Pencil Pouch Sewing Tutorial

inside: Sew a cute pencil pouch with this sewing tutorial. Make from vinyl or mesh for see through school supplies storage. These mesh and vinyl pencil cases are the best.

Pencil Pouch Sewing Tutorial –

It’s full on back to school around here. The kids go back in less than a week, so we are busy getting everything organized. I shared some tips for saving money this time of year a few days ago. And while getting the kids supplies organized I was SO pleased to see that the 3 ring binder pencil cases I sewed last year are in great shape and totally can be used again this year.

The mesh pencil pouch that we bought last year for my oldest wasn’t in great shape and the zipper was done, so I decided to sew a cute mesh pencil pouch and a vinyl pencil case as well to replace it. Be sure to check out my cork school supplies organizer and regular zipper case tutorial as well.

mesh and vinyl pencil case sewing tutorial

I’m pretty excited about how easy these were to sew, and the final result, but the mesh I had was a bit too big. The mesh pouch ended up working great for larger items, like highlighters and white board markers, but the actual pencils were poking through… The clear vinyl also worked great and was pretty easy to sew.

Mesh pencil pouch supplies –

Black Mesh
Comes in fun colors!
Clear Vinyl
10″ zippers
What I really want is fabric like on these pouches… can’t seem to find it by the yard.
I did buy this one. With Shipping it was $20 for a 1/2 yard, but shipping was fast and I think I can sew SIX cases from the 1/2 yard. So it’s actually very affordable if you are making several.

I’ve listed what I did use as well as what I wish I had… I did end up ordering a 1/2 yard of the pricey plastic mesh and I’ll keep you posted on if it’s a good option. Here’s how this same pouch looks sewn from the new material.

Sewing tutorial for mesh or vinyl pencil case –

Start by gathering your fabric and zippers. Each case needs two zippers and I sewed both the mesh and vinyl at the same time. Both are slightly tricky to sew, but neither was super hard. The pencil pouch actually comes together quite quickly.

Cut out for each pencil pouch –

9 x 16″ for main
9 x 5″ for pocket

With right sides together, sew one side of the zipper to the top long edge of the pocket. Use a zipper foot and sewing machine. For the clear vinyl I used a straight stitch to sew, then fold the zipper back and top stitched with a zig zag to reinforce. I also folded and top stitched the mesh one back too.

Line up the two short edged of the main pouch piece. The bottom should be a fold. Line up the bottom of the pocket with the fold of the main piece and pin or clip. I LOVE the clips for vinyl sewing.

Fold the zipper on the pocket back so that the right side of the zipper is on the right side of the pouch. Clip the sides to keep in place, then un-clip the bottom edge and flip the pocket up so you can sew the other side of the zipper. Sew zipper to main pouch.

After sewing the zipper, flip the pocket back down and re pin or clip the bottom edge. Sew along the bottom edge to secure the pocket to the bottom edge of the pouch.

With right sides together, sew the zipper to one top edge of the main pouch. Flip the zipper over and top-stitch as well.

Bring the other side of the pouch up with right sides together and sew the other side of the zipper to the top edge. Flip and top-stitch.

Turn pouch with right sides together and sew the side seams. I used a zig-zag on both the mesh and vinyl. Trim the seam allowance very close to the stiches.

I finished the side seams of the vinyl pouch with a piece of duck tape. I’m not sure how long the tape will last, but I like the pop of color. Turn the pouch right side out and enjoy!

opps! I guess forgot to show the inside seams of the mesh bag, but I did finish the side seams with bias tape to enclose the stitching. You can also just leave as is, I wanted a slightly more finished look.