Why am I making a DIY Simple Zipper Pencil Case? So, if you’re new here, you may or may not know that I used to be an architect and spend quite a bit of time drawing and I am particular about my pencils. But actually that’s a habit acquired in architecture school where you quickly learn NOT to use someone else’s pens or pencils without asking. People are very picky about that. Anyway, for someone who is picky about drawing tools and spends a lot of time drawing, I was using a crappy pencil case. It was tiny and didn’t fit things like my compass or the little drawing triangle I like to have with me.
So a new pencil case was in order and a couple weekends ago, I whipped one up. I know there are a million and one zipper pouch tutorials out there on the web but as always, my aim is to give you one that simplifies the process as much as possible. I’m all about efficiency which I hope is helpful!
DIY Simple Zipper Pencil Case Supply List
finished size: 5″ x 8″
Cut List:
- 1 each from outer fabric, lining fabric and batting : 6″ x 9″ rectangle – this is the back of the pouch
- 2 each from outer fabric, lining fabric and batting: 3.5″ x 9″ – these will be the top of the pouch.
- 1 rectangle from lining fabric for loop tag: 2″ x 4″
DIY Simple Zipper Pencil Case Instructions
1. First we’ll make the loop tag. Take your 2″ x 4″ rectangle and iron it in half the long way.
Then fold each long edge in to the middle and press again.
Now fold in half, one more time and pin.
Topstitch down both sides of the tag.
Now set this loop tag aside until later.
2. Next, lay out your zipper face up.
Take one piece of the top outer fabric (one 3.5″ x 9″ rectangle) and lay it face down on top of the zipper as shown in the photo. Pin, and then, using a zipper foot, carefully sew alongside the zipper.
Fold back the top fabric and it should look like this:
Now repeat with the other 3.5″ x 9″ outer fabric rectangle on the opposite half of the zipper.
Now flip the zipper over so it’s face down.
Layer one 3.5″ x 9″ rectangle of lining fabric with one 3.5″ x 9″ rectangle of batting and place them face down on the zipper just like you did with the outer fabric. Stitch alongside the zipper carefully.
Repeat for the other half of the lining/batting. When you open them up, it should look like this:
Now, with your outer fabric facing up and your zipper foot still on, topstitch carefully down each side of the zipper, as close to the edge of the fabric as you can. This will keep the lining fabric from getting caught in the zipper and it just looks nice!
Now the top part of the pouch is done, set it aside for a minute.
3. Now to construct the pouch! First lay the 6″ x 9″ bottom lining piece down face down. Layer one layer of batting and then the 6″ x 9″ outer piece face UP so you have a three layer sandwich.
Next lay the zipper pouch top down with the outer fabric face up and open the zipper half way. This is VERY important, if you forget, you won’t be able to turn your bag right side out. (Although, trust me, I know from experience, that is a mistake you only ever make once!)
Now lay the three layer bottom sandwich on top of the top zipper piece with the outer fabric side DOWN. (So your two outer fabrics are together)
Next take your tag loop, fold it in half and insert it in between the top and the bottom outer fabrics with the loop pointing inside the pouch.
Pin all the way around and then sew all the around the whole pouch with a 1/2 inch seam. It helps to backstitch a couple of times when you cross the zipper and the tag loop to make sure those areas are extra strong.
Trim off the extra zipper.
Now clip the corners on the diagonal being careful not to cut your stitching.
Reach in the through the open zipper, open it the rest of the way and turn your zipper pouch right side out! And you’re done!
This little pouch is the perfect size for me to carry three mechanical pencils, several kinds of erasers, a 6 inch ruler, a 6 inch drawing triangle AND a little compass. Please let me know if you make one, I’d love to see it!
If you liked this, you may also like some of my other posts…
Cassie May
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Isabella M. says
HI there Cassie!
This is a great idea for my grandmother for Christmas, and for me for school! So cute! Happy holidays!