What You'll Make and What You Need

A basic pencil case is a flat pouch with two fabric pieces sewn together on three sides, a fold at the top, and a zipper or button closure. You can finish one in an afternoon using a needle and thread or a sewing machine. The finished case will hold about a dozen pencils or pens and fits easily in a backpack or desk drawer.

Gather these materials before you start: two pieces of cotton fabric (each 9 inches by 5 inches), one zipper 7 to 8 inches long, thread that matches your fabric, scissors, a ruler or measuring tape, pins, and either a needle or access to a sewing machine. If you're hand-sewing, use a needle size 7 or 8 and thread rated for general sewing. If you're machine-sewing, use all-purpose thread and a standard needle.

You'll also need a pencil or fabric marker to mark your cutting lines, and optionally a seam ripper (a small tool with a curved blade) in case you need to undo stitches. If you're using a zipper, a zipper foot attachment for your sewing machine makes the work easier, though it's not required for hand-sewing.

Key Takeaways

  • Cut two identical fabric rectangles 9 inches by 5 inches, and mark a 1/2-inch seam allowance on all sides before you begin sewing.
  • Attach the zipper to one long edge of each fabric piece before sewing the sides together, using either a machine zipper foot or hand stitches placed close to the zipper teeth.
  • Sew the three remaining sides with a 1/2-inch seam allowance, leaving the top edge (where the zipper is) open, and backstitch at the start and end of each seam to lock the thread.
  • Turn the case right-side-out through the opening at the top, press the seams flat with your fingers or an iron, and topstitch around the zipper opening for a finished look.
  • Hand-sewing takes 45 minutes to an hour; machine-sewing takes 20 to 30 minutes once you've cut and pinned the fabric.

Cutting and Marking Your Fabric

Start by cutting two identical rectangles from your fabric. Measure 9 inches along one edge and 5 inches along the perpendicular edge, then cut straight lines with sharp scissors. Repeat for the second piece. Lay both pieces flat on your work surface with the right side (the side you want to show) facing up.

Using a pencil or fabric marker, lightly draw a line 1/2 inch in from each edge on both pieces. This line is your seam allowance—the space between the edge of the fabric and where your stitches will go. The seam allowance keeps your stitches from unraveling at the edges and gives the finished case a professional look. You don't need to mark every inch; marking the corners and a few points along each edge is enough to guide you as you sew.

If you're using a zipper, also mark the top long edge (9 inches) on both pieces. This is where the zipper will attach. Set the fabric pieces aside and prepare your zipper.

Attaching the Zipper to Both Fabric Pieces

Lay one fabric piece right-side-up on your work surface. Place the zipper face-down along the top long edge, with the zipper tape (the fabric strip on either side of the metal teeth) aligned with your seam allowance line. The zipper should run the full 9-inch width. Pin the zipper in place with three or four pins spaced evenly along the tape.

If you're using a sewing machine with a zipper foot, attach the foot now and set your machine to a straight stitch with medium length (about 2.5 mm). Sew along the edge of the zipper tape, staying as close to the teeth as you can without hitting them. Sew slowly and stop if the needle approaches the metal. If you're hand-sewing, use a running stitch (in and out, in and out) with stitches spaced about 1/8 inch apart, staying close to the zipper teeth.

Flip the fabric over so the wrong side (the back) faces up. Fold the fabric back along the seam line so the zipper tape is now sandwiched between the fabric and the fold. Pin this fold in place, then sew along the fold using the same stitch and spacing as before. This creates a neat, enclosed edge. Repeat this entire process with the second fabric piece on the other side of the zipper. When you're done, both fabric pieces should be attached to the zipper, with the zipper running between them.

Sewing the Three Remaining Sides

Open the zipper about halfway. This is important—if you sew the case completely closed with the zipper shut, you won't be able to turn it right-side-out later. Lay the case flat with the zipper facing up and the two fabric pieces aligned on either side of it.

Starting at one bottom corner, pin the two fabric pieces together along the bottom edge, then along both side edges. Leave the top edge (where the zipper is) unpinned. The pins should be about 1 inch apart and placed just inside your seam allowance line. If you're using a sewing machine, set it to a straight stitch and sew along the bottom and both sides, following your marked seam allowance line. Start with a few stitches in place (called a backstitch) to lock the thread, then sew forward. When you reach a corner, stop with the needle down, lift the presser foot, rotate the fabric 90 degrees, lower the presser foot, and continue sewing. End with a backstitch.

