Capri Sun Wallets

I love making things out of empty Capri Sun drink containers. The packaging is shiny, colorful, and almost indestructable. Unfortunately, the indestructability also prevents regular recyclers from re-using them. So, what to do with the containers? Make some great wallets! I've made dozens of these in various designs and given them away. Here's one of my favorite designs, suitable for guys or gals, big or small.

Notes:  (1) Backstitch 2 or 3 stitches at the beginning and end of the seams to secure them; and (2) sorry for the glare in the photos - those juice bags are so shiny, my phone camera is not high-quality, this is my first Instructable, blah, blah.....enjoy.

Step 1: Materials

Materials needed for one wallet:

1. 3 or 4 clean Capri-Sun containers; a few extras are good for mistakes
2. Sewing machine
3. Scissors
4. Ruler & pen
6. 1 or 2 sheets of cardstock for templates
5. Stick-on velcro tape (optional)

Step 2: Wash and Dry Containers

With scissors (or a knife), cut a slit the full length of the fold in the bottom of the containers. Fill with water and wash well so they are no longer sticky. Drain well upside down until dry inside. If you can't wait, go on to the next step and dry the pieces with a towel after you cut them apart.

Step 3: Separate the Layers

Have the back of the container facing up. Insert scissors into the long slit at the bottom.  Cut carefully and neatly close to the inside edges of the silver side  - without cutting the underlayer.  You want to preserve the silver "back" as a rectangle.  For each container, you have one "front" with the logo and a silver "back."  Cut all 4 containers this way.  Trim off the small semi-circles where you made the original slit.

Step 4: Make Templates

Using cardstock, make one template for each size as follows:

a. 5-1/8" x 3-7/8"  (for backs)
b. 4-3/4" x 3-1/8"  (for long pocket)
c. 4-1/8" x 2-3/4"  (for larger card pocket)
d. 3-7/8" x 2-3/8"  (for small card pocket)

Note:  the two last templates in the photos are demonstrated in Step 17, but do not need to be cut out as templates.

Step 5: Make the Outside of the Wallet

Take two Capri-Sun "fronts."  Using the 5-1/8" template, mark a line so that each piece is exactly length of the template. Cut each piece carefully and straight.  If the pieces are not straight, the wallet will be skewed when finished.

Step 6: Mark Seam Line

On one of the "fronts," mark a 3/8" seam line from the cut edge. Put the two pieces together so the logos are FACING each other. Fold a bit of tape at the top and bottom to hold the pieces together. 

Step 7: Sew the Two Pieces Together

Sew the 3/8" seam carefully and straight. 

Step 8: Open the Long Pocket

Open up the pieces and flatten the seam - the pieces should meaure 9-1/2" together. Note: if your seam was not straight,  your long piece will be slighly skewed. If it's not too skewed, leave it. If it's badly skewed, you could remove the thread and re-sew it, but the holes from the first seam won't disappear. It might be better to try again with two new pieces.

Step 9: Trim the Corners of the Ends

Trim the tiny rectangles from each corner per the photo.  This prevents unnecesary thickness at the corners when they are folded over.

Step 10: Fold the Long Top Edge

Fold the long, stiff top edge to the inside and flatten with your thumbnail, especially the seam join.  Then sew it down 1/8" from edge.  

Step 11: Cut the Long Pocket Pieces

Use the 4-3/4" x 3-1/8" template.  Trace the template on each of two silver "backs" with a pen.  Cut out carefully.  Using your ruler, draw a 3/8" seam line along one narrow edge with a pen.  Put the pieces together, shiny sides facing, and tape top and bottom. 

Step 12: Sew the Long Pocket Pieces

Sew the two pieces along the seam line carefully. Open the pieces; the long pocket should measure 8-3/4". Then fold the long top edge a bit less than 1/4" to the non-shiny side. Flatten firmly with thumbnail. Sew the folded edge down carefully close to edge.

Step 13: Make the Cardholders

Use the two cardholder templates that are 4-1/8" x 2-3/4"  and 3-7/8" x 2-3/8".  Trace the larger template onto a silver "back" and cut out the piece.  Trace the smaller template onto a Capri Sun "front" and cut out the piece. 

Step 14: Fold and Sew Top Edges

On each cardholder, fold the top edge down to the back a bit less than 1/4", and flatten firmly with thumbnail. Then, sew the fold as close to the edge as possible.

Step 15: Sew the Pockets Together

Lay the smaller cardholder on top of the larger cardholder, LEFT and BOTTOM edges touching.  Put a bit of tape to hold them together. Sew along the RIGHT edge of the smaller cardholder to attach it to the larger cardholder.

Step 16: Sew Cardholders Onto Long Pocket

Now place the double cardholders on top of the long pocket. Use small pieces of tape to hold them together.  Sew only the RIGHT side of the LARGER cardholder to affix it to the long pocket.

Step 17: Make the Coin Holder

Take another Capri Sun "front" and trim the design along the sides, top, and bottom curve per photo. Cut the piece in two so that each piece is 2-1/2" high.  Note:  if you don't have sticky-back Velcro, you can sew on regular Velcro now before coin holder is attached.  See Step 24 for placement.

Step 18: Make Coin Holder Bottom

Fold the  top of the rectangular piece a bit less than 1/4" and stitch along the edge. Then lay the pocket on the long pocket, CENTERED with the BOTTOM edges touching.  Tape to hold, and stitch the LEFT and RIGHT sides only (do not stitch top edge, of course).

Step 19: Make Top Flap for Coin Holder

Take the curved piece and make a firm crease 1/4" to inside. Open the flap and place the crease above the coin purse per photo.  Tape the bottom edge down. Now stitch the flap on the wrong side of the material onto the long pocket along the 1/4" crease. (Yes, there are two creases in photo because I mis-folded it the first time.)

Step 20: Stitch Entire Bottom of Long Pocket

In one continuous seam, stitch as close to edge as possible of the long pocket, afftixing the coin holder and cardholders. 

Step 21: Put Long Pocket in Wallet Fold

Take the wallet back with the logos and turn up the bottom edge 1/4".  Flatten firmly with thumbnail, especially the seam join.  Place the long pocket firmly against the fold inside the wallet.  Tape the top and sides. 

Step 22: Sew Long Pocket to Wallet Back

Sew 1/8" from bottom edge to affix the long pocket to wallet back. 

Step 23: Sew Sides of Wallet

Taper the edge of the sides per the photo so they won't flare out. when folded.

Step 24: Sew Sides

Fold edges of wallet sides to the inside. Stitch 1/8" seams on each side. Optional: Attach small pieces of sticky-backed Velcro to flap and coin purse.

Step 25: Finished!

Your wallet is finished - congratulations and yay!  There are many variations you can make to the design: e.g. more card pockets, no coin holder, double-size for a checkbook, tri-fold, or velcro a flap at the end, etc.  The only limitations are the number of Capri Sun containers you can get.  Ask your friends to save them for you.  You'll be making a great project, having fun, and recycling, too!