Introduction: Slim Elastic Wallet

About: Hi! I'm a slightly feral mountain hermit that likes to be helpful. I do community management at Instructables & Tinkercad. 🙌 Want to hear me chat about making? Search "CLAMP Podcast" on YouTube or your favorit…

Recently the Instructables office found out about slim, an elastic wallet on kickstarter that made lots and lots of money. We wondered what it was and what it was made of... and once I figured it out I decided I would make my own! An elastic wallet is a neat idea, and super cheap to reproduce for yourself.

This super slim wallet is made from two inch wide sports elastic, and it's perfect for storing credit cards. You could even store a little folded cash in it. Also, the wallet is pretty easy to sew - since it's made from elastic all you'll really need is a sewing machine and a few minutes. A serger would be even better. :D

Step 1: What You'll Need:

  • a sewing machine or serger
  • 2 inch wide elastic
  • scissors
  • measuring tape
  • thread to match the elastic you buy
I bought my elastic on etsy from Puffytots - they have an amazing amount of elastic in all different colors and patterns. :D

Also note that I am using contrasting thread for this project so you can see where and how I'm sewing, but you should really stick to matching thread - it'll look so much better.

Step 2: Trial and Error

Sewing the elastic can be pretty tricky at first, and you really need to make sure your stitches are secure. :D

I made three different versions before I figured out the perfect dimensions and how to sew it just right. 6.5 inches was too tight, 7.5 inches too large. Straight stitching did nothing to keep the elastic together - and large zigzags didn't do much.

In the end I determined it was best to use a small zigzag stitch, stay close to the edges, and double and triple stitch for staying power.

Step 3: Cut Your Elastic

Cut a piece of elastic 7 inches long.

Step 4: Zigzag Both Ends

Use a narrow zigzag stitch for this. :)

Zigzag stitch each end twice, right next to the edge of the fabric. Just go over your initial stitching with the second line of stitches.

Once an end has been stitched, trim it so it's neat. Then repeat all the steps with the other end.

Step 5: Sew the Ends Together and Flip

Place the two ends together and sew. You'll do the small zigzag stitch and go over your stitching twice again. :)

Once it's sewn, trim any loose end and flip the elastic to the other side. At this point you'll be able to see if your stitches are strong enough!

Step 6: Sew the Bottom

Align the elastic so the seam is in the middle, and then sew edge to edge along the very bottom using a zigzag stitch. Stitch the bottom seam at least twice and then trim any loose ends.

Step 7: Carry Your Cards!

I've been able to get up to six cards in mine - which is more than enough. I can also do three cards and a small bit of money. :D

Holiday Gifts Contest

Participated in the
Holiday Gifts Contest