Alex Pencil Case / Toiletry Bag
Just in time for back-to-school season, we’re bringing you this tutorial for a super-cool pencil case. You already know how much we love them because they’re so versatile. It can be a case for pencils and markers, a makeup bag, a place to keep all your manicure essentials, or even a hideout for the kids’ Playmobil figures…
Project preview
This video is for members
Join Lulu Ferris to watch the complete class and sew along at your own pace.
What you’ll make
Sew the structured Alex case, a versatile organizer with a roomy central compartment and a smaller zippered pocket across the front.
A mesh section inside the front pocket keeps small items visible and easy to find. An optional decorative-tape handle makes the case easier to pick up.
Use it for pencils, cosmetics, manicure supplies, craft tools or small toys. Its approximate finished size is 24 cm long × 12 cm high × 11 cm deep.
This is an intermediate project. Curved zipper installation and layered three-dimensional assembly are easier with previous sewing experience.
What you’ll learn in this class
- Stabilize the exterior with fusible interfacing.
- Bind mesh for a lined front zipper pocket.
- Ease a zipper around a curved panel.
- Install the main zipper between outer and lining panels.
- Join shaped ends to create the case’s depth.
- Finish exposed interior seams with bias tape.
Fabric and supplies
The case uses exterior fabric, lining, lightweight fusible interfacing, mesh, zippers and bias tape. Decorative tape may be added as a handle.
A zipper foot helps with both zipper installations. Textile glue, pins, clips or basting can hold layered and curved areas before stitching.
Make it your own
Add elastic loops inside the front pocket to organize pens or makeup brushes. Coordinate the mesh, binding, zippers and optional handle with the exterior fabric.
Bias tape gives the interior seams a polished finish, but the class also notes that neatly trimmed pinked seams are an option in less visible areas.
For a simpler project, consider the Miranda pencil case or the round Zaragoza pencil case.
Finished dimensions
The completed case measures approximately 24 cm long × 12 cm high × 11 cm deep, providing room for bulkier supplies as well as smaller items.
The complete class covers both zippered compartments, mesh, interfacing, shaped ends, lining and interior finishing. The PDF supplies the pattern and material guidance.
Pattern & materials
Patterns are included with membership
Active members can download every available PDF and materials list.
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