Last week, I showed you how to modify the Zip-up Cardholder pattern by creating new pattern pieces for the card slots, making it easier to sew with non-fraying fabrics like cork, vinyl, or faux leather. If you’ve been itching to make your own wallet with these materials, you’re in the right place!
In today’s tutorial, I’ll walk you through exactly how to sew those new faux leather card slots, and share some tips to help you get the perfect finish, no matter your skill level.
Download the New Card Slot Pattern Pieces
After last week’s video, I received so many DMs from you guys saying how excited you are to try this new wallet hack. A lot of you mentioned how much you love the idea, but wished you could print out the new pattern pieces for the card slots to make it easier to get started.
Well, I hear you! Since the modification was quick and simple, I’ve created a PDF with the new pattern pieces for you to download. Now, you can easily follow along with the sewing tutorial and have everything you need to get started right away!
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How to Sew Faux Leather Card Slots
Now that you have your new pattern pieces ready to go, I will walk you through how to sew the modified card slots using faux leather (or cork or vinyl – whatever you have).
Step 1: Cut Your Pattern Pieces
Start by cutting your fabric pieces using the new pattern pieces you downloaded. Remember to use sharp scissors and avoid using pins, as they can leave holes. Instead, try using clips to hold everything together.
TIP: If your material is very thick, use a rotary cutter to make precise cuts!
Once that’s done, it’s time to mark your fold lines and midpoints.
Instead of drawing the full lines across the fabric, I like to mark just a small notch at each end. It’s quick, tidy, and still gives me all the info I need. I always do this on the right side of the fabric, inside the seam allowance, so the marks won’t be visible on the finished wallet.
I don’t recommend snipping into the fabric. Just use a pen or chalk that works on your material and shows up well.
Step 2: Fold and Topstitch the Pocket
Okay, now grab your Pocket and fold the top edge towards the wrong side of the fabric, right along the “fold line”. To keep everything in place while you sew, use clips or double-sided tape, whichever works best for your fabric.
Once it’s securely in place, topstitch along the fold, about 5 mm (1/4″) from the edge.
Step 3: Mark the Stitching Line
Take your pocket and measure 4.5 cm (1 3/4″) down from that folded top edge. On the right side of the fabric, draw a straight line across the entire width.
This will be your stitching line, so make sure it’s nice and straight and runs parallel to the top edge you just topstitched. You can use a chalk pencil, erasable pen, or whatever marking tool works best on your fabric. Just make sure you’ll still be able to see it at the machine.
Step 4: Attach the Pocket to the Top Panel
Take your pocket piece and place it on top of the Top panel, with right sides facing up. You’ll want to line up the side edges neatly and position the pocket so that the top edge aligns with the side notches you marked earlier.
Once you’re happy with the placement, go ahead and stitch along the marked line, then baste the side edges of the pocket to keep everything in place.
And just like that, you’ve created your first card pocket!
TIP: Grab a bank card and slide it in. This is the perfect time to double-check you’re happy with the depth of the pocket. If you want it a bit shallower or deeper next time, you can tweak that 4.5 cm (1 3/4″) measurement before stitching.
Step 5: Mark the Next Stitching Line
Flip the whole panel to the back.
From the stitching line you just made (the one that secured your first pocket), measure down 1.5 cm (5/8″) and draw a straight horizontal line. This will be the stitching line for the next pocket, so make sure it’s nice and even and runs parallel to the one above.
Step 6: Prepare the Bottom Panel
Now, grab the Bottom panel and, with the wrong sides facing each other, fold it along the fold line.
Once it’s folded neatly, secure it in place with clips or a bit of double-sided tape. Then topstitch 5 mm (or ¼”) from the folded edge to hold it all down.
This folded edge will become the top of your second card pocket.
Step 7: Add the Second Card Pocket
Now it’s time to layer your second pocket.
Take the Bottom panel and place it on top of the first pocket, right sides facing up. Line it up neatly, ensuring the folded top edge sits 1.5 cm (5/8″) below the top edge of the first pocket.
Clip the sides to hold it in place. Then flip the whole panel over to the back and clip along the bottom edge of the pocket too, just to keep everything from shifting when you sew.
Step 8: Stitch the Second Pocket
You’re going to sew this pocket just as you did the first one. Start by basting the side edges, then stitch along the marked horizontal line to secure the pocket in place. When you’re sewing that seam, you’ll need to flip the lower part of the Bottom panel out of the way so you don’t accidentally stitch it down.
That’s it, your card slots are done!
From here, you can jump straight back into the original tutorial to complete your wallet.
Bonus Hack: Add Extra Security
If you’re loving these hacks, you might also want to check out another post where I show you how to add even more security to your wallet. I walk you through adding a snap connector on the front to keep your cards safely inside, as well as how to add a flap to the back slip pocket. It’s a simple yet effective way to make your wallet even more functional and secure.
Prefer to Watch Instead?
If you’re more of a visual learner (same here!), I’ve also filmed a step-by-step video showing exactly how I sewed these modified card slots.
You’ll see all the steps I mentioned above, plus a few extra tips that are easier to demonstrate than explain.
Watch the tutorial here ⬇️
Don’t Have the Pattern Yet?
The Zip-up Cardholder pattern is completely free! You can download it from my website.
👉 Download the Free Pattern
If you give this hack a go, I’d love to see your version!
Tag me on social media @allsewpetite or share it in my Facebook group. I always get so excited when I see your makes pop up.
Got Ideas for Your Own Bag Designs?
If you’ve ever had an idea for a custom wallet or bag but didn’t know how to turn it into an actual pattern — that’s exactly what I help you with inside my membership, the Bag Maker Community.
We go deeper into pattern drafting, design hacks, and bag construction techniques, with support and tutorials to help you actually do the thing. Doors only open twice a year, so if you’re curious, make sure you’re on the waitlist. Click here to learn more.
Stay crafty friend!
Monika x
