How to Sew a Credit Card Wallet, Business, or Gift Card holder

Update: I've finally created a Flickr group where you can upload photos of the credit card wallets you've made. I've seen some really fun versions out there, so please share them with us here~ http://www.flickr.com/groups/mscglwallet/

I'm a huge purse-lover, but I always find myself grabbing my driver's license and credit card when running into the grocery store, post office, out to drop the kids off at school, etc., so I love having these little wallets in a multitude of colors and patterns.  They're light enough to grab and go and compact enough to slide in my back pocket. They're also great way to personalize giving a gift card.

The tutorial I did for this version has been the most popular post on my blog every week since I put it up in November of 2008. I feel embarrassed every time I see it on the list of top posts because I had just picked up sewing again, the photos aren't great, and there was no closure on it...blah blah blah. This week I finally found some time to do a new and improved tutorial. I found this Fall-ish, vintage looking fabric at JoAnn a few months ago and have been looking longingly at it ever since.

Credit Card / Business Card / Gift Card Holder Tutorial

Materials:
Two pieces of fabric cut to 6" x 4.5"
One piece 6" x 4" in coordinating fabric for inside pocket
One piece of interfacing cut to 6" x 4.5"
Closure - snap, button and/or pony tail band (I'll give instructions for each.)

Start by ironing all of your fabric. Attach the interfacing to what will be your outer piece of 6 x 4.5 fabric. {Update: It was brought to my attention that I ordered these incorrectly because I was using the same fabric as my outer piece and my lining, thus the new colors here in the updated version!}

Here you see the pink lining piece and my blue floral outer piece, with interfacing attached.

Take your 6 x 4" pocket piece and fold it down about 1/4 inch, then 1/4 inch again. Pin and sew.

Now we're going to layer the fabric pieces in preparation for sewing them all together. Place your lining piece of fabric right side up on the bottom of the pile. Put the pocket on top of that, right side up as well, as seen below.

If you're planning to do a button closure, use the version on the top of the photo, positioning the rubber band so it's half way into the fabric. 

If you're planning on just using the pony tail band closure, use the photo on the bottom, placing as much of the rubber band as possible to the inside of the fabric.. When you're done, you'll pull the rubber band around the entire wallet to keep it securely closed.

If you're using a snap closure, you don't need to add it until the end.

Once you've positioned your fastener, you're ready to lay the outer piece of 6 x 4.5 fabric on top (with interfacing attached) right side down on top of the pocket. Pin and sew the sides and top, leaving the entire bottom open.

Clip the two top corners for easier turning. To turn, lift up the outer layer only and flip right side out. Press. You should have something that looks like this...

Now, if you chose a button and rubber band closure, this is the time to add your button. Fold the wallet in half and pull the band to the front to determine just where your button should be. Mark it with a fabric marker. Because the bottom of the wallet is still open, you'll have easy access to sew the button on.

Side note: One of the few things I remember from high school Home Economics is this tip for sewing a button. {Thanks Mrs. Tate!} Slide a toothpick between the button and fabric to ensure the wiggle room the button will need. Once you've sewn it enough, pull the needle up through the fabric, but under the button and wrap it around the threads holding the button on 5 or 6 times. While this is a great trick for buttons on clothing, it's important that the button on your wallet have the same type of wiggle room because the rubber band will need to catch on it.

Okay, back to the tutorial...you're so close now!

Lift up the pocket piece, which is still only attached on the left and right sides. Flip it so that it is inside out, but the other pieces are still right side out.

Press, then pin and sew the bottom.

Clip the two bottom corners for ease of turning, then flip the lining so it's all right side out. Iron again. Using a ruler and fabric marker, mark a line down the very center of the wallet. Be precise!

Sew along this line. (Start at the bottom of the wallet and sew to the top; this will keep the pocket from bunching up.) This seam will give the wallet a natural place to fold in half. While you're there, top stitch all the way around the wallet.

If you chose the rubber band or the button and rubberband closures, you're done! If you chose the snap closure, you'll need to sew your snaps on like so...

The snaps are easy, I just suggest making them very secure. I'm always afraid of them pulling the fabric too much. I do think this is a more masculine look. Well, if the fabric was masculine, that is.

I'd love to see photos if you make one of these wallets, so please come and upload a photo to the Flickr group!

This post has been linked to:

Transformation Thursday @ The Shabby Creek Cottage | House of Hepworths - Hookin' up with HoH | Whatever Goes Wednesdays @ Someday Crafts | Strut Your Stuff Thursdays @ Somewhat Simple | Frugal Friday @ The Shabby Nest | Friday Flair @ Whipper Berry | Friday Fun Finds @ Kojo Designs | Feature Yourself Friday @ Fingerprints on the Fridge | I'm Loving It Fridays @ Tidy Mom | Check Me Out Saturday |