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Paper Wallet
by theRIAA on October 4, 2006 Table of Contents Paper Wallet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Intro: Paper Wallet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 1: Hamburger fold squared . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 2: Fold in 1/2 and then crease . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 3: Cut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 4: Fold flaps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 5: Tape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 6: Crease again . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 7: Zipper Folding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 8: Wow, you're done already! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Related Instructables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 5 6 7 8

http://www.instructables.com/id/Paper-Wallet/

Author:theRIAA
Hunter Frerich

Intro: Paper Wallet

One sheet of 8.5 by 11 paper folded, with minimal cutting, and one piece of tape = durable, seamless, useable, write-onable, minimalist wallet. Updated: Dec 1, 2009

Image Notes 1. paper wallet full of 6 cards (2 locked away) and tons of cash 2. modded leather wallet empty

Step 1: Hamburger fold squared

neatly fold the 8.5"x11" sheet of paper in half (to look like a hamburger shape as opposed to a skinny hot dog fold). open it, and fold the two flaps into the middle, so it is split in 4 (second picture).

http://www.instructables.com/id/Paper-Wallet/

Step 2: Fold in 1/2 and then crease

now fold the paper in 1/2 perpendicular to the other folds and crease from the folds you just made. notice how it has a natural tendency to stay closed, this is the basic wallet shape. now unfold.

Step 3: Cut
Cut along the black lines (viewed from the inside) please note picture comments.

Image Notes 1. inside front bill area, must be trimed in the middle to prevent crumpling 2. inside back billfold area 3. inside creditcard area 4. LOCKING FLAPS: about 1cm lock the ends of the wallet together using a 'zipper fold'. longer they are, the more secure the wallet is. shorter they are the more room you have inside. 5. back of wallet 6. cut this part out to reduce crumpling on the inside. optional, but recommended.

Step 4: Fold flaps

fold the 2nd and 4th flaps from the top inside on either side.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Paper-Wallet/

Step 5: Tape
tape the lower cut (not the diamond) so both sides are flush, your paper will not be flat anymore. NOTE: this step can be done after step 7, it will be harder, but the wallet will lay flatter and be more square. you can also put a small piece of tape at the top of the diamond (on the 2nd panel down) as this is now the wallets weakest point now refold, like in step 2

Step 6: Crease again

neatly crease the wallet starting from the back to the edges. 2 flaps should be sticking out of each end of the wallet.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Paper-Wallet/

Image Notes 1. flaps

Step 7: Zipper Folding

I finally figured out an easy way to explain this you will lock both ends separately. starting from the inside, and going to the outside, there will be a flap, then a pocket, then another flap, and another pocket. We'll call these 1,2,3,4 respectively. Fold the inner flap (3) into the inner pocket (2), then fold the outer flap (1) over 2 and 3, and into the outer pocket (4). do the same to the other end. i would suggest taping flap 3 inside the pocket to hold the wallet together better.

Image Notes 1. 3 2. bills go here 3. 1 4. outside of wallet 5. 2 6. pocket 4

Image Notes 1. outside of wallet 2. 1

http://www.instructables.com/id/Paper-Wallet/

Image Notes 1. seprate, outside creditcard pocket 2. inside credit card pocket

Step 8: Wow, you're done already!

this wallet should easily hold tons of cash, 4 easily accessible credit cards, and 2-4 more locked credit cards the outside (edge) credit card slot has a flap you tucked in. unfold this flap, put cards in, refold flap, and they should be locked in, you can now put another card in this pocket. this wallet is very durable due to its construction, but feel free to use tyveck or other materials if you have them. any questions/improvements/praises PLEASE COMMENT Official Instructables PDF files to download Howcast.com created a video based off my instructable: it's very helpful if you're having trouble with the ends.

Also, www.paperwallet.com has generously offered a 5% discount to users of this site. They make a similar wallet out of tyvek. Use the coupon code: TREE it should be noted that in the real world i use something like johnsuri's 'anti-wallet'. his idea deserves more credit. i've added an extra clip and some paracord so that i can secure my things to my belt loop, and have my car keys handy. (3rd pic) http://www.instructables.com/id/the-anti-wallet/ takes up less space than a wallet in your front pocket, everything is secure, and since it has my keys too, it's all i have to carry.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Paper-Wallet/

Image Notes 1. cash pocket 2. 1 week old prototype, durability and useability is exelent. . new, one month old one is doing great 3. seprate, outside edge card pockets, the flap in theis pocket can lock extra cards in! 4. 2 inside card pockets

Image Notes 1. paper wallet full of 6 cards (2 locked away) and tons of cash 2. modded leather wallet empty

Image Notes 1. clips onto jeans 2. goes in pocket 3. 5ft paracord handy

Related Instructables

The Extremely Easy And Fast Ductape Wallet! by SoDDiggerCpl

High Quality Duct Tape Wallet (with check pocket!) by cesarscavone

Magic duct tape wallet on roids by der1311

the anti wallet by johnsuri

Casino Wallet by vanpaun

At a Glance Wallet by edfel01

http://www.instructables.com/id/Paper-Wallet/

Comments
50 comments Add Comment view all 511 comments

HALOPLAYER101 says:
I don`t get step 2 please help.

