Here is a simple and fun-to-build-on wallet/checkbook pattern that I worked on as a gift for family. This single fold wallet can hold credit cards, cash, a checkbook and more! It's fun to make, quick and useful. Check back to this post for updates on additions to the pattern!
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First things first, you're going to want to watch this video before you get started. That is where I walk you through every step of the pattern.
Next, download this free PDF file with the cutting requirements and basic instruction. It's very...very basic. The video is really where the pattern instructions are.
Now let's talk about some fun additions to this pattern! I'll add to this list as I come up with new ideas!
5 Slot Credit Card Pocket
First, here is how you can make a 5 slot credit card panel, instead of the standard 3 slot in the pattern.
For this version, you'll want to cut your credit card pocket strip to 38"x2.75" and your Craftuse should be 36"x2.25".
The backing panel and bottom panel will be the same as the 3 card slot verison.
Fuse the Craftfuse centered on the back of the credit card strip.
Mark the top of your credit card strip, measure and mark the 10 marks as shown in the diagram below.
On the first mark from the top, fold fabric right sides together.
On the second marked line from the top, fold the fabric strip wrong sides together.
Continue alternating folds down the entire strip of the credit card pocket.
With this many folds the pocket can get a little thick.
Press your card slot pocket and lay a ruler over it while it cools. This will make the slots nice and slim.
Top stitch along the top of each pocket at 1/8" seam allowance.
Top stitch your fabric logo onto the bottom panel fabric, if preferred. Baste stitch the two long edges of the pocket panel at 1/8" seam allowance.
Trim the card slot pocket down to 7.5" long. Trim the bottom.
Continue piecing together the full card slot pocket as indicated in the tutorial.
Accent Exterior Bow
Here is how you can make and add a simple bow to the front of your wallet.
You'll need two cuts of fabric and one cut of woven interfacing for this.
The bow panel is 8.5"x6". The knot in the middle is 2"x4". The knot's woven interfacing is 1"x3".
Your bow panel will be wider than the exterior panel.
Center and fuse the woven interfacing to the back of the knot fabric.
Wrap the long edges of the knot fabric around the back of the woven intefacing.
Press both long edges down, right sides showing.
Top stitch the long edges of the front of the knot panel at 1/8" seam allowance.
Fold the knot panel right sides together, matching the short edges. Pin in place.
Sew along the short edge at 1/2" seam allowance.
Press the seam open.
Fold the knot so it's right side out.
Match the long edges of the bow panel, right sides together, and pin.
Sew along the pinned edge at 1/4" seam allowance.
Press the seam open, flip the panel so right side is out, and press so the seam runs along the middle of the back of the panel.
Slide the knot onto the center of the bow panel. Make sure the side of the knot with the seam is on the back of the bow panel.
Measure 1/2" up from the right side of the bottom edge of the exterior panel.
Pin in place. The bow should extend farther than the sides of the exterior panel.
Baste the bow in place, 1/8" away from the edge of the exterior panel I find it easiest to lay my unit with the wrong side of the exterior facing up.
Once bow is basted on, it should look like this.
Trim off the edges of the bow overhanging.
Your exterior panel can now be sewn with the lining as the tutorial indicates.
When I do the final top stitching, I do stitch over the bow as well.
I hope you love making these as much as I do! Let me know what other alterations you would like to see added to the blog post in the comments!
Happy Sewing!
Dee Leach | 28th Sep 20
You are awesome ness Personified. Thank you Jess.
Tracy Canfield | 28th Sep 20
Love the bow ! Can’t wait to make this project !
Patty Preston | 29th Sep 20
Hi Jess
Have u ever used a fork to apply your zipper pull? So easy! Sew Sweetness has a tutorial on it.
U probably already know this.
Donna Offenhauer | 1st Oct 20
Thank you for the video and pattern!
Dotty Milligan | 4th Oct 20
Could you show us (your fans) how to do the checkbook cover with a magnetic snap? My daughter loves how thin this is but wants a snap instead!
Cindy Todd | 11th Nov 20
On the final top stitch, are you stitching through the Decovil Heavy?? I thought it was not recommended to stitch through the Heavy. I would also like to know how to add the magnetic snap instead of elastic!
Love all your tutorials!! You are so talented and inspiring!!
Jessica Gibson | 29th Sep 24
Any way to add a post about doing this with a magnetic snap?