How to Crochet a Chic Card Holder with the FLBLO Stitch

Materials & tools you'll need

Step 1 — Work the foundation chain

Begin by making a foundation chain of approximately 60 stitches — 62 chains in total including the starting and ending chains. This chain forms the base of the card holder and sets its width, so hold it against a standard card before proceeding to confirm the length is right for your intended use. To make the chain, hold the yarn tail at the back of your work, place the hook into the yarn about an inch from the tail, wrap the yarn over the hook from front to back, and pull through to form the first loop. Continue chaining until you reach the desired count, keeping your tension even throughout so the foundation sits flat and does not curl.

Step 2 — Turn the work to begin the first row

Once the foundation chain is complete, turn the work so you are looking at the wrong side — the back of the chain stitches. Insert your hook into the first stitch from the back and yarn over to create a slip knot that connects the work to the hook. This turning step sets up the correct orientation for the FLBLO stitch pattern and ensures the textured side of the fabric faces outward on the finished card holder. Work carefully through this first turning stitch so the tension matches the rest of the foundation chain before moving into the first full row.

Step 3 — Work rows of FLBLO stitches

Begin working in rows of Front Loop Back Loop Only (FLBLO) stitches. For each FLBLO stitch, insert your hook through both loops on the back of the stitch and only the front loop on the front of the stitch — this combination creates the distinctive ridged texture that gives the card holder its chic appearance. Start with a row of 5 FLBLO stitches, then follow with 2 rows of 6 FLBLO stitches. Feel free to adjust these counts based on your yarn gauge and preferred finished size — the goal is a consistently flat, even fabric that will fold neatly into a pocket shape. Keep a stitch marker at the beginning of each row to track your count.

Step 4 — Measure and adjust for size

After completing the initial rows, lay the piece flat and measure it against the cards you plan to store — standard credit cards and gift cards are 85mm × 54mm (3.4 in × 2.1 in). If the piece is not yet long enough to fold into a pocket with a comfortable overlap, continue working additional rows of FLBLO stitches until it reaches the right length. A good rule of thumb is to aim for a total length roughly two and a half times the height of the card, which gives enough fabric to fold up into a pocket and still leave a flap to fold over for the button closure. Check the measurement after every couple of rows as you get close to the target size.

Step 5 — Work the slip stitch edging

When the piece has reached the desired size, use a stitch marker to mark the centre of one long edge — this will be the point where the button loop will sit. Join your yarn at this marked centre point and work a round of slip stitches all the way around the edges of the piece, inserting the hook into each FLBLO stitch as you go. The slip stitch edging gives the card holder a neat, defined border that prevents the edges from rolling or stretching and prepares the piece for the button closure in the next step. Keep the slip stitches snug but not so tight that they cause the edges to pucker.

Step 6 — Chain the button loop

When you reach the marked centre point during the slip stitch edging round, chain 30 stitches to form the button loop, then return to the marked centre and continue slip stitching around the remainder of the edge until you complete the full round. The chain-30 loop acts as the buttonhole — when the card holder is folded and the flap is brought over, this loop slips over the button to hold everything closed. If your button is particularly large or small, adjust the chain count up or down slightly so the loop fits snugly over the button without being too loose or difficult to fasten.

Step 7 — Sew on the button

Thread the yarn needle with the remaining yarn tail and position the button on the opposite side of the card holder, centred at the point that will align naturally with the button loop when the flap is folded over. Insert the needle through both layers of fabric at the back loop of the marked centre stitch, pass it through the button hole, and repeat several times to secure the button firmly. Tie a knot on the inside of the card holder to fasten off and weave in the tail so it does not work loose with regular use. Test the button closure by folding the card holder and slipping the loop over the button before trimming the tail.

Step 8 — Optional wristlet extension

If you would like to use the card holder as a wristlet, add extra chains to the foundation chain at the very beginning of the project — before working any FLBLO rows. The additional chains extend one end of the piece into a strap long enough to wrap around your wrist or loop onto a bag handle. Alternatively, you can crochet a separate chain strap after finishing the card holder and attach it to one corner with the yarn needle. Either approach gives you a hands-free carrying option that makes the card holder practical for travel, markets, or any situation where you want quick access to cards without carrying a full bag.

Frequently asked questions

How do I crochet a card holder using the FLBLO stitch?
Start with a foundation chain of approximately 60 stitches, then turn the work and crochet rows of Front Loop Back Loop Only (FLBLO) stitches until the piece is large enough to hold cards. Finish with a round of slip stitches around the edges, chain a loop for the button closure, and sew on a button to secure the opening.

What type of yarn is recommended for a crochet card holder?
A medium-weight yarn such as Red Heart Soft or Caron Simply Soft works well for this project. Choose a colour that suits your style — the FLBLO stitch shows up clearly in solid or semi-solid yarns.

Can I adjust the size of the FLBLO crochet card holder?
Yes. After completing the initial rows, measure the piece against the cards you want to store. If more length is needed, continue working rows of FLBLO stitches until the piece is large enough to fold into a pocket that holds your cards comfortably.

What is the purpose of the button closure on the card holder?
The button closure secures the opening of the card holder so cards do not fall out during use. A chain loop worked into the edging acts as the buttonhole, and the button is sewn onto the opposite side. Choose a complementary or contrasting button to add a decorative touch.

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