Kannik’s Korner Accessories Pattern

Part 3: “Wallet” Pattern review

The heavy linen canvas used in the apron was a joy to work with, so I am using up the rest of it to make what this pattern refers to as a “wallet.” I’ve also heard it called a “market wallet.” That is not a period-correct term but is used to distinguish it from the meaning of “billfold.” This “wallet” is actually a very handy sack!

This wallet (which is not pictured on the envelope) is a double ended sack with a slit in the center. If you’ve read my post on the “miser’s purse,” they are a similar shape on a larger scale. These wallets varied in measurements, but were a good size to sling over your shoulder or across a horse’s back.

My favorite use of this wallet is for hiding modern items or moving them around a period encampment without breaking character. A wallet lets you sling two bags of ice over one shoulder and still have both hands free. You can change into your period clothing and use it as a duffle for your modern clothes or laundry. You can drape it over a camp chair, pin a plastic bag inside and use it to collect trash.

I mean, a wooden chest can do some of these things, but a cloth sack is lighter and takes less space in the van. It’s also easy to make, so read on.

Let me pause for a second. If you want to buy one without having to sew it yourself, they are available here from Wm Booth, Draper or here from Samson Historical.

The size will depend on what you want it to carry. If you want to make a sack that will hold bags of ice, it needs to be as large around as a bag of ice. The slit needs to be big enough to admit a bag of ice. And the sack ends need to be deep enough that the bag of ice is not sticking partway out as you walk around. But not so long that the wallet is knocking into your thigh with every stride.

Remember that when the sack is full rather than empty, a few inches of the “length” will become “bulk.”

I assembled this from a rectangle about 56″x40,” which became about 54″ x 20″ after sewing. When empty, it comes a little below the waist on a tall man.

Decide on your measurements and cut a rectangle. Fold the rectangle into a tube, make your center slit and stitch the rest shut. Finish the edges to keep them from fraying. Sew the ends shut, then turn right side out.

This slit is about 12″ long, so it will admit items up to 24″ around. The ends of the slit take a lot of abuse, so put some reinforcing stitches there.

The Kannik’s Korner pattern didn’t give measurements, just assembly instructions, but I’m glad it was even included. Wallets were used by men and women, military and civilian. This is a very practical item for an 18th century encampment and more people should know about it.