Almería Pencil Case
We designed this pencil case with kids heading back to school in mind, but it’s also wonderful for illustrators, artists, and anyone who loves to stay organized.
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 a structured Almería pencil case with two zippered sections, a central divider and fabric grab tabs.
Its roomy format can organize school supplies, drawing tools, markers, craft knives, rotary cutters and other sewing tools.
What you’ll learn in this class
- Join cork and its cotton backing as one stable layer.
- Insert and topstitch two zippers.
- Reduce bulk from thick cork near the zippers.
- Box the corners to shape the case.
- Align zipper centers, seams and tabs.
- Attach the divider and sew the final enclosed seam.
Fabric choices
The demonstrated case uses printed cork outside and cotton fabric inside. Cork provides structure but is harder to reposition and sew than ordinary fabric.
You can use canvas or regular cotton instead. Add interfacing when the fabric lacks body, and overcast fabric that is likely to fray.
For an easier divider, use fabric on both faces instead of cork.
Make it your own
Decorate cork with fabric-safe ink and stamps, or use printed canvas. Contrasting zipper colors can become part of the design.
The grab tabs can be shortened, widened, doubled or omitted.
Compare the vertical pencil case for another shape.
Try the Alex pencil case for another format.
See the Zaragoza pencil case for a round version.
Finished size
The finished case measures approximately 21 cm long by 8 cm high by 8 cm wide.
The video covers both zippers, the divider and techniques for handling thick material. The downloadable PDF provides the cutting measurements.
Pattern & materials
Patterns are included with membership
Active members can download every available PDF and materials list.
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