I’m trying to stretch the days of summer as long as I can. The last two weeks have been beautiful here in Northern Michigan, with temperatures in the mid to high 80s — perfect for beach days and lots of time outdoors. Of course, summer will end and the kids will be heading back to school, so I’ve been using rainy or too-hot afternoons to prepare for the new school year. The kids enjoy hands-on projects, so this week I taught them how to make a pencil case from felt.
Making a pencil case from felt is surprisingly simple, and this step-by-step photo tutorial will guide you through it. The project requires basic sewing, but you don’t need a sewing machine — hand stitching works fine and makes this an ideal beginner sewing project for kids.
How to Make a Pencil Case from Felt
Supplies:
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- Felt
- Needle and thread
- Buttons
- Sewing machine (optional)
- Scissors
- Ribbon
Instructions:
Start by cutting the felt to the size you want. I sized my case to hold mechanical pencils, using a pencil as a guide and leaving extra length for a fold-over flap to keep the pencils secure. Make the width wide enough to hold several pencils comfortably.
Sew the sides of the pencil case closed using a sewing machine or by hand. Felt is forgiving and easy to work with, making it a great fabric for first sewing experiences. Kids can practice stitching without worrying about perfect lines — encourage them to enjoy the process.
Sew a button below the opening to serve as a closure point.
For closure, either cut a small slit in the flap to act as a buttonhole or attach a ribbon that can loop around the button. You can also combine both methods for extra security or decoration.
After the basic pencil case is assembled, decorate it however you like. I added simple felt flowers, which are quick to make and attach.
Here’s a quick image showing how I assembled the flower.
Feel free to add extra embellishments such as additional buttons, fabric paint, sequins, or any decorations your kids choose. Once you’ve made a few pencil cases, consider making matching notebooks or book covers to complete the set.
These felt pencil cases are quick to make, customizable, and a fun way to get kids involved in preparing for the school year. They make great gifts, classroom projects, or rainy-day activities that result in something useful and unique.