Have a DIY back to school with Katia Fabrics. Step by step video instructions showing how to make a pencil case

22 September, 2018

We’re starting the back to school season eager to sew and show you various projects that you can make using the new fabrics and patterns from the Katia Fabrics Autumn/Winter 2018/2019 collection. Today, we are going to show you how to sew a practical school pencil case using the awesome fabrics form the Prehistoric range. This dinosaur print pencil case is going to become your favourite school item. 

Complete the back to school kit with the smock and backpack pattern. An amusing garment that allows the kids to play without worrying about getting dirty, plus a matching backpack to keep the pencil case, that we are going to show how to make next with the step by step video instructions, inside. 

vuelta al cole prehistoric bata mochila
 

How to sew a pencil case for school  

We’ve used two poplin fabrics from the Prehistoric collection to make this awesome pencil case. 

The two fabrics in question are Prehistoric Dinos and the Prehistoric Coord. 

To make the pencil case, you are going to need the following materials and equipment. 

back to school case

Materials: 

  • Patterns (measurements below) 
  • 9 7/8 (25cm) of Fabric A: Prehistoric Dinos and 9 7/8”(25cm) of Fabric B: Prehistoric Coord. It is important that both pieces of fabric are washed and ironed before starting to work with them. 
  • 9 7/8”(25cm) of foam stabilizer, fine wadding or felt 
  • 9 7/8”(25cm) of lightweight interlining 
  • 1 Snap fastener, Velcro, button or hook and eye. 
  • 1 plastic zip a minimum size of 7 1/8”(18cm) 
  • Sewing thread to match the fabric 
  • 1 5/8”(4 cm) of de bias tape as decoration (optional) 

Equipment: 

  • Fabric scissors 
  • Pins/ small pliers 
  • Paper scissors 
  • Measuring tape 
  • Fabric marker/tailor’s chalk 
  • Thread cutter 
  • Iron 
  • Sewing machine 
  • Ruler, paper and pencil 

The first step is to draw the measurements onto paper to get the pattern ready. 

Fabric A: 

  • 1 rectangle 8 5/8”(22 cm) x 4 3/8”(11 cm) 
  • 1 rectangle 8 5/8”(22 cm) x  5 7/8”(15 cm) 
  • 2 rectangles 8 5/8”(22 cm) x 3 7/8”(10 cm) 

Fabric B: 

  • 1 rectangle 9”(23 cm) x 8 5/8”(22 cm) 
  • 2 rectangles 8 5/8”(22 cm) x 5 1/8”(13 cm) 

Foam, wadding or felt: 

  • 1 rectangle 9”(23 cm) x 8 5/8”(22 cm) 

Lightweight interlining: 

  • Cut 1 rectangle 8 5/8”(22 cm) x 4 3/8”(11 cm) 
  • 1 rectangle 8 5/8”(22 cm) x 3 7/8”(10 cm) 
  • 1 rectangle 8 5/8”(22 cm) x 5 1/8”(13 cm) 

Once you have them prepared, cut the same pieces in the corresponding fabrics. 

back to school case detail

SEWING TIPS 

We recommend that you use a Universal or Microtex size 80/90 sewing needle because they have a special point that is perfect for sewing foam and wadding. 

With our step by step video you will see how easy it is to make this beautiful pencil case with two pockets. One pocket has a zip for pencils and felt pens, and the other, which is open, is for scissors, notes, erasers, etc. 

Learn how to sew zips quickly and easily. We will also show you how to attach the famous snap fasteners with your installation tool. But if you don’t have one, don’t worry because you can use Velcro, a button or a hook and eye as a substitute. 

The padding and the decorative seams are two other sewing techniques that you will learn in today’s video tutorial. This is a perfect project for beginners. Why not give it a go and get your hands on that sewing machine now! 

back to school case tutorial

Back to school with Katia Fabrics 

You will find everything you need to make these projects in Katia Shops and on our online shop Katia Fabrics.