DIY Budget Money Envelopes {a tutorial}

Completed Project 2015Tutorial

Feb 7

For a number of years now my husband and I have followed a budget and used the envelope system to pay for things in cash. This last year we kind of fell out of that practice. So, trying to get back into the routine I pulled out our envelopes and realized one thing I hate about this system...the paper envelopes fall apart lots of use. So, I decided to pull some fabric scraps out of my bins and make my own :)

And an added bonus, they are cute! These envelopes should last for years and years. So, if you are like us and use the envelope system, I thought I'd share with you my simple envelope method.

Materials Needed (per envelope): 2 - 8 1/2" squares of fabric 1 - small scrap of fabric to write the envelope label 1 - 6" strip of Velcro

**Note - this first one I tried was with a slightly smaller square of fabric and sew down Velcro. I decided to make it a little bigger and then found a roll of iron on Velcro and trust me...this is the way to go if you have it! So much faster when you have your assembly line going.

On the right side of one of your squares, separate the Velcro strip and place them 1/2" down from the top (and up from the bottom) and 1 1/4" in from each side. Either sew them down or iron using the manufacturer's instructions.

On the right side of the second square, place your label. I just kind of eye-balled them keeping in mind that I was going to use a 1/4" seam when sewing the squares together. To sew the label down, I just used a straight stitch a couple of times around close to the edge of the label.

Now place the squares right sides together and sew around each side using 1/4" seam and leaving approximately a 3" opening on one side of the squares.