Learn how to make a card holder for ID, a credit card, and a few bills. Perfect for a special event when you want to carry a small purse or clutch.

Leather card holder next to a small black purse.

Here's a fast and easy craft that may come in handy the next time you go out but don't want to carry your large everyday handbag.

The inspiration to create this credit card holder came from my daughter's card holder which is attached to the back of her phone. However, I have a pop socket on the back of my phone so this is a separate item.

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Large wallet with keys and store cards on the ring.

Here's what my wallet looks like. It's stuffed with different cards, ID, bills, coins, and various coupons. Never mind the large purse filled with everything under the sun that I usually carry it in.

Not practical for a wedding reception or other outing when you don't want to carry so much but still need the basics.

If you have been following me for a while you may recall that I made a small fabric wallet a few years back for this purpose. However, it's still large and this seemed like something I would like to try.

What You Will Need

small piece of leather, faux leather, or vinyl
skein of complementary or contrasting embroidery thread
sewing needle
scissors
ruler
marking pen or chalk

Blue faux leather, a green plastic ruler and a chalk marker outlining a rectangle on the edge.

How to Make a Card Holder

Cut out two pieces of fabric. I used a 2.25 inch width by 3 3/8 inch length. However, you can adjust this size if you like.

A rectangle of blue faux leather and a white chalk mark on the top left corner to the right side.

2. Draw a line on the top piece with a ruler and chalk from the upper corner to the side.

Two pieces of faux blue leather with wrong side together and top piece with a cut out from top left corner to right side.

3. Cut along the line and discard the fabric. This will make it easier to slide out a card.

Teal embroidery thread sewing two pieces of faux leather together with a blanket stitch.

4. Place your leather pieces with the wrong sides together.

5. Make a knot in your embroidery thread and start sewing on the side where the two pieces meet. Do this on the inside first to hide the knot.

6. Then sew the sides together with a blanket stitch. This is when you make a stitch and come through the loop just before you pull it all the way through.

7. Continue hand sewing until you reach the other corner. Tie a knot and hide it inside at the end.

A small blue faux leather card holder on top of a small black clutch.

I think the blanket stitch is pretty and also a nice secure stitch. However, as you can see my stitches could have been a little more uniform.

Also, I may have chosen a darker blue but I wanted to make sure that you can see the stitches in this tutorial. The choice of color is totally up to you.

Top view of credit card holder showing a few cards and a few bills inside.

As you can see this nifty little credit card holder easily holds a couple of credit cards, my ID, and a few bills. Perfect!

A black evening clutch with a phone and a credit card holder peeking out the top.

Now I can easily toss my own card holder wallet in a small bag with my phone and maybe some lipstick and I'm all set for a night out without carrying my large everyday bag.

Wouldn't this make a great gift?

More Easy Fabric Projects

Small leather credit card holder on top of a black clutch.

DIY Credit Card Holder

Learn how to make a cardholder with a couple pieces of faux leather and embroidery thread.

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Cost: $10

Equipment

1 sewing needle
pair of scissors
Ruler
marking pen or chalk

Materials

1 piece leather or faux leather
1 skein embroidery floss

Instructions

Cut two pieces of your fabric about 2.25 inches wide by 3 3/8 inches tall.
Draw a line with chalk from the top corner of the top piece to the side edge.
Cut the fabric off the top piece along the line.
Tie a knot in a long piece of 6 strand embroidery floss.
With wrong sides together start sewing a blanket stitch where the bottom of the new cut edge meets the back piece.
Begin on the inside to hide the knot.
Continue sewing along the edge down the right side, accros the bottom and up the left side until you reach the top left corner.
Tie a knot and hide it inside the cardholder.

Notes

You can use less than 6 strands if you want depending on the thickness of the material and the look you want.

You can use a different material other than leather or faux leather such as vinyl. Just use something with a heavier weight to hold up to the cards and bills. If it's not heavy enough you could add fusible interfacing but then you're getting into more work. Also, you may need to finish the rough edges first. You can do this by cutting out a larger piece and pressing under the edges before sewing.