DIY Pencil Case Tutorial For Back to School

Believe it or not, it’s already time to start thinking about heading back to school! While you are collecting your school supplies, why not throw a little craft project in the mix too? This simple DIY pencil case is endlessly customizable and kids can make them on their own with a little help from an adult.

Foam DIY Pencil Case Supplies:

Step One – Cut Pouch Shape.

An adult needs to do the first few steps to prep the pouch shape, but after that, the kids can finish up the DIY pencil case on their own. Using a ruler, and scissors, cut out the pouch from a sheet of foam using the measurements below.

Once you have cut out one, you can use it as a template to cut out more quickly.

Step Two – Punch Holes for Threading.

Fold the bottom of the pouch up about 3.5″ and mark where to punch your holes, about 1/4″ apart.

After you have punched the holes in the bottom 3.5″, fold the bottom portion up again, and mark the back of the pouch through the holes. Punch the holes in the back, and you should have a row of holes that line up.

Step Three – Sew the Case.

Thread a kid’s threading needle with yarn or embroidery floss, and let the kids sew up the side seams of their DIY pencil case.

My kids just used a simple stitch on their pouches, but you could also use a blanket stitch as shown below.

Step Four – Decorate the Case.

The Foamies stickers are perfect for creating patterns and designs easily on the cases. Or you can cut out any shapes you want from adhesive backed foam sheets as well.

I added a little tassel to the tab of one of the cases too. To add a tassel, punch a hole through the center of the tab, pull a few strands of embroidery floss through, and then wrap a piece of embroidery floss around the strands just below the tab.