We have accumulated about twenty packs of cards, and they all are kept in one drawer. However much I tidy them, tie ribbons around them, no one else in this household is going to do that. So the drawer ends up looking like this and every time we want to play cards, we end up counting to 52.
So I decided to make these simple card cases out of braids.
Playing cards holds memories of my childhood, and my children’s. So many different games in different places, there is always a pack in the car glove box, and, for me, cards seem to be associated with travelling. The braids that I have chosen represent something of the mystique of cards themselves, the highly patterned images, the connection with India, Romanys and Tarot.
So, here’s the how to….
Should take you 3/4 hr max, 1/2 hour when you are making the rest!
Select a pack of cards and check the dimensions when stacked – mine measured 9cm x 5.8cm x 1.7cm.
Now select your braids, I like the contrasting colours and designs. You will need at least one wide one, and one narrower one. Note your braid for the sides needs to be a finished width of about 2cm
Cut three braids to a length of 55cm each ( this will allow you some extra length, braids can move and shift so better to allow a little extra and then trim down)
Overlay a middle braid on top of two outside braids and pin in place. The width should be about 0.5cm wider on each side of the card.
Now edgestitch. You have essentially just made a wider braid.
Fold this in half, with ends together and trim to be 26cm folded, that’s 52 cm long unfolded. Using a sewing machine or by hand. with right sides together, sew the ends of the braid with a 1cm seam allowance. Note, braid by the nature of its weaving does fray so a close stitch is advised.
Turn so that the right sides are now outwards and fold in half, with stitched seam at one end. Using your cards as guides you can mark where the flap will start, where the base of the card comes to, the width of the side braid for the base, etc.
Cut two strips of the narrower braid to 11cm for the side panels and turn 1cm at each end towards the wrong side of the braid. Pin and securely stitch in place , catching the raw edges with your stitching, so to create a neat internal finish.
Match the top edge of one side panel to the folded seam of the main braid panel and edgestitch through all layers (so thats the two edges of the main braid and the edge of the side panel) to within 2mm of the end of the side panel side.
Either break your stitching here and trim, then move on to sewing across the width of the side panel. Or confident machinists can leave their needle down and turn, lining up the braids to sew the width.
Repeat to go up the last longer edge.
Complete these steps to insert the last side panel.
The flap can now be finished by applying some ricrac.
Cut a 22cm strip of ricrac and fold in half.
Twist and cross over to make a loop for the button. Pin in place on the outside of the flap, tucking in the ends of the ricrac just before the flap meets the main body.
Sew around the edge of the flap using an edgestitch and then sew through all flap layers to attach the ricrac, leaving the button loop free.
Insert your cards, fold flap over to find button position, mark and then remove cards and securely sew on button.
Trim all cotton ends, feel suitably proud and start planning sewing the next one. Using ricrac or pom pom trims will make each playing card case have its own personality, and make you feel very clever. Alternatively convert to Ipod case, spec case, etc, etc.