Summer is over, it is a whole new round of “back-to-school” and “back-to-work” again!!!! I hope you have enjoyed your sun shiny days through out the pass few months; have refreshed and recharged yourself mentally and physically for another round of loooong journey. I don’t have summer vacation since it is all year round of hot sunny days which I usually hide myself from it… Anyway, I just had a great weekend getaway with friends from far, we ate, we adventured, we explored, we chat, and we definitely enjoyed every moment together! Now, I am ready for more challenges…. renovate my new home and make whole lot of crafts to stuff it up.. woohooo!!!
To welcome you back to the craft room of Craft Passion, here is the zipper pencil case pattern and tutorial which I did before my recent weekend getaway. Honestly, this is not suitable for beginner sewer because of the piping and the way I lined it, but intermediate or advance sewer should have no problem in getting it done.
As you can see from the photos, this zipper pencil case has a zipper that opens all the way down from top to the sides. This enable a widely open view that make getting things from the pencil case straightforward. Also, there are internal gussets at the sides to prevent contents from falling out.
This pencil case would make perfect storage for many purpose, pencil case, cosmetic pouch, stationery, accessories, craft tools etc… you name it!!!
So is the side gusset not stitched into the bag? Since it is sewn a little above the edge of the zipper ends and not at the edge of the zipper, when the bag is done is the side gusset not closed?
Hi Glory, the bottom and top of the gusset are not closed. If you worried that small items will slip out fro the bottom of the gusset, you may hand stitch to close it.
Figured it out – sts near top of zipper were to tack the zipper tape together above the zipper stop.
Then I realized I had printed the pattern out incorrectly. Pieces were too small because the printer option used had been set to “scale to fit Entire Paper”. When I changed it to “Print entire image”, the pieces enlarged to a more appropriate size.
So start over, but no problem, I still think it a beautiful design and I look forward to working through your instructions. Gotta go cut more pieces …
Hi Wendy,
Glad that you have found your way out before I have the answer for you. Please print the pattern in “No Scale” size and it will give you the original dimension for pencil case.
Love your design, but I’m stuck on p. 5.
“Make a few stitches near the top stop of the zipper. Pin the gusset to the zipper.” Where? I don’t see any stitches across the zipper. What am I sewing to if the gusset is pinned after sewing some stitches?
Also, seam lines on your patterns measure 1cm. Just checking – is that the desired seam allowance?
Thanks very much.
Hi Craft passion, i have made this twice and i have difficult when we put together with Lining. may i know what type of needle do you use? i use portable sewing machine and i think its too thick for finishing.
thank you from Indonesia
Hi Weny,
I used just a standard sewing machine needle to sew the zipper pencil case. A standard sewing machine should be able to sew it.
Have a nice day.
I sure will put out a card crediting your design you put in a lot of work and its great that its free, thanks!
Great pouch! Wondering if I could sell them at my booth when I do craft shows?
Hi beth, I have no objection since it is your own handmade, a credit to my design will be much appreciated. Thanks.
Dear Joanne,
thank you for your pattern. I have just one doubt for now, I print your pattern as you told, twice, then I glue them togheter but the result are 18” not 17”…what did I wrong?
Hi Carla, please check if your printing scale is set to original without any zooming, secondly, the zipper gusset needs to be glue along the center line and not the edge of the paper.
Please let me know should you still have problem in getting the correct size.
Thanks.
sorry, but this zipper pencil case is very hard to do, it doesn’t give you alot of instruction how and what to do next..or picture to follow, can anyone help on this? do they have a video to watch…I would love to make this..I’m up to the part where you put the lining on top…please help me…Thanks
for the zipper pencil case I’m not getting it when it said to sew line to line….do you have a video tutorial this? thanks
Hi Jeanice, I don’t have any video to show…. which part of the tutorial that you don’t understand? I can’t find the part “sew line to line” in my instruction, did I said that?
I’m at this part…..Place the lining on top of them with right side facing down.
Sew from marking to marking too.
Clip at seam allowance on the markings.
Hi Jeanice, this instruction is to just place the lining fabric piece on the zipper pencil case, right side facing each other, then you sew from marking to marking (as shown by the arrow on the picture). After that, you just clip a few snips on the seam allowance to allow the pencil case to bend at the corner.
Hope this helps.
Do we need to leave a gap to turn it right side out after sewing the lining as shown above?
Yes. You need to leave a 5″ opening for the turning.
Ive read and reread but cant get beyond “place the lining” I attatched the lining and couldnt get access to the zip, unpicked then tried to sandwich lining and zip and fabric and unpicked Is there something I am missing? Obviously as many people have made this bag!
