EASY PENCIL CASE with ZIP - TUTORIAL

This is quite possibly the easiest way to make a zip pencil case, purse or pouch.   With only a little bit a hand and machine sewing practice, anyone can do it!  The key is using a chunky open ended zip - the type you normally see in hoodies and jackets.  Because the zip comes apart completely, it is much easier to sew, and it's chunky size makes it easier for smaller hands.  

So, go on, give it a go.   You'll end up with a stylish and practical pencil case or purse all your friends will want too!  

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* What you need

• Sewing machine

• Tailors chalk (if you don't have this, a pen that will mark fabric will do)
• Pinking shears 
• Open ended zip: about 3 - 4cm longer than the finished width of your pencil case/purse
• Thread
• Fabric: something sturdy like cotton twill, linen, etc.  

                  about 25cm x 45cm

• Plain paper to make your pattern
• Pins 
• Fabric weights (optional)

* Make your pattern

Draw a rectangle on your paper.    Width =  finished width of your pencil case + 3cm.   Height = finished height of your pencil case + 1.5cm 
Our pattern was 24cm wide and 21cm high.  We used a 25cm long zip.  
On one width edge of your pattern mark a 'cut on the fold' arrow.  Take a look at the photo below.  

Cut out your pattern.     

* Prepare your fabric

Fold you fabric in half - note the fold will end up being the bottom of your pencil case.  So take this into consideration if you have a printed fabric. 
Place your pattern on the fabric, matching up the fold with the marked part of your pattern.  

Pin or weight your pattern to the fabric.  
note:  we prefer to use weights - it's quicker, easier, and when it's time to cut you are naturally encouraged to keep the scissors touching the table which helps give you a nice straight cut line.  

Draw around the pattern with your tailors chalk or pen.  
Remove the pattern and place the weights or some of the pins back on your fabric to hold the two layers together. 

* Cut out your fabric

Using your pinking shears, cut out fabric along your lines.   Make sure you cut both layers of fabric together.  
Pinking shears stop the fabric fraying - an easy way to keep your seams neat. 

When cutting, try and keep your scissors touching the table at all times.  This helps you cut a nice straight line.  

Remove weights/pins.   At this point it is helpful to place a safety pin in your fabric to mark the top edge.
 

* Prepare your zip

With your tailors chalk, mark the front side of each half of your zip.  
Note:  don't use a pen for this step - you need to use something that will rub off easily.  

Open and separate the zip completely.

* Pin zip to fabric

Pin one half of your zip on one top (width) edge of your fabric.  
Things to remember:

• the front side of your zip (the side you marked in the previous step) is facing the right side of your fabric (the outside of your pencil case).  
  
• the plastic 'zipper' edge of the zip is away from the edge of your fabric
• the top of your zip is in line with the outer edge of your fabric

Take a good look at the pictures below to make sure you have your zip the correct way.  

* Baste zip to fabric

Thread your needle and tie a knot in the end.  
note: We double our thread - good for learners as it prevents pulling the needle off the thread while sewing. 

Starting at one end of the zip and using long straight stitches, sewing the zip to the fabric.  (these stitches will be removed later, so don't worry if they aren't too neat!).  This is called a basting stitch.

Remove pins as you go.

Repeat the two steps above with the other half of the zip and the other end of your pencil case.    Make sure you match the tops of each zip half. 

* Sew zip with sewing machine

Set up and thread your sewing machine.   You can choose to put a zipper foot on at this stage, although not absolutely essential. 
Start your sewing with a few stitches backwards to secure your thread.  Your basting stitches (hand sewing) will keep the zip steady while you sew, no pins to get in the way.  Easy!

Follow the edge of the zipper with the sewing machine foot, sewing nice and slow, so you have more control. 
Sew to the end of the fabric then sew a few stitches backwards to secure your thread.  

Trim the ends of your threads.

* Remove basting stitches

* Sew up the sides

You are nearly done!   Zip the zip together - just like doing up your jacket.  
Turn inside out.   

Flatten out your pencil case so that the zip is at the top.  

  

On the side that has the zip overhanging, pin together.   
note: It is much easier when you come to sew if you place the pins with the sharp end pointing towards the fold (which will be the end we start sewing from) 

Starting at the folded end, sew a 1.5cm seam.  This means lining up the edge of your fabric with the mark on your sewing machine that reads 15.
Sew as far as you can, but without sewing over the zip.  Don't forget to start and end your stitching with a few stitches backwards to make sure it doesn't come undone. 

Trim the ends of your threads.

Open up the zip a little bit.

Pin the other side of your pencil case together.  Make sure you match up the edges of the zip.  

Sew a 1.5cm seam - just like on the other side, but this time you need to sew over the zip.  

* Finishing off

Trim the threads, turn in the right way and you are done.  

Congratulations - you now have a very useful pencil case, purse or pouch to keep your treasures safe.   

Fill and Enjoy!