How to make a coloured pencil roll

A fabric pencil roll is one of those makes that looks far more impressive than it is to sew. It keeps a set of colouring pencils tidy and — the real point — stops the leads snapping when they're carried loose in a bag, because each pencil sits in its own snug pocket. It makes a lovely handmade gift for a child or an artist, and it uses up scraps beautifully.

This version rolls up and ties with a ribbon. It holds about twelve pencils; widen it for more.

What you'll need

• Outer fabric: one piece about 40cm × 22cm.
• Lining fabric: one piece the same size.
• Pocket fabric: one piece about 40cm × 16cm (a contrasting print looks great).
• About 60cm of ribbon for the tie, plus thread, pins and scissors.

Step 1: Make the pocket panel

Fold the pocket piece in half lengthways, wrong sides together, so it's now 40cm × 8cm with a neat folded top edge. Press it. Lay this folded strip on top of the right side of the lining piece, lining up the bottom raw edges. This double-layered strip is what forms the pencil pockets.

Step 2: Sew the pocket divisions

Here's the only measuring that matters. Starting from one end, draw vertical lines every 2.5cm across the pocket panel. Sew straight up each line, backstitching firmly at the folded top edge of the pocket (that's where pencils get pushed in and out, so it takes the strain). Each channel becomes a pencil slot. If you want roomier slots for chunky pencils, space the lines 3cm apart instead.

Step 3: Add the ribbon tie

Fold your ribbon in half and pin it to the right-hand short edge of the lining (the pocket-and-lining piece), with the loop pointing inwards and the loose ends sticking out just past the raw edge. It'll get caught in the seam in the next step, so it ends up firmly attached and pointing outward once you turn the roll the right way out.

Step 4: Join outer and lining

Lay the outer fabric on top, right side down, so the right sides of outer and lining are together and the pocket and ribbon are sandwiched inside. Pin all the way round. Sew around the entire edge with a 1cm seam allowance, leaving a 10cm gap along the top edge for turning. Trim the corners.

Step 5: Turn and topstitch

Turn the whole thing right side out through the gap, pushing the corners out neatly. Press it flat, folding the raw edges of the gap inwards. Topstitch all the way around close to the edge — this closes the gap and gives a crisp, finished look. Slot your pencils in, roll it up from the opposite end to the ribbon, and tie.

Tips that make it look shop-bought

• Press at every stage. A pencil roll is mostly straight lines, so pressing is what separates neat from homemade.
• Backstitch the pocket tops firmly — it's the one place that wears out.
• Use a walking foot if you have one; the three layers can shift otherwise.

The honest summary

A pencil roll is two rectangles, a folded pocket strip, and a row of straight lines. The pockets do all the clever-looking work, and the only number you need to remember is the 2.5cm spacing. It's a brilliant scrap-buster and one of the most-loved handmade gifts we ever taught.