Thanks for this tutorial! It was exactly what I was looking for. 🙂 I wanted to create a bag that opened fully, to hold my oils. I left off the gusset and added some elastic on the inside. It was challenging because my sandwiching was not nearly as smooth, and the fabrics didn’t totally line up, but it ended up pretty nice anyway.
For anyone else having trouble with the directions, I’d recommend just going through the steps and you’ll discover that it does all come together. I try too hard to visualize each step in a project before I start and was confused on this one. When I just dove in, it all made sense.
Thank you, Elizabeth, for the advice. Happy that you got it done 🙂
hi, i want to sew such zipper pencil case.
Which fabric should i use for best result?
Hi Dhaval, I like to use quilted weight cotton fabric or cotton-linen mixed fabric. You may use either one of them, they worked best for this pattern.
What a great pattern!! I started sewing and then realized that I don’t really understand how to sew the second half of the lining, could you clear that up for me? Thanks!
Hi Molly, do you mind to tell me in detail which part that you do not understand? I will try to explain.
Hi Molly, do you mind to tell me in detail which part that you do not understand? I will try to explain in more details.
Beautiful bag. If you could help me, how would you go about shortening the bag to 6″ instead of the original 8 1/2″? TIA.
Try reducing your scale on printing to see if you can get it shrink to 6″.
I also wanted to shorten the case and wondered what size zipper I should use if I shorten it like the previous commenter to 6″ Thanks!
It will depends if you want to lower the height too. The easiest way to do is to scale down the print of the pattern to your desire case size, then measure the zipper length from the modified pattern. Hope this help.
Great idea, thanks!! 🙂
Hi. This is really great tut, thank you very much. I used it to sth totally different – netbook case, with different proportions but crtainly same pattern. It’s universal and nicely explainde. Have a nice sewing!
Thank you so much for the wonderful pattern and tutorial! My bag turned out wonderful, it was a tough one for me.
Glad to know the positive feedback. It will get easier if you sew the second time. 🙂
Hi- Thanks for the wonderful tutorial. I have now made 4 of these- adding additional pockets in most and adding some straps to the outside to make a perfect handlebar bag for bicycles! I don’t think I have the gusset part correct but my bag works fine.
Having read this I believed it was rather enlightening.
I appreciate you spending some time and energy to
put this information together. I once again find myself spending way too much time both reading and
leaving comments. But so what, it was still worthwhile!
HI .NICE
Thanks .you are the best.I saw it .and my girl loves it very very….
Thank you very much for your tutorial!
My English is unperfect, but till the 18th step I understand it clearly.
I would like to sew a bag similar to http://www.kipling.com/de-de/handbags/hand-shoulder-bags/amiel.html?show_img=K1537193K00+999 but with a wall inside the bag like this one: http://img5.fotos-hochladen.net/uploads/tasche6yr7kuv8fz.jpg
Unfortunately I am a beginner. 🙁
Do you have any idea how I can sew a bag like this? Sizes should be 27 L x 24.5 H x 14.5 W cm and volume/capacity 10 Liter.
I would like to put my tablet and books in the bag to have a bit more order. My old bag has a lot of room, but if I put books in it, the bag rolls over and I can’t find anything in my bag with too much unordered space.
I hope you can help me.
Wish you a nice weekend!
Lily
Liliana, I am afraid that I cannot handle your request, it is big project to come out with a decent bag/purse design. Sorry, I have a lot in my list to catch up with.
I love the design and zipper. Can you tell me where you buy your zippers?
You can get them from Etsy.com, I think they have some there. I bought mine from a local craftshop, Yee Button.
Hey craft passion,
I’d like to make this adorable pencilcase but there is one thing i’d like to know before i start.
What kind of interfacing did you use? What brand and number?
I bought the interfacing from a craft shop in loose pack, no info on the brand and number were given. Sorry. You can use medium cotton interfacing that is meant for bag making.
Thanks for the tutorial, it’s very close to what I’m after. Just need to figure out how to add another zippered pocket 🙂 Could you please tell me what measurements the finished pencil case has? It looks way smaller than 15″ in the pics..!
Best regards
Karin
Hi Karin, the pencil case is not 15″ long, the finished Dimension is 8 1/2″ (W) x 4″ (H) x 3″ (D) (as stated in the tutorial). Happy sewing!
I love this pencil case. I’m attempting to make one for my children and their friends each. There are some parts that i’m having problems with.
Once I get one completed and start another, can I do a video tutorial for people? I would have loved a video tutorial for this and haven’t been able to find one.
Thank you
Michaela, Have you did a video tutorial for this pencil case, if so can you let me know…Thank you
hello!
do you have any tutorial videos? it may be easier for me 🙁
I am lost at step 20 when the lining is placed….
Please tell me which one confused you. I will try to elaborate more.
Thanks Joanne. I got it after I went thru the write up a few rounds. Going to make one this weekend. Thanks again for a very thorough tutorial!
