Difficulty level
Beginner
Time to Complete
Evening
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Instructions - making the card holder
Stage 1
Take the 9" x 10 1/4" piece. You will be folding the fabric like an accordion. Measuring from the top edge, fold the fabric up at 2 ¼". Measuring up from this fold, fold the fabric down at 1 ½", up at 2" from the previous fold and finally down from the previous fold at 1 ½". Press, taking care not to distort the fabric. Lift the iron up and lower it onto the fabric several times rather than moving it back and forth.
Stage 2
Take the binding fabric and cut two 10" x 1 ¼" strips. Press these in half, unfold, the press each side in to meet the center line, then press in half again. Place a binding strip over the top edge of the lower card holder and stich close to the edge using the edgestitch foot. Remember to unfold the rest of the piece before you start stitching! Using pins or a thin line of fabric glue helps to hold the narrow binding in place whilst you stitch. Once stitched in place, trim the ends in line with the outer edges. Repeat for the second card holder.
Do not bind the top edge of the card holder piece. Press.
Stage 3
Using a fabric marker, draw a line down the center of the card holder on the
wrong side. Stitch a line ¼" either side of this line.
Stage 4
Take the card holder lining piece and, aligning the top edge with the card holder right sides facing, sew along this edge using a ¼" seam. Fold the lining back so the wrong sides are facing and press. Using the edgestitch foot, topstitch along the top edge.
Stage 5
Place the
wrong side of the card slot piece on top of the
right side of the wallet lining, aligning the bottom edges. Baste along the bottom and side edges, sewing as close to the edge as possible and ensuring all the layers are caught.
Instructions - making the wallet exterior
Stage 6
Following the manufacturer’s instructions, fuse the interfacing to the wrong side of the wallet exterior piece.
Stage 7
Place the wallet exterior piece and the completed card holder piece
right sides facing and sew together using a ¼" seam, leaving a gap of approximately 4" for turning out. Clip the corners and press. Turn out, using a point turner to make the corners as neat as possible. Press again.
Stage 8
Topstitch around entire wallet, closing the gap left for turning out in the process. When sewing the top edge, take care to not catch the card holder.
Your stylish wallet is now complete!
This project can be personalized in many ways. Use contrasting fabric for the lining and binding. Embellish the outer fabric with applique before sewing the wallet, or add a name using your machine’s monogramming or embroidery function. Just be sure to stay at least ¼" away from the edge so that none of your design is lost once the pieces are sewn together.
Unique and perfect gift sorted? Tick.
Nick says you're very welcome!
We hope that the lucky recipient, be it your dad or even yourself (if you decided it looked too good to give away) loves their wallet! They really do look great and will do the job looking after all your important cards and banknotes.
Make sure to check our website regularly as we will be putting out a brand new project, designed exclusively by a Bernina UK team member or Bernina guest contributor, EVERY MONTH!