How to sew a pencil case

If you are someone who loves to organize your stationery supplies or simply enjoys sewing, making your own pencil case can be a fun and practical project. Sewing a pencil case allows you to customize it to your personal style and preferences, while also saving you money compared to buying one from a store. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to sew a pencil case.

Materials Needed:
– Fabric of your choice (cotton or canvas work well)
– Lining fabric
– Fusible interfacing
– Thread
– Zipper
– Pins
– Scissors
– Sewing machine
– Iron
– Pencil or fabric marking pen

Step 1: Measure and Cut
Decide on the desired dimensions of your pencil case. Typically, a size of 10 inches by 5 inches works well. Measure and cut two rectangles from your main fabric, lining fabric, and fusible interfacing, each measuring the desired size.

Step 2: Apply Interfacing
Following the manufacturer’s instructions, iron the fusible interfacing onto the wrong side of one of your main fabric rectangles. This will provide structure to your pencil case.

Step 3: Attach the Zipper
Place your main fabric piece with the interfacing right side up. Position the zipper face down on top, aligning the top edge of the fabric and zipper. Place the lining fabric right side down on top, sandwiching the zipper in between.

Pin the layers together and sew along the top edge using a zipper foot attachment on your sewing machine. Make sure to sew close to the zipper teeth. Once sewn, iron the fabric and lining away from the zipper.

Step 4: Repeat for the Other Side
Take the remaining main fabric rectangle and align the top edge with the other side of the zipper. Place the lining fabric on top, right side down, similar to Step 3. Pin the layers together and sew along the top edge, just as before. Iron the fabric and lining away from the zipper.

Step 5: Sew the Sides
With the zipper open halfway, fold the fabric with right sides together, aligning the two main fabric rectangles on one side and the two lining fabric rectangles on the other side. Pin the sides together, leaving a small opening at the bottom of the lining for turning.

Using a regular sewing foot, stitch along the sides of the pencil case, backstitching at the beginning and end. Trim any excess fabric.

Step 6: Box the Corners
To create a boxy shape, gently pinch the bottom corners of the main fabric and lining, aligning the side and bottom seams. Measure 1 inch from the corner point and mark a straight line across the corner.

Sew along this line for both the main fabric and lining. Trim the excess fabric, leaving a small seam allowance.

Step 7: Turn and Finish
Through the opening in the lining, carefully turn the pencil case right side out. Use a pencil or any blunt object to push out the corners for a crisp finish.

Hand stitch the opening closed using a ladder stitch or machine stitch close to the edge.

Congratulations! You have successfully sewn your very own pencil case. Feel free to customize it by adding embellishments, such as buttons or embroidery, to make it truly unique. Now you can enjoy a stylish and homemade pencil case to keep your stationery organized!