How to DIY a Cute and Easy Card Wallet

Ae PooiM
by Ae PooiM

This mini DIY card wallet is so practical! Not only does it hold your cards in the central section, it also has two buttoned compartments for bank notes and cash. 


I’m going to show you how to sew a wallet out of fabric so that you can tuck it away in a pocket or small bag.

Tools and materials: 

  • Outer canvas fabric
  • Cotton or canvas lining fabric
  • 2 plastic or metal snap buttons
  • Snap button press
  • 11 7/8 inch (30 cm) circle template or plate
  • Fabric marker
  • Ruler
  • Scissors
  • Iron
  • Sewing machine
How to DIY a card wallet

1. Make the basic DIY fabric wallet shape

Cut a 13 inch (33 cm) square out of the outer and lining fabrics.


On the wrong side of the outer fabric, draw a 11 7/8 inch (30 cm) circle in the center of the square. I’d advise using a template such as a plate or bowl to make this easier.

How to DIY a card wallet

Place the outer and lining squares together with the right sides facing and the outer square on top.


Sew them together, following the outline of the circle as your stitching line and leaving a small opening at one side.

How to DIY a card wallet

Trim off the excess fabric approximately a quarter inch (0.5 cm) from the stitching.

How to DIY a card wallet

When you reach the unstitched section, allow a larger seam allowance so you can turn under the edges.

How to DIY a card wallet

Press the edges of the opening to the wrong side.

How to DIY a card wallet

Turn the circles right side out through the opening and press the seam carefully.


Top stitch close to the edge, making sure the seam allowances are tucked inside so you are sewing the opening closed at the same time.

How to DIY a card wallet

2. Create the wallet compartments

Fold the circle in half with the lining on the inside.

How to DIY a card wallet

Measure 4 1/2 inches (11.5 cm) across the semicircle from the fold and draw a vertical line parallel to the fold.

Sew the two halves of the circle together along the line.



How to DIY a card wallet

Refold the wallet so the seam is in the center and open the sides of the seam flat.

How to DIY a card wallet

Press well so all the edges are crisp and sharp.

How to DIY a card wallet

Fold the wallet widthways with the outer fabric on the inside and press again.

How to DIY a card wallet

Draw a mark at either side of the folded wallet, at the level of the top of the seam.

How to DIY a card wallet

Sew both the side edges together, from the fold to the marks.

How to DIY a card wallet

3. Attach the snap buttons

Fold down the flaps above the stitching on the front and back of the wallet.

How to DIY a card wallet

Push the prong of the cap of a snap button through the edge of the flap from the outside. Make sure it’s in line with the central seam.

How to DIY a card wallet

Place the button socket over the prong and grip it in place with a button press.

How to DIY a card wallet

Mark the point on the seam for the lower half of the button.

How to DIY a card wallet

Push the open prong ring through from the inside of the wallet at the mark and press the stud on to it from the outside.


Attach a button to the other side of the wallet in the same way.

How to DIY a card wallet
How to DIY a card wallet

DIY card wallet

These DIY card wallets make great gifts and are also a popular item to sew for sale. With a little practice, you can make them in five to ten minutes, so they can be very profitable.


I also find them fun to make in different colorways. 


You can experiment with various materials as well. Canvas is a great standby but you can use more lightweight fabrics if you back the squares with fusible interfacing before cutting and sewing them.


I hope you enjoyed my DIY wallet pattern and I’d love to know what you thought of it in the comments below.


Next, check out my Easy Tutorial on How to Sew a Pouch With a Zipper.

The author may collect a small share of sales from the links on this page.

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