How to Make a Checkbook Wallet

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Obtain the items listed in the "Things You'll Need" section below.

   Launder all fabrics and press them smooth.
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   Step 2: A checkbook type wallet needs a cover that is a square 8 inches (20cm) on a side.

    Cut the outer fabric to this size.
   
   You may add a bit of width to this measurement to give yourself some leeway while sewing, but be prepared to cut off the extra before you add the bias tape to finish the edges. , Note: this can be 8 x 20, but it doesn't hurt to have a bit extra width to help match fabric pattern, etc.
   
   See the sketch. ,,, Iron again to crease the pocket bottoms into place., (This is recommended for this size wallet).,  Cut two strips of fabric 9 inches (22.8cm) long (the width of the wallet) and at least 6 inches (15cm) tall., Pin., An easy way to do this is to purchase a 9 inch (22.8cm) zipper to begin with, but you may also shorten a longer zipper if you need to. ,,, You may sew a second piece of fabric to the reverse side of the zipper at the same time if you wish to make a lined coin pocket. (Nice? But not necessary.), Fold the fabric over so that the zipper is positioned along the top front edge. Pin the sides and baste them together., Don't worry about basting it.
   
   This will be fastened closed in the final step.,  Line up the edges so that the zipper is in the center, along the fold line. Pin. , Cut a 9 x 8 inch (22.8cm x 20cm) piece of fabric.
   
   Iron interfacing to the back of it.
   
   Fold in half. Baste the short edges. Top stitch the long folded edge., Pin., Pin.,, Trim any threads or uneven edges.,, Double stitch for security if you feel it necessary. , Enjoy your wallet!
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   Step 3: Cut a 9 x 20 inch (22.8cm x 50.8cm) fabric swatch for the credit card pockets and take it to your ironing board with some pins and a ruler or measuring tape.

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   Step 4: Iron a crease every 4 inches (10cm).

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   Step 5: Iron five 2 inch (5cm) by 8 inch (20cm) wide strips of interfacing to the back side of the fabric

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   Step 6: lined up with each pleat.

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   Step 7: Top stitch the pleats and then align them in a stair step fashion (approx 1/4 inch / 6.35mm apart).

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   Step 8: Stitch a line up the center of your pocket pleats if you are going to have two columns of cards side by side.

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   Step 9: Create a zipper pocket for your coins.

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    Step 10: Line up one edge of the zipper along the top edge of your CC pockets.

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    Step 11: Position the contrast fabric and the top of the CC pouch fabric with their 9 inch (22.8cm) edges along the zipper and sew them to each side of the zipper starting at the opening end (not the closed end of the zipper).

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    Step 12: Fold the fabric away from the zipper teeth and top stitch the fabric so that it does not "catch" in the zipper teeth later.

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    Step 13: Top stitch.

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    Step 14: Repeat for both sides.

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    Step 15: Close the zipper and flatten the fabric.

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    Step 16: Trim any extra length at the bottom of the coin pocket at this point.

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    Step 17: Lay the credit card pocket with its zipper over the outer/inner layer sandwich.

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    Step 18: Create a pocket for the other side.

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    Step 19: Place the wallet exterior and liner back to back and line up the edges.

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    Step 20: Place the coin pocket/CC pockets with zippered edge to the center and raw edges to the outside edge.

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    Step 21: Place the pocket along the opposite edge

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    Step 22: with raw edges to the outside and the finished edge along the center folding line of the wallet.

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    Step 23: Pin and then machine baste all layers together.

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    Step 24: Pin the bias tape to the edges.

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    Step 25: Top stitch the bias tape into place

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    Step 26: taking care to catch all layers in the stitching.

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    Step 27: Trim all loose threads.

Detailed Guide

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