DIY PEN + PENCIL ROLL-UP

I am obviously that person that always has way too many writing utensils to keep track of, so it's always good for me to have another way to keep up with them. This pen roll-up is a fairly quick sewing project that you can alter to fit whatever utensils you need to store. 

supplies:

contrasting fabrics (I used vintage upholstery fabric and canvas because of their thickness)

trim/yarn/ribbon (long enough to wrap around the roll a few times)

button (one with a shank works best here)

sewing machine

note: I didn't make a pattern for this. Instead I laid out what pens I planned to use and estimated what size the roll would need to be to hold those pens.

Once you have your main pieces and pocket pieces cut out, pin the like pieces together, right sides together. You're going to sew around the edges of both, leaving a hole to turn them through. I drew where you will sew on the canvas piece in pencil. It's the same for the main piece, too.

Important! Before you sew up the main piece, put your piece of trim inside the two pieces, with a little bit sticking out. This way everything will already be attached when you turn it right side out. When you sew over this part you might want to backstitch over it a few times for reinforcement.

Once you have turned everything, you can topstitch both pieces all the way around, close to the edges. It looks real slick and holds everything together nicely. Plus, it's a good way to close up the holes your turned the pieces through.

Don't forget to sew on your button. I put mine right near where the trim starts so it won't get wrapped up in the roll.

Put your pens on your pocket piece to estimate where you will sew your slot lines.

Mark the lines lightly with a pencil. Pin the piece down where you want it on the main piece, and sew down each line. Also sew around the sides and bottom of the pocket but not the top!

note: if you do the steps in this order, the stitching from attaching the pocket will be exposed on the back of the roll-up - I did it this way because I like exposed stitching. If you want your stitches hidden, sew the pen pocket and slots onto one of the main pieces, then sew the two main pieces together. That way your stitches will be hidden inside when you turn it right-side-out. 

And then you will have a nice little roll-up to hold all of your pens/pencils/whatever. On another note, I cannot stop with this pale pink-mustard yellow color combination. Enjoy!