Dec 17, 2010. 2:15 PM REPLY

star_above_the_clouds says:
you fold it in half and then you unfold everything.

Mar 15, 2011. 11:01 AM REPLY

lovelenawu says:
i dont get the first part

Mar 6, 2011. 1:32 PM REPLY

qdogoo7 says:
wait i dont ghet it

Mar 6, 2011. 12:52 PM REPLY

tscott97 says:
Heres my finished wallet. I used card stock for mine. It turned out great! Thanks for the great 'ible!

Feb 21, 2011. 9:05 AM REPLY

abieber says:
how did you make the star thingy plz reply

Mar 3, 2011. 12:57 PM REPLY

tscott97 says:

Mar 3, 2011. 4:14 PM REPLY I had my friend draw it. Sadly, my wallet fell in the sink while I was brushing my teeth. I'm so mad at my brother for dropping it. I'm not sure how he drew it. He used a Red Fine Point Sharpie Pen. And green to fill in the other parts of the star.

davidsona says:

Feb 6, 2011. 11:05 AM REPLY Love it! I can't wait to teach it to my fifth graders! I just added one step and made the cutting easier. When cutting the flaps and triange bottom part. I folded it hot dog first. That way both sides were sure to match up and the bottom triangle part was symetrical. Apr 9, 2008. 8:16 PM REPLY

PyroManiac96 says:
I made one out of tin foil :) thx for wallet idea this things awesome

Sir Galahad says:

That is a heaping pile of awsome!

Jan 28, 2011. 3:41 PM REPLY

http://www.instructables.com/id/Paper-Wallet/

Nicholas G. says:

Dec 31, 2010. 6:52 PM REPLY This is a very good idea because not only is it durable(if constructed right) but it can be tucked away in a small pocket or something like that.

matchbookhymnal says:

Dec 29, 2010. 10:06 AM REPLY I like this wallet much better when you leave off the bottom half of the center cut. It stabilizes the credit card pockets & makes the cards much less likely to fall out.

Nutrition Man says:

If anyone wants a .PDF of the printout because I scanned my one and it works perfect!

Dec 27, 2010. 8:04 AM REPLY

HALOPLAYER101 says:
I did`nt mean to put the comment above

Dec 18, 2010. 2:50 PM REPLY

Nutrition Man says:

*didn't That is a 5 - year - old mistake.

Dec 27, 2010. 8:03 AM REPLY

HALOPLAYER101 says:
this is confusing

Dec 18, 2010. 2:54 PM REPLY

Nutrition Man says:

OK, what are you stuck on?

Dec 27, 2010. 8:02 AM REPLY

skullblue32 says:
Thank you it really is better than a real wallet BTW!!!!!!!!!

Dec 26, 2010. 7:44 PM REPLY

sclocher says:

Dec 20, 2010. 5:43 PM REPLY great job, bud, though this would be TONS more difficult, but 3 inutes, and BOOM!.... oh and BTW i love how you say "5ft paracord handy", lol.

HALOPLAYER101 says:
I don`t get step 5

Dec 17, 2010. 2:18 PM REPLY

gogglepoofs says:
im going to try one with a page from a magazine :)

Nov 8, 2010. 10:19 PM REPLY

WhyHello says:
just using paper stolen from printer , hope this works!

Nov 7, 2010. 9:49 PM REPLY

MrCreator says:

Nov 2, 2010. 5:02 PM REPLY I love this instructible! Once I made one, the process seemeed MUCH easier! Just make one of copy paper, then use something durible, like construction paper. Mine turn out a little odd, and you all might have odd ones too, but if you cut at the right places and sizes, it makes it work. :D

zachary32 says:
and on steps 6 and 7 theres a way to interlock both sides ill try to post a picture of it

Oct 15, 2010. 11:14 AM REPLY

zachary32 says:

Oct 15, 2010. 11:13 AM REPLY i did this wallet and it is great but i made mine with taped together monopoly money and then put clear tape all around it and made it waterproof i was gonna do a different one but then it was to hard so then i had a big sheet of monopoly money so then i used this design but it works very good for me and since mine has tape all over it its waterproof and it has lasted me about 3 months now.very very good design

http://www.instructables.com/id/Paper-Wallet/

Haagenize says:
I just want to say this is the best wallet ever even though I have revised the design in 2 spots I have made numerous wallets from this and here are some of them

Mar 6, 2010. 6:18 PM REPLY

nickodemus says:
The fourth wallet is gorgeous!

