DIY.. Easy Business Card Holder

I’ve wanted to make a business card holder for quite come time. My friend Trish is in the final stages of having her online magazine ” The Purple Fig” redesigned.  It was the perfect opportunity to make one for her.

The Purple Fig is an online blogzine with an emphasis on realistic and inspiring personal stories from women of all age groups, lifestyles and nationalities.. Trish is an amazing writer and the articles she publishes are real, raw, powerful and inspiring. If you need a good read, head on over and check it out.

Materials needed:

1. 2 colors fabric – scraps or fat quarters
2. 1/4″ double fold bias tape
3. Pellon Peltex 71F – Single Sided Fusible Stabilizer
4. Clear vinyl
5. Disappearing fabric ink pen
6. Sewing machine and supplies
7. Pen, paper, ruler and paper scissors
8. Iron and ironing board
9. Wonder clips – optional
10. Fabric glue – optional

This project is pretty easy and you can complete it in a few hours. The only really “hard” part is the bias tape. You might feel like you have two left hands sewing it in place. Don’t fret, I have a few tricks up my sleeve.

Let’s get started:

1. Cut the pattern pieces: Cut 2 rectangles measuring 7″L x 4 1/2″W from your outside and lining fabric. Cut 2 rectangles measuring 3 1/4″ L x 4 1/2″W”  from the Peltex 71F. Cut 2 rectangles measuring 3″L x 4 1/2″W from the vinyl. Wait to cut your bias tape later.
2. Round the outside corners on all pieces – outside and lining fabric, Peltex 71F  and the clear vinyl pieces.
3. Place the outside piece onto your work surface, right side down. Lay each piece of Peltex 71F on top and at each end. The fusible is facing down. The should be a space between the Peltex 71F pieces. Press in place with a hot iron.
4. Place your lining fabric on top, right side facing up. The pieces of Peltex 71F are sandwiched between. Place into sewing machine and baste together around the outside edge.
5. Cut 2 pieces of bias tape measuring 5″ in length.  Place the bias tape along the straight edge of each piece of vinyl. Pin or use wonder clips to hold. Place into sewing machine and stitch the bias tape onto the vinyl. Note: if you are having issues with the bias tape and vinyl, hold onto a long thread tail while you start sewing the bias tape.  Trim down at each end.
6. Now cut a long piece of bias tape around 24″ in length. Using your iron, turn and press each of the 4 corners into the bias tape.
7. Sew the bias tape around the outside. I tend to be lazy when I sew with store bought bias tape, I just wrap it around the raw edges and stitch down. For this approach, I like using wonder clips.. Using the wonder clips, secure one end of the bias tape and hold down approximately 6″ of the bias tape. Place into your sewing machine and stitch down. Wrap and continue sewing. Note – if you are having a hard time with your corners and/or sewing the bias tape in general, place a small amount of fabric glue along the entire outside edge of the business card holder. Gently finger press to set in place. Place it back into your sewing machine and stitch in place. Backstitch at the end.
8. I didn’t fold the bias tape under at the end.. I was too lazy to do it, but really should have. For a more clean finish, turn and fold the bias tape under itself. Backstitch over the top to secure in place.

That’s it. Super easy, right?

Ok, so you don’t want to make a business car holder.. Well, have any international travel coming up? Make a passport holder…  Or how about a photo frame? Just increase my measurements and you are good to go.

Ps.. I’m now on Instagram.. Come on over and say hello. I’m sharing my world of sewing, inspiration, and a bit on my travels.

Happy sewing!