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Sewing Projects: How to Make a Pencil Case

pencil cases

How to Make a Pencil Case at Home

If you’re just starting out with arts & crafts or simply want a fun activity for the weekend, then this sewing projects video is for you. Dust off the old sewing machine, or beg your neighbor to borrow theirs, and learn how to make a pencil case. This simple and easy to follow tutorial is perfect if you’re looking for a cool and unique way to tidy your stationery. But this isn’t just for pens. Makeup brushes, toiletries, and random odds and ends can all be stored neatly in their very own case.

To make a DIY pencil case sewing even more special, you can design your own custom fabric here. Print your children’s name and their favorite cartoon character or family photos for a fun school accessory. You could even use vintage-inspired patterns or your favorite artwork – it’s entirely up to you! I recommend using fabrics that have flexibility, so you’re not limited with your contents. In the video, we’ve used Scuba, a heavyweight stretchy Lycra that is thick, strong, and supportive. This results in a contemporary DIY pencil case sewing project, however, you could use organic cotton canvas for something a little more traditional. Cotton canvas is also the perfect fabric to make fabric roses – another one of our video tutorials you might fancy giving a go.

Watch the video below and/or read the instructions to learn how to make a pencil case. Happy crafting!

Step by Step Guide for How to Make a Pencil Case

You will Need:

  • A 11.5in Zipper
  • 2x 12in rectangles of printed outer fabric (we’ve used Scuba)
  • 2x 12in rectangles of lining fabric
  • Scissors
  • Thread
  • Stretch needle
  • A Sewing machine with a Zipper Foot (comes included in most models)

Step 1

first part of how to make a pencil case is measure your zip
lay out lining fabric face up and outer fabric face down

Lay out your first piece of lining fabric FACE UP. Place your Zipper on top, with the Zip on the LEFT hand side. Align it with the top edge of your fabric. Place your Outer Fabric FACE DOWN on top to create a sandwich.

Step 2

pin the fabric together safely
replace the standard foot with a zipper foot
undo the zip before you start sewing

Place pins along the top edge to hold your sandwich in place. Now install your Zipper Foot. To do this, lift the foot of your sewing machine and remove the standard foot like so. Replace with the Zipper Foot. This will make it easier to sew a nice, straight line close to your zipper.

Step 3

start sewing along the zipper
move zipper back to the top once you've passed it and continue sewing
open out the sandwich and fold so outer fabric is face up and zipper is on top

Undo the zip before you start sewing and pull the zip down about half an inch. This will make it easier to sew around it, as you will see! Start sewing along the line of the zipper. Once you’ve sewed down to where the Zip Pull is, stop, but keep your needle in the fabric. Move the Zip back to the top as though you’re closing it and continue sewing unimpeded!

Sew down to the end of the zip – go slowly and neatly! Close your threads, trim and open out your sandwich. Fold so that the Zipper is on top and the printed side of your Outer Fabric is facing up.

Step 4

create the second sandwich place lining fabric face up
pin together lining fabric and first sandwich
sew along the zipper as before

Now create your second Sandwich. Place your Lining fabric FACE UP and place your first sandwich with the printed Outer Fabric facing up too. Make sure that the Zipper is ON TOP and on the RIGHT hand side. Place your second Outer Fabric rectangle FACE DOWN on top. Align along the top edge as before and pin in place. Sew along the edge of Zipper, the same as previously. Repeat the technique of moving the zipper down to sew around it and sew to the end.

Step 5

open out and lay out flat so outer fabric faces upwards

Open out your installed Zipper! You now should have a pretty good idea of how your finished DIY pencil case sewing will look. Lay it all out flat so the printed faces of both Lining and Outer Fabric show OUTWARDS and your Zip is ON TOP. Although it’s not shown in the video, press flat with an iron. However always remember to test a sample of your fabric before ironing, and follow care instructions!

Step 6

sew a top stitch along the sides of the zip 1cm away

Pull outwards away from the zip to the edges of your fabric, maintaining tension. Now sew a Top Stitch along the edges of your zip, as well as a line of stitching 1cm away from the Zip, along both sides. You can vary your stitch style, or use a colored thread for a more decorative approach.

Step 7

important to open the zip before next stage
place outer fabrics so they face each other and do same with lining fabrics

Right, this is very Important! Open your Zip – if you don’t you’ll find it hard to reverse you fabric in the next section! Place your Outer Fabrics together, so that they face each other. Do the same for your lining, and lie flat with the Zipper hidden inside. Point the fabric ends of the Zip towards the lining side, as this will hide the edges at the final stage of making your case, giving you a nice, clean finish. Pin in place on both ends.

Step 8

pin around the edges leaving a gap wide enough to fit a hand through
sew together starting from lining side
go slower on these sections to avoid mistakes

Now pin around the rest of your edges. With a 8mm seam allowance, sew around the edge of your fabric pencil case, starting from your lining side. When you get to a corner, insert your needle, lift the foot, and pivot the fabric. Take care to avoid sewing over the metal edges of your zip. It might help to go slow over these sections.

Step 9

cut the corners and trim the edges to remove excess material

Continue sewing the edges of your pencil case, remembering to leave a gap in the bottom edge of your lining, wide enough to get your hand in. When you’re done sewing, clip the corners to trim down bulk.

Step 10

turn the pencil case out by pulling the outer fabric through the gap
use a pencil to poke the corners out to define them
top stitch the remaining open part of the lining fabrics

Now invert your pencil case. To do this, reach through the gap in your lining and grasp the interior of the printed Outer Fabric. Pull through firmly. Using a pencil or chopstick, push out your corners to create sharp, defined corners. Fold the opening in your lining flat and close with a top stitch.

Finished!

push the lining back into the pencil case
close the zip and admire your finished fabric pencil case
end of how to make a pencil case tutorial showing different prints and designs

Finally, push your lining back into your outer layer, close your Zip and admire your completed fabric pencil case!

Voila! How easy was that? Once you know how to make a pencil case, you can give your children, friends, and family a unique gift for them to keep all their little things tidy. Click the banner below to design your own custom fabric and make your sewing projects totally unique. 

design custom fabric for unique sewing projects

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