Comic Print Pencil Case and Folder

This make is a must for any burgeoning artists out there. It includes an art folder to keep a pad and tools in, as well as a matching pencil case. Featuring colourful comic book fabric, this is ideal for children and the young at heart to store their craft supplies in!

Essentials

Fabric: cotton, plain, 50cm; comic print, 50cm
Interfacing, iron-on, medium weight
Zip, green, 26cm, two
Ribbon, black and white, 1m

Cutting Guide

**Pencil case**
12cm x 25cm rectangle – comic book fabric backed with interfacing,
cut two 12cm x 25cm rectangle – lining fabric, cut two
**Art folder cover**
30cm x 41cm – comic book fabric backed with interfacing
30cm x 41cm – lining fabric backed with interfacing
**Top notebook section**
6cm x 21cm – comic book fabric
6cm x 21cm – lining fabric
**Bottom notebook section**
21cm x 25.5cm – comic book fabric
21cm x 25.5cm – lining fabric
**Top of zipped section**
6cm x 21cm – comic book fabric
6cm x 21cm – lining fabric
**Bottom of zipped section**
21cm x 25.5cm – comic book fabric
21cm x 25.5cm – lining fabric
**Pencil pocket**
13cm x 21cm – comic book fabric
13cm x 21cm – lining fabric

Dimensions List

Pencil case: 23cm x 10.5cm
Art folder: 37.5cm x 27cm

Make a pencil case

Cut out the fabric pieces as detailed in the cutting guide. Remember to iron on interfacing to the comic book fabric.
Lay a zip on top of a piece of right side up comic fabric, then place a red lining piece, right sides down, underneath the zip and comic piece, matching all raw edges. Pin then stitch together using a zipper foot. Repeat on the other side of the zip. Open out so the comic fabric is on top and the lining underneath. Iron flat then top stitch by the zip, on both sides.
Open the zip halfway. Place both sides together, right sides facing, pin in place then, using a 1cm seam allowance, sew all the way around, leaving a gap to turn through. Cut off the corners and turn out. Press then stitch the gap closed.

Sew an art folder

Cut out all the pieces as described on the chart. Make sure to iron interfacing to the cover parts To make the zipped pocket, lay the zip face down on the bottom section of lining material and place the comic fabric face down over this, matching the raw edges to one side of the zip. Sew along the zip and turn out the fabric. Press and topstitch, the zip pull should be on the lining side.
Place the smaller section of the pocket either side of the zip, right sides facing, this time with the fabric on the right side of the zip. Sew along the zip, turn out, press and topstitch as before.
To make the pencil pocket, place the fabric pieces right sides together and sew across one long edge, turn out, then press. Sew to the bottom section of the zip pocket, very close to the edge. Stitch down the pocket to make dividers for pens and pencils, sewing through all layers.
To make the notepad pocket, pair up the fabrics for the large and small sections, right sides facing. If making for a girl, try using a more feminine floral print in shades of purple and pink. Sew together in pairs along one 21cm length. Turn right sides out, press and top stitch 2mm from the seam.
Lay the notebook pieces face down on the zip pocket, matching all raw edges. Pin and stitch down the right edge with a 1cm seam allowance, open out and press. Place the main lining panel interfacing side down on a flat surface. Lay the inside pocket sections on top, pin and stitch together all the way around, close to the edge. Pin 50cm of ribbon to the centre of each short edge so the long ends sit inside the perimeter.
Place the cover over the top of the piece, right sides facing. Sew around the edge, using a 1cm seam allowance and leaving a gap for turning. Cut off the corners, turn out and press. Hand sew the gap closed. Machine stitch down the spine of the folder. Slipstitch the topstitched sections together at each side so the notebook fits snuggly.