Even though it’s still technically summertime are you already thinking about the things you or your kids will need to go back to school? We are too, but we’ve been feeling pretty convinced that we might be able to make some of what we need rather than buying it. We decided that DIY pencil cases sound totally doable for us, for example, so we’ve been scouring the Internet for awesome DIY pencil case tutorials in place of heading to the store to buy one.
Are you quite intrigued by the idea of making your very own DIY pencil case too? Check out this list of awesome designs, ideas, and tutorials that we’ve come across so far in our search!
1. Flat zipping pencil cases
Have you always found that fitting a pencil case into your bag on top of everything else you’re already carrying is inconvenient sometimes because they tend to be bulky? Then we think you might find these awesome flattened style pencil cases outlined step by step Sea Lemon a little more useful! They’re also quite simple to make, even if you’re a beginner.
2. DIY pencil box from a cereal box
Are you actually quite interested in having a more structured pencil case because you don’t need to carry it anywhere? Well, if you like the idea of upcycling things while you’re crafting, then we have a feeling you’ll get a kick out of the way Vikal Pah made these awesome flapped pencil boxes out of scrap fabric and a cereal box. They’re even easier to make than they look.
3. No-sew roll up pencil case
Maybe you’re an artist and you’re looking to make a case for your best pencils that will actually help keep them organized too, rather than just keeping them together? In that case, we have a feeling you’ll get along very well indeed with this art roll style pencil case that’s basically a DIY version of what professionals use! Get the details for making one for yourself on Innova Crafts.
4. Boxy pencil case
Do you quite like the concept of making a box shaped pencil case because you think that shape fits everything you need to have with you the best, but you’d prefer it to be soft sided in its material because you’re worried you’ll crush the cardboard idea? Then we’d definitely suggest taking a look at the way Go The Red Threads made these boxy cases that will still squish if you need it to.
5. Slim flapped pencil cases
Are you actually looking for something a little smaller than what you’ve seen so far on our list? Perhaps you just need something a little easier to make because you’re quite new to this whole DIY game. In either case, we’d totally suggest checking out how Martha Stewart made this slim, flapped pencil case that will hold a few essentials.
6. Contrasting patterned pencil pouch
Maybe you’re just looking for a classic styled pencil case that isn’t anything fancy in its construction but you really like the idea of making something colourful and fun? In that case, we’d absolutely suggest checking out this tutorial from Positively Splendid that teaches you to make a block coloured case with contrastingly patterned fabrics for a super fun look.
7. DIY neon painted pencil case
Do you like the idea of making a slightly boxier standing case and, while you have enough fabric to make the inside lining a different colour from the outside, you don’t have anything else you like to make a blocked contrast on the bottom of the outside? In that case, we’d suggest reaching for the paint and following in Dear Handmade Life‘s footsteps, where they painted a nice neon section.
8. No-sew cylinder pencil case
Have you been scrolling through our list wishing you had the stitching skills to make one of the pencil cases you’ve seen so far but you’re just not sure you have the sewing skills to make it happen? In that case, we think you might get along a little better with something like this cylindrical no-sew pencil case tutorial outlined step by careful step on Michele Baratta!
9. Patterned pencil case with piping
Maybe you really like the idea of adding a bit of contrast to your pencil case in some way but you’re not sure the colour blocking idea is quite the style you’re going for? Then perhaps you’d prefer to try your hand at piping instead! We love the way A Little Craft in Your Day used piping as an opportunity to put a colour pop against something a little more neutral.
10. Ziploc pencil pouch
Have you actually been scrolling through our list hoping to find more designs that have alternatives to zippers because you’ve just never liked sewing zippers into just about anything? Then maybe you’d rather make a pencil case that has a sliding Ziploc bag style closing along the top instead! What’s Up Moms teaches you how to get it done nice and simply.
11. Custom fabric applique pencil cases
Whether you’ve already bought a series of pencil cases that you just find too plain or whether you want to make your own from scratch and embellish them a little, this cute DIY applique project from My Bluprint might be appealing to you if you’re looking for something simple! Their tutorial shows you how to make little erasers and line paper pages using felt and embroidery techniques.
12. DIY mail tube pencil case
Are you actually still thinking about how much you liked the idea of making a hard shell pencil case but you’re still not sure that a box shape is the best idea for you? Then perhaps you’ve get along a little better with this cylindrical idea made from a mail tube that has been decorated! Get the full details for making one of your own on Damask Love.
13. Angled box pencil case
Just in case you’re still interested in making a hard, box shaped case but you’ve been trying to find one that has some kind of cute, unique feature that will really impress those around you? Then we’d definitely suggest taking a look at how Craft Nook Studio made this cute pencil box that opens diagonally along one edge, rather than along one side like most of its kind.
14. Cute cat pencil case
If you’re going to put in the time and effort it takes to make a DIY pencil case of your own, would you rather make something cute and with character? In that case we’d absolutely suggest taking a look at how Makezine made this adorable anime cat case that looks like it’s opening and closing its mouth when you zip or unzip it to get the pencils in and out, like the cat is eating them!
15. Shark pencil case
Have we really caught your eye with this whole concept of sewing yourself a character pencil case that looks like it’s eating all of your writing utensils but you can’t help thinking you’d prefer to make something other than a cat? Well, if you or one of your kids have ever been a fan of sea creatures, then we think you’ll get a real kick out of the way Handmadiya outlines this funny shark pencil case in fewer steps than you might expect.
Have you made other kinds of awesome DIY pencil cases before that you or your kids got a lot of use out of but that you don’t see here on our list? Tell us all about what you created and how you did it or link us to photos of your finished work in the comments section!