Tutorial: How to Make a Keychain Wallet using Denim
If you have an old pair of jeans that’s too worn out to wear anymore, you can upcycle them and turn them into a cute little keychain wallet. This denim wallet has five pockets for cards and ID, as well as an inside pocket that I like to use for cash. Because denim is typically a thicker fabric, I recommend using a heavy duty needle with your sewing machine to make sure it can get through the layers. Download the free denim wallet pattern below and follow along with the tutorial.
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Supplies Needed:
(all of my patterns include 1/2″ seam allowance)
Step 1
apply interfacing to wallet front and back
Step 2
fold over the top of the pocket pieces
Fold over the top edge (1/2 inch) of the 4 pocket pieces and the 1 front pocket piece. If you want, you can choose to use a contrast gold-colored thread to do this so that you mimic the topstitching found on most pairs of jeans.
Step 3
sew the pockets to the back side of the wallet
One at a time layer 3 of the pocket pieces onto the back side of the wallet:
- Place the base of the first pocket should be 1 inch up from the bottom, and stitch along the bottom.
- Layer the second pocket 1/2 and inch below the first. The base of this pocket will be 1/2 inch from the bottom. stitch this pocket in place
- Add the third pocket on top of the first two. The base of this pocket will line up with the bottom. Stitch around the base and sides of all layers.
Step 4
sew pockets to the front side of the wallet
Now you want to do the same process with the front of the wallet. Layer the pocket and then the front pocket piece.
- Add the pocket with the base 1 inch from the bottom and stitch.
- Add the front pocket lined up with the bottom and stitch around the base and sides of all layers.
Step 5
sew the lining to the front and back of the wallet on one side
With right sides together place the lining on top of the front and back pieces. Stitch along the left side of the front wallet, and the right side of the back wallet. The two sides should mirror each other.
After sewing, trim the seam to reduce bulk and flip the lining to the back of the wallet pieces. It’s a good idea to baste the lining in place at this point.
Step 6
sew the hook tab in quarters
Fold the side of the tab to the center and then fold the tab in half (the same way you fold bias tape or a belt carrier). Then edge stitch through all layers.
Step 7
sew the tab to the top of the wallet
Baste the tab to the front of the wallet.
Step 8
sew the front and back of the wallet together
With right sides together, sew the front and the back of the wallet. The edges where you sewed the lining should line up. Sew the other three sides and leave this one open.
Step 9
trim the seams
Trim all the corners and seams to reduce bulk.
Step 10
turn the wallet to the right side and edgestitch on top
Turn the wallet to the right side and poke out the corners. If your sewing machine can handle it, edgestitch through all the layers to help the seam of the final wallet remain a little flatter.
Finished!
