The zip wallet is a fantastic bit of design in the world of wallets. The overall shape is simple and understated, and the zipper allows you to carry coins easier than with a standard bifold wallet. This project is a nice introduction to working with zippers, and a great way to use up small bits of material left over from other projects.

What You’ll Need

Material of your choice

8 inch closed end zipper

Double fold bias tape

A pattern

The Pattern

The pattern for this project is super simple. It is essentially a 4.5″x8.5″ rectangle with a 1″x3″ void in a corner. This void makes the pocket for cards easier to use.

How To Make A Zip Up Wallet

Cut out two pieces in the shape of the pattern. Join the two pieces together with a French seam, as shown in the pictures. Enclose the raw edge at the top of the card pocket with the bias tape. Now you begin to add the zipper. Attach the zipper face down to the outside body of the wallet, and trim the excess fabric from the body. Run a stitch around the zipper on the body of the wallet, this will hold the zipper flat. Repeat the process with the other half of the zipper. With the wallet inside out, run a stitch along the bottom and down the middle of the wallet, taking care to back stitch since the ends of each stitch form the outside corners of the wallet and are high stress areas. Fold the wallet right side out, and run a stitch along the edges without zippers. This holds the card pocket in place, and helps to keep the shape.

What I really like about this project is the fact that it takes about 30 minutes start to finish, and you can carry it either every day for the rest of your life, or until you make one in a cooler configuration of pockets, zippers, or fabrics.