If you hate throwing away 40# feed bags like I do, then you stumbled across the right post!

Here is a simple way to reuse a very strong and flexible material -- perfect for a wallet that gets opened and closed hundreds of times. I have used my first version for over six months and as you can see, the wear is barely visible. In fact, it breaks in and gets more comfortable over time just like a good leather wallet. An added benefit is that its a quirky conversation starter. I even get a chuckle over being judged by random snooty cashiers! No adhesive or stitching is necessary with this design, so there is even less to break down over time.

It is fairly complicated to make the folds, but this design not only provides inner pockets for cards, but also two divided full-length compartments for bills, etc.

I made the template by tracing a wallet someone gave me as a gift several years ago. Someone made it out of house wrap. The template material is from an old children's map book that has seen better days -- another score for re-using something. The words "front" and "back" on the template correlate to what part of the feed bag will be on the front and back of the wallet.

This image shows the bag that has been cut and is ready to fold.

Don't forget to cut the hole in the middle which will be where you slide cards.

Here are the dimensions of the template.

It helps to crease the folds with a hard object.

Step 1: fold the small tabs like so:

Step 2: the first section gets folded like so:

Step 3: and then he next two sections get folded like an accordion:

Step 4: Fold the rounded tabs into the pockets on both sides:

Step 5: Fold the top section down, and then fold like a taco:

You now should have it folded in one long strip, with the last two rounded tabs remaining to be tucked:

Step 6: Tuck the two remaining tabs into the pockets:

And here is what the finished wallet should look like:

I know from designing this post that the folding is easier said than done, so if you decide to try it and get stuck please just comment here and I will post more photos and directions to help.