How to Make a Clear Window ID Wallet

This clear window ID wallet is a simple sewing project even though it has a zipper. It is perfect to attach to keys or a backpack and to take to ball games or concerts since they don’t let you bring in purses anymore. I have an ID Wallet pattern on the site that I did a long time ago but this pattern is a little bit better so I thought I would share int with you.

The only difficult part about this pattern is that you need a 4″ zipper. You should be able to get a basic nylon coil 4″ zipper at JOANN Fabric & Craft Stores but I got a metal zipper from a shop on Etsy to jazz things up a little bit. I used remnants for my clear window ID wallet but you could use fat quarters or head to JOANN Fabric & Craft Stores, Fabric.com, or Onlinefabricstore.net to get your fabrics.

What You will Need: How to make a Clear Window ID Wallet

  • Pattern you can get by clicking on this link
  • Outer fabric — 2 pieces that measure 5 1/2″ x 4″, 1 piece that measures 1 5/8″ x 1 5/8″
  • Lining fabric — 2 pieces that measure 5 1/2″ x 4″, 1 piece that measures 4 1/2″ x 3 3/8″
  • Accent Fabric — 1 piece that measures 4 1/2″ x 3 3/8″
  • Vinyl — 3 1/4″ x 2 1/4″
  • Pellon SF 101 Interfacing — 2 pieces that measure 4 3/8″ x 3″, 1 piece that measures 3 3/4″ x 2 5/8″
  • 4″ zipper
  • 1/2″ swivel clip
What you will Need

Step 1: Fuse the Interfacing

Take one of the 4 3/8″ x 3″ pieces of interfacing and fuse it to one of the outer pieces that measure 5 1/2″ x 4″ following the manufacturer’s instructions. Take the pattern piece and cut out the center. Use it as a template for the other interfacing piece that measures 4 3/8″ x 3″. Fuse it to the other main outer piece. Then fuse the final piece of interfacing to the accent piece of fabric.

Fuse the interfacing

Step 2: Create the Tab

Take the small outer fabric piece and fold the long raw edges to the center and press. Wrap the tab piece around the swivel clip and place it on the right sides of the main fabric piece about 1″ from the top. Stitch using a 1/8″ seam allowance.

Create the tab
Add the swivel clip

Step 3: Create the Inner Pocket

Place the accent piece and the small lining piece right sides together and stitch all the way around using a 3/8″ seam allowance but leaving an opening on the bottom for turning. Clip the corners and turn right sides out and press. Topstitch along the top.

Create the inner pocket

Step 4: Prepare the Zipper

Fold under the ears of the zipper to the wrong side and stitch by hand using a needle and thread. Do this for all four ears.

Prepare the zipper

Step 5: Add the Zipper

Place the lining right side up on your work station. Place the zipper right side up on the lining making sure it is in the center of the lining piece. Take the outer piece with the swivel clip and place it right side down on the zipper. Pin or clip the layers together. Stitch through all layers using a zipper foot. Repeat for the other side of the zipper. Topstitch on Both sides of the zipper.

Add the Zipper
Add the other side of the zipper

Step 6: Create the Opening in the Outer Wallet

Take the piece of outer wallet that has the square in the interfacing. Draw a square inside the square with lines emanating to the corners as shown. Cut out the lines. Fold back the tabs and press. Trace the opening you just created onto the corresponding lining piece and cut out in the same way.

Draw the center cuts
Cut out the center
Cut out the lining center

Step 7: Add the Vinyl

Sandwich the vinyl between the outer and lining fabrics that you just cut the opening into. Topstitch all the way around to secure.

Add the vinyl

Step 8: Add the Inner Pocket

Place the inner pocket you previously created on top of the vinyl window on the inside of the ID wallet and stitch along the sides and bottom to secure.

Add the inner pocket

Step 9: Finish the Clear Window ID Wallet

Place the wallet with the lining pieces facing. Stitch around the wallet using a 1/8″ seam allowance. Turn the wallet lining side out. Stitch along the sides and bottom using a 1/4″ seam allowance. This is the same as making a French seam. Turn the wallet right side out. You have now finished your clear window ID wallet. you can create a strap for your wallet if you like. if you want a strap move on to the next step.

Stitch wrong sides together
Stitch right sides together
Finished ID Wallet

Step 10: Create the Strap

Take a piece of fabric that is 2″ wide by the length that you want it to be. Fold the long raw edges into the center and press. Fold in half to enclose the raw edges. Stitch on both sides of the strap 2″ from each end. Add a 1/2″ D ring. Open the folded ends and place them right sides together. Stitch the short ends together using a 3/8″ seam allowance. Refold the strap and finish the topstitching on both sides. Move the D Ring to the end of the strap. Stitch across the strap widthwise to secure the D ring. Clip the swivel clip onto the D Ring and you are finished.

Create the strap

I hope you enjoyed this clear window ID wallet. If you would like more sewing and crafting projects subscribe to our newsletter and receive your free eBook of 15 handbag patterns and tutorials taken from the blog.

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2 Comments

  1. Love it. Just wish you would tell where to get the vinyl for the project. Having great difficulty. Need advice…..thickness, material, etc.

    1. I purchased mine at my local fabric store Joann’s. You can also get it on Amazon by the yd but you just need a small amount. The higher the number the thicker the material. You do not want it too thick. I would use 8-10 mm nothing higher than that for this project.

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