How To Sew A Roll Up Pencil Case

If you’d like to store your pens, pencils, or makeup brushes neatly in one place, then you’ll want to sew this roll up pencil case. With its slim design and various pockets, you can easily store multiple pens/pencils in each compartment.

I absolutely love how compact this case is once rolled up. It can easily fit into any bag.

There are 12 pockets in this roll-up case, with the first slightly larger. However, you can vary the sizes of the pockets by either making them all the same size or larger.

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This roll-up case is also a fantastic beginner sewing project. It’s easy to sew and a quick project, too!

All you need are 3 pieces of patterned fabric and an interfacing, and we can get started.

Finished Size: 31 cm x 19.5 cm (12.20 inches x 7.68 inches)

If you want a high-quality, AD-FREE version of this sewing guide with step-by-step instructions included under each picture for better understanding, you can find the printable PDF guide over here!

Table of Contents

Roll Up Pencil Case Tutorial

Before we begin, prepare the following pieces:

Supplies

Outer Fabric – 22 cm x 34 cm / 8.66″ x 13.39″ (1 Piece)
Inner Fabric – 22 cm x 34 cm / 8.66″ x 13.39″ (1 Piece)
Pocket Piece – 22 cm x 34 cm / 8.66″ x 13.39″ (1 Piece)
Fusible Interfacing/Batting – 23 cm x 35 cm / 9.06″ x 13.78″ (1 Piece)
Strip/Ribbon – 28 cm / 11 inches (2 Pieces)

Sewing Machine
Scissors
Ruler
Iron

Video Tutorial

Instructions

Step 01 – 02. Start by folding the pocket fabric piece in half with the right side facing up. Then, press the fabric with an iron.

Step 03 – 04. Iron the Vilene or the interfacing of your choice to the reverse side of the inner fabric piece.

Step 05. Trim away the excess Vilene from the edges of the inner fabric piece.

Step 07. Position the folded pocket piece on top of the inner fabric piece as illustrated above. Ensure that the edges are properly aligned.

Step 08. The folded edge should be at the top.

Step 09 – 10. Sew the sides and bottom of the folded pocket piece to the inner piece.

Step 11. To create the pockets, measure 5 cm (2 inches) and mark the point using a fabric marker or chalk.

Step 12. For the remaining pockets, use an interval of 2.54 cm (1 inch).

Step 13. Sew along each specified line until all the pockets are completed

Step 14. Place your ribbon or strap pieces on the left side of the inner fabric piece (right sides facing each other).

Step 15. Now sew the straps to the inner piece.

Step 17. Position the strap pieces neatly over the inner piece.

Step 18. Next, take the outer fabric piece and place it face side down.

Step 19. The right sides of the fabric should be facing each other.

Step 20. Stitch around the entire piece, ensuring to leave a small section (approximately 9 cm / 3.54 inches) on one side unstitched.

Step 21. Proceed to the sewing machine and stitch the fabric with a seam allowance of 1 cm (0.39 inches).

Step 22. Trim the corners.

Step 23. Clean up the sides by snipping off any excess seams.

Step 24. Find the opening section and peel back the layers.

Step 25 – 26. Gently pull the right side of the fabric through the opening, then use your finger or a pen to carefully open each corner of the fabric.

Step 28. Fold the raw edges of the opening in and secure the fold with a pin.

Step 29 – 30. Give the fabric a quick press with the iron, then sew a topstitch around the entire roll up case

Your pencil roll up case is now complete.

Here’s what my case looks like once rolled up:

It’s so pretty and I love how the ribbon ties nicely into a bow!

You can use any cotton patterned fabric for this sewing project.

If you prefer a simpler design, stick with a patterned outer fabric and a solid colored fabric for the inside instead. I’m sure it will still turn out just as beautiful.

This project was so satisfying to create. I enjoyed every single minute of it.

It’s the kind of stress-free sewing project that goes smoothly. It’s a super-easy project, which is why I love it so much.

I can’t wait to sew more of these pencil roll-up cases soon.

So, if you’re still unsure whether this should be your next sewing project, here’s your permission slip to get started!

You definitely will not regret this one.