estimated reading time: 4 min

Sewing a twisted pencil case - with felt, Texipap & Co.

02.12.2018 by Sabine Schmidt

Gedrehtes Stifte-Mäppchen nähen - Mit Filz, Texipap & Co.

Sewing a twisted pencil case - a sewing project that is really fun! The pencil case is sewn from just one piece of fabric and takes on its fun shape thanks to the zipper. You can download the instructions and pattern for free.

The most important things at a glance

The pouch-shaped pencil case, which opens wide, offers space for pens, cosmetics, knitting or crochet needles, sewing accessories, and much more
You can easily download the free pattern in this post
The beautiful pencil case is available in two sizes
The size of the finished pencil case may vary depending on the stability of the fabric and the width of the zipper; the sturdier the material, the more compact the shape

Finally, a cool sewing idea that everyone has: The pouch-shaped pencil cases, which open wide, offer space for pens, cosmetics, knitting or crochet needles, sewing accessories (e.g. fabric clips!), and much more!

The twisted shape is beautifully showcased by finishing it with bias tape. If you are not yet confident in working with bias tape, feel free to check out this post: Sewing on bias tape: How to conquer the scary opponent!

And if you do not like working with bias tape, simply sew the fabric piece without finishing. In that case, a particularly bright zipper is recommended, for example.

I ordered all my separating zippers from Simone. She runs the shop with the largest selection of cool separating zippers^* I know of.

You can find out everything about the cool parts in my review: Everything about metallized zippers.

I have created the pattern for the twisted pencil case in 2 sizes for you - how about a combination of both - beautifully packaged and filled as a gift? :)

My tip: The firmer the material you use to sew the pencil case, the sturdier the shape.

The size of the finished pencil case may vary depending on the stability of the fabric and the width of the zipper. The sturdier the material, the more compact the shape.

A bagging felt^* at least 4 mm thick is highly recommended. I found mine at Hemmers. It is nice and sturdy and gives the pencil case a particularly successful shape.

If you like the marbled cotton fabric, Spoonflower^* is by the way a really hot tip. They have beautiful marbled cotton fabrics in great colors.

Sewing a twisted pencil case - you need these materials

1 fabric piece made of bagging felt^*, TexiPap^* or SnapPap^*
alternatively: 1 fabric piece cotton fabric, 1 fabric piece lining fabric, 1 fabric piece Style-vil^*
Bias tape^* (Size 1: 90 cm, Size 2 :115 cm)
1 row of teeth from a continuous zipper^* (Size 1: 95 cm, Size 2: 120 cm)
Needle & thread
Scissors (for felt I do not use my "good" fabric scissors but the sturdy universal scissors from Fiskars^*)
Straight pins^*
Rotary cutter^*
Patchwork ruler^*
Cutting mat^*

Pencil case-Download pattern for free

HERE DOWNLOAD: Pencil case in 2 sizes (PDF)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the pattern for the twisted pencil case available in different sizes?

Yes, I have created the pattern for the twisted pencil case in 2 sizes for you - how about a combination of both - it also makes a great gift!

Where can I find the pattern for the beautiful pencil case?

You can easily download the free pattern in two sizes in this post. It is so quickly made and you can print it out directly and start sewing immediately!

Can the pencil case also be sewn without bias tape?

Yes, you can do that. Then simply sew the fabric piece without finishing. For this version, a particularly bright zipper is recommended, for example.

Links marked with * are affiliate links: If you make a purchase through them, we receive a small commission. The price remains the same for you.

Tutorial: sew a twisted pencil case

Step-by-step tutorial for a twisted pencil case made from one pattern piece with bias binding edging and a continuous zipper sewn in all the way round.

Step

Cut out the pattern

Print out the sewing pattern and tape it together along the short edges. Cut one pattern piece from felt (or the material of your choice).
Step

Bind with bias binding

Bind the pattern piece all the way around with bias binding. Start binding on the back (with felt, the front and back are the same).
Let the ends of the bias binding overlap by 1 cm and sew over the start of the seam.
Edgestitch the bias binding in place from the right side with a straight stitch.

My tip

Tweezers make it easy to pull the bias binding over the first seam.
Step

Attach the zipper

Sew one half of the zipper to the edge. Start the seam 1/2 cm after the start of the curve.
Backstitch and sew the zipper on all the way around. End the seam 1/2 cm before the end of the curve and backstitch.
Make sure the ends of the zipper stay free and aren't caught in the seam.
Step

Thread on the zipper slider

Thread the zipper onto the slider. The ends of the zipper should overlap a little.
Turn the bag piece and sew the zipper tape together with needle and thread.

My tip

This way you prevent the slider from coming off again during use.
Step

Close the pencil case

Push the zipper end through the gap in the seam so it lies inside the bag.
Close the gap in the seam with a few stitches.
Now just close the zipper and you're done!

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About the author

Sabine

I come from Siegen-Wittgenstein, where I spent my childhood breaking in cows, jumping off haystacks and scraping a D- in needlework class.

Today, being creative feels like indescribable happiness to me – and it grows even more when I can share it with others. Since 2016 I have been celebrating my passion for sewing on this blog, and I love that sewing connects so many people.