My hubby Alex likes to carry around a slim, fold-in-half vinyl wallet sometimes, but his isn't quite the right size to fit a dollar bill folded in half. He has to perform some kind of weird origami quarter-fold to make cash fit, so I thought I'd see if I could make a better one.
Tragically the fabric store didn't have orange vinyl, but I made do. I used one color for the outside and another for contrasting pockets. (I folded the wallets a little bit crooked in the photo above so you can see a hint of pocket peeking out.)
These would be simple gifts to whip up as graduation presents or Father's Day gifts, and especially fun with cash or a gift card tucked inside.
The measurements I used:
Outer piece = 4.5" x 6.5"
Each pocket = 4.5" x 2.5"
Or adjust as needed to make business card holders, recipe card holders, you name it.
On the outer piece, get crazy with your sewing machine and stitch some lines using contrasting thread. I made some straight stitches on one version, then tried one of the fancy stitches on my sewing machine that I never use.
Instead of backstitching to secure the ends of the decorative stitches (that's unsightly!) pick at the last stitch on the reverse side until you can pull the thread from the front side back through and then knot the loose ends. Secure all the stitches this way.
Then sew on the two pockets by stitching around the edges of the wallet. When you're finished, slice off any overhanging bits with a rotary cutter and a ruler to tidy up the edges.
39 comments:
You sewed!!! Well, a little. :) But how very effective! These are so simple yet so cool! Perfect colors, too.
Mum
These are great and just the level of sewing project I can handle. My hubby carries something very similar. Thanks for the idea!
I have just the right vinyl in my stash! Thanks for the ideas.
This also makes a cover for a little book. Cut pages slightly smaller than the open wallet, fold down the middle, sew down the middle, and insert the first and last pages into the pockets.
I love this and I love the stitching detail! Yay for no more voodoo origami money-folding! Though I wonder if Alex will be sad he no longer has to do it. I can see him very carefully and meticulously folding each bill so that each one fits in correctly :-)
Very impressive! I love this wallet. And though of course orange would have been better, the colours you worked with are terrific.
Loulou
Such a quick and easy project! Thanks for sharing!
This is a nice and simple diy. I've been thinking about making my own wallet for a while, since I can't find the kind I want. My plans are a bit more complicated though. Thanks for the idea!
I just bought some discounted silver vinyl placemats thinking to sew something with (this kind of behaviour is why I have no room in my closet.) Now I have a project! Thanks. :-)
These are nice, simple, practical and so pretty!!!
Thanks for the ideas.
this is such a great idea and would make a great gift
Oh do I like those cute wallets or card holders, on my way to look at what vinyl I have lurking downstairs! Thanks
Beautiful Idea!...
Cute cute!
awesome idea.. stitching detail is simple yet very effective.. love it!!
just one question -don't the coins fall out?
Bee
ekswhyzed_@hotmail.com
They would if you tried to keep coins in it, yup.
Thank you for idea.
It's so beautiful idea!
I MUST try this sometime! So cute :o)
Wow, definitely going to try this out when I get a hold of my grandmothers sewing machine. I have been wanting to make a wallet for a while, this is perfect for me.
http://iampiscesw.blogspot.com/
So simple! Lol...only if you can sew. Wish I had the talent...
love your blog :) cute ideas!
How simple & sensible! I'm thinking checkbook cover...and any other little envelope-type thing to segregate papers, etc in purse or bag. And the vinyl makes it sturdier than fabric! Thank you.
So cute (and simple)!
Oh, I like these! I've been looking for an interesting business card holder and I think modifying the dimensions would be perfect. Lovely work.
Love this project. Even with my limited sewing skills, I think I can do it!
what kind of sawing machine do you use? it looks insane!!!
It's a Singer 7462.
I've been looking for a good wallet tutorial and this is it! Thank you so much for sharing. I can't wait to get started (^_^)
Hey, this was amazing. Simple yet elegant. I made the same by reusing a wedding card. Instead of stitches, I stapled it, the staples look like stitches. Thanks for sharing!
What kind of sewing machine is that? I am wanting to purchase a sewing machine and use a sewing machine for the first time ever.
It's a Singer 7462.
Did you use a silicon foot/walking foot or did you put something on the vinyl?
My old Singer can’t keep the layers together, they don’t move at the some pace.
I didn't need to use a different foot or do anything special, but I've heard of different tricks you can try for that. Try googling "tips for sewing vinyl," or add tape or tissue paper to the search keywords, maybe.
I made this using a common slip in style eyeglass case, the kind with no pocket clip. I made the flaps from the rounded corner parts. Trimmed borders straight and close to the stitching after sewing. Worked pretty good. Thanks. Glasses case, easy to find leather or vinyl.
What a cute project! I love it so much that I decided to feature it in our roundup of graduation crafts! Check it out here: http://www.favecraftsblog.com/graduation-crafts/
Have a great day!
Hi there,
I'm in grad school and unfortunately do not have access to a sewing machine, but I recently lost my wallet and have been looking for one like these. Would I be able to pay you for one?
Hi Irina, sorry! I don't sell them. I bet you can find similar ones out there, though.
What type of vinyl did you use? I know there are different types, just wondering. Love the project, just looking to get the right materials.
Reggie
I don't know much about vinyl types-- I just chose some colors I liked at my local fabric store. Stuff that seemed sturdy.
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