Creative articles about sewing

Sew a pen case out of banner

This decorative wall hanger was the ideal image to sew a pen case out of banner. I saw the hanger in a thrift shop and did not hesitate for a moment. It’s mine and I will reuse it! And of course my projects are realised with the sewing machine. The colorful pencils of the banner are great for storing markers.

Why did I set this project as suitable for an intermediate level? This kind of banner isn’t meant to turn inside out, what you should do when sewing a pen case in fabric. That’s why I finished the seams with biastape and I describe for you how it works. The material is stiff and rather hard to handle.

Sew a pen case out of banner

At first I need to take away the banner from the frame. I cut it to a size 26 x 33 cm.

Supplies to sew a pen case out of banner:

Image of Binder Attachment for Pre-Folded Bias Tape #87.

Binder Attachment for Pre-Folded Bias Tape #87

For perfect corners and beautiful curves ✓  Ideal tool for sewing neat edge finishes with pre-folded bias tape ✓ Ease of handling ✓ For 5.5 mm and 9 mm machines ✓ 

Learn more

 

How to sew the pen case out of banner

Start to finish the long edges of the banner with biastape. I think Open Embroidery Foot #20 is a great help, with needle position -2.

Image of Open Embroidery Foot #20.

Open Embroidery Foot #20

Perfect for sewing decorative stitches ✓   Creation of attractive appliqué designs ✓  Allows lines and patterns to be followed precisely ✓   An open form for a clear view of the project ✓  For 5.5 mm and 9 mm machines ✓ 

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Sew the zipper  and the short edges together with biastape. Leave a 7 cm of the zipper on both sides (mine was a bit shorter at the start of the zipper).

Close the pen case and check the right matching point on the other part of the zipper. Then, open the zipper and sew the second end to the case.

Because of the long zipper, you can easily open the case to continue the sewing:

Topstitch the zipper with the Edgestitch Foot #10.

Image of Edgestitch Foot #10.

Edgestitch Foot #10

Excellent for topstitching edges, hems and pleats ✓  Ideal for sewing on lace or ribbon ✓  For reinforcing edges ✓  The guide lets you sew perfect seams and hems running parallel to the edge ✓  For 5.5 mm and 9 mm machines ✓ 

Learn more

Fold the bottom fold to create extra volume in the pen case. My overlapping was 1.5 cm (on both sides).

Close the side seams. Stitch in the stitched line of the bias tape.

Cut the zipper tails to app 7 cm and finish with a patch of non fringing faux leather. Do you have a label? You can add it here.

This is what it looks like on the bottom side:

I’m very pleased with my new pen case!

Difficulty level: Intermediate
Time to Complete: Evening
Used Material: banner, biastape, Mettler Seralon sewing thread, zipper
Used Products:
BERNINA 710
BERNINA 710
Edgestitch Foot #10
Edgestitch Foot #10
Open Embroidery Foot #20
Open Embroidery Foot #20
Binder Attachment for Pre-Folded Bias Tape #87
Binder Attachment for Pre-Folded Bias Tape #87

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    • Bea EditEditing comments on the BERNINA blog is only possible after logging in with a blog user account. Sign up now or create a user account if you do not have one yet.

      I’m sorry you don’t like it Liz. I liked the picture and thought this would be an excellent material to sew a pen case you don’t need to turn inside out in the proces of making it. I’m always triggerd by unusual fabrics and material. Luckily there are so many other fun projects, I hope you will find something you like.

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