Here is a much simpler and quicker version of the crayon roll. There is less stitching and no turning!
I used wool felt so the crayon roll would be extra durable, plus there are so many wonderful color choices. I bought my felt from Prairie Point Junction. Because you are a reader of Skip to my Lou, Prairie Point Junction is offering you 20% off your first order by entering their store here. They shipped really fast so you will be sewing in no time! I also must mention that I had some questions about colors and Julie patiently (even when the questions were like, “which is the best yellow for a felt fried egg”) helped me pick out the colors over the phone. She is a pleasure to work with! This is not an advertisement. I don’t receive anything if you buy felt! It is just a nice way to help her promote her business while allowing me to say “Thank You” for reading Skip to my Lou!
You need three pieces of wool felt 6″ X 16 1/2 (pocket), 5″ X 16 1/2″ (outside), 5″ x 16 1/2″ (inside). Another plus about the felt from Prairie Point Junction is that the sheets are 12″ X 18″. Not only are the felt sheets at the craft store not as durable they are too small for this project. I thought about using the felt on the bolt, but again I was wanting something that would hold up to little hands and it seemed too thick.
(Oops you can see that I changed my mind and used purple for the outside color instead of the berry color.)
Take the 6 X 16 1/2 piece (pocket) and fold it in half length ways. Lay it on top of the 5″ X 16 1/2 (inside) piece. Starting over 1 1/4″ from the edge stitch from top to the bottom on the pocket piece. Then continuing stitching every 1″. Back stitch at the top of each stitching line to reinforce. You will end with 1 1/4″ on the other side.
If you want the outside of your roll to have any embellishments make them now on your outside piece. It would be beautiful to use some of the felt scraps for applique or do some embroidery.
Place the pocket piece that you just sewed on top of your outside piece (wrong sides together). The pocket piece might be slightly smaller from all of the stitching of the pockets —-I just gave mine a little stretch (gently) to match everything up. Pin to keep it all in place.
On the right edge at the middle insert a 30″ piece of ribbon folded in half. Insert the folded end about 1/2 an inch.
Sew all the way around the outside 1/4″ in from the edge.
A nice blanket stitch would dress up the edge or you can use pinking shears (make sure they are for fabric and they are sharp). Be careful when you come to the ribbon you will have to do each side separately.
Finally a crayon roll for my little girl!
Note:
I doubled the pocket to make it sturdier and give the crayons extra padding to make them stay in. This seems to work well, however you could always use a 3″ X 16 1/2″ piece for the pocket. I would sew a ribbon across the top edge for extra stability before I make the pockets.
Also……stay tuned I have totally re-vamped the original crayon roll and have a better closure, but if you want a quick project I hope you will give the felt crayon roll a try!
Mui gracias !!!!Belissimas ideias , gracias…….
Great idea! Do you think it would work with polyester fleece, like polar fleece, too? You can pink the edges the same way as felt, but you’d be able to wash it. But it may not be stiff enough. I think I’ll try it, since I have so much leftover fleece!
Thanks so much for the walk through! I made this for my son today and not only did it come out awesome, but it was easy and is very soft and durable! Thanks!!!
I just wanted to say THANK YOU for the felt site recommendation! I spent 2 hours at least last night trying to figure out what kind of felt to get, to sew I mean. I want to try sewing felt and I wasn’t sure what to get other than Kunin Felt. The one site I found that had that at a good price, didn’t have the color I needed! argh!
Anyhow, I have placed my order, with discount! THANKS SO MUCH! The number one reason I do not try new crafts is b/c I get SO overwhelmed by what kind of supply to get, and we don’t have stores here to walk into and ask!
U SO rock! hahahha
I found your blog by a googlesearch and am sooooooo glad I did! in October my dd will turn 4 and has to leave pre-school to go to basic school ( dutch ). I have bought tons of felt and am in the process of sewing 15 (!) pink, green and blue pencilrolls… I changed the pattern a bit because I could not find crayons that little and color-pencils are a great substitute. I’ll put some pictures up on my blog as soon as I have a couple of them ready….
This is so cute! I think even I could do it! 🙂
~Susan
What a novel idea for using felt.. tons of color choices !!
I used to make a color roll but instead of felt, I found a sturdy piece of ” school days” fabric but basicly same pattern for making..
Thanks for reminding me … your project is eye catching and such a useful tool for going back to school.
Blessings,
Maurine
love this idea, love your blog!!
Felt seems so much easier to me, and more durable. Thanks for the great instructions.
Felt, thanks for sharing! I will definitely be trying this with my oldest, who’s learning to sew!!
I can always count on you for great ideas! I wanted to make a bunch of these for birthday presents (my daughter is 4 and getting invited to many parties lately). I thought I’d make a bunch for future gifts. Felt will make them go faster. Thanks for the idea!
I love this version. The felt looks great for the roll and I love the idea of using the shears for the border. Thanks!
I like the idea of using felt. I’ve made some crayon rolls and posted about them on my blog. I can’t remember where I found the pattern I originally used, but I think the link is in the posts there. Also…….I have used a button and loop of elastic as an easier closure. I’m not sure if that’s what you are talking about, but I’ll be excited to see what your variation is.
Wow this looks great!
Very cute! It looks so soft. I love that you’ve provided another variation, and I’m looking forward to seeing your re-vamped version. I’ve taken your original one and made it slightly bigger to fit colored pencils, and made them for my girls and some friends’ daughters. The girls love them!