How to Sew an Easy Pencil Case with No Zipper (YouTube)

Sew a cute DIY pencil case using this super easy tutorial.

Want to sew something this summer? Want to teach the kids to sew this summer?  Here is a fantastic idea! Sewing one's school supplies can be both fun and practical. They can be customized with pretty fabrics and embellishments and made exactly how the sewer wants.

Today, we want to share this fabulous DIY project -  a simple pencil case with a free pattern! This pencil case with velcro closure (no zipper) is a great beginner's sewing project.  Kids will love making their own pencil case using scrap fabric. This makes this pencil case pattern also eco-friendly and economical.

This easy pencil case tutorial will show how to make a pencil case to store pens, pencils, erasers, and other school items. This would also make a nice small makeup bag.

With your favorite fabric, Velcro, a few sewing supplies, and straight-line machine stitching, you can complete one of these pencil cases in about an hour.

This DIY pencil case is an excellent gift for teenagers, college students, teachers, office workers, quilters, sewers, and anyone who can use a handy little pouch.

Learn more about making pencil pouches by watching the great video tutorial through the link below, or keep reading this article for a photo tutorial with step-by-step instructions.

WHAT YOU NEED for this easy pencil case project

• 10" x 9 1/2" piece of main fabric (duck cloth, quilted, canvas, etc)
• Sew in Velcro 6" long
• Sewing Machine
• Thread
• Scissors
• Pins

INSTRUCTIONS to make a medium-weight pencil case

STEP 1: Press the Fabric

Lay the fabric on the ironing board with the right side facing down, and the 9 1/2" edge facing the sewer. The 9 1/2" edge will be the top of the pencil case.

Using an iron, turn the edge 1/4" down and iron a sharp crease.

Take the folded edge, turn it down another 1/2", and iron it flat.

A beginner sewer should use a few pins to hold the fold in place.

Do the same thing on the other 9 1/2" side, ironing an edge of 1/4" and then a 1/2". Once again, pin the fold in place.

Step 2: Sew the top edges of the pencil case

Take the project to the sewing machine. With the wrong side of the fabric facing up, sew a straight line close to the edge along the inner fold. The stitching should be 1/8" or less from the fold.  This is edge stitching.  In this tutorial, a dark thread is being used so the instructions are clear.

Use a coordinating thread when sewing the pencil case.

There is no need to backtack at the beginning or end of the stitching since the side seams will cover the stitching.

Now, turn the project around and do the same thing on the other side, sewing a straight stitch close to the edge of the inner fold.

Step 3: sew the velcro to the easy pencil case

Next, place one of the sew-on Velcro strips in the center on the wrong side of the fabric, just a little from the top edge.  Be sure it is in the center and pin it in place.

Take the other piece of Velcro and do the same on the other side of the fabric along the edge you just sewed. Be sure to try to get it in the center and pin it in place.

Place the pencil pouch, Velcro side up, under the presser foot. The stitching will start at the top edge of the Velcro and go across the top.

When you get to the end of the Velcro, stop with the needle in the down position.  Lift the presser foot and turn the project 90 degrees. 

Continue sewing down the short side of the Velcro, staying close to the edge.

Turn again with your needle in the down position.  Then, carefully stitch across the bottom long edge of the Velcro.

Stop and turn one more time and stitch up the last short edge. 

Be sure to backtack at the beginning and end of the stitching and stitch close to the edge of the Velcro, securing it in place.

Do the same with the other piece of Velcro. Place the pinned portion of the project wrong side up with the Velcro under the presser foot. As always, be sure not to sew over any pins.

Step 4: Stitch the side seams of the pouch

Now that the top edges are completed, it is time to sew the sides of the pencil bag.

Fold the main fabric in half with the right sides of the fabric together, and the finished edges aligned.  Pin the two sides along the raw edges.

Sew each side seam with a 1/4 inch seam allowance. Sew down the sides of the pencil case, starting from the top of the project, being sure to backtack at the beginning and end of the stitching.  Take out the pins as you go. Repeat for the second side.

step 5: zig-zag stitch along the side seams

Finish the side seams of the pencil case with a zigzag stitch to prevent fraying during use.

Set the sewing machine to stitch a zig-zag stitch.  Sew along the two side seams just sewn. 

As you sew along the raw edge, the right-hand swing of the needle just falls outside the edge, and the left-hand swing goes into the seam allowance.

Turn the pouch right side out; it is ready to hold school supplies!

2nd Pencil Case

The pencil case shown below was made with pre-quilted fabric. The fabric was purchased with the diamond-shaped quilting lines and used to create the pencil case.

Some other school supplies ideas to sew include:

• Fabric book covers: Protect textbooks and notebooks by sewing fabric covers. Not only will they keep books safe from wear and tear, but choosing canvas fabric or other heavier fabrics almost guarantees a safe book! 
• Tote bags or backpacks: Sewing a tote bag or backpack can be rewarding. They can be designed to fit school essentials perfectly. Be sure to choose durable fabrics to ensure they last the school year.
• Pouches or organizers: Create pouches or organizers to organize smaller school supplies in a backpack or desk. These can hold items like USB drives, headphones, or calculators. Look for these on our accessories page.
• Lunch bags or snack pouches: Sew insulated fabric to make eco-friendly lunch bags or snack pouches that keep food fresh throughout the day.

Some other school supplies Projects

• Zippered Pencil Case
• Cord Wrap
• eReader Sleeve
• Fabric Book Mark