), I always had a hard time finding the perfect wristlet that fit my style and needs perfectly.

When I couldn't find the perfect wristlet, I created this pattern. Instead of my normal assembly diagram, I took pictures as I created this wristlet to give you more of a tutorial to make all the steps extra clear.  

For the fabric, I used this geometric print upholstery fabric I bought at Joann. The upholstery fabric works best for wristlets because it is more durable and resistant to stains. For the lining, I used a blue cotton. I didn't want to use an upholstery fabric for the lining because I didn't want it to be too bulky. For both the lining and the outside piece, you need just under ¼ yard.  You will also need a 5" zipper, a 7" zipper, a key ring or a d-ring, and either leather or another piece of fabric for the wrist strap.

For the leather strap, I used a leather hole punch and rivets.  You can also sew on the leather strap or a fabric strap if you would prefer.  

 

To begin, iron and cut your fabric pieces.  Below is a printable sheet to cut and trace the pieces of fabric you will need.

Once you have all your supplies ready, your first step will be to line up the zipper tracings of the outer fabric piece and the pocket piece as shown below. Sew a rectangle around the zipper hole.

Once you have the rectangle sewn, very carefully cut both fabrics on the lines inside the rectangle.

Turn right side out so that the pocket is behind the main fabric piece and the seams are between the two fabrics. Press down to hold. Be sure to press the front piece first so it is more flat and even. The pocket piece may have some ripples and not be as straight because of the lighter fabric but this is ok, it won't be seen.

Place the 5" zipper centered right inside the rectangle hole and topstitch into place.

Pin the remaining pocket fabric piece into place lined up with the piece already attached to the zipper. Sew together to close using a ¼" seam allowance. Use a ¼" seam allowance in the remaining steps.

Sew the wrist strap pieces right sides facing. Turn right-side out and press. Topstitch to hold flat.

This is where things get tricky. Pay close attention to the following steps as you sew. Center the 7" zipper along the top of the outer piece of fabric with the zipper. Sew and press open.

Next, place the other outer fabric piece right side facing down to the zipper. Sew and press open as done before.

With wrong sides facing outward, place the lining piece of fabric to sandwich the zipper between the two fabric pieces. Sew just inside the seam from the outer fabric pieces. Repeat with the other lining piece and press both open.

Once both outside and inside pieces are attached to the zipper, topstitch along edge of zipper to hold in place.

Open the zipper halfway and fold piece open with right sides facing of the two outside pieces and inside pieces.  Sew along edge. Be sure to sew in wristlet strap on one side of the outside pieces.

Fold the zipper together as shown below when you sew around edge. Leave small opening to turn right-side out.

Fold and sew to close lining pocket. Finish turning right-side out. Press and attach key ring.

Attach either a fabric strap or a leather strap. To finish the zipper pulls I used small scraps of leather woven through the holes.

 

You are finished!  Enjoy your new pouch!