Hello Sewists,
With Christmas fast approaching it’s high time I started making some gifts. I’ve made paper wallets before (on more than one occasion!) This time I drafted my own pattern and thought I’d share it with you.

The Pattern

I struggled with how to make the pattern available at first. A quick internet search later and I learned that I could make a file in Google Docs available publicly through a link. Then I just had to settle on the format: I’d initially drawn the pattern on the back of a large envelope, I drew it again on a sheet of paper and scanned it in to my files. This was going to work, but obviously looked incredibly lo-fi. So another internet search and I found Google Drawings – after a few initial mishaps I eventually managed to draw out my pattern digitally (and have it fit on a single sheet of A4 paper!) The Outer Cover is nested over the Main Inner piece to make it fit, so you’ll have to either trace or draw that piece (it’s 9cm x 20cm)
- Download the pattern from Google Drive: here (print 100% – A4)
- If you’re feeling adventurous, follow the diagram below and draw the pattern from the measurements.
The Main Outer isn’t drawn in the photo below, and the Card Holder is better 5cm high at the outer edge, not 6.5cm as it is in the photo, so move the bottom line up by 1.5cm… (I just couldn’t face drawing it again!)

You should end up with three pieces that look like this…

Fabric
I’ve made mine out of washable paper (I’ve got ‘rose gold metallic’ on order for some more already!) I prefer it when it’s been washed around 4 times, giving it a worn in look. You don’t have to worry about wasting water, throw a sheet in when you wash your bath mat or shower curtains – I thought it would act like a giant receipt or tissue, leaving papery bits over everything, but it’s fine. You just don’t want to use fabric conditioner or too much detergent.
You could use leather or faux leather for this too. Check what the reverse side is though as it will be showing in some areas. If it’s not too thick, you might want to stick two layers wrong sides together – use a suitable glue and check on a scrap first. If you are using two layers of fabric, add some extra edge stitching around the exposed edges for durability.
Cutting out
- Cut out one each of the 3 pattern pieces.

I found a roller cutter good for the curves and a craft knife & metal ruler best for the straight lines. (It’s at this point I’m envious of Wanderstitch’s cutting machine as I’d have these cut out and decorated in a flash! – give it a go if you have one, let me know how it goes!)
Construction
- Fold all the pieces into position to get an idea of how it’s all going to look.
- Decorate the wallet outer in your chosen way. (Patch/ embroidery/ pen, paint/ beading/ stickers…!)

- Sew your label onto the pass holder – if your fabric has sides, this goes on the ‘wrong’ side.

- With the wrong side up, fold the photo holder forward – wrong sides together.
- Fold the pass holder back – right sides together.

- Sew along three sides.

- Turn it over and sew the card holder along the center.

- Position the outer behind the main inner piece.

- Turn it over and sew along three sides to secure.

- Tidy up any messy edges with a metal ruler and a sharp rotary cutter or craft knife.
- Repeat repeat repeat!



The Finer Points:
- Fabric – Washable Paper
- Needle – All purpose #80
- Stitch length – 4.5mm
- ‘Seam allowance’ – 0.5mm
- Stitch finish – Backstitch or Tie-off
I hope you like the pattern, and I hope you find it useful either for yourself or as a gift. As well as being a lovely gift in their own right, they are also a great way to give gift cards or cash while still adding a really personal touch. If you do make one (or loads!) I’d love to see, so please use the hashtag #sewandrewcitywallet and tag me @sewandrew on social media.
Here’s to my next round of Christmas sewing!
Notes to self;
- Try some thick-ish leather
- Add a small seam allowance, cut out two of each and try a woven fabric version…?
- This is the third Christmas of wallets – I’d better step it up soon!
I really need to make one of these, such an interesting pattern. Thank you Andrew.
Thank you! I’m glad you like it, I’ll look forward to seeing your versions 👍👏🙏
Looks a quick and easy pattern, Personally I’d be tempted to add and second card holder layer and maybe even a second notes section …. that said not many people used actual ‘cash’ these days do they :]
I think a woven fabric version would be great but it would need interfacing which could add too much bulk…. I’ve made a purse or two in the past and bulk was definitely an issue.
I did finally get a pack of the washable/sewable paper so this will be a great first use of it at long last!! Thank you x
Yes, the 2nd card section is nice, I think on the last photo? I’d love to do a cut out overlay to the outer, but not without one of those crazy machines! Good luck with it, I’m looking forward to seeing yours 👍👏🙏😃
Great first pattern! Looks simple enough.
Thank you, much easier to make than it was to draw on a computer! 😅