Gokstad coin purse (revisited)
- Tamira
- Mar 18, 2025
- 2 min read
I have made my own (revisited) version of the Gokstad purse or wallet. Most reconstructions from the fragmented wallet, only some leather and the swirl decoration are found, are rather complicated. Which is not a problem of course, but a lot of work for just a coin purse. So the people from Projekt Forlog revisited the idea, and made some simpeler versions of the wallet together with a leather worker. I will link the full article below!
These ones looked way easier to make then the other versions, so I got inspired. I stumbled trough the house, found some leather, wool and herringbone fabric. I did not have enough leather for both sides, so I used some felted wool fabric which also does the trick. I did made a small mistake with the layers, you can see where if you look at the pictures on the end of the article, but it still works like this!
I don't work with leather that often, but this was a rather simple project. I also got an awl, which made it even easier! I did end up making only one swirl decoration, because it was enough work already. And when you wear it over your belt only the front will be visible anyways. At least that is how I imagine how you wear it.
It was really time for a new coin purse, because the one I had before was a simple drawstring one, which also was not historically made at all. So this is a really good upgrade! I always put my 'Viking" money in it: that what I make on markets and from my own crafts. So this looks way more professional too.
This little project really made my day, it ended up looking really nice! Even with the small imperfections. They make it even better, use what you have and try your best! This was another small project post like the one about the Skjoldehamn belt, hope you all like it. And if you have any thoughts, let me know in the comments!
Here is a link to the article about making the wallet:
What a beautiful purse!! Excellent work as usual :)