Double-Ended Pencil Case

The Double-Ended Pencil Case is a small pouch with two distinct full-length compartments and zippers at both ends. The DEPC was originally designed to hold a checkbook, but the first one was a little too small. It turned out to be perfect for pens, pencils, markers, erasers &c. Better as a pencil case anyway, as no one uses checks anymore!

This step is here because the first step seems to appear below the Introduction. I don't understand why and I don't think it is a good idea.

Tools This is a sewing project so you will need the standard sewing tools -- sewing machine, scissors, seam ripper, ruler or measuring tape, and an iron (helpful but not necessary).

Materials The DEPC requires three pieces of fabric each 3.5 x 8.5 inches and two 6" zippers. Neither dimension is crucial. [The one pictured here used these dimensions and I found it to be a little narrow. Next one will be 4.0 x 8.5 inches. It is easier to narrow than widen!]

The weight of the zippers should roughly match the weight of the fabric. Different colored zippers can help identify the different pouches of the case.

Hem each end (tucking the raw edge back under so that it does not unravel) and press before sewing. Each piece should be about 6.75" after the hems are pressed. With particular heavy fabric it may not be practical to fold the raw edge back under and with polyester fabric that can be heat-sealed it may not be necessary.

Sew a zipper to the ends of two of the pieces. The orientation of the zippers will affect whether the zippers open in the same direction or from different directions on the two ends. Pin prior to sewing if desired. Use of a zipper foot (half of a full foot) makes sewing the zippers much easier.

Complete sewing on the zippers by sewing in the middle piece and sewing the other half of each zipper to the remaining ends. The middle piece is a little longer than it should be and will need to be shortened. The DEPC will not lie flat if it is too long. Trim to adjust. Form hems at the ends opposite the sewn on zippers and trap the middle piece under the hem. Follow the steps in the pictures. Pin in place and check to make sure that it is not too long. Sew these ends to the other half of each zipper.

At this point you should have a double pouch with open sides. The zippers should open into the two different full-length compartments.

Before sewing the side seams, you have to turn the project inside out. This is easy at this step. One of the zippers will be exposed (on right below) and the other trapped inside (on left below).

Turn the project inside out (see previous step). One of the zippers will be completely exposed and the other will be trapped inside between two pieces of fabric. Sew over the edge with the fully exposed zipper about two-thirds of the way down. Be careful not to sew the zipper pull on the outside of the opening. Trim the zipper tape and pink this seam.

Turn the project inside out again. This is harder than the last time. Pull the project out through the zippered opening you just made. This can get bunched up so be careful not to tear any seams.

 The result of turning the project inside out is to fully expose the other zipper so that you can sew the remaining part of the side seams (next step).

After turning the project inside out (again!) you will see the remaining third of the side seams. The unsewn zipper should be fully exposed and the sewn and trimmed one trapped inside between two pieces of fabric. Sew over the edge with the fully exposed zipper the remaining part of the side. Trim the zipper and pink this seam.

Note This last seam is not perfect and will not line up perfectly with the other one. Once the project is complete, the fabric will ease and you won't notice the slight irregularity.

After sewing, trimming, and pinking the remaining side seams (previous step), turn the pouch inside out. All done!