A Spoonful of Sugar

Make. Bake. Create.

Menu
  • Home
  • About
    • About Us
    • Press
    • FAQ
    • Disclosure Policy
    • Contact Us
  • Crafts
    • Crochet
    • DIY
    • Embroidery/Cross stitch
    • Gift Wrapping
    • Knitting
    • Miscellaneous
    • Paper Crafts
  • Holidays
    • New Year’s
    • Australia Day
    • Back to School
    • Valentines Day
    • Easter
    • ANZAC Day
    • Mother’s Day
    • Father’s Day
    • Halloween
    • Christmas
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Bars & Slices
    • Bread & Pastries
    • Cakes
    • Cookies
    • Confectionery
    • Cupcakes & Muffins
    • Desserts
    • Drinks
    • Ice Cream
    • Jams/Preserves
    • Main Meals
  • Sewing
    • Sewing Tutorials
    • Quilting
    • Sewing & Quilting Patterns
  • Family
    • Back to School
    • Family Fun
    • Our Home
    • Parenting
    • Travel
  • Shop
    • Pattern Store
    • Etsy Store

Making a Pencil Case

August 22, 2013 By A Spoonful of Sugar - 41 Comments

Thanks for all the lovely feedback and comments on our Triangular Pencil Case! Due to popular demand we have put together a tutorial so you can make your own pencil case.

The triangular pencil case is the perfect project for using some of your treasured scraps. It features a patchwork panel on each side, and you can embellish it with pompom trim, appliqué patches, or ribbon to put your own creative spin on it. This project is suitable for anyone with some basic zipper skills.

Making a Pencil Case

Materials:

  • Cut 6 rectangles measuring 3 x 2 1/4 inches
  • Cut 1 rectangle measuring 8 x 4 1/2 inches
  • Cut 2 triangles measuring 2 3/4 inches on each side 
  • Cut 1 rectangle measuring 8 x 8 inches (lining)
  • Cut 2 triangles measuring 2 3/4 inches on each side (lining)
  • cotton batting measuring 8 x 12 inches
  • Zipper – 7 inches in length or longer
Optional: Embellish with pompom trim, appliqué patches, ribbon etc.
Template for Triangle can be found here.
Seam allowances 1/4 inch.
1. To assemble the front of the pencil case, stitch the three patchwork rectangles together into a strip and attach it to the polka dot panel. Repeat for the remaining patchwork rectangles.  Centre the two triangles on the side as pictured, and stitch in place. Fold open the triangles and press.
2. Lay the pencil case on the batting and pin in place.

3. Quilt the layers together as desired, and trim batting. Add pompom trim/appliqués/ribbon etc as desired.

4. With a water erasable pen, mark the point 1/4 inch down from the tip of the triangle. Pin the side of the triangle to the side of the pencil case and pin in place. Stitch in place stopping at the blue mark. Repeat for both sides of each triangle.
5. With the wrong side of the pencil case facing, pin the zipper in place on one side as shown, and stitch in place. Open the zipper and repeat for the other side.Turn the pencil case out the right way and press. Top stitch around the edge of the zipper.

6. Stitch the lining pieces together in the same way that you pieced the pencil case exterior. Press under 1/4 inch along the opening. Pin the lining inside the pouch and hand stitch in place. 

If you are looking for an easy pencil case tutorial, check out “How to Make A Pencil Case”.

Filed Under: Back to School, Sewing, Sewing Tutorials Tagged With: bag, zipper

« Chocolate Cupcakes
Spring Lawn Care and Father’s Day Giveaway »

Comments

  1. Sabahnur says

    August 22, 2013 at 12:51 am

    cutie 🙂

    Reply
  2. shez says

    August 22, 2013 at 1:20 am

    this is gorgeous thankyou so very much for sharing.xx

    Reply
  3. Melody says

    August 22, 2013 at 1:30 am

    A great project. Thank you so much.

    Reply
  4. Patchwork and Play says

    August 22, 2013 at 2:54 am

    Another sweet pouch/pencil case! Thanks for sharing your expertise!