Beautiful. Perfect. Thank you.
Greetings from Poland 🙂
Hi Joanne,
So how long is the exact length for the zipper?
Thank you 🙂
it is 16″ as written in the tutorial 🙂
Thanks for nice tutorial. I use it, if I can, to sew a pencilcase for my son.
Thanks for the great pattern!
Something beautiful.
Thanks so much for ths fantastic tutorial. Just made my sister-in-laws secret Santa present! I must say it was a challenge to get everything under the zipper foot and get up close to the piping, had to unpick a couple of times, but got there in the end. Doesn’t look quite as professional as yours but still really pleased! Trying to get hold of some of those fab clover clips here in the UK, so much easier than pins! Thanks again and a very happy Christmas to you xx
Many thanks,
Thank you so much for taking the time to post this. Your tutorials are always a joy to read, your pictures are clear and instructions easy to follow. Thank you again.
This is so cute!
I want to make one but all my zipper materials are too short T_T (they’re about 24 cm)
Also I hope you can make a tutorial on pouches with two or more zippers! I want to make one for my friend as she was picky about pencil cases :p
this is just fascinating!! I’m just a beginner… using my mom’s basic sewing machine. but i’m so inspired by your talent, that i want to get one for myself. May i ask what for your recommendation on a machine that would allow me to sew thicker fabric like this or other project you have here? thanks, so much!! Love your blog
Most sewing machines of reputable brand in the market should be able to sew this pencil case.
If you have a budget, look for those brands that have good service around your area.
I am using Bernina now and I am absolutely happy with it. The mechanism parts are made of metal and it is way better than those using plastic material.
Happy sewing 🙂
That is perfect, Plz can you make us an gaint accordion wallet plzzzzz.
Hi Nancy, you can always use the same concept to create the wallet.
Any tips for sewing the zipper and gussets to the main piece? Getting around the rounded edge is REALLY hard and my gusset won’t line up with the main piece 🙁
I m a beginner in sweing and would luv to make this pencil case for my younger sister. Is it possible for u to make video for this project, as I m stuck at few steps and not able to follow the instructions. May be because I m new to sewing and its techniques. Pls help by makin a video as I really want to try this gorgeous pencil case.
I love the heck out this tutorial!!!! Very clear pictures. I’ve been sewing for under a year and it’s tutorials like yours that have helped me become better at it. Can’t wait to make it. Thank you!
Oh my word, this is fabulous, I’m wondering if I could manage it, I have followed clothes patterns before, I suppose I should just bite the bullet and give it a try for my grandson who is 6.
Thank You.
Beautiful tutorial. I am running late on my Christmas gifts but this is a beauty that I am going to try today. thanks so much for sharing! Have a wonderful Christmas!
Love this! I’ve always wanted to sew a pouch constructed like this. You make it look so easy.
So amazing! I love the design 🙂 will definitely purchase this from you when your shop had set up.. hehe 🙂
Where can you buy the knids of materials you used?
I sourced them all over the world…. perhaps you can buy them from me when I had my shop set up… still progressing 🙂
Like the circle quilting part!! I would love to make this but I’m still intimidated by the gusset…..
Thank you for all your work! I love mostly all of your tutorials and could be busy every moment. You show great fabric choices, the pictures are awesome, it’s so appreciated.
Thank you so much. I just found your site and am loving your patterns!
I love this! Is there a way to print the directions without printing everything else?
Hi Jan, you can use Print Friendly to do this.
Awesome! Very tempting- must give it a try. Instructions are detailed nicely. Thanks for sharing.
I love it thanks
Definitely going to try this, looks fab!
Great bag! Where did you buy your zipper? I really like the pull on it. And, did you make your own piping? Thanks for the tutorial!
I’m excited to discover this website. I want to to thank you for ones time for this wonderful read!! I definitely loved every part of it and i also have you book marked to see new stuff in your blog.
wow, what a fantastic pouch!!!I so have to give it a try. Thanks for sharing!
Aaaand, of course I had to link to this. And the strawberry grocery bag. You’re amazing, Joanne!
I love it, thank you
hi
i think u r amazing person
every items r very nice when i came here thought how to do this but when i try it i think this is wonderful
best wishes and all the best for u r next projects
I am in love with your craft, Joanne!!! Will have to suck it up and really make it instead of just Pinterest everything you’ve done!
~ Iryna
Thank you, Janae Braden
Wow,it`s fabulous!!
Really cute idea 🙂
Hmmm… you’re tempting me again, Joanne! 🙂
YAY!!! I did it on purpose!!! Please feel free to try it out 🙂
I really like this Joanne. I like the invisible gusset – it will prevent the case from opening up flat. This pencil case is really nice. Thanks for posting.