Fully handmade leather zip-around long wallet
I wanted to share my latest completed project: a classic zip-around long wallet.
This piece was a massive test of patience, especially when it came to achieving clean zipper alignment and maintaining a slim profile despite the multiple internal layers.
The biggest challenge with a full-zip wallet is always the bulk management and the zipper teeth alignment around the corners. To keep the wallet from bloating, I had to carry out extreme precision skiving on the interior card pockets and lining layers to keep things incredibly thin yet structurally sound.
The stitching was done entirely with a traditional saddle stitch, ensuring tension is perfectly balanced across the entire perimeter. For the edges, I opted for a classic burnished finish rather than edge paint to let the beautiful layers of the Italian veg-tan show through.
I’m really happy with how the zipper tension turned out—it glides smoothly without any warping on the leather frame.
📸 See the full process, interior details, and workshop updates on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/tripley\_leathercraft
I’d love to hear your feedback or answer any questions about the dimensions and skiving breakdown! What’s your preferred method for gluing zippers perfectly flush?