Are you a homeschool parent looking for fun DIY projects to do with your kids using supplies you already have at home? If you own a sewing machine and have some fabric scraps lying around, try this easy no-sew pencil pouch activity.
It's a great homeschooling craft that will keep your children entertained and engaged.
Supplies Needed for This Homeschool DIY Craft - Pencil Pouch
- Zipper
- Velcro or Snaps
- Canvas
- Quilting Cotton
- French Terry or any other woven or no-stretch fabric
- Scissors
- Sewing Machine
- Needle & Thread
- Serger (optional)
Step-by-Step Pencil Pouch Instructions:
My favorite is creating a customizable pencil pouch! You don’t need a pattern, just know the length of the zipper you’ll use. If zippers seem too advanced, use Velcro or add snaps instead. For this tutorial, I’m using a zipper but you can swap it out.
Step 1: Select your fabric.
I used the Color Your Own Construct-O-Saurus fabric from www.waymakerfabrics.com and thought the canvas would be perfect for my project.
This particular fabric design is created for your child to be able to use washable markers, and color his bag to his hearts content, and then pop it in the wash. When it comes out, it is ready to be colored all over again!
Step 2: Measure your zipper:
I first measured my zipper. It was 9 inches. This determined my pouch length. I cut my fabric to 10 inches for two reasons.
1. I allowed myself 1/4in seam allowance on each side. 2. I wanted to give myself some room to attach the zipper safely without snagging the metal clamps.
Step 4: Cut your fabric.
Cut your fabric to your desired dimensions. Mine is 10"x5". You can choose to make your pouch as long or as short as you want! This is the beauty of this project. You get to personalize it in so many ways!
Step 5: Secure the zipper to the fabric.
Step 5.5: Optional Top Stitching
You can top stitch your pouch along the edge of the fabric to secure it more fully to the zipper.
Step 6: Fold your fabric: Right sides together.
Fold your fabric along the zipper line RIGHT sides together so the fabric pieces face each other evenly. Align the edges of the fabric so they are flush.
Step 7: Sew
Sew along the edges. If you have a serger you can use it here, otherwise, a straight stitch will work great. Trim the edges of the fabric and snip the edges if you use a regular sewing machine. I used a serger to secure my edges.
I used a straight stitch to attach the zipper, and used my serger to sew the remainder of the pouch together. Clip the corners for less bulky edges.
Step 8: Turn right side out.
To turn your pouch right sides out, unzip to create a hole, then turn the fabric right side out. Zip back up or begin using immediately.
Step 9: Admire your work!
Congratulations! You accomplished something amazing! You created something. You are amazing!
If you are anything like me, your natural instinct is to critique your work and pick apart all the little imperfections. STOP, no one is going to notice those little things except you! Additionally, you have just done something new, and it might not be perfect, but you know what you will do different next time.
Remind yourself of all the successes you had during your make. You attached a zipper! Or snaps, or Velcro. YOU did that! That is no easy feat.
Step 10: Share your completed project.
Show off your work to anyone who will look! Join a sewing group on Facebook. I recommend WayMaker Fabrics Community group (if you used our fabrics of course.)
You’re right, a zipper pouch is SO versatile and handy, and this version above is the simplest, so a perfect way to start. I taught my 7 yr old son to sew these this summer. He was excited and wanted to try. But, unfortunately, he got tired of it after a few since making sure his seams were very straight (important for attaching the zipper!) was providing too difficult. But he had a measure of success, and was very proud of the first few that he finished successfully!!