What the heck is the Popular NCW?

How it Found Me

A few months ago a sewing blogger I follow posted a pic of a bag he had made. The first comment I saw said simply, “Wait til you try the NCW”. The what now? A new acronym? My interest was piqued. A few searches later and I found out that NCW stands for the Necessary Clutch Wallet pattern by Emmaline Bags .

Oh! Interesting… and just like that I was hooked. After purchasing the pattern though, I clearly needed help. I found it with a Youtube video by Kittenish Behaviour called Necessary Clutch Wallet Sew-Along. I watched this series of videos for my first 10 or so NCW’s. The standard design has one interior pocket, but this video describes how to make two zippered sections.

My first attempt was without interfacing (because I didn’t have any) and it was sort of like a proof of concept for me – to see if I could do it. The final product was very floppy, but I couldn’t get over that it looked just like a real wallet. I marveled at it then and I still do when I finish a wallet. I am all in and and there is no going back.

Okay, well it took a while to figure out how to make it and much trial and error. There is so much support and inspiration online though including a dedicated FB group. The learning curve to enter the world of bag-making is not huge! There are so many tutorials and other resources online it is wonderful. For me, the biggest hurdle was discovering what materials and tools were best for each application. Be patient with yourself though because it is worth it.

I also found that one of the most useful things was to use a checklist for cutting out and assembling all the pieces. This includes the zippers, interfacing, fabric, hardware. Still one the hardest part for me when starting a new NCW, is finding all the right combinations of lining, outer and inner fabrics as well as coordinating hardware and zippers. You can download a copy of my NCW cutlist here. Take a peek at my “Tuppence a Bag Gallery” for my latest NCW makes.

So far, I have completely re-arranged my sewing space, explored the world of industrial or semi-industrial sewing machines, tried new and different presser feet, bought masses of bag hardware (OMG!), thread, creating templates, vinyl, denier fabric, rivets, table press. Don’t even get me started on all the interfacing. Talk about a rabbit hole! I love it. lol.

Do you make the NCW?