How to Make a Pencil Bag

There are many ways to make a pencil bag. Some methods are for advanced crafters, requiring any number of fabric combinations and decorations, and some are as simple as taping two pieces of recycled material together. However one chooses to make a pencil bag, the excitement lies in completing the project.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fabric Scissors Sewing machine Sewing needle Thread Zipper Iron

1. Cut two pieces of fabric measuring 5 inches by 4 inches.

2. Attach the zipper to one piece of the fabric. Fold the long edge about 1/4-inch down, right side out. Place the fold on one edge of the zipper and pin the fabric to the zipper. Tack both together with the needle and thread. Remove the pins and sew a permanent stitch by hand or with a sewing machine.

3. Repeat Step 2 to attach the other edge of the zipper to the second piece of fabric. Open the zipper to the end before attaching the fold.

4. Remove the temporary tacking stitches from both sides of the zipper.

5. Put the fabric pieces together, right sides facing each other, and sew the three other sides together. Sew about 1/4 inch from the edge. The zipper should remain unzipped.

6. Iron the seams flat and then turn the pencil bag right side out through the open zipper.

Tips & Warnings

• Pencil bags made from sturdy fabric last longer. A pencil bag can also be used as a makeup bag. Use the same directions to make a coin purse. Cut the fabric to the desired size of your coin purse.

References

• Sew & Stow: 31 Fun Projects to Carry, Hold and Organize Your Stuff, Your Home, and Yourself!; Betty Oppenheimer; 2008