I need a new wallet, and honestly, I can’t find a premade one I really like. So of course, I decided to make my own.

I began by looking at a lot of wallets that are out on the market. I kept running across those slim, minimalistic, front pocket card wallets. I like the ease of use of being able to quickly pull out a card when you need it but they lack a great way of carrying bills. I like to carry a few pieces of actual money. I know that is just craziness but I do. Most front pocket wallets require you to fold the bill up into tiny pieces in order to slip them in the wallet. I opted to make a more traditional Bifold Wallet, but I decided that I’d try to include some easy access card pockets on the outside, just like the slim card wallets.

Since we are in the middle of this Coronavirus shutdown, its a little tricky to get some materials so I searched around the shop and found a piece of leather a friend of mine gave me. Its reclaimed leather from an old couch. I think it will work great. It doesn’t have the body of a vegetable tanned leather but it’ll be fine.

Before cutting any leather, I took quite a bit of time and created some patterns for this project. Then using my plan, I cut out all the pieces. I began the assembly with the inner card pockets. These need to be done first so you can get to the stitched before they are covered by the next piece of leather. Next, I attached these to the inner panel of the wallet, again stitching the area that will be covered up. That completes the 1st half of the wallet.

Now its on to the the outer panel. I began gluing and stitching on the outer card pockets. The final assembly process is gluing and stitching the 2 halves together. Once that is done, I spent a minute just cleaning up some of the edges. I finished the wallet off with a coat of neatsfoot oil.

I’m really liking this wallet. Its way better than my old worn out one. I’m sure this will work great for years and years.

Here’s the Free 1 Page Plan – Bifold Wallet Plan by Home Built Workshop
Here’s the more in depth plan – https://www.homebuiltworkshop.com/product/bifold-wallet-with-outer-card-pockets-plan/

Check out the build video
https://youtu.be/GFLdtC8A0ZA

— Affiliate Links to Products Used —
Contact Cement – https://amzn.to/3f2OyPN
Tack Hammer – https://amzn.to/3d2exoZ
Stanley Utility Knife – https://amzn.to/2KMRq5n
6 Prong 3mm Stitching Chisel – https://amzn.to/3aEPpTy
2 Prong 3mm Stitching Chisel – https://amzn.to/3bMxFae
.08mm Red Thread – https://amzn.to/2Sg00xQ
Neatsfoot Oil – https://amzn.to/3bR4cfe
Wooden Edge Slicker – https://amzn.to/3aH9XKZ

Here are some other videos you might enjoy