I need to keep much better track of the mileage I drive for business – I always plan to write it down when I get into the house. But I’m pretty sure I miss some impromptu trips that are not on my calendar. So I need something in the car. I can set the trip meter, but if I don’t write it down…. And I plan some international travel later this year, and remain optimistic that it will actually happen! With the Field Notes & Passport Wallet, I can slip in my passport, driver’s license, a couple of credit cards and some cash to lighten my load.

I looked for something that meets all my needs, but couldn’t find anything that was just right. And I really, really wanted my logo on it.

I can sew! And Kraft-Tex is a lightweight, washable, durable material that requires no edge finishing – a real step-saver. If you are new to Kraft-Tex, this article is a good primer. Enter the Field Notes & Passport Wallet!

Field Notes & Passport wallet ready for a trip!

The main thing that the wallet has to hold is a 3 1/2 X 5 1/2-inch field notes notebook. You can get them with plain, ruled or gridded pages. A passport is slightly smaller, so I knew that would fit.

By expanding the height to 6 1/2 inches, I could also include a pocket for currency and a few more pockets for cards and receipts. Add a sleeve (not a floppy loop) to hold a pen, and my needs are met.

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To make it distinctive, I wanted to put my Flying Goat Studio logo on the cover. I had already digitized the design in Bernina Embroidery Software to stitch on other items. I love how it turned out!

I had to make some adjustments how the design would stitch out to stagger the needle points. With a row of close stitches, such as satin stitch, the needle creates holes in nonwoven materials such as Kraft-Tex, leather and vinyl that can cause the material to tear. So test, test, test before stitching!

One (1) Wallet

How to Make a Field Notes and Passport Wallet

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Active Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Difficulty: Experienced

Love to travel? This is the perfect project that holds your passport, Field Notes notebook and a pen. It has space for your driver's license and a few credit cards, too. Everything you need will be in one place to both lighten you load and no need to keep track of multiple items in your bag.

Materials

One (1) roll Kraft-Tex, I used Hand-Dyed Kraft-Tex in Linen
Sewing thread, any color - remember that your stitches will be visible
OPTIONAL for machine embroidery:
OESD Stabil-Stick or similar stabilizer
Machine embroidery thread

Tools

Sewing machine
Rotary cutter, mat and quilter's ruler (if you have a rotary cutter dedicated to paper, use that one)
Quilters clips or small binder clips
OPTIONAL for machine embroidery
Sewing machine set up for embroidery

Instructions

Start by cutting your pieces from Kraft-Tex. You will need:
One (1) 9-inch x 6-1/2 inch piece for the outside cover
Two (2) 4-inch x 6-1/2 inch pieces for the inside pockets
One (1) 3-1/2 inch x 6-1/2 inch piece for the optional right pocket
One (1) 3-inch x 6-1/2 inch piece for the double left pocket
Optional: One (1) 2-1/2 inch x 4-1/2 inch piece for the pen sleeve. NOTE: This requires that your sewing machine can sew through up to five (5) layers of Kraft-Tex. Most will handle it easier, but test first! If you wish, you can adapt the pend sleeve using quilters cotton.

If you are going to machine embroider the cover of your wallet, following the directions for your stabilizer, hoop the stabilizer and score the paper covering to expose the sticky side. Position the Kraft-Tex on the sticky surface and press down to adhere. When the Kraft-Tex is secure, stitch out the design.
Remove the hoop. Cut away excess stabilizer, leaving at least a 1/4-inch margin around the stitches. Press.
Place the 3-inch x 6-1/2 inch piece of Kraft-Tex on top of one of the 4-inch x 6-1/2 inch pieces, aligning one of the long edges. Stitch center as illustrated below. This is your left inside pocket. Set aside.
Fold the 2-1/2 inch x 4-1/2 inch piece of Kraft-Tex in half lengthwise. Then stitch close to one short edge to create the pen pocket.
Place the cover of your notebook wallet (9-inch x 6-1/2 inches) face down so the inside of the cover is facing you.

Then line up the left inside pocket that you stitched earlier along the left edge of your cover. You should have three (3) layers of Kraft-Tex on the left edge. Secure with clips. (NOTE: don't use pins with Kraft-Tex as they will leave holes in the fabric)

At the right edge of your cover, align the other 4-inch x 6-1/2 inch piece, matching outside edges. To add the optional 3-1/2 inch x 6-1/2 inch pocket, place it on top, lining up the outside edges and secure with clips.

On the right side edge and 1/4-inch from the bottom edge of the cover, insert 1/4-inch of the long raw edges of the pen sleeve between the outside cover and 4-inch pocket.
Stitch the perimeter of the wallet 1/8-inch from the edge, but make sure to secure the edges of the pen sleeve between the layers.
Here is the way it looks on the inside.
To secure the stitches, pull the top thread ends to the back. Tie off with their corresponding bobbin threads using a square or surgeon's knot. Dab the knots with a touch of seam sealer or super glue.
Now you are ready to travel because you can keep track of all of the details with your custom Field Notes and Passport Wallet!