Things for Boys

Sewing, baking and making

Necessary Clutch Wallet Pattern Review and Giveaway *Closed*

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Necessary Clutch Wallet

A few months back, I was getting all organised for the arrival of Ted and started packing a nappy bag. I realised that the nappy bag made my own handbag a bit pointless. If I’m toting around a nappy bag, why take a handbag too? I was thinking that a big wallet would be perfect. Big enough for all the usual stuff, money, cards etc, but also big enough to put my phone and keys inside. Then I remembered that Janelle had recently brought out the pattern for her Necessary Clutch Wallet and my search was over before it had even started!

I’m a big fan of Janelle’s patterns and first discovered them when making the Emmaline Bag as part of my Build a Bag series. I’ve been following her blog ever since.

As with the Emmaline Bag pattern, the Necessary Clutch Wallet pattern is well written and contains heaps of pictures to make sure you get every step right. The pattern includes instructions for adding a lovely metal twist lock, but I left it out for my first go. I’m planning on making another with leather and might put a twist lock on that. I’m still quite impressed that I managed to make the wallet myself. It looks so professional! Even hubby commented that it was cool that I had made a wallet.

Necessary Clutch Wallet

The size is perfect! It has 12 card slots, a zippered slot for coins and 2 other small sections as well as the large section in the middle for your phone and keys or sunglasses.

For this test wallet, I used 3 FQs I had in my stash. If I was making it again with FQs, I would want 4 in total as I really had to squeeze the pieces in to use just the 3. Ideally, you’d want one for the outside, 1 for lining and 2 for the pocket pieces.

The pattern includes info on all the different interfacings you’ll need to get the look you want. For my next one, I’ll use a stiffer interfacing for the flap and it’s a little floppier than I’d like. That’s because I used what I had lying about. The Pellon Peltex suggested for the flap trim is perfect! It provides enough stiffness, but is just squishy enough that it doesn’t crease. While the pattern is straightforward, it can get a little tricky sewing through all the layers, so I’d suggest you go slowly when sewing it together at the end.

Janelle has a tutorial on her blog showing you how to add a Wrist Strap or a Removable Shoulder Strap to your Necessary Clutch Wallet which makes it a bit more of a clutch bag than a wallet…gotta love options! If you’re stuck on what to get some girlfriends for their birthday or Christmas, I think this is perfect!

Necessary Clutch Wallet

If you’re in love with Janelle’s pattern as much as I am, you can follow her on her Facebook page or with Bloglovin. Go straight to her blog here and her Pattern Shop here.

I’ve been emailing Janelle since making the wallet and asked if she’d like to share the love of her awesome pattern. Being the lovely lady she is, Janelle has kindly offered up a couple copies of the pattern so that some lucky readers can also make a NCW of their own! Thanks Janelle! To enter, simply leave a comment using the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

*Giveaway now closed* Thank you for your entries! I had a great laugh reading them all

Updated 3/09 – Unfortunately, I never heard back from Cassie, so a new winner was drawn.

The winners are:
Sarah Barnes who said ‘A pair of knickers because thanks to my kids I have lbl !!!! ‘

Diane who said ‘A she-wee…don’t ask why!’

Cassie Benson who said ‘A vibrator that looks like an iron but is meant for adult pleasure however its never been used for that. A few years ago I started seizing up in my shoulder and needed a heating/massaging device that I could pull out of my bag to relieve some pain instantly. I tried many different ones over the years but at a toy party recently I found this and the lady demonstrated it on my shoulder. I had to buy it for that purpose! Now I take it everywhere with me! The best thing is it looks like an iron or a little triangle thingy – no one knows its a sex toy (unless they have one too lol)’

Reader Interactions

Comments

  5. Great idea… so many possibilities… could also use as a nappy wallet for a quick trip to local shops.

    Reply

  6. I’d love this – Im really into making bags at the moment so this would be a nice one to add to my collection 🙂

    Reply

  7. I haven’t seen this pattern before… I love it! I need to make this clutch! Thanks for the chance and I love your blog!

    Reply

  12. I love this fabric you have used. I think I might have some in my stash but I purchased to make the unborn daughter a dress. I might have to sacrifice to make a necessary clutch. Purchased the pattern awhile ago but am yet to give it a go

    Reply

  14. I have the same fabric in my stash 🙂
    Love your version Abby, it looks so well made…I’m not sure I could do as good a job as you (but I’d try if I was to win 😛 (I just entered)
    Good luck to me 😀
    xx

    Reply

  16. I fell in love this pattern when I first saw it. I’ve made 2.5 of them now and still love it. And I quilted the fabric to make it “Vera Bradley” ish. So durable and practical!

    Reply

  18. Hi Abby! I met you at the Sew Delicious sewing day, remember the old ducks at the end table? You showed me your beautiful wallet that day because I had high hopes of starting one for myself with the pattern and fabric in my bag ready to go. Weeeellll, would you believe I STILL haven’t sewn it? Hahaha, but you have now given me a reminder to get a move on with it!

    Reply

    • Hi Louise – yes, I definitely remember you. Get sewing!! Would love to see some pics when you’re finished.

      Reply

  21. Thanks for the chance to win and a great review of a pattern I have had my eye on for a while.

    Reply

  24. this is the perfect clutch to.make as a gift ..I need to make something for a friend who has just loaded me with favours n I couldnt think of a better way than to make her one these!

    Reply

  27. Perfect! I don’t carry a nappy bag anymore but I find I still have to carry a lot of things around for the kids so my own things need to be compact. This is perfect for keeping all my important bits and bobs from getting lost in amongst beach towels, water bottles, picnic blankets, lunches, hats, sun cream… the list goes on! 😉

    Reply

  28. Thanks for sharing your wallet at our Bag Brag Tuesday Linking Party (ChrisW Designs) ….it is a great wallet design, isn’t it? I’ve made one too and use it all the time! I am even planning my next one in some nice fresh new colours! 🙂

    Reply

  29. Just wondering but, how much would you charge to make me one of these? 🙂 It’s gorgeous, but I can’t sew to save my life.

    Reply

    • Hi Lynn,

      Not sure, but if there is, the first place I’d ask is in the ‘NCW Addicts’ facebook group. They are a wealth of information.

      Reply

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