Natural History Museum Pencil Cases

You will need:

3 different Natural History Museum FQ’s and/or plain fabric for lining.

3 long zips

Bosal Foam or Fabric Stiffener

Basic Sewing Kit

1/4 Seam was used all around

I cut my first fabrics 12’’ x 10’’ = 2 for the outer and 2 for the lining.

Cut 2 of the same measurement of Bosal Foam or Iron on interfacing.

Measure the zip across the top of the fabric add the tabs 1” in (see photo below)

Place the zip R/S down onto outer fabric piece, open the zip as far back as you can to ease sewing.

Place the lining on top, R/S with the outer with the zip sandwiched in between. Pin to secure. Use the zipper foot to sew along the top, when you get 3/4 of the way to the end, stop sewing and lift the foot as you need to close the zip to continue stitching to the end.

Repeat for the other side. Open out flat, and press the seams down with the iron. Top stitch across so that the zip opens smoothly. Now undo zip again.

Pull the two outer pieces together, pin to secure. Now repeat for the lining. Make a small tab for a handle. 2” fabric strip, fold each side into the middle lengthways, then fold one edge over to the other, press and sew down each side. Fold and tuck the tab into the case between the two outer fabrics with the raw edges poking out.

TOP TIP Did you open the zip???

Sew all around the case, but leave a 3” gap in the centre bottom or Side of the lining piece.

Turn inside out, poke out corners gently, smooth down. Sew up the gap in the lining.

Box Bag:

The instructions are almost the same, except instead of cutting rectangles you need to cut the shape below x4. Then it is just folded and sewn like a square bottom bag.

Middle Zipper Case:

Constructed the same as the first zipper bag except you need to construct the bag with the zip in the centre rather than the top.

I hope you have enjoyed this tutorial. If you decide to ‘have a go’ please share your creations with me @bobbincottagebodkin and @craftcottonco on instagram

Nicola Hills x

Made by Nicola Hills for The Craft Cotton Company 2020