Why make your own pencil case?
A pencil case is one of the most essential items for students or anyone who loves to draw or write. While you can always buy a ready-made pencil case from stores, making your own from scratch can be a fun and creative DIY project. Plus, you can customize it according to your preferences, use eco-friendly materials, and save some money as well. In this guide, we will share some easy steps to make a pencil case from scratch, using basic sewing techniques and common materials.
Step 1: Gather the materials
Before starting the project, make sure you have all the necessary materials and tools. You will need:
- Fabric of your choice (about 0.5 meter)
- Lining fabric (about 0.5 meter)
- Zipper (at least 10 inches long)
- Scissors
- Pins
- Sewing machine (or needle and thread if you prefer hand-sewing)
- Iron and ironing board
You can choose any fabric you like, from cotton to denim, or even repurpose an old shirt or pillowcase. Make sure the fabrics are clean and pressed before starting the project.
Step 2: Cut the fabrics
Start by cutting two pieces of fabric and two pieces of lining fabric, each measuring about 11 inches by 9 inches. These will be the outer and inner layers of your pencil case.
Then, cut two strips of fabric, each measuring about 2 inches by 11 inches. These will be the side panels of your pencil case.
Step 3: Sew the zipper
Pin one of the side panels to one side of the zipper, right sides facing. Sew along the edge using a zipper foot attachment on your sewing machine. Repeat with the other side panel and the other side of the zipper.
Then, flip the fabrics so the wrong sides are facing and topstitch along the edges to keep the fabric flat.
Step 4: Sew the layers together
Lay the outer fabric right side up, and place the zipper on top with the right side facing down. Then, lay the lining fabric right side down on top of the zipper, aligning the edges.
Pin all the layers together and sew along the top edge, using a regular foot attachment on your sewing machine.
Open up the fabrics and use an iron to press the seams flat.
Then, fold the fabrics so the outer layers are facing each other and the lining layers are together. Sew along the bottom edge and the sides, leaving a small gap on the lining side for turning the pencil case inside out.
Step 5: Finish the pencil case
Turn the pencil case inside out through the gap, using a pencil or similar object to push out the corners. Then, sew the gap closed by hand or with your sewing machine.
Finally, fold the sides and bottom of the pencil case to create a box shape and iron the seams to keep them in place. Your pencil case is now ready to use!