Cut Out + Keep

Sketchbook Pencil Case

Sew a cover for your sketchbook with pockets for all of your pens, pencils & tools.

https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/sketchbook-pencil-case • Posted by Cat Morley

I learned how-to sew a super simple notebook cover at Hillarys Crafternoon and was inspired to adapt the idea to make a cover for my sketchbook with pockets to hold my pen, pencils and ruler. It's perfect for when I decided at the last minute I want to sketch when heading out as I can just grab my sketchbook and have everything with me.

You will need

Project Budget
Cheap

Time

3 h 00

Difficulty

Nice & Simple
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Description

I learned how-to sew a super simple notebook cover at Hillarys Crafternoon and was inspired to adapt the idea to make a cover for my sketchbook with pockets to hold my pen, pencils and ruler. It's perfect for when I decided at the last minute I want to sketch when heading out as I can just grab my sketchbook and have everything with me.

Instructions

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    Cut a piece of fabric that's twice the length of your notebook and 2 inches wider at the top and bottom.

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    If you're planning to carry your sketchbook around in your bag, you can coat the fabric with a sheet of sticky back plastic before you start to keep it protected.

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    Place your sketchbook in the middle of your fabric, with the wrong side facing up, and fold the bottom edge up by half an inch.

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    Score along the bottom with your scissors and then fold up by another half inch.

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    Repeat the same at the top of your fabric.

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    Pin in place.

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    Sew along the bottom and top edge.

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    Place your sketchbook back in the middle of your cover.

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    Fold the fabric inwards over the left hand page so that it meets the middle of your sketchbook.

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    Pick a button you'd like for your cover and cut a short length of elastic.

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    Fold the fabric over the right hand page of your sketchbook and then fold an inch underneath to create a flap.

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    Stitch the button to the front of your cover and the elastic underneath the flap.

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    Fold the flap over and pin in place at the top and bottom for the moment.

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    Cut a rectangle of fabric to the same width as one page of your sketchbook, and 3/4 of the height with an extra inch around all of the sides.

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    Repeat the same process from earlier of folding each edge in by half an inch, scoring, folding in by another half inch and then stitching.

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    Place this new fabric square at the bottom on the left hand fold of your cover.

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    Sew along the left hand side of your cover.

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    Place your pens & pencils under the rectangle of fabric and fold the fabric to fit, pinning each pen in place.

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    Sew along these lines. I decided to leave a large pocket unstitched to hold my ruler and scissors but you can design your pouch anyway you like.

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    Place your sketchbook inside the cover and check it fits nicely.

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    Sew along the top & bottom edges of the cover.

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    Stretch the elastic over the button to open and close your book.

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    Fill with pencils, pens and tools.

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    Happy sketching in your new sketchbook!