Ultra-Cheap Diy Pen Case

[headchange4u]

Hello FPN! Recent fountain pen addict here.

 

I own a couple small pen cases, but, as many of you may have had the same experience, my pen collection has quickly outgrown the storage I have available. I was cleaning some pens last night with a microfiber cloth when I thought to myself that a pen case lined with this soft cloth would be great. Then an idea struck me. I taught myself to use a sewing machine several years ago when I started making my own outdoor gear like hammocks, tarps, stuff sacks, etc. Putting these skills to use, in about 10 minutes, I turned a standard microfiber cloth (MFC) into a functional, albeit slightly ghetto, pen case.

 

I started with your standard MFC. I think I got a huge pack of them from Sam's Club for like $12, so the cost of this individual cloth is probably less than .50. Lamy Al-Star for scale (no bananas available at the time).

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v704/headchange4u/IMG_20150501_194649.jpg

 

Next, using the Lamy to measure, I folded over one end of the cloth to get an idea of how deep the slots needed to be:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v704/headchange4u/IMG_20150501_194747.jpg

 

And then from there I pretty much sewed along the edges and then started sewing "channels" large enough to accept a pen. I had experiment a few times to get the right width for the channels. The first one I did came out pretty narrow and was just big enough for a Cross pencil. Once I decided on how wide the channels need to be I used masking tape to mark the width of the channel and started sewing. I left a large pocket one one side that was large enough for a pen box, but could be used for other items as well. I also used a piece of gutted paracord sewn to one edge so that I could roll up the pens and secure them.

 

Anyway, this prototype was not at all pretty, but could hold about 12 or 13 pens if I left out the large pocket on the one side. Although it's not a looker, it's a super soft home for some of my pens, and it still pulls double duty as a polishing cloth. Enjoy some more pictures:

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v704/headchange4u/IMG_20150501_195903.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v704/headchange4u/IMG_20150501_201605.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v704/headchange4u/IMG_20150501_201638.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v704/headchange4u/IMG_20150501_201730.jpg

Edited May 2, 2015 by headchange4u

[Bennett]

Wow. Very creative. Nice pen roll!

[enlvalencia]

Great idea! I think I'll try this soon.

[headchange4u]

Thanks. I'm thinking the next one I make might be a 2 layer, with an outer fabric that looks a bit better, something like a nice abrasive-resistance Cordura or rip stop, with the MFC or fleece interior.

[CarlosCaligrafia]

I'm really glad I read this post, so simple but useful. I picked a microfiber for glass and sewed the pouch! It is Spartan but I love how useful it is!

 

You should try this microfiber is finer than the traditional MF

[CarlosCaligrafia]

😎

[headchange4u]

Very nice.

 

The towels I used I have had a really fluffy side. I was worried about them jamming either the feed or the needle of the sewing machine, so I turned the fluffiest part inside so it would be in contact with the pens. I had also thought about using fleece but it's hard to sew.It tends to stretch the deform as it goes through the machine. I also heard wool would make a good lining, but I'm not ready to cut up my old army blanket just yet.

[Greenie]

Very clever!

[Anne-Sophie]

Smart use of readily available fabric and a really cosