Bike Tube Wallet - Female
This instructable shows how to make a female style wallet out of old bike tubes and billboards/vinyl.
*I very much suggest to read my how to sew bike tubes/vinyl instructable before you make this!
What you'll need to make a Female Style Wallet:
-Old bike tubes (26" or 29" are the widest. just ask for these at most any bike shop).
-Vinyl (I use old billboards. I called up Next Media and they gave me a few free ones).
-Lube (I used cooking oil because it's cheap, biodegradable, wipes off easy, and leaves a shiny coat).
-Most any sewing machine with a leather/denim needle and adjustable tension.
-Polyester thread
-Hot glue gun for tacking tube in place before sewing (optional, but makes it way easier/quicker. you can use clamps/safety pins too.)
For more things you can make out of bike tubes/vinyl check out my other instructables:
The Wallet - Male
The Side Bag/Purse
The Messenger Bag (INSTRUCTIONS COMING SOON)
*I very much suggest to read my how to sew bike tubes/vinyl instructable before you make this!
What you'll need to make a Female Style Wallet:
-Old bike tubes (26" or 29" are the widest. just ask for these at most any bike shop).
-Vinyl (I use old billboards. I called up Next Media and they gave me a few free ones).
-Lube (I used cooking oil because it's cheap, biodegradable, wipes off easy, and leaves a shiny coat).
-Most any sewing machine with a leather/denim needle and adjustable tension.
-Polyester thread
-Hot glue gun for tacking tube in place before sewing (optional, but makes it way easier/quicker. you can use clamps/safety pins too.)
For more things you can make out of bike tubes/vinyl check out my other instructables:
The Wallet - Male
The Side Bag/Purse
The Messenger Bag (INSTRUCTIONS COMING SOON)
Create the Base
Create the Base
1) Cut and sew together a sheet of bike tubes at about 9x10"
2) Cut a sheet of vinyl 1/4-1/2" shorter on each side
1) Cut and sew together a sheet of bike tubes at about 9x10"
2) Cut a sheet of vinyl 1/4-1/2" shorter on each side
Money Pockets
Create the Money Pockets
1) Cut a single bike tube to as long as your vinyl by about 3 1/2-4"
2) Cut a piece of vinyl to the same size as your bike tube pocket with the long side about 1/4-1/2" shorter.
3) Line the 3 sides of the vinyl to be flush with the bike tube with the excess of the bike tube sticking off one side.
4) Fold excess bike tube over vinyl - tack, lube, sew.
5) Make two of these.
1) Cut a single bike tube to as long as your vinyl by about 3 1/2-4"
2) Cut a piece of vinyl to the same size as your bike tube pocket with the long side about 1/4-1/2" shorter.
3) Line the 3 sides of the vinyl to be flush with the bike tube with the excess of the bike tube sticking off one side.
4) Fold excess bike tube over vinyl - tack, lube, sew.
5) Make two of these.
Card Pockets
Create the Card Pockets
1) Cut 5 (or so) pieces of tube at a little wider and a little shorter than a credit card.
2) Measure and lay pieces of tube overlapping at about 3/4" apart across one of the pockets (this distance will vary depending on the length of your wallet and how many card pockets your making. So measure it!)
3) One at a time, tack, lube, and sew the bottom of each card pocket.
4) Once all in a row - tack, lube, and sew sides of card pockets.
5) Sew pockets to vinyl wallet base.
1) Cut 5 (or so) pieces of tube at a little wider and a little shorter than a credit card.
2) Measure and lay pieces of tube overlapping at about 3/4" apart across one of the pockets (this distance will vary depending on the length of your wallet and how many card pockets your making. So measure it!)
3) One at a time, tack, lube, and sew the bottom of each card pocket.
4) Once all in a row - tack, lube, and sew sides of card pockets.
5) Sew pockets to vinyl wallet base.
Sew Vinyl to Tube Base
Sew vinyl to tube base.
1) lay vinyl base in center of tube base.
2) cut 90 degree corners out of 4 corners of tube base until where it meets the vinyl.
3) fold excess tube over for all 4 sides - tack, lube, sew.
1) lay vinyl base in center of tube base.
2) cut 90 degree corners out of 4 corners of tube base until where it meets the vinyl.
3) fold excess tube over for all 4 sides - tack, lube, sew.
Clasp Tie
Clasp Tie
1) cut a few foot 1/2" wide bike tube strip
2) lay across center of the wallet with equal length hanging on either side.
3) sew single line into either edge of wallet across existing seam.
*Note: a single knot tie will create enough friction to hold it shut. It can also come apart with just a simple tug.
1) cut a few foot 1/2" wide bike tube strip
2) lay across center of the wallet with equal length hanging on either side.
3) sew single line into either edge of wallet across existing seam.
*Note: a single knot tie will create enough friction to hold it shut. It can also come apart with just a simple tug.
Finish
Finish
1) Use a rag to wipe up lube. Use some extra lube to whipe entire surface of wallet to make shine.
2) Cut any sticking up threads.
1) Use a rag to wipe up lube. Use some extra lube to whipe entire surface of wallet to make shine.
2) Cut any sticking up threads.