When you make an envelope wallet for face masks, you have yet another easy way to keep extra masks close at hand. My theory is that the more fun it is to carry masks around, the more likely people are to do it.
So, I decided to create and offer a variety of patterns and tutorials for different ways to store and carry face masks.
My first tutorial involved cotton fabric and a zipper. Yep, the zipper pouch tutorial was pure straight-line sewing rectangles together and allowed those who are new to zippers an easy opportunity to give it a go.
My second face mask storage project involved creating a full-blown virus protection kit pattern and tutorial. This also involved fabric rectangles, a zipper, and a very specific construction sequence.
And now it’s finally time to share the envelope wallet pattern I designed a while ago!
What Fabrics Should I Use To Make An Envelope Wallet?
My original inspiration for this pattern was to make a fabric version an air mail envelope.
It was supposed to be my cheeky attempt at adding some humor into this difficult time.
After all, I may not be able to travel abroad right now, but I could still do something with various country stamps!
So I played around with it and decided it was “meh” for these reasons:
– White cotton fabric will get dirty very quickly. Since these fabric mask wallets need to be thrown into things like purses and sports totes, they shouldn’t show dirt easily.
– To make it look like a a real envelope, it would be one-sided. This means the design didn’t pop as much as I wanted.
– The final result needed a more heft. Easier to hold when using it and easier to find when searching through a bag. Heavier fabric would also protect the masks better.
After testing different fabrics, I decided canvas was the best option for the outer layer because it is heavier and stiffer than standard 100% cotton.
How Do I Make An Envelope Wallet?
You only need about 20 – 30 minutes to complete this sewing project. So, use the “Pin It” button to save this project for when you find yourself in need of a thoughtful gift in a pinch.
Materials For A Face Mask Envelope Wallet
The materials are minimal for this project. You need the following:
– One 11″ x 18″ piece of canvas fabric.
This can be a plain color or have a pattern.
As always, pay close attention to the fabric direction. You don’t want something that has a specific direction because the folds will force one side to be upside down.
As I mentioned, I played around with different fabrics before landing on canvas. You can certainly make this with two layers of cotton, but it won’t have the same heft or stiffness. The canvas helps the envelope hold its shape nicely.
– One 11″ x 17″ piece of 100% cotton fabric.
This is the inner layer of the fabric. Having the more pliable (and softer) 100% cotton allows the envelope to fold easily.
– Plastic snap.
The plastic snap, I feel, is the most elegant closure. It is also the easiest to install.
You can use sew-in hook and loop tape, but I don’t typically use it for a small closure if it’s something I am throwing into a bag. I don’t want it to open up and catch on something else.
I also want this to wash and wear nicely. By using a snap (plastic or metal), you can easily open it up and throw it in the wash without concern for it sticking to your socks.
– Envelope wallet pattern.
To get the right shape for the wallet, you’ll need to download Create To Donate’s free envelope wallet pattern.
Simple Steps To Make An Envelope Wallet
Step 1: Cut the two fabric pieces using the pattern.
You may have noticed that I listed two different sizes for each fabric piece even though it’s the same pattern.
I did this because sometimes canvas is a little tougher to cut.
So, I wanted to have a little extra space to make sure I could cut a straight line without issue. The 100% cotton fabric is softer and you can easily cut a close edge so I have that piece tighter to the pattern.
The beauty of the 11″ x 17″ (or 18″) rectangle is that you can already have straight edges for the top and bottom of the pattern and need just to trim those a little. Then, all that’s left is cutting out the angles and sides!
Step 2: Place fabric pieces right sides together and prepare for sewing.
After you cut out the two pieces, place them right sides together. Clip around the whole piece to keep it in place for sewing.
You need to have a hole for turning it right sides out, though. So leave about a 3″ hole open on one of the long edges. Mark that distance with the clips.
Step 3: Sew pieces together using 1/4″ seam allowance.
Sew around the whole piece, clip to clip, using a 1/4″ seam allowance.
Take extra care when you’re sewing the inside corners. You want to keep a tight angle so that it folds nicely. If you need, mark the points so you know when to stop and turn the needle.
Step 4: Trim corners.
I must admit, I am not someone who always trims the corners before turning. This is one of those times, however, when trimming them is necessary.
You want to be able to push the corners out to have definite points. You also when them to lay flat nicely as part of the final, folded envelope.
Step 5: Turn right sides out.
When you are turning the piece right sides out, you have to find all the angles.
First, push all of the corners out completely. You can use your finger or a pencil or a proper turning tool.
One you have turned it all right sides out, you will also want to do a little tugging. All of the angles need to be defined for the envelope to fold well.
Step 6: Top stitch the entire piece.
After you’ve turned it out completely, you still have the open hole.
So, fold the fabric edges toward the inside and finger press to create a straight line. It also helps to finger press or straight out press with an iron, the whole piece before top stitching.
When the piece is ready, top stitch around the whole thing 1/8″ from the edge.
Step 7: Add the plastic snap closure.
I had wanted to try plastic snaps for years and finally bought this plastic snaps kit.
It was totally worth it! Plastic snaps are quick and easy to install, and there are SO many different ways to use them.
In order to have the snap line up perfectly, you’ll want to pierce both pieces of fabric together.
The fabric piercing tool (i.e., the awl) should go straight down, not at an angle.
To place the hole properly, hold the bottom flap away from the rest of wallet while you’re poking through the top and bottom flaps. You don’t want the hole to go all the way through the wallet.
Install both parts of the snap.
A Cute Way To Store A Stash Of Face Masks
After you add the snap, the envelope wallet is ready to store your stash of face masks!
I can typically fit around 5 – 7 masks in this fabric wallet.
So, you will have a week’s worth extra face masks with no problem!
Video Tutorial: Make An Envelope Wallet
Share The Goods
Where have you been storing extra face masks in case you find yourself without one?