7 Unique and Eye-Catching Wallet Patterns to Inspire You
Have you ever thought about making your own wallet? I know it may be easier to go to a store and purchase one, but how much more satisfying would it be to create one from scratch? For this post, I’ve found some amazing wallet patterns to sew, and I would love to share them with you.
We’re going to discuss what fabric to use, different wallet types, and how to make one, so if that’s something that interests you, keep reading! I’m super pumped for this post, and I hope you are too!
How To Sew a Wallet
I’ve made a bunch of wallets in the past for friends, family, and to sell at craft shows and on Etsy, so trust me when I tell you, anybody can sew a wallet. To prepare you for making your first wallet, let me list out the steps you will (most likely) go through regardless of the wallet sewing pattern you choose.
- Step 1: Choose the pattern. This is pretty self-explanatory, but you’ll probably need to select a sewing pattern or your first few wallets. After that, you may be able to design your own. Make sure you choose a pattern that is within your skill level. Most pattern designers tell you who their patterns are best suited for.
- Step 2: Choose fabric and other notions. Some patterns will require zippers, clasps, or magnetic closures. Make sure you have all the necessary accessories before you start sewing. Shopping for fabric is the fun part, so have fun with it! We’ll go over what types of fabrics work best later in this post.
- Step 3: Follow the instructions. Most wallet patterns to sew provide step-by-step instructions on how to construct the wallet, and I recommend following them to a “T.” Once you’ve made a couple of practice wallets, you can start customizing your own DIY wallet template.
- Step 4: Show it off! Sewing a wallet will likely take you a few hours to complete. Once you’ve finished, show it off to your friends and family! It’s always fun to hear, “Wow! You made that?!”
Interested in making your handbag to match? Check out this post here, where we look at a bunch of beautiful handbag sewing patterns.
How Much Material Do I Need to Make a Wallet?
The exact amount of fabric you need is going to depend on the pattern that you choose, but I can tell you, for most fabric wallet pattern options, you’ll only need to purchase ½ yard or less each for the outer fabric and lining fabric. That means this is a fairly inexpensive project.
Where things could get a little pricey is the accessories list. Some hardware is cheap and easy to find, some items you may need to order online, and depending on the material they’re made from, they can cost a pretty penny.
That’s why I recommend keeping an eye open for sales and clearance whenever possible. Or you could use hardware from an old or thrifted wallet or bag.
What is the Best Material to Make a Wallet?
This is an excellent question because some sewists probably have strong opinions on the fabrics you should and shouldn’t use for handmade wallets. I personally think if you like the fabric, use the fabric.
Now you should be practical. Tulle isn’t the best choice to conceal your credit cards and driver’s license, right? Here is a short list of materials that work great for DIY wallets.
- Quilting Cotton
- Denim
- Canvas
- Duck cloth
- Leather
- Suede
- Corduroy
- Sturdy apparel fabrics
7 Fantastic Wallet Sewing Pattern Ideas
Now that you know a bit about the process of making a wallet and what types of fabrics you can use, let’s check some of the best DIY wallet options out there. I found a few free wallet patterns and some excellent paid options.
If you are a beginner sewist, this free tutorial is a great starting point. With this tutorial, you’ll learn some great basic skills that you carry into all kinds of sewing projects. The simplicity of the wallet makes it perfect for holding gift cards, coupons, or loose cash.
How cute are these little mini wallets? This excellent free tutorial from Ameroonie Designs features a snap or velcro closure, a D-ring loop, and several card slots. This is a great option for those mommas on the go that just need the necessities when running errands.
This is the tutorial that I used when I was first learning how to make a wallet. The tutorial is well-written and has great photos for each step to show you precisely what to do. I highly recommend this to anyone wanting to learn how to create a great-looking DIY wallet for themselves.
Here is a beautiful all-in-one wallet clutch pattern by Emmaline Bags Inc. This pattern includes cutting instructions, step-by-step construction, and suggestions for closures. This pattern costs a little money, but it’s worth it to make this beautiful custom bag.
Here is another free tutorial for a cute and functional fabric wallet. The finished wallet measures approximately 8” x 4” and features a snap enclosure. You’ll also have plenty of card slots and space for cash and possibly your phone (depending on which one you have.) There is also a video tutorial showing the process of making this wallet from start to finish.
This gorgeous wallet pattern is from the Etsy shop “SorryIcantImsewing,” and they’ve hit it out of the park on this one! This wallet looks professional, functional, and beautiful. The pattern includes four customizable flap options and is meant for intermediate sewists. This wallet looks excellent in leather or in a quilting cotton fabric.
Bagstock Designs is a popular Etsy shop that specializes in, you guessed it, bags! This wallet features 10 card slots, four slip pockets, and interior and exterior zipper pockets. The pattern includes step-by-step instructions and printable template pieces to simplify the wallet construction.
I hope one of these wallet patterns to sew has inspired you to create something extraordinary for yourself. What you can accomplish with a little bit of fabric, thread, and imagination is incredible.
