Tutorial: How to Make the Perfect Folding Wallet
The wallet that I’ve been using for the last 10 years is finally seeing the end of it’s days, so I decided it’s time to make a new one. This wallet pattern has four slot card pockets, two inner pockets, and a larger pocket for bills. I also show you how to add a tab to the wallet so you can add it to a chain to more securely carry it around. This folding wallet can easily be made using some small scraps of fabric that you have leftover from other projects, or a couple of fat quarters. Download the free wallet pattern below and follow along with my step by step instructions.
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Supplies Needed:
(all of my patterns include 1/2″ seam allowance)
Step 1
add interfacing to pocket pieces, tab, and outer wallet
Apply interfacing to all the pieces except the outer wallet lining and the inner pocket lining.
Step 2
fold over the top of the lower pocket and middle pocket pieces
Fold the top of the lower pocket and inner pocket pieces 1/2 inch and sew.
Step 3
sew the lower and middle pockets on top of the side pocket pieces
Stack the pocket pieces in size order. It will be side pocket, then middle pocket, then lower pocket. Baste them all together around the sides and bottom. Repeat for the second set of pocket pieces.
Step 4
fold over the inner side of both side pockets
Fold over the inner side of the pocket stacks 1/2 inch and sew. Be sure that the two stacks of pockets mirror each other. So you’ll be folding over the right side of one, and the left side of the other.
After sewing, trim any excess seam allowance.
Step 5
sew the side pockets to both sides of the inner pocket
Stack both sets of pockets on either side of the inner pocket. Be sure the pockets are lined up with the outer edge and the hemmed side of the pocket stacks are facing the center.Then baste everything together around the perimeter.
Step 6
sew the lining to the inner pocket on the top side
With right sides together, sew the inner pocket lining to the inner pocket along the top edge. After sewing, trim the excess seam allowance to reduce bulk.
Step 7
Flip the lining to the back of the inner pocket
Press the lining to the back of the pocket. Baste around the perimeter to hold it in place.
Step 8
sew inner pocket to the outer wallet lining on the sides and bottom
Line up the inner pocket piece with the bottom of the outer wallet lining. Then baste around the sides and bottom. The top should remain open.
Step 9
sew the tab in quarters
Fold the edges of the tab to the center, and then fold it in half to hide the raw edges (the same way bias tape and belt carriers are folded). Then sew the tab along the open edge.
Step 10
sew the tab to the center of the outer wallet
Fold the tab in half and then baste it to the top center of the outer wallet piece.
Step 11
sew elastic to one side and a bottom to the other side
Cut 4 inches of elastic and baste it to the left side of the outer wallet. Then sew a button to the right side of the outer wallet.
Step 12
sew outer wallet to the wallet lining
With right sides together, sew the outer wallet to the lining. Be sure to leave a gap when sewing so you can turn it to the right side.
Step 13
clip corners and seams
Clip the corners and trim the seams to reduce bulk.
Step 14
turn the wallet to the right side and sew the gap
Turn the wallet to the right side and sew up the gap. Be sure the press the seam so that it is nice and neat.
Finished!
