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![How to Make a [Totoro] Pencil Case for Under $3!](/image/FHRCT3WGE7LBJHL/How-to-Make-a-Totoro-Pencil-Case-for-Under-3.jpg)
Thanks so much for all your support! I managed to place as a runner-up! :D
With the new school year approaching this month, and noticing that I often dig around in my bag for a pencil, I realized I needed a new pencil case.
But the dilemma I have is that all the pretty pencil cases are very expensive, and all the dull ones break easily! So what am I to do?
Well... how about make my own?
This pencil case will cost you under $3 and a few hours. For me, it took five hours or so, but be reminded that I chose to hand sew my pencil case! A sewing machine will probably take off at least three of those hours.
The only sewing skills you will need are how to thread a needle, how to do a oversewing stitch (also known as a blanket stitch), a running stitch, and a hem stitch, all relatively easy.
A great instructable on how to sew: http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Sew./
The pencil case I made is modeled after the Studio Ghibli character, Totoro. You don't have to make yours like I did, but with this pattern you can pretty much add any detailing you like. For example, I'm currently working on another Hello Kitty pencil case, and my first one was a Domo-kun pencil case. ^_^
This is my first Instructable! :D
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Signing UpStep 1Sketch it.
I've never made a pencil case before, and only have a limited knowledge of how to sew (basic hand-sewing, no machines yet). But before we even think about that, we have to sketch the actual pattern!
In deciding materials, I chose felt. I've worked a lot with felt before, making dolls and plushes. Felt is sturdy, easy to work with, very forgiving, and cheap. Plus, it's awesome to use if you're a beginner!
I wanted a triangular pencil case, so I sketched it out. The reason there is a "x6" and an "x4" next to the rectangular and triangular pieces is that I'm choosing to double the layer of felt I'm using to make the pencil case, so that it will be durable.
The second sketch is of the pieces I'll need to accessorize the pencil case. If you want a plain pencil case, then you can skip that part.
In deciding materials, I chose felt. I've worked a lot with felt before, making dolls and plushes. Felt is sturdy, easy to work with, very forgiving, and cheap. Plus, it's awesome to use if you're a beginner!
I wanted a triangular pencil case, so I sketched it out. The reason there is a "x6" and an "x4" next to the rectangular and triangular pieces is that I'm choosing to double the layer of felt I'm using to make the pencil case, so that it will be durable.
The second sketch is of the pieces I'll need to accessorize the pencil case. If you want a plain pencil case, then you can skip that part.
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If you're using a sewing machine, well, you can definitely finish this in less than 30 minutes.
I made a Pikachu pencil case as well, perhaps I'll put up pictures later ^^
I'll hop on it as soon as possible~! x3