    Reply
  5. KaHolly says

    August 22, 2013 at 3:55 am

    Thanks so much!! I was hoping…

    Reply
  6. Crafty Craft Fairs says

    August 22, 2013 at 7:02 am

    So cute, thanks for the tutorial 🙂 G x

    Reply
  7. Annerose says

    August 22, 2013 at 7:25 am

    Sehr schön vielen lieben Dank für die Erklärung.
    Grüße aus Deutschland Annerose

    Reply
  8. Joan says

    August 22, 2013 at 8:07 am

    Thank you for the tutorial. The pencil case is lovely.

    Reply
  9. Liliana says

    August 22, 2013 at 8:25 am

    Such a cute pouch, thank you for the tutorial!

    Reply
  10. Steph @ Three Loud Kids! says

    August 22, 2013 at 10:05 am

    I wish I was more crafty, because this is really cute and I know my daughter would adore this!

    Reply
  11. Christine M says

    August 22, 2013 at 1:55 pm

    Thanks for the great tutorial.

    Reply
  12. Miracle Spyer says

    August 26, 2013 at 6:14 am

    Cutest pencil case ever!Loooooooving the fresh patterns on it!
    Nash onceuponherdream.blogspot.com

    Reply
  13. Sarah says

    September 4, 2013 at 8:10 pm

    Gorgeous pencil case. Thank you so much for the tutorial.

    Reply
  14. Lix Hewett says

    September 6, 2013 at 3:50 pm

    Love it! Thank you!

    Reply
  15. Anonymous says

    September 16, 2013 at 4:29 am

    Thanks for teaching us this pencil pouch.
    I am motivated to learn and try this at this age {54}.

    With love
    Anita Kadian

    Reply
  16. Anonymous says

    September 16, 2013 at 8:25 am

    Love it, and your choice of fabrics. I like the idea it will stay sitting upright when you unzip it and start poking around inside for something. Great idea for a toiletry case for traveling, maybe in a waterproof material.

    Reply
  17. Hen says

    December 10, 2013 at 10:13 am

    Thank you very much for this tutorial. I have just made one for my son to give as a secret santa gift and he is thrilled with it!
    Hen x

    Reply
  18. Vanessa says

    March 8, 2014 at 1:59 pm

    Love the colors your chose! 🙂

    http://cafecraftea.blogspot.com

    Reply
    • A Spoonful of Sugar says

      March 8, 2014 at 3:14 pm

      Thanks Vanessa – we can’t resist aqua and red 🙂

      Reply
  19. izosik says

    March 16, 2014 at 4:11 am

    Nice project and tutorial.

    Reply
    • A Spoonful of Sugar says

      March 16, 2014 at 5:17 pm

      Thanks Izosik!

      Reply
  20. Pam says

    March 31, 2014 at 11:41 pm

    This is so cute! I made one for my crochet hooks and it turned out perfectly. I included your tutorial in a little roundup of patchwork bags and pouches on my blog: http://www.leavesandstitches.com/2014/03/21/weekend-pinspiration-pretty-pouches/. Thanks so much!

    Reply
    • A Spoonful of Sugar says

      April 1, 2014 at 6:21 am

      Thanks so much Pam. They would make great little crochet hook cases. Lisa

      Reply
  21. Annie says

    April 2, 2014 at 8:51 am

    Gorgeous design! I am honestly a little worried about how i’ll be able to handstitch the lining in, though. Is there any other way i could stitch in the lining with a sewing machine? Thanks!

    Reply
    • A Spoonful of Sugar says

      April 2, 2014 at 10:51 am

      Hand stitching the lining gives a neater finish and as it is on the inside, you can’t really see if your stitching is that neat. Alternatively you could machine stitch it in as you would for any other zippered pouch.

      Reply
  22. Katherine says

    August 13, 2014 at 9:13 am

    Love your tutorial, so easy to follow.
    Can you tell us what fabric line you used and where to get it?

