Released October 9, 2009
By MaryCatherine McCoyFor the holidays or any celebration, gift cards can be the perfect solution. To make that gift card just a little bit special, tuck it inside a personalized gift card holder. Long after the gift card is used, the card holder can be a reminder of happy holidays, a great birthday or other festive occasion. Following is a tutorial using just 4 pieces of fabric and 4 seams that shows how to create custom-made gift card holders.
Note: This tutorial is shown using a serger. It can easily be constructed using a traditional sewing machine, with a ¼” seam allowance. The corners are turned back in the photographs to provide additional clarity.
Pick 2 or 3 coordinating fabrics to create a unique wallet or gift card holder. In our example, we used a lightweight denim for the main fabric, and a coordinating red print for the lining.
Cut 4 pieces of fabric. One piece should be 5” x 6” - it forms the outside of the holder. The other three pieces should be 5” x 5” each. They form the lining and the pockets.
Optional: Monogram the holder before construction, as shown. A great little font for this project is the Adina Script Font from Designs By SiCK. You can see it here:
http://www.designsbysick.com/details/adinascriptfont
Each letter is just 1” high. This classic font is perfect for both men and women.
With WRONG sides together, fold one of the 5” x “5 squares in half. Then, place it on top of the 5” x 6”piece, aligning the 5” sides, as shown. Repeat with another 5” square.
Serge or stitch both ends
Center the remaining 5” square on top of the previously stitched fabrics — RIGHT sides together. In our example, this is the red print fabric. Line up all the raw edges, but notice the red fabric is not long enough to line up with the previously serged or stitched ends.. Serge or stitch both side seams.
The sewing is over. Final steps are folding and pressing. Put your hand inside, as shown, and turn right side out.
Press side seam allowances in – toward the center.
Then, turn one of the folded squares right-side out. To make sharp corners, use a point turner. Press.
Just pop in one or two gift cards, fold closed, and you’re ready for any celebration.
I’ve seen the ones done in the hoop - but I like this one better and you can put any design or initial you want. Thank you so much for sharing!
Comment by Callie — October 9, 2009 @ 9:12 am
I really love your article and tutorial. A perfect project for any occasion. Our family loves gift cards and your project is so much nicer than the envelopes most stores provide.
Thanks bunches for sharing your idea.
Comment by watermelon — October 9, 2009 @ 12:34 pm
I really like this idea. I think if it is made just a little larger, it can also make an awesome checkbook cover or book cover.
Comment by Lee — October 9, 2009 @ 1:19 pm
I love this quick and easy project! Thanks for the wonderful instructions and pictures, they help me so much. Will just have to add some crystals to it! Hugs and blessings, Penny
Comment by Penny DuBose — October 9, 2009 @ 2:31 pm
Very cute. Our teachers get gift cards from the classrooms for their birthdays. These will be cute to personalize them and give them a gift card with school type material. Thanks.
Comment by Andrea — October 9, 2009 @ 3:44 pm
Great idea…easy, very practical and good for anyone! I am going to make quite a few of these and have them on hand!
Comment by MichaelB — October 9, 2009 @ 4:09 pm
This is also a great credit card holder, if you only carry one credit card or your debit card it is all you need. I like that it is a quick serger project. We don’t use that machine enough as it is. Great idea.
Comment by Jeannette Pirkle — October 9, 2009 @ 4:18 pm
What an easy design. So simple and yet you could make a very special gift with this.
Comment by Pat de Lacey — October 9, 2009 @ 4:18 pm
MaryCatherine,
Your photos and directions are so straight forward. I really like having serged seams inside of my projects. Thank you so much for taking the time to post the photos with your article. This is a very nice project with the holidays approaching so quickly. Barbara
Comment by Barbara Klink in Saint Louis — October 9, 2009 @ 7:20 pm
What’s not to love this is great. I did the flash drive holder in similar fashion in the hoop, but this is so much easier………..
Comment by shirleysonshine — October 9, 2009 @ 9:26 pm
This is a fabulous project and just in time for the holiday gift giving! Thanks for sharing. I like using my serger when I can too. It makes such neat and tidy seams, just can’t beat it.
Comment by Kim — October 10, 2009 @ 7:05 am
Thanks for the instructions. I am a person that likes the pictures along with the directions. Once again thank you
Comment by Ina Archer — October 10, 2009 @ 9:01 am
Beautiful! Thanks. I can’t wait to try this out.
Comment by Karen — October 10, 2009 @ 10:14 pm
Fantastic an love the instructions…no doubts on how to do it.!
Comment by Brenda — October 12, 2009 @ 1:52 pm
It definitely makes a gift card a much more personalized gift! I can think of lots of designs to make it fit the interests of the recipient. Great idea.
Comment by Carol4700 — October 17, 2009 @ 12:47 pm
I’m not a sewer but these are GREAT. How large would the squares be for a checkbook. I LOVE THEM. THANK YOU - Jody
Comment by Jody — October 28, 2009 @ 12:27 pm