Credit Card Wallet

December is here and if you're like me, you are looking for small, quick gift ideas.  This Credit Card Wallet is an easy (and useful!) choice.  I made it in 2 sizes.

The large wallet is the size of a chequebook;  it measures 3-1/2" x 7" and has slots for 12 cards.

 The smaller wallet has 8 card slots and measures 3-1/2" x 5".

Directions for the wallets follow, the only difference in the construction is the initial size of the cut pieces and the number of strips needed for card slots.
Materials Required:
For the large wallet:
2 pieces cotton print each 8" x 8" (main fabric)
6 pieces coordinating cotton print, each 4" x 8" (card slots)
2 pieces 8" x 8" heavy weight fusible interfacing*

For the small wallet:
2 pieces cotton print each 6" x 8" (main fabric)
4 pieces coordinating cotton print, each 4" x 8" (card slots)
2 pieces 6" x 8" heavy weight fusible interfacing*

For both:
1 covered elastic (hair elastic)
Sewing thread to match
Disappearing marker

* For interfacing, I used Pellon # 808 Craft Fuse (from Mrs P's)

Directions: Following manufacturer's instructions, fuse the interfacing to the back of the main fabric pieces.

Fold the 4" x 8" card slot strips in half wrong sides together and press. (For the large wallet, you have 6 strips and for the small wallet you have 4.)

With a disappearing marker, for the small wallet draw 3 parallel lines spared 1" apart on the long edge of your fabric. (For the large wallet, draw 5 parallel lines spaced 1" apart along one edge of your fabric.)

Place the raw edges of one of the folded 4" x 8" card slot pieces along the line closest to the bottom. (The folded edge will extend past the bottom of the main fabric.)  Pin in place; topstitch using a narrow, 1/8" seam allowance. (You will flip this fabric up to cover the seam once all the strips are sewn in place.)

Continue adding the folded card slot strips to each line in the same manner. You will have one strip left over. Flip each strip up over the stitching line, and press in place.

Place remaining strip raw edges even with the bottom of the main fabric and stitch.

With disappearing marker, measure in 4" from the edge and draw a line down the centre of your wallet.

From the bottom up, stitch along this line in a matching thread.

Place remaining interfaced main fabric piece right sides together with your wallet and pin around outside edges, leaving an opening to turn.  (I left the top edge open as it had less bulk.)  Stitch around your wallet using a 1/2" seam allowance. This will ensure your cards fit snugly in the slots. Turn your wallet right side out through the opening, and press. Test your slots with a card to make sure they are the right size.  If they are too snug, you will need to go back and take a narrower seam allowance.  If they are too large, sew again with a larger seam allowance. When you are happy with the fit, close the opening with machine or hand stitches.

Open your wallet and on the inside,stitch top to bottom over the previous line of stitching.  This will ensure a nice crease so your wallet folds neatly.On the outside, find the centre of your wallet and top stitch the elastic ring.  

Fold the wallet and loop the elastic around to snug it closed.

 All done!

Slip a Tim Card inside for a great gift!

This big red one won't be going anywhere, though...

It's filled up and in use already *-)  I love it, and as you can see...I needed it!

Have fun.  Send pictures! :)