Flat Pencil Case Sewing Pattern – 4 Sizes!
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After designing my original pencil case sewing pattern, I decided I wanted something a little smaller. Because I’m not in school anymore, I very rarely need more than a few pens. So, I decided to design a smaller pouch that fits just the essentials. I’ve started carrying it in my work bag and it fits everything I need.
The flat pencil case sewing pattern comes in 4 sizes, but the small is actually my favorite. It fits about 6 pens, which is all I ever really need! I designed it with a key chain loop so you can attach it inside your purse or bag. If you don’t want to add key chain hardware, the loops are still great for helping you zip and unzip the pouch.
Flat Pencil Case Pattern Download
This pattern is available on my Ko-Fi shop as a free download. I’ve recently started including written instructions on the pattern download itself, so you can complete the entire project just using the PDF download!
Get the Flat Pencil Case Sewing Pattern PDF for free in my shop. I love designing free patterns, but donations are always welcome! Donations help make it possible for me to design more patterns and keep my blog running.
Read my guide on downloading patterns if you need help or have trouble with the download.
Supplies & Tools
- Quilting fabric
- Quilt batting or fusible fleece batting
- Spray adhesive such as ODIF 505 (unless you are using fusible batting)
- Straight pins or quilting clips
- Sewing machine
- Zipper foot (this set comes with tons of options!!)
- Regular sewing machine foot
- Matching thread
- Iron & Ironing board
- Cutting mat
- Key chain hardware such as jump rings or lobster key chain clips
- 8-10″ zipper (I love this set because it comes with multiple sizes)
Green Fairy Quilts is my all-time favorite place for buying quilting fabric. You can also find some good fabric options on Amazon as well.
Video Tutorial
Here’s a short video I made to show you the process! A longer, more detailed video is in the works.
You can find the Tim Holtz Liverpool map fabric on Tik Tok Shop here: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT65Sc488/ (affiliate link)
Longer video tutorial:
How to Sew a Flat Pencil Case
This pattern is so easy to sew! And it’s great if you’re new to zippers and feel intimidated. The zipper is very easy to attach in this pattern.
You’ll notice that the pattern comes in different sizes, so you can cut out whichever size you want to make. The triangle markings on the pattern are just there to help you figure out what edge to sew the zipper on. You don’t have to transfer them onto the fabric unless it helps you. I like using a fabric pen to draw a line rather than cutting the fabric to make the mark.
Note: The instructions in this blog are slightly different than on the download. Both will give you the same results. I added alternative instructions to the blog for sewing the key chain loop earlier in the process (step 3). The overall project is the same, but this alternative method ended up being a little easier for attaching the loop for me.
Step 1: Cutting & Preparing Pieces
Start by cutting out your fabric. You need:
- One outer fabric
- One batting piece
- Two liner pieces
- Two key chain tabs
Attach the batting to the wrong side of the outer fabric. You can use spray basting (linked in supply list above) or, if you have fusible batting, you can iron it on. Make sure the batting is centered on the wrong side of the outer fabric.
Step 2: Preparing the Key Chain Loop
- Fold the marked edges of the keychain loop towards the center so that you’re hiding the wrong side of the fabric inside. The edges of the fabric should meet in the middle.
- Press the fabric, then fold it in half so the raw edges you just folded under are tucked inside. Press again.
- Sew as close as you can to the edge along both of the folded edges.
- If you like, slide your keychain hardware over one of the loops. This keeps you from forgetting to add it later! I like to put a few basting stitches along the raw edge to hold the loop in place.
Step 3: Attaching the Key Chain Loop
- Fold the key chain loop in half and place it in the center of the outer fabric on the short end. The raw edges should be aligned. Make sure it’s in the exact center.
- Sew the key chain loop to the outer fabric.
- Repeat on the other end.
NOTE: Depending on the style of your key chain hardware, you may need to slide it through the loop before sewing it onto the bag. Not all styles can be attached later. If you have fabric with a directional print, make sure you sew the key chain hardware to the end that will be pointing up when the bag is complete.
Step 4: Attaching the Zipper
I find it’s easiest to leave the zipper closed when attaching it. I like using a longer zipper so it extends beyond the ends of the fabric. You can cut off the excess later.
NOTE: If you have fabric with a directional print, make sure you attach the zipper so that the toggle will be at the top when the bag is zipped shut.
- Lay your OUTER FABRIC right side (RS) up towards you on the table. Then place the zipper face down on the fabric along one of the edges marked with a triangle.
- Place one piece of LINER fabric wrong side (WS) down on top of the zipper, lining up the edge marked with a triangle.
- Pin the “sandwich” together.
- Using a zipper foot, sew the layers together with a 1/4″ seam allowance.
Sewing the other side of the zipper:
- After sewing the first side, place the fabric sandwich so the OUTER FABRIC is right side (RS) towards you on the table. Then fold the sandwich so that the other edge of the zipper tape lays over the un-sewn edge of the OUTER FABRIC. The zipper will be face down.
- Make sure the fabric edges are lined up neatly and the zipper is laying flat.
- Next, lay the remaining piece of LINER fabric RS down on top of the zipper. Pin along the edge, then sew the layers together with a 1/4″ seam allowance.
Top stitching:
- After sewing, press the fabric away from the zipper with your iron.
- I find it helps to unzip the zipper before doing the topstitching.
- Lastly, topstitch along both edges of the zipper close to the edge of the fabric.
Step 5: Sew the Bottom of the Liner
- Fold the pouch so the liner pieces are RS together and pin along the bottom edge.
- Using a 1/4″ seam allowance, stitch about 2″ to 3″ on both ends of the liner, leaving a gap about 2-3″ in length in the middle (Gap size will vary depending on size of pouch you’re making).
- After sewing, press the seam open. This helps give you a nice closing seam when finishing the bag later.
Step 6: Sewing the Ends of the Pencil Case
- Fold the pencil case so that the zipper is in the middle. The liner isn’t as wide as the outer fabric–this is on purpose so that the liner isn’t loose or bunchy inside the pouch.
- Make sure the zipper pull is in the pouch, not outside it. However, don’t close the zipper all the way or you won’t be able to turn the bag!
- Using a 1/4″ seam allowance, sew through all layers. Make sure to back stitch the ends.
- To make the key chain loop extra secure, back stitch over it again.
- Repeat on the other end of the pouch.
Step 6: Turning and Finishing the Pencil Case
- After sewing both ends, trim off the excess zipper tape.
- Clip the fabric from all four corners of the bag, being careful not to snip the stitching. This makes it easier to have pointy corners after turning the bag.
- Before turning, unzip the zipper as far as you can. It can be tricky to do this because it’s inside the bag.
- Turn the pouch right side out. Use a blunt tool to poke the corners out. You’ll get the best points by putting the tool between the liner and batting to poke out the corners.
- Lastly, use an invisible ladder stitch to close the gap in the liner.
Happy Sewing!
Whether you’re making this for back-to-school or carrying pens in your purse, I hope you love this pattern. I’d love to hear how this project goes for you in the comments. You can also share photos on social media with #CraftingWithClementine so I can see what you made!