If you're hand-sewing, use a running stitch with stitches spaced about 1/8 inch apart. Start at one bottom corner and sew along the bottom edge, then up one side, across the bottom again if needed, and up the other side. Backstitch at the start and end by sewing backward over your first few stitches, then forward again. This locks the thread so it won't unravel. Sew slowly and keep your stitches as straight as possible by following your marked line.

Turning the Case Right-Side-Out and Finishing

Once you've sewn all three sides, carefully trim the corners of the fabric close to the stitches, about 1/4 inch away. This reduces bulk when you turn the case inside-out. Reach through the zipper opening (which is still partially open) and gently pull the fabric through. The case will turn inside-out, and the right side of the fabric will now face outward. Use your fingers to push the corners out so they form sharp points.

Lay the case flat and press the seams with your fingers or, if you have access to an iron, with low heat. This flattens the seams and gives the case a finished appearance. If you want extra durability and a polished look, sew a line of stitches around the zipper opening, about 1/4 inch away from the zipper teeth. This is called topstitching and takes about 5 minutes by machine or 10 to 15 minutes by hand. Close the zipper fully, and your pencil case is ready to use.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most common error is sewing the case completely closed before turning it right-side-out. Always open the zipper at least halfway before sewing the sides. If you make this mistake, use a seam ripper to carefully cut and remove a few stitches along one side, then turn the case through the opening and hand-stitch it closed.

Another frequent problem is sewing too close to the zipper teeth and breaking the needle or hitting the metal. Keep your stitches about 1/8 inch away from the teeth. If you're nervous, sew slowly and stop frequently to check your position. Zipper feet are designed to guide you safely, so use one if your machine has it.

Uneven seams happen when you don't follow your marked line or when you sew at different distances from the edge on different sides. Mark your seam allowance clearly and check your position every few stitches. If a seam is noticeably crooked, it won't affect how the case works, but if it bothers you, you can remove the stitches and try again.

Puckered fabric along the seams usually means your thread tension is too tight (on a machine) or your stitches are too tight (by hand). Loosen the tension slightly and try again on a scrap piece of fabric before restarting your case. If you're hand-sewing, pull the thread snug but not so tight that the fabric bunches.

Hand-Sewing Versus Machine-Sewing: What to Expect

Hand-sewing a pencil case takes 45 minutes to an hour for a beginner, including cutting and marking time. Your stitches may be slightly uneven, but that's normal and adds charm. Hand-sewing requires no equipment beyond a needle and thread, and you can work anywhere. The downside is that hand-sewn seams are less strong than machine-sewn seams, so the case may eventually come apart if it's used heavily.

Machine-sewing takes 20 to 30 minutes once you've cut and pinned the fabric. The seams are stronger and more uniform, and the case will last longer. The downside is that you need access to a sewing machine and a bit of practice to sew straight lines and navigate corners smoothly. If you've never used a sewing machine, ask someone experienced to show you how to thread it and adjust the tension before you start.

For a first project, either method works. If you're making a gift or want the case to last, use a machine. If you're learning to sew or prefer the meditative pace of hand-sewing, use a needle and thread.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a button instead of a zipper?

Yes. Instead of attaching a zipper, fold the top edge of the case down 1/2 inch on the inside, pin it, and sew it closed with a running stitch. Then sew a button to the outside of the fold and create a buttonhole opposite it using a buttonhole stitch or a machine buttonhole setting. This takes longer than a zipper but works well for pencils that won't fall out easily.

What fabric works best for a pencil case?

Cotton, linen, and cotton blends are easiest to sew by hand or machine. Avoid stretchy fabrics like jersey or spandex for your first case. If you want a sturdier case, use two layers of fabric or a single layer of canvas. Quilting cotton is ideal because it's sturdy, doesn't fray much, and comes in many colors.

What if my zipper is longer than 9 inches?

You can trim the zipper. Sew a few stitches across the zipper tape about 1/4 inch beyond where you want it to end, then carefully cut off the excess with scissors. The stitches prevent the zipper from unraveling. Alternatively, make your fabric pieces larger to match the zipper length.

How do I fix a seam that came undone?

Use a needle and thread to hand-stitch the seam closed with a running stitch, following the original stitch line as closely as you can. Backstitch at the start and end to lock the thread. If the seam is long or heavily used, sew it twice for extra strength.

Can I make a pencil case without a zipper?

Yes. Sew three sides closed as described, then fold the top edge down 1/2 inch on the inside and sew it closed. The case will be open at the top, so pencils could fall out if the case tips over, but it's simpler to make and still functional for a desk or backpack.