I recently made this pen(cil) case, for reasons outlined elsewhere, and decided to document the process. I think this would make a great first project for someone who is new to sewing and wants to make something useful and ‘technical’.
Why you should make this case
If you’re new-ish to sewing, this is a great project to try
- It is essentially a 2D object: that means no tricky 3-dimensional corners to sew into. And the ordering of construction is pretty straightforward
- You don’t even need to sew round any corners. It’s all straight lines.
- It can be made with man-made, coated fabrics. That means they don’t stretch, and don’t fray. You can measure, cut and handle them with a high level of precision
- Everything is adaptable: fabrics, design, measurements: all can be changed to suit you
- It’s small and manageable. The biggest piece of fabric is about the size of a sheet of A4/letter paper. Super easy to handle.
Materials
I used cheap PU-coated (waterproof) ripstop nylon for the lining and pockets. It’s about £4/m. I used much heavier coated Cordura (about £8/m) for the outer casing, which is probably overkill.
I also used some 25mm wide grosgrain ribbon, which is dirt cheap and you can buy from any haberdashery.
Also some standard velcro ‘hook and loop’ fastener, although wider velcro would be better, and one metal popper.
Most of this was left over from other projects, both lightweight backpacking rucksack. If you want to read more about the fabrics, and how to get them, check that project writeup.
Why you should make this case
If you’re new-ish to sewing, this is a great project to try
- It is essentially a 2D object: that means no tricky 3-dimensional corners to sew into. And the ordering of construction is pretty straightforward
- You don’t even need to sew round any corners. It’s all straight lines.
- It can be made with man-made, coated fabrics. That means they don’t stretch, and don’t fray. You can measure, cut and handle them with a high level of precision
- Everything is adaptable: fabrics, design, measurements: all can be changed to suit you
- It’s small and manageable. The biggest piece of fabric is about the size of a sheet of A4/letter paper. Super easy to handle.
Materials
I used cheap PU-coated (waterproof) ripstop nylon for the lining and pockets. It’s about £4/m. I used much heavier coated Cordura (about £8/m) for the outer casing, which is probably overkill.
I also used some 25mm wide grosgrain ribbon, which is dirt cheap and you can buy from any haberdashery.
Also some standard velcro ‘hook and loop’ fastener, although wider velcro would be better, and one metal popper.
Most of this was left over from other projects, both lightweight backpacking rucksack. If you want to read more about the fabrics, and how to get them, check that project writeup.
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The design for this case is inspired by simple folded cases like the Alter Manufacturing Mod.02 and the Nomadic PE-10 Tri-Fold case.
I wanted to make a simple case and these kinds of flat folded cases looked like a good starting point. So I looked at my current pens and other bits and pieces and started to sketch out what might work for me. I also started to think about construction, and how all the components could be assembled and in what order.
I wanted to make a simple case and these kinds of flat folded cases looked like a good starting point. So I looked at my current pens and other bits and pieces and started to sketch out what might work for me. I also started to think about construction, and how all the components could be assembled and in what order.
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108
Penolopy Bulnick
says:
Jan 17, 2013. 3:16 PMReplyThat looks professionally done! Very nice job :) You should enter this into the Holiday Gifts Contest!
2
Andrew Sleigh (author)
in reply to Jan 18, 2013. 2:30 AMReply
Hi Penolopy, thanks for the suggestion. I have followed your advice!
164
Kiteman
says:
Jan 1, 2013. 2:32 PMReplyNice job!
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