Easy DIY Three Pocket Zipper Coin Pouch

 I don’t like my wallet because the dividers and padding make it quite thick when it is empty and worse when I put dollar bills in it. Which is an issue because that’s what wallets are supposed to do – hold money.

I’ve been hunting for the perfect wallet off and on for quite awhile. Ideally, I want something the same size and thickness as a coin pouch. Alas, those I like don’t have slim interior pockets for my ID and debit cards.

 Keep reading to learn how to more pockets than you could ever hope to fill to a coin purse!

It would be perfect if only the pouch had two interior pockets. A key clip would be nice to keep my keys from hiding in the deepest darkest corners of my purse.

 I use the back pocket to hold the 10 gajillion loyalty cards I get from practically every store I patronize.

Then I remembered I knew how to sew and hack a pattern. I alter sewing patterns so often Husband feigns shock and horror when I tell him I followed a pattern to the letter, “What?! Can you DO that?!”

This is what I get for marrying an actor.

How to Add Pockets and a Key Holder to a Zipper Coin Pouch Pattern

 Pin this idea for later and to share with your friends!

 
I used the build in embroidery files in my Bother sewing and embroidery machine to monogram the uncut fabric with an oval around my initial. I centered the pattern on the design and cut it out to make what will be the front panel of my zippered wallet pouch.(Disclosure: I am including affiliate links in this post for your convenience.)

I need a flexible coin purse to hold my meeeeeeeeeeeeellions!

(You can use it to hold real legal tender too.)

I followed the pattern and cut the lining and back pouch panel.

I folded my fabric in half and cut three panels one inch shorter than the side panel pattern to make the pockets. I also cut a piece of fabric to fit inside the D ring of the lanyard snap hook lobster claw clasp and sew into the side seam to make the key hook. I can also use the claw clasp to attach a wristlet strap if I  am wearing clothing without pockets and want to travel light.

I followed the instructions on how to shorten a zipper. Then I sewed the zipper to the lining and exterior fabric.

I top stitched the top of each pocket for a more professional appearance. Next I sandwiched and the pocket pieces in between what will become the lining and the outside back of the coin pouch.

 I took the opportunity to play with some of the decorative stitches on my sewing machine that I rarely get a chance to try when I top stitched the interior pockets.

I slipped the fabric tab through the D ring of the clasp, folded it in half and pinned it to the side seam with the clasp facing in – toward the monogram on the right side (the pretty side) of the fabric.

I sewed the seams, flipped the fabric per the pattern and hand stitched the flipping gap closed per the pattern instructions.

To Da! The thin footprint, pocketed wallet I’ve been searching for!

I love the fabric. I have a thing for Damask prints.

This project took about an hour because I embroidered before I spent the whopped 15-30 minutes sewing the project. The pouch took less than a fat quarter of fabric to make.

It is a fantastic fabric stash bust project!

If you'd rather buy than DIY, check out the following options - and more! - below!

Did you enjoy this post? Get more like it by subscribing to the Condo Blues RSS Feed or to Condo Blues by Email.