How To Make A DIY Tarot Wrap That Doubles As A Spread Cloth – Free Tutorial!

Protect your deck from dirt—and bad energy—with this DIY tarot wrap that doubles as a spread cloth. This is perfect for anyone who takes their deck everywhere they go. You’ll never again need to worry about finding a clean surface for your reading; just unwrap the deck, spread out the cloth, and you’re good to go!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a small commission if you purchase through my link–at no additional cost to you.

I fell in love with the beauty of tarot cards when I was in high school, but growing up in a religious environment meant that they were strictly off-limits. I remember buying my first deck at eighteen, but even then, feeling as though I needed to hide it.

My second deck didn’t come into my life until I was thirty-one. Through a lengthy process of self-discovery, I finally made my peace with the fact that tarot cards (among other things) are simply a part of my path.

Tarot cards have a long, fascinating history, although I won’t delve into it here. (Because, let’s be honest, you’re here for the tutorial, not a history lesson.) These cards have not always been used for divination, and even now some prefer to use the cards for self-development and reflection. I have used them for both purposes, as well as creativity and writing prompts.

So I guess I just wanted to say that if you’ve found this post, your love of—or fascination with—tarot is valid. As are your methods, and your intents.

Why would I need a DIY tarot wrap? What is the purpose?

If you’ve ever taken your cards out and tried to read somewhere in public, you’ve probably faced the issue of finding a clean space to lay those beautiful cards down. I would never put my cards down on a dirty table.

Several years ago I was trying to find a solution to this problem. There are lots of beautiful spread cloths out there that you can buy, but I didn’t want something that decorative. I also didn’t want a cloth and a bag. I came across this gorgeous tutorial online but I hate sewing by hand. So I modified it a bit to be more my style. This tutorial is for my modified version, which I use a sewing machine for. However, if you love hand-sewing, definitely check out the original by Katie on Autostraddle.

To make a DIY tarot wrap and spread cloth you’ll need:

• Fabric: Two pieces of 18” x 18” fabric. I prefer to use 100% cotton; you could also use linen, silk, or anything that feels right to you and your practice. My two pieces are always different; generally a bolder pattern for the piece that is facing out and a plain color or very unobtrusive pattern for the piece that will be the actual spread cloth. If you’re not sure where to start, this woodland cotton fabric bundle has some gorgeous patterns that would be great for your outer fabric!
• Thread: I prefer 100% cotton thread for this project, as opposed to a polyester blend. But you can use whatever thread you like working with best. Gutermann thread is my favorite; you can’t go wrong with this Gutermann classic colors thread pack.
• Elastic: You’ll need one piece of ¼” elastic cut to 10”. Something like this Dritz quarter inch elastic.
• Sewing Machine or Needles: While you can sew this by hand, I always use my sewing machine for this project because it makes it that much quicker. (If you’re in the market for a new machine, this is the Brother sewing machine that I use!) However, if you want to spend the time to add intention to your wrap, sewing it by hand might be more your style for a project like this.

Directions

Step 1

It’s time to gather your materials! Get your fabric, thread, elastic, and sewing machine or needles ready. Make sure that your fabric has been washed, dried, and ironed so it’s ready to go.

Step 2

Cut two pieces of fabric, 18” x 18”, as well as your 10” piece of elastic.

Step 3

Lay out the fabric in the direction you want the pattern to sit. Make a mark 10” in from the left side (8” in from the right side) and 3.5” inches away from the top of the fabric. Fold the elastic in half and pin it down. Either machine or hand sew it in place.

Step 4

Pin your two pieces of fabric together, right sides facing. Sew around the squares to attach them, leaving a 0.5” seam allowance. Make sure to leave a gap of about an inch so you can turn the fabric right side out.

Step 5

Trim the excess, turn the fabric, and iron it flat. For a little extra something, you could sprinkle some sage (protection), mugwort (protection and divination), or some other herb of your choice inside the wrap after turning and ironing it. Keep in mind if you do this that you likely won’t want to throw the wrap in the washing machine if it gets dirty because no one wants moldy herbs inside their tarot wrap. (I assume. I wouldn’t, anyway.)

Step 6

Now you’ll top stitch around the fabric a little under ¼” away from the edge. This will close up that opening you left. You can use a plain straight stitch, or if your machine has more decorative options you could also play around with those.

Step 7

If you want to make your wrap a little more unique, you could add some hand embroidery in the corners or around the edges. But if you don’t want to do this (I never have), your wrap is officially done!

Okay But… How Do I Wrap the Cards?

A great question! It’s quite easy to fold your DIY tarot wrap; let me show you how!

You need to mentally divide the cloth into three columns and four rows. (I’ve added lines to the image below to show you what I mean, but these lines are not actually on the tarot wrap!)

Step 1

First, place the tarot wrap with the outside fabric (patterned fabric, in the case of my tutorial) face down. The elastic should be on the top edge, furthest away from you.

Step 2

Fold the right side over the deck.

Step 3

Fold the left side over the deck.

Step 4

Bring the bottom edge up to the top of the tarot deck.

Step 5

Now bring the top edge down to the top of the tarot deck.

Step 6

Now fold the top portion down over the deck. Wrap the elastic loop around your pouch and you’re all set!

And there you go! Nice and easy! (Again, this original tutorial is from Katie at Autostraddle! Thanks, Katie!)

Will You Make a DIY Tarot Wrap and Spread Cloth?

One of the many things I love about this project is that it’s quick, easy, and doesn’t take a lot of materials—which means that you can customize it to your preferences. Do you want to add herbs? Go for it. Do you want to throw a few little tumbled stones in there? Sure! (Although that will make it a lot harder to fold…)

I have multiple decks and multiple wraps—I like to make wraps that match a deck both in colors/patterns and general vibes. (If you know, you know.)

If you’re making this spread cloth as a gift, it would pair beautifully with a brand-new deck or a tarot journal. (Why not something like this?)

Or pair it with another cute DIY like, perhaps, this moon wrap wall art?

Let me know in the comments what you’ll make! I’d love to see it; if you post it on Instagram use the hashtags #theserialcreative and #diytarotspread #diytarotwrap so I can admire your work!