Gift giving time is right around the corner and this year, I decided to add a little handmade happiness to my gift cards. And using my
Freezer Paper Printing tutorial I thought it would be fun to customize them with fun images. These little guys whip together super fast and work great for gift cards, business cards, or even a little wallet for credit cards :) So let's get to it :)
What you will need:
2 charms squares or 2 large fabric scraps
1 large piece (at least 8 1/2 x 11) of neutral fabric
scrap cotton batting
1 elastic band
1 matching button
To start, we will make the custom part of the custom card holder. In your word program draw a square that measures 5" x 4".
Now add your desired custom image. You can add names, use images, just customize it for you. Be sure your image is around 2" x 3.25". Place it at the top center of your square.
Now go ahead and print your image on your neutral fabric. To see how to print on fabric pop on over to my
freezer paper printing tutorial. If you want to do multiples, you can print up to 4 on a page :)
Now trim along the lines. Your printed fabric will now measure 5" x 4". This will be used for the inside fabric of your card holder.
Now, to trim up the rest of your pieces. Trim a piece of batting to 5" x 4". Trim the fabric you want to use at the outside of your card holder to 5" x 4" and trim the fabric you want to use as your pocket to 4" x 4".
Fold your pocket piece of fabric in half and then stitch a line about 1/4" down from the fold. You can do a decorative stitch or a straight stitch. Whatever you like.
Now you are ready to layer your pieces. Start by laying your outside fabric with right side up. Then lay your pocket with the fold toward the center and right side down. Now lay your inside fabric (the printed one) onto your stack with right side down. Be sure that the printed part is opposite of the pocket. Lastly, layer your cotton batting and then pin through all of the layers.
Now, cut your elastic in half. Loop the half and place the looped end into your layers between the outside fabric and pocket fabric. Pin your elastic in place.
Stitch around your layered pieces leaving an opening for turning. Be sure to back stitch at the start and finish.
Trim the 4 corners and the excess elastic. Turn right side out through the hole and use a pointed tool to press out the corners.
Give the whole thing a good pressing and then hand stitch the opening closed.
Now just to add the button. Fold your card holder in half and pull up the elastic. Mark where the loop sits. Now just sew your button onto the making being sure to only go through one layer of fabric.
And your done. One adorable custom card holder.
And now . . . how about a few more ideas for customizing :)
OPTION 2
This next card holder has your printed fabric on the outside and 2 pockets. It follows the exact same steps with just a few little differences.
When you set up your image to print, place the image at the bottom of the square instead of the top. Second, instead of cutting 1 4 x 4 pocket cut 2. Easy, right :)
And, of course, fold down both pocket pieces and stitch them. You can also add some ric-rac or grosgrain ribbon on the stitch line but sadly, I was out of both. (time to go shopping :)
Now when you layer, just remember to put the printed fabric down first. Place a pocket on either side with the folded sides toward the centers. Now the elastic: If you want the button on the side with the printing put the elastic between the pocket and outside fabric on the end that doesn't have the printing. If you want the button on the side without the printing put the elastic between the pocket and outside fabric on the end that has the printing. Then just finish layering, stitching, turning, and pressing :)
And here's another version.
OPTION 3
This next card holder is more of an envelop look and I added a larger pocket as it will only be able to have 1 pocket. Once again same steps, but just change some of the cutting at the beginning
For this one all 4 pieces (pocket, outside, inside, and batting) are cut at 4 1/2" x 4". Yes, that means you need to change the size of the square you print on. Add the image to the top of the box. (Sorry, I forgot to add that in the picture.)
Now just layer it up the same way. You will notice the pocket is a little larger.
After stitching and turning right side out you are ready to add the button. This is easiest if you add a card first. Now fold over the top. You will notice it doesn't fold all the way over. Mark the button the same way and stitch it in place.
And another cute option that looks like a cute little envelope card holder.
OPTION 4
If you get really into making these, you can always try to throw a little quilting into it. This one, that I made for my business cards, I decided to throw in a little quilting. Just decide what options you want to use and then piece your fabrics to that size. It's easiest just to make it large and then square down.
I decided to do the label so that it folds over onto the top of the envelope. So when you you layer, be sure to put the pocket on the opposite side of the printing.
I really love how this one turned out. What a cute way to customize with some quilting :)
And that's it!! I hope you enjoy this tutorial. If you whip up some of your own Custom Card Holder's you can add photo's to my
Inspired by Happy Quilting flickr group. I would love to see your creations!!
So get your handmade custom card holder sewing on and Happy Quilting!!
