How to Sew a Gift / Credit Card Holder

Create a fabric gift card / credit card holder using this easy sewing project. Keep all your cards in one place with this credit card holder sewing tutorial. This sewing pattern includes step-by-step instructions with pictures.

 

What you need:
Cotton fabric scraps
Some fusible interfacing (Vlieseline)
A strap or tie (elastic band, cord, etc.)

Tools:
Sewing machine
Needle and thread
Iron

Sewing level: Beginner
Seam allowance: 1 cm (already included!)

Let’s get started

Step 1: Cutting
Cut out one inner piece and one outer piece, each measuring 12 x 16 cm (height x width), as well as four tabs measuring 12 x 8 cm. Alternatively, you can cut two tabs measuring 12 x 14 cm, which will save you from having to sew two extra seams. Cut the fusible interfacing into one piece measuring 10 x 14 cm (for the outer fabric) and two pieces measuring 10 x 6 cm (for the tabs).

Step 2: Iron on the interfacing 

You need to iron the interfacing onto the wrong side of the fabric. Place it in the center of the outer fabric, leaving a 1 cm margin all the way around. Also, center it on the outer fabric pieces for the tabs.

Step 3: Sewing the tabs 

Place an outer tab piece and an inner tab piece together, right sides facing, and sew one side seam. Make sure to sew a "right-hand" seam for one and a "left-hand" seam for the other. Then, press the tabs with the wrong sides facing each other.

Step 4: Preparing the Closure

Now you can assemble the business card holder. Place the inner fabric on the table with the right side facing up. Position the two flaps on the right and left sides of the inner fabric, with the outer fabric of the flaps facing upward. The open edges should be facing outward. Now, decide how you would like to close the holder:

Option 1 - Ribbons on the sides

For this option, you will need two ribbons. The length can vary depending on how many times you want to wrap them around the holder. Use a ruler to mark the center of each flap. Secure the ribbons here, positioning them so that they point inward. To keep them from shifting, you can use a piece of "Stylefix" (double-sided adhesive tape for fabric)—it works quite well.

Option 2 - Elastic band closure

For this option, you will need a piece of elastic that is slightly longer than the height of your flaps—approximately 13 cm. Place the elastic on the right-hand flap, about 3 cm from the edge. You can secure it in place using pins.

The remaining steps are the same for both options.

Place the outer fabric on top of your prepared pieces, with the right side facing down. If you like, you can pin around the edges. It is important to mark a gap of at least 5 cm along the bottom edge that you will leave unsewn; you will need this opening later to turn the holder right-side out.

Step 5: Sewing and Turning

Sew all the way around the perimeter using a 1 cm seam allowance. Remember to leave the opening for turning unsewn. Before you can turn the holder right-side out, trim the corners and trim down the seam allowance. Leave the seam allowance at the turning opening; this will make it easier to sew shut later. Afterward, you can turn the business card holder right-side out and press it.

Step 6: Closing the opening 

Once you have pressed the seam allowance at the opening inward, closing it is simple. If you are in a rush, you can topstitch the opening close to the edge using your sewing machine. However, I prefer the ladder stitch, as it leaves no visible seam.

All done! Have fun sewing.