How to make a fabric wallet

Leanne Garrity is back with another fantastic sewing project that makes you want to get the needle and thread out immediately. Leanne shows you how to make a fabric wallet – the essential travel accessory for wanderers!

Use Leanne’s tutorial to sew up a simple fabric wallet in just ten steps using leftover fabrics, elastic, and a simple button! It’s a great stashbuster project that’s perfect for newbie sewers. This fabric wallet will store your loyalty cards, train tickets, pennies and more inside and can be whipped up in one evening. Plus it’s small enough to fit into any handbag or pocket.

Make yours using your favourite fabrics and once you’ve mastered the tutorial make some for your friends too. Or we think these fabric wallets would make a great Father’s Day gift for dads who always have loose change hanging about!

Use our sewing for beginners and how to use a sewing machine guides to help you sew with ease but now it’s over to Leanne. Show us how to make a fabric wallet Leanne!

You will need:

• Main outer fabric, 23x11cm (9⅛ x 4⅜”)
• Contrasting lining fabric, 23x11cm (9⅛ x 4⅜”)
• Pocket pieces in lining fabric: 1. 23x10cm (9⅛ x 4”); 2. 23x13cm (9⅛ x 5¼”); 3. 23x16cm (9⅛ x 6¾”)
• Wooden button, 2cm (¾”)
• Elastic, 7cm long (2¾”)
• Sewing machine (if you’re on the market for a new machine check out our best sewing machines for beginners)
• Optional interfacing piece if fabric choices are light weight, 23x11cm (9⅛ x 4⅜”)

How to make a fabric wallet

Step 1

Fold all pocket pieces in half with long sides touching. Press and sew raw edges with a ½cm (¼”) seam allowance.

Step 2

Place pocket 2 on top of pocket 3, aligning bottom raw edges. Measure 4cm (1⅝”) down from folded edge of pocket 2. Pin and sew a straight stitch across.

Step 3

Place pocket 1 on top of pocket 2, aligning bottom raw edges. Pin and sew bottom edge with a ½cm (¼”) seam allowance.

Step 4

Fold in half widthways to find the centre vertical fold. Pin and sew a vertical line.

Step 5

Now sew another vertical line on either side of centre line, spaced 1cm (⅜”) away from the stitch.

Step 6

Place pockets on top of lining, matching bottom raw edges. Stitch along bottom edge with a ½cm (¼”) seam allowance. Pin elastic in a loop to the centre of the right hand side. Keep pins clear of sewing path, set aside.

Step 7

Place outer fabric on top of interfacing fabric, right side up. Now place pocket section face down on top of outer fabric, right sides together. Pin and sew with a ½cm (¼”) seam allowance, leaving gap at the bottom to turn.

Step 8

Turn using a knitting needle to gently push corners into points. Use a pin to coax out stubborn corners. Press.

Step 9

Whip stitch the opening closed.

Step 10

Sew the button to the front of the wallet, making sure the elastic is neatly aligned with it when closed.

Learn how to make a fabric wallet

When you haven’t got much time to sew, or just want to finish something quickly, this fabric wallet is the perfect project.

Easy accessories to sew today!

For more simple sewing projects check out our sewing patterns for beginners, which is full of easy and fun things to make.

Leanne Garrity

Leanne is a DIY blogger, writer, book reviewer, designer and maker for her independent fashion label Chi Chi Dee Handmade.

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