Fast & Easy DIY Pencil Roll-Up Tutorial

This oh-so-easy “No-Sew Pencil Roll-Up” tutorial was created for all those awesome artists that love to use colored pencils, but hate how they roll around, fall on the floor, or get eaten by the dog!  This great little felted wool roll-up is quick to make, requires NO sewing (unless you WANT to use a needle and thread at the very end – you have options), and is a perfect gift for the artists in your life – including your rockstar self.

Let’s Do This!

Supplies:

1. Felted Wool (sold by the yard in most craft or fabric stores) – about 1/3 yard

2. Tie (ribbon or leather cording)

3. Fabric Marker

4. Ruler

5. X-Acto Knife

Seriously, that’s it.  Other than a scissors.  Let’s get started on this pencil roll-up.

Instructions:

Cut a piece of felt 9″ X 30″.  This is a little longer than the finished length, but you can trim off the excess after you make the pencil slots. **The measurements noted in this tutorial are for a 24-pencil holder.  Adjust accordingly if you are making a shorter / longer roll-up.**

Using the fabric marker, measure 1″ in from the short end, and begin making 24 – 1/2″ marks (for the pencil slots) 1/2″ apart…..3″ down from the long edge.  Then, make a second row of the same marks 1/2″ towards the center of the roll for each row.  I know – that’s a lot of measurements for one step of a project.  Check out the picture below.  It’s easier to SEE than READ.

Using a scissors or sharp blade (X-Acto knife works great), cut the 1/2″ slits on both rows.  So, you will have FOUR rows of 24 – 1/2″ slits when you’re finished.  After you cut the 24th slits, measure 1″ beyond, and cut the end of your roll-up (because 30″ is a bit too long for a 24-pencil holder).

Add the roll-up tie on one short end, right in the middle.  For you non-sewers, just cut two small slits and thread the ribbon / cord through.  You can also cut a small hole close to the edge and make a larks-head knot.  Personally, I like to get out a needle and thread and take a few stitches to hold the tie in place.

If your fabric marker is still on the felt, remove it (according to directions), then slip each pencil into its slot.

That’s it!!  You’re done with this simply awesome USEFUL project!   It’s a great craft to do with your kiddos, and they make fun gifts for all of the artists in your life.  Enjoy making your pencil roll-up!

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