Hello, fellow my bag makers! If you’ve ever felt frustrated by bulky folded card slots in your Mini NCW, I’ve got fantastic news for you. On The Bag Makers Sew-Ciety YouTube channel, I’ve shared an easy hack that replaces the traditional fan-fold method with a sleek no-fold design. This game-changing technique is quick, compact, and perfect for those who love a professional finish without all the fuss.
Curious? Let me give you a sneak peek into the process, but don’t forget to watch the full video for all the details!
The Mini NCW (Necessary Clutch Wallet) is a bag-making favourite, but let’s face it—the fan-fold card slots can be a bit of a challenge. That’s why I’m thrilled to share my no-fold card slot hack, which simplifies the process while creating a super sleek result. Best of all, it takes just 15 minutes to put together. Here’s how it works!
What You’ll Need.
For this hack, you’ll need:
Two card slot back pieces. as per the measurements in the pattern
One 8-inch smaller fabric piece.
One 7-inch smaller fabric piece.
The width of the above two pieces are the same as the card slot back pieces
Waterproof or no-fray fabrics like 60D waterproof canvas work beautifully for this method, as they reduce bulk and save time on seam finishing.
Preparation is Key.
Start by scoring the short edges of the smaller fabric pieces using a stiletto or folding along a marked line. This creates clean, crisp folds with less bulk compared to traditional techniques. Both folded edges are then top-stitched at 1/8 inch using a stitch length of 4.5—this gives them a professional, polished look.
Marking the Centres.
Accuracy is everything when it comes to card slots, so don’t skip this step! Mark the centres of both the back pieces and the smaller fabric pieces along their long edges. This ensures perfect alignment during assembly.
Layering the Card Slots.
First Layer: Start with the larger folded piece. Clip it to one of the back pieces, aligning the centres, and stitch lines half an inch on either side of the centre. This prevents cards from sliding too far into the slots.
Second Layer: Repeat the process with the smaller folded piece, stitching a single line down the centre for added reinforcement.
Assembling and Finishing.
The final step is to sew the assembled card slot layers right sides together with the second back piece along the shorter edges, using a ¼-inch seam allowance. Once sewn, turn everything right side out, flatten the seams, and top-stitch the short edges for a neat finish. Finally, baste-stitch the long edges to secure the card slots and keep them aligned during wallet assembly.
Why This NCW Hack is a Game-Changer.
This no-fold method isn’t just quicker—it’s also tidier, with less bulk and a more polished appearance. Whether you’re sewing for yourself or creating wallets to sell, this hack is a must-try for upgrading your Mini NCW projects.
This no-fold card slot hack is a total game-changer for Mini NCW projects. It’s quick, easy, and delivers such a polished result that you’ll never go back to the fan-fold method. Ready to give it a go? Head over to The Bag Makers Sew-Ciety YouTube channel to watch the full tutorial and see the magic in action. Let’s make sewing simpler, together!
Until next time happy sewing and may your bobbin always be full
Deb x
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