My kids love to draw…in the car, on the bus, at the kitchen table, wherever and whenever. Their medium of choice is Twistable Colored Pencils, and, while they come in a plastic case, it invariably rips or is no longer usable in some other way.
So I made them nifty holders to take with them wherever. And they’re washable, just in case!
While it looks complicated, you’ll really just be sewing straight lines, so if you have a sewing machines, you’re probably good to go in the skills department.
Supplies:
- 1/2 yard main fabric
- 1/2 yard thin cotton quilt batting (just buy a package for a crib quilt, or the smallest you can)
- 1/3 yard accent fabric
- Sewing machine and basic sewing supplies
- 3” Velcro (both sides)
- Ruler and pencil
- Twistables!
Step 1: Cutting fabrics
- Cut two 18”x11” rectangles from the main fabric.
- Cut one 18”x11” rectangle from batting.
- Cut two 18”x7” rectangles from accent fabric.
Step 2: Sew pocket portion
- Place right sides of accent fabric together, and sew 1/4” seam on top and bottom (long edges).
- Turn right side out and press.
- Topstitch 1/4” in along top and bottom (long) edges, leaving ends open.
Step3: Assemble holder
- Make a “sandwich”, starting with main fabric, right side up.
- Next center the accent fabric you’ve sewn on the main fabric.
- Place other main fabric piece, right side down.
- On top, place batting.
Step 4: Stitch together
- Stitch around the outside of the whole thing, with a 1/4” seam. Leave a 4” opening for turning.
- Turn right side out, and pin the opening closed. Topstitch around the outside with a 1/4” seam.
Step 5: Sew slots for pencils
- Use a pencil and ruler to mark every 3/4” along each side of accent piece. To be honest, I just eyeballed this, after the first 3/4”, using the foot of the machine to gauge it.
- Sew straight lines across to form slots. Don’t cut the thread at the end of each slot, just release the thread and scoot over. Then you can trim it all when you’re done.
Step 6: Attach Velcro
- Cut two strips of Velcro, 1-1/2” each.
- Attach one side at each corner of one end.
- Attach the other side of the Velcro to the other side of the roll. The easiest way to figure out placement is to sew the corner pieces, then lightly roll up the holder. You can then place a pin in the approximate place on the outside of the roll, then unroll and sew on the last pieces of Velcro.
Step 7: Finish it up!
- Trim off any loose threads, and press.
- Fill it with Twistables!
This one is obviously Princess Thundercloud’s, and here are the two I made for the boys.
I made these last summer, before school started, and they’ve held up really well. The hooligans have taken them on the bus everyday, as well as on several road trips. The slots are tight enough that the Twistables don’t fall out, and the Velcro makes an easier closure than the ribbon ties I’ve seen on other versions.
I hope you’ll try making one (or more) of these. They’re quite inexpensive, and each took about thirty minutes to complete.
Ahhh, I see a knitting needle or crochet hook carrier in this! Just sew along the bottom edge of the strip holding the stick shaped item. I would make it longer for knitting needles…………………..I really like that it’s this simple. Thanks Megan!
You’re such a genius…that would be perfect!
What a great idea!! Our twistable packages last all of one day. Leah has been taking crayons, in a junky Zip-lock bag, on the bus to entertain her for the 45+ minute drive. Now, if I can find the cords for my sewing machine, I will be able to make one of these, too!!!
Good luck finding the cords…at least you know they aren’t in the Christmas decoration boxes! My kids really do carry theirs on the bus everyday, and in the car if it’s a longer than an hour drive.