    Thanks

    Reply
    • A Spoonful of Sugar says

      August 13, 2014 at 11:39 am

      Hi Katherine – the fabrics I have had in my stash for a while. A couple of them are from Bonnie and Camille’s Bliss range, and the others are from Annies Farm Stand by Lakehouse Dry Goods.

      Reply
  23. Emily says

    May 28, 2015 at 3:48 am

    I love this tutorial. Thank you!!! Can I ask where you got the seed tags? Those are really cool;)!!

    Reply
  24. claudia says

    February 16, 2016 at 12:16 pm

    I had this as my sewing project for my class tonight. I am so excited how it’s coming around. Now I only have to put the zipper, which I’ll learn how on my next class. Thank you so much for sharing your pattern and showing how to put it together.

    Reply
    • A Spoonful of Sugar says

      February 16, 2016 at 9:23 pm

      Thanks Claudia – enjoy your classes!

      Reply
  25. ulrikes smaating says

    November 6, 2016 at 1:56 am

    Hej,
    this is really a cute case, can you see it on my blog?
    http://ulrikes-smaating.blogspot.dk/2016/11/planer-und-stifteetui.html
    greetings from denmark Ulrike :0

    Reply
  26. Esther says

    February 1, 2017 at 6:38 pm

    It looks super cute, but mine isn’t working out. I have tripple checked the measurements, but somehow the triangles seem to be too small to fill the space… I am puzzled.

    Reply
  27. Paula says

    July 31, 2017 at 9:57 am

    what are the apex finished dimensions on this? Such a sweet composition of fabrics and design

    Reply
    • Paula says

      July 31, 2017 at 9:58 am

      That should have been approximate dimensions!!

      Reply
  28. A Spoonful of Sugar says

    March 22, 2014 at 11:27 am

    Thanks for linking! Such a lovely group of zippered pouches. Scrap projects are so much fun!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Threads
  • TikTok
SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER
×

Categories

Archives

PURCHASE PDF PATTERNS

We offer over 100 affordable PDF sewing patterns available for download from our store website or Etsy store. Each pattern includes detailed instructions, numerous photos, and templates.

