Cute and practical: Sew a pencil case for your notebook

Sew a practical pencil case for your notebook – this is a great project for beginners. The case is simply attached to the notebook with an elastic band.

The most important things at a glance

• In this post, I will show you how to sew a pencil case for a notebook in two ways
• You can sew the case from almost any non-stretchy fabric
• The case is suitable for beginners; you will be guided through the instructions step-by-step with many pictures
• A pencil case for your notebook is a great gift for your loved ones - or, of course, for yourself :)

Some time ago, I already showed you how you can sew a simple pencil case.

It is even more practical if you can keep your pens directly on your notebook.

Do you remember that I touched on the topic of journaling in my blog post "20 reasons why you should start sewing right away"?

You should definitely write down your sewing successes, tricks, and plans! That way, none of your ideas will be lost – and you can always refer back to the sewing knowledge you have already acquired.

I find a sewing journal very practical here, where you can also include sketches, photos, and much more, for example.

While looking for a sewing diary, I found the Bullet-Diary^*. It not only offers me plenty of space for my notes but also provides aids for budget, annual planning, measurements, or fabric types – I use the journal as a real sewing diary and really enjoy it.

By the way, the pretty diary also provides me with sewing ideas right away. Absolutely successful for me and a nice companion for my sewing adventures. I can really recommend it to you :)

In the meantime, there are many sewing planners that provide a structure. In them, you can enter planned projects, body measurements, or fabric purchases made. Personally, I find that a bit too "restrictive". I want to have space for photos and sketches, I want to be able to glue in fabrics and record ideas.

My favorite notebooks are in A5 format, so that I can easily take them with me in my handbag, to the hairdresser, or to a hotel and quickly write something down when good ideas come to me. I therefore find it best when my notebooks can be closed with an elastic band.
ᐅ This is the journal I use personally^*

What are the two types?

In this post, I will show you how you can sew such a pencil case for a notebook in two ways.

One sewn inside out and with a side zipper.

And one with a centered zipper.

In this version, the case is not sewn inside out.

What materials can be used to sew the pencil case?

You can, for example, sew the case from faux leather or other non-stretchy fabrics.

Very suitable fabrics are:

• Linen^*
• Cotton fabrics^*
• Denim^*
• Panama fabrics^*
• Tapestry fabrics^*
• Faux leather^*

Reinforce the fabric pieces for the outside with Vlieseline H250. This helps the case keep its shape.

What you need for sewing

• Outer fabric

2 pieces: 22 x 6 cm

1 piece: 22 x 10 cm

• Lining fabric

2 pieces: 22 x 6 cm

1 piece: 22 x 10 cm

• 22 cm elastic band^* (approx. 2 cm wide)
• 22 cm zipper^* (threaded)
• matching or contrasting sewing thread^*
• Scissors^* 
• Pins
• Wonder Clips^*
• Rotary cutter^*
• Patchwork ruler^*
• Cutting mat^*
• Iron and ironing board
  

Frequently asked questions