The Sewing Tool Case Sewing Pattern
Solving a Problem
If you've been following the journey you'll know I've been on a mission this year to organise my little sewing space. Despite having a minimalist home after losing our belongings in an oil spill...somehow my tiny shared corner sewing space became a tiny piece of chaos in the throes of a project. One by one, I've been solving my creative space problems with small sewing projects and sharing them with you in The Maker's Collection. We're on a mission to simultaneously improve the flow of our making and finally make something for ourselves.
You're a Maker
After a few years sewing and stitching, this year feels like the first time I've acknowledged myself as a maker. Something in me switched. I could finally see what these crafts mean to me and how they light me up. Seeing myself as "a maker" helped me realise...that maker deserves a calm workspace and storage for her tools. The Sewing Tool Case for me was like a graduation...congratulations, you're a maker.
The Sewing Tool Case
And after going in circles too many times, trying to find one tool, it was time to solve my tool storage dilemma. The Sewing Tool Case is the make that changed my making. It's a heavyweight when it comes to storage. No more running in circles during a sewing session, no more tools spread in every corner and container I can find. Everything I need is in one place, ready to be used, returned and stored. This tool case feels like the matriarch of the collection family.
And there are some wonderful perks to this pattern I'll detail below...
Design Notes
Double Storage
The case opens to reveal double-sided storage, designed to hold everything you need while you sew, yet folds compactly for neat storage between uses.
Expandable Space
The case offers flexibility in storage. You'll tailor the pockets around your own tools, creating divisions and depth to suit exactly what you need to store. You can keep things simple with flat pockets or tailor deep pockets for bulkier tools, as the pattern includes and guides you through pocket customisation.
The inner pockets are secured with short ties, allowing the storage space to be expandable and still secure. External ties secure the case neatly closed and allow it to adjust slightly depending on contents.
Structure for Bulky Tools
The Sewing Tool Case is strong enough to hold even bulky sewing tools. With just a few simple supplies we'll create clever, functional, removable structure.
Practical and Washable
The structure of the Tool Case is designed to be removable so the case can be washed when needed. I like to make patterns that are practical in our everyday lives and that includes being able to wash them as needed.
Hidden Paper Storage
Making the structure of the Tool Case removable also made way to create two hidden compartments. These little sleeves are perfect for stray patterns or trusty notes you like to have on hand as you work!
Sewing Notes
Accessible Supplies
The pattern requires simple, easily found resources of fabric, wadding, thread and mount board.
Multiple Finishing Options
The edges of the case are finished with fabric binding. The pattern will guide you through multiple options for this including, shop-bought bias, making our own bias tape or a simple beginner friendly alternative with a beautiful utility finish.
You Choose the Look
The pattern includes both a quilted and non-quilted version so you can choose the look you want.
Make it Yours
The Tool Case is a beautiful opportunity to incorporate embroidery. Our Honeysuckle embroidery pattern is designed to perfectly fit on the front cover of the case and can be purchased together in a discounted bundle. A monogram or initials would add a lovely personalised touch too.
I hope this pattern helps create a calm flow to your making. But most of all I hope it helps you acknowledge within yourself, that you are indeed a maker deserving of a beautiful case for your tools. If you'd like to sew the Sewing Tool Case you'll find the pattern right here and some FAQs below.
Much love,
Lisa x
Sewing Tool Case FAQs
Is the Sewing Tool Case suitable for beginners?
The pattern is suitable for a Confident Beginner. It uses approachable sewing techniques while introducing skills such as simple quilting, customising pockets and binding the outer edge. The guide includes detailed step-by-step instructions, diagrams and a full video tutorial to sew along with.
What size is the finished Sewing Tool Case?
The Tool Case measures approximately 31 × 42 cm when closed and 62 × 42 cm when fully open. It is designed to accommodate sewing tools up to approximately 26 cm long.
What can I store in the Sewing Tool Case?
The case is designed for storing a variety of sewing and embroidery tools during a project and between making sessions. The double-sided interior gives you plenty of storage, while the customisable pockets can accommodate both slimline and bulkier tools.
Can I customise the pockets to fit my own sewing tools?
Yes. Rather than giving you preset pocket widths, the pattern allows you to create divisions to suit your own collection of tools. Pockets can be made flat for slimmer supplies or given additional depth to accommodate bulkier tools.
What fabrics are suitable for the Tool Case?
For the quilted version, cotton poplin, quilting cotton, calico, linen and cotton-linen blends around 180–200 gsm all suitable. If making the non-quilted version, you can choose a heavier outer fabric such as cotton canvas for additional structure. A lighter fabric below 200 gsm is recommended for the lining.
How much fabric do I need?
For fabric at least 100 cm wide, you will need approximately 0.5 m outer fabric, 1.5 m lining fabric and 0.5 m wadding. If you choose to make your own bias binding, you will also need approximately 0.5 m of suitable fabric for the binding.
Can I make the Sewing Tool Case without quilting it?
Yes. Both quilted and non-quilted versions are included, so you can choose the finish that best suits your fabric and style. A heavier fabric such as cotton canvas works particularly well for the non-quilted outer.
Do I need to make bias binding?
No. The pattern gives you several finishing options. You can use ready-made bias binding, make your own bias binding, or use cotton twill tape for an easier, utility-style alternative that's particularly approachable for beginners.
How does the Sewing Tool Case keep its structure?
The Tool Case uses removable mount board to give it the strength and structure needed to hold heavier sewing tools. The structural pieces simply slide into their compartments once construction is complete.
Can I wash the Sewing Tool Case?
Yes. The rigid structural pieces are removable, allowing them to be taken out when the fabric case needs washing. This was an important part of creating a Tool Case that could be practical for everyday making.
Can I embroider the Sewing Tool Case?
Absolutely. The front panel was designed with personalisation in mind. Our Honeysuckle embroidery pattern fits beautifully on the front cover and is also available together with the Tool Case as a bundle. You could alternatively add a monogram, initials or another botanical motif. If quilting your case, complete the quilting before adding your embroidery.
Does the digital pattern include printable pattern pieces?
Yes. The pattern includes A0 files for copy-shop printing and A4/US Letter files for printing at home. Home-printed pages are assembled using a simple coded grid, and a separate digital-pattern printing video tutorial is included.
Is there a video tutorial?
Yes. The pattern is accompanied by a full step-by-step video tutorial, so you can sew along visually as well as following the illustrated written guide.