WEB STORE ETSY STORE

Instagram

A quick, satisfying make for your weekend ✂️ This A quick, satisfying make for your weekend ✂️
This Easy Hexagon Trivet comes together in minutes — no binding, straight seams, and a very pleasing turn‑through moment.Perfect for charm packs, leftover 10" squares, or your favourite scraps.Comment TRIVET for the pattern link.Pattern Details: Easy Hexagon Trivet & Coasters — available in our Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.#easysewingproject #scrapsewing #beginnersewing #sewingreels #weekendsewing
A beautiful, captivating read by local author Tess A beautiful, captivating read by local author Tess Woods inspired this sweet little Heart Bookmark. I adored the way The Cairo Bridal Shop wove together family, secrets, and sisterhood — it’s one of those
stories that stays with you long after you close the cover. If you missed my book review, check my previous post.This tiny Heart Bookmark is scrap‑friendly, quick to sew, and perfect for book lovers or handmade gift‑givers.Comment BOOKMARK for the free Pattern or click on the link in my bio.Save this for when you are looking for quick handmade gift ideas.#freesewingpattern #scrapfriendlysewing #handmadegifts #bookloversofinstagram #sewingcommunity
A beautiful new read + a sweet sewing project insp A beautiful new read + a sweet sewing project inspired by the Albi sisters.Thanks to @tesswoods_author and @penguinbooksaus for the advance copy of this captivating story.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐I’ve just finished reading The Cairo Bridal Shop by local author Tess Woods — and it completely swept me away.Set at the foot of the pyramids, the Albi Bridal Shop is home to three sisters fighting to break tradition and shape their own futures. Inspired by ancient pharaoh queens, they draw on generations of women, culture, sacrifice, and resilience to find their strength.Tess calls this “the book of her heart,” weaving her family history into a story of sisterhood, identity, faith, strong women, and delicious Egyptian food.While reading, I kept thinking about the three Albi sisters — Sarah, Aya, and Lola — each navigating their own challenges, each fighting for the life she deserves.So I stitched three Heart Bookmarks, one to represent each sister. A tiny handmade nod to their courage, creativity, and connection.Each bookmark is made from quilting cotton, wool felt, lace, and a silky tassel — quick to sew, lovely to gift, and perfect for marking your place in a story full of strong women.I was completely captivated by The Cairo Bridal Shop. The relationships between the sisters are truly the heart of the story — tender, complicated, loyal, and full of resilience.I loved the structure: six dresses, each inspired by a Pharaoh queen, each opening a new chapter of their lives. The cultural details, the food, the history, the Cairo setting — it all felt vivid and immersive.A beautiful, emotional story of family, identity, courage, and the strength we find in the women around us.If you only read one book this year, make sure it is The Cairo Bridal Shop.If you’d like to stitch your own Heart Bookmark, the pattern is free.Comment BOOKMARK and I’ll send you the link.A sweet, quick project — perfect paired with a good book.Thanks for being here — I love sharing small sewing projects that bring joy to your day.
A sweet little scrap project ✂️✨ The Zakka Scisso A sweet little scrap project ✂️✨The Zakka Scissor Keeper is one of my favourite small  makes — quick to sew, perfect for coordinated scraps, and so handy to keep your scissors protected in your sewing bag. I’ve never shared a reel of this one, so here’s a little peek at how it opens and closes.It’s also my Pattern of the Week, which means you can save 25% for a limited time. If you love small, satisfying projects, this one is a fun weekend sew.Comment SCISSOR and I’ll send you the link.#sewingprojects #scrapfriendlysewing #smallsewingprojects #zakka #sewingaddict
The Hexie Placemat Series ✂️ Six designs and endl The Hexie Placemat Series ✂️Six designs and endless ways to make your table feel special. From festive holiday colours to cosy autumn tones, these placemats are quick to sew, scrap‑friendly, and perfect for gifting or decorating your home.Featuring:
• Hexie Holiday – a Christmas favourite
• Hexie House – the newest addition
• Hexie Heart – sweet and sentimental
• Hexie Star – crisp and modern
• Hexie Pumpkin – warm autumn vibes
• Hexie Bunny – playful for springSwipe to see all the looks — each one has its own personality and is fun to customise with your favourite fabrics.Comment HEXIE and I’ll send you the link to the full series (available in my Pattern Store + Etsy Shop).#sewingprojects #quiltedplacemat #scrapfriendlysewing #pdfsewingpattern #sewingcommunity
The Easiest Oven Mitt You’ll Sew ✂️✨ The Baker’s The Easiest Oven Mitt You’ll Sew ✂️✨The Baker’s Buddy Mitt is one of those projects that never leaves my sewing table — smooth curves, no fiddly binding, and a construction that’s genuinely beginner‑friendly. It comes together fast, looks
beautifully shaped, and is one of my most‑gifted makes because it actually gets used in the kitchen.Here’s why makers love it:
• No binding (yes, really!)
• Modern silhouette that works with any stash fabric
• Insul‑Brite + batting layers for hand protection
• Quick, practical, and gift‑readyIf you’re after a satisfying project that looks impressive and is useful, this is the one.Comment BAKER and I’ll send you the pattern link (available in my Pattern Store and Etsy Shop).#sewinggifts #beginnersewing #quicksewingproject #scrapfriendlysewing
#bakersbuddy
Follow on Instagram

Featured Pattern

Travel Sewing Kit Pattern

Featured Tutorial

Retro Drawstring Bag

Featured Recipe

Lemon Pound Cake

Connect

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Threads
  • TikTok
SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER
×

Popular Posts

  • Apple Crumble Slice
  • Rediscovering Your Fabric Stash: Hidden Treasures, Changing Tastes, and Fresh Inspiration
  • Liberty Scrap Gift Tags – A Quick, Pretty Project for Using Tiny Fabric Offcuts
  • Lavender Sachets
  • Patchwork Fabric Tray
  • Charm Square Fabric Tray
  • Business Card Wallet

Copyright © 2026 Lisa. K. Cox - A Spoonful of Sugar