Minimalist Waterproof (nearly Bulletproof) Wallet

Here is a small wallet that will hold several ID and/or credit cards and some cash. It fits neatly in a front pocket or shirt pocket and you almost won’t know it’s there. It is very quick and easy to make and very durable. Best of all, it's recycled from an old treadmill belt, making the cost almost nothing!

Step 1: Materials

Find a treadmill belt. I got mine from a neighbor who was replacing his. Other sources might be a gym or the dump. Maybe even your own treadmill if it has been sitting in the corner being used as a clothes hanger for the last 6 years. You can easily remove the belt from a treadmill by cutting it in two and pulling it off. All you need for this project is a small piece.

Step 2: Pattern

Tthe pattern I used is courtesy of JLSleather.com. He has fabulous tutorials on pattern making as well as several free patterns and his site is well worth a look. The particular pattern I used is for a horizontal card wallet. I printed the pattern full size, glued it to a piece of stiff poster board and cut it out.

Step 3: Trace Pattern Onto Material

Trace the pattern onto your belt material. A plain #2 lead pencil works well for this

Step 4: Cut Out Pattern

Cut out your wallet. I used scissors. A razor knife could also be used, but the material cuts very easily with scissors, so I recommend them.

Step 5: Sewing

fold your wallet into the proper configuration and sew it together. I found my old Pfaff up to the task. It could also be hand sewn if necessary, but a machine makes quick work of this task.

Step 6: Finishing Up

I used a hammer to flatten the wallet out into its final shape. It could also be flattened by pulling it over the edge of a table. You could skip this step, but I think it makes the wallet look better.

Step 7: Done!

Load your cards and cash into your new wallet and enjoy having a unique and durable wallet you made yourself for nearly no cost using recycled material!