Sewing is really fun with our sleeping bag pencil case pattern. Because these little zipper pouches are whipped up quickly and are easy to sew, even for beginners. And the result speaks for itself. ;)
What is special about sleeping bag pencil cases?
Quite clearly: The cool shape! When open, they provide a generous view of their interior. When closed, however, they bulge beautifully and look more like a piece of art than a pouch. :) Can beginners also sew the sleeping bag pencil case? Of course! I wrote the instructions specifically for beginners. Because, let's be honest: there are many pencil cases out there. But it takes the right tips and tricks to turn them into real eye-catchers.
What you should be able to do
Simply great: When the outside and the lining differ not only in color but also in surface structure. This makes for a real eye-catcher. Sleeping bag pencil case size 1 in narrow and wide: Great as a key fob, tampon pouch, or for storing lip balm & co. Sleeping bag pencil case size 2 in narrow and wide: Perfect as a pencil case, makeup bag, bag organizer, for sewing utensils, and much more. Sleeping bag pencil case in size 3 in narrow and wide: As a cosmetic bag, desk tidy, for knitting needles and other craft supplies, gift wrapping, glove compartment organizer, and much more. The chic little pouch is finished with raw edges at the internal short seam. If you don't like that, you can topstitch the bottom edge from the right side, 5 mm away from the fabric edge, after completion. Et voilà: No more seam to be seen! :)
Info about material & accessories
All types of woven fabric are suitable for these pencil cases. The heavier the fabric, the firmer and more stable the sleeping bag pencil case will be.
These fabrics are suitable for sewing the sleeping bag pencil cases
These non-stretchy fabrics are very suitable:
Beautiful fabrics and materials for this bag project can be found in Simone's highly acclaimed Etsy shop*, which I have already recommended several times here on the blog. There, you will also find wonderful sewing kits with all the accessories. The great sleeping bag pencil cases made from Christmas fabrics were sewn by Julia @m_aus_w. Thank you very much for the pictures, dear Julia!
Can you also sew the pencil case out of felt?
Of course, that works! If you want to sew the pouch out of felt*, you should sew the short bottom seam from the right side. Then you can finish it with bias tape and have a nice, clean edge!
What do I have to keep in mind if I want to sew the sleeping bag pencil case out of faux leather?
You should know the tips from my blog post on sewing with faux leather! You can skip reinforcing the outer part: the faux leather will keep the pencil case in shape very well.
Material requirements for the sleeping bag pencil case
Size of the finished bag & required zipper length
Narrow sleeping bag pencil case
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Size 1: 5 x 12.5 cm (without tab)
- Zipper length: 40 cm
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Size 2: 7.5 x 17 cm (without tab)
- Zipper length: 52 cm
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Size 3: 9.5 x 22.5 cm (without tab)
- Zipper length: 66 cm
Wide sleeping bag pencil case
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Size 1: 6.5 x 12.5 cm (without tab)
- Zipper length: 43 cm
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Size 2: 8.5 x 17 cm (without tab)
- Zipper length: 54 cm
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Size 3: 12 x 22.5 cm (without tab)
- Zipper length: 71 cm
The zipper length includes a comfortable allowance for threading the slider. This makes it easier for you to thread the slider accurately onto the zipper teeth. For these (as well as for other) pouches, I like to use metallic continuous zippers*, which are very easy to work with.
What other accessories do I need?
- 15 - 30 cm of fabric for the outside and inside (with a fabric width of 140 cm)
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30 cm Vlieseline 630
- Possibly cord and beads as decoration for the zipper
How can I decorate the zipper?
I keep it very simple. I either use zipper pulls that I just have to clip on. Or I loop a simple jute cord through the slider, string on a few beautiful beads, and then tie a double knot. My tip: It looks especially harmonious when the fabric colors are reflected in the beads! That works just as if you were wearing matching shoes with a successful outfit. ;)
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