DIY Pencil Case

In case your school hasn't started yet, and even if it has, I have a quick DIY that you can whip up in no time with a sewing machine. If you don't have a machine, it can take a bit longer, but it's worth it! The DIY is of a homemade pencil case, perfect for starting out the school year. Here's mine:

The fabric and zipper were from Walmart. Isn't the case adorable? I personally love the elephants (which come with a pink and yellow background as well).

Do you want to make one? Of course you do! Here are the instructions:

First, cut out four identical pieces from the fabric (two for lining inside, and the other two for the outside). Line up two pairs of pieces back-to-back, then stack one pair on top of the other so you'll have the elephants on the front and back of the case and on the inside.

The lining reveals that on the inside... there are more elephants :)!

Next, sew three consecutive sides (two short, one long), leaving one side open for the zipper.

 

Now comes the difficult part if you're sewing by hand. Flip the case inside out. Take two pieces (one lining, one covering) and sew on the zipper upside-down (it should be right side up when the case is flipped back again). You can sew the zipper on while the it is unzipped or zipped for now. I know this is not super clear as instructions go, so I recommend watching a video or asking someone for help if you have questions for sewing the zipper on.

 This is how it should look inverted with one side of the zipper sewed on.

Then, with the case still inverted, sew the other side of the zipper onto the other two pieces, but make sure it is unzipped! Or else you will be stuck with a pencil case that doesn't open and is inside out.

Flip the case back again when you're done.

That's it! With just fabric, a zipper, thread, a needle, and scissors, you can make a personalized pencil case to start off the school year! Are you interested in making a pencil case? Have you ever made one before? Tell me below!