Every artist that carries a sketchbook should have an easy-to-access pencil. Some carry multiple pencils in a fold-up case, but I typically don’t used more than one or two at a time. But every time I get an idea, I have to look for a pencil. So, I thought about buying a pencil holder for my sketchbook but, of course, decided to make my own instead. I know you’re surprised.

It’s really easy, cheap, and didn’t take long at all. I did mine my hand, but if you have a sewing machine, this will move a lot faster.

I love that it fits around my sketchbook so that I always have pencils with me. I was also excited about the elastic band because it fits a variety of sizes of sketchbooks. I’m trying out a Mod Notebook right now, but when I’m done with that one, I can use the pencil holder for my Moleskine as well.

Things You Will Need:
Fabric
Elastic
Scissors
Sewing kit
Sketchbook

You can find everything you need for the DIY sketchbook pencil holder at Michael’s or any other craft/hobby shop.

Step 1
Measure out your main piece of fabric to be situated something like this around the front cover of your sketchbook. That extra space is where we’re going to sew in the elastic later on.

Step 2
Cut out two more pieces of fabric: one for the actual pocket and one to accent the top of the pocket.

The pocket piece should be about half the size of the wrap-around piece.

The accept piece is optional, but looks nice. It’s your call how much space you want that one to take up.

Step 3
Fold the accept piece under on both sides and sew it to the pocket.

Step 4
Fold over the piece that wraps around the sketchbook, inside out. Place the pocket inside of that. I put mine about 2 inches from the bottom of the wrapped piece, but this will depend on the size of your sketchbook. You’ll have to measure it to see what you like.

Step 5
Sew up both sides of the wrapped piece, making sure to include the pocket with your stitch.

Don’t sew across the top or the bottom of the wrapped piece or the pocket.

Step 6
When you’re done sewing up the sides, flip the fabric right-side out so that you can see the pocket.

Sew across the bottom of the pocket so that your pencils don’t fall out.

Step 7
Measure out your elastic pieces so that your wrap will fit around your sketchbook cover.

Now you can sew the elastic pieces into the top and bottom of the wrapped piece. Make sure to fold the ends of fabric pieces down inside first so the edges look clean.

Wrap the pencil holder around the front cover of your sketchbook and you’re done! Well, you’ll need some pencils, of course.

The inside should look something like this.

When planning out the pencil holder, I wanted something that wouldn’t ruin the cover of my sketchbook. In order to do that, I chose a thin fabric and made sure to end the pocket section right at the bottom of the sketchbook cover. With the fabric and elastic that takes up space on the inside of the sketchbook, it only lifts the cover a little bit. I’m happy with that.

If I wanted to carry anything else, like a smaller sketchbook or my wallet, it would fit nicely underneath the pencil holder, which is very convenient.

I’d love to hear what you think! Let me know in the comments.

Happy crafting 🙂