Sketchbook Pencil Case

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

Posted by Cat Morley

About

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.

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You Will Need (7 things)

  • Sketchbook - I used an A5 sketchbook but you could use any size you like!
  • Fabric
  • Button
  • Elastic
  • Sewing Machine & thread to match the fabric
  • Sticky Back Plastic
  • Scissors

Steps (24 steps, 180 minutes)

  1. 1

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

  2. 2

    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.

  3. 3

    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.

  4. 4

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

  5. 5

    Repeat the same at the top of your fabric.

  6. 6

    Pin in place.

  7. 7

    Sew along the bottom and top edge.

  8. 8

    Place your sketchbook back in the middle of your cover.

  9. 9

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

  10. 10

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

  11. 11

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

  12. 12

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

  13. 13

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

  14. 14

    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.

  15. 15

    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.

  16. 16

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

  17. 17

    Sew along the left hand side of your cover.

  18. 18

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

  19. 19

    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.

  20. 20

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

  21. 21

    Sew along the top & bottom edges of the cover.

  22. 22

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

  23. 23

    Fill with pencils, pens and tools.

  24. 24

    Happy sketching in your new sketchbook!