Oct 4, 2010. 5:15 PM REPLY

elimasmx says:
Totoro! :D It looks awesome.. I'll try to do that o:

Aug 4, 2010. 3:45 PM REPLY

VirtualPenguin says:
How did you make one edge stand out taller than the other on your third picture?

Jul 28, 2010. 12:29 PM REPLY

Haagenize says:

Jul 29, 2010. 4:13 AM REPLY I do this because it makes it easier to get a hold of paper bills, and this is done by the very beginning, when you fold the piece of paper in half hamburger style, you cut .5" off one side aftwards, then when you fold both sides in towards the middle, one side is naturally shorter (the inside)

VirtualPenguin says:
Thank you, will try this immediately! What was the other change?

Jul 29, 2010. 10:59 AM REPLY

Haagenize says:
I can't remember off the top of my head, but I also don't tape it closed, i find it unnecessary

Jul 29, 2010. 11:09 AM REPLY

freakyqwerty says:
I know this is a bit late but how did you make the wallet in the fifth picture?

Nov 9, 2010. 10:59 AM REPLY

jeffreyshi says:
I want to know to!!! I like the design

Dec 21, 2010. 4:49 PM REPLY

orangewolf22 says:
Totoro FTW

Jul 26, 2010. 7:15 AM REPLY

http://www.instructables.com/id/Paper-Wallet/

xenor says:
Nice work there! What changes do you make to the design?

May 2, 2010. 3:21 AM REPLY

O w l e t t says:
This was a great step-by-step! After a bit of figuring I got it down just right! Now I have a wallet that will fit in my newly made too-small purse! c: Thank you for posting this!

Sep 9, 2010. 2:34 PM REPLY

kought says:

Sep 7, 2010. 7:14 PM REPLY Wow awesome instructable! I made one out of regular paper in like 1 minute and then decided it would be good in cardstock. So I used cardstock and it worked great! Feels more durable. Definetly thicker, but I don't mind I only have 2 cards and rarely any cash... :D

knay says:
so confusing:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;;;

Aug 27, 2010. 9:55 AM REPLY

masterchief442 says:
Haha 2 words... FIRE HAZARD!!!! but seriously, thats pretty cool.

Aug 14, 2010. 11:37 AM REPLY

zutalors says:

Aug 9, 2010. 3:08 AM REPLY Fantastic! If this does not become the all-time best instructable, I will be very surprised. I just made my second wallet, this time with some thick and colourful paper from a calendar. The first was made with ordinary printer paper, and it lasted 4 weeks with daily use. My next will be made with useful images printed on the external surfaces, such as copies of my ID, phone number list, mtro map, pix of the grandchildren... and no more holes worn in the hip pocket by a thick leather wallet. People with artistic ability will be able to print more interesting designs, I look forward to seeing the creative ideas. Thanks for the excellent instructable. Aug 3, 2010. 9:08 AM REPLY Awesome. The flap folding part is easy once you logically think about what you're aiming for .. to close of the ends of the wallet. The new British 20 sticks out the top using A4 paper ( 8.3" x 11.7"), but that's our fault for making our money way bigger than needed! Overall, I'd definately use this on a night out or to a gig when I'll only have minimal cards on me and not want my much bulkier duct tape wallet. ..p.s. hambuger bun and hotdog bun folding is pretty obvious, even for a Welsh girl who doesn't know entirely what kindergarten is. Jul 29, 2010. 11:26 PM REPLY love love love this instructable!! i got confused on this step because i didnt get that each side was a 1,2,3,4 series, i had the wallet folded up and couldnt understand the order of flaps and pockets. if you take the directions for each side, it was super easy! thanks!!!

peachblossom says:

reefhugger says:

chanwhk says:
this is kinda cool~ I made it with a piece of A4 paper but its a little too short.. i guess a F4 paper would do.

Apr 30, 2007. 9:45 PM REPLY

JamesTB13 says:
Standard paper, 8.5x11"

Jul 25, 2010. 11:55 AM REPLY

VirtualPenguin says:

Jul 28, 2010. 11:52 AM REPLY Standard in the US... chanwhk used A4 which is standard in EU. I made mine of a A4 too and it worked just fine, maybe you made to big flaps, it might also depend on where you live and how long your bills are. :)

JamesTB13 says:
A4 IS 8.5x11"

Jul 28, 2010. 1:03 PM REPLY

VirtualPenguin says:

Jul 28, 2010. 2:35 PM REPLY 8.3 x 11.7 according to wikipedia. 8.5x11 is the US standard letter size. Not a giant difference but there is a difference. Both can be used for this instructable though :)

killerdynamo says:
if you fold a rectangular piece of paper in half, you should be able to tell if it's hamburger or hot dog.

Jul 26, 2010. 9:56 PM REPLY

http://www.instructables.com/id/Paper-Wallet/

sk8er6 says:
gonna try to make this out of fused grocery bags

Jul 26, 2010. 8:32 AM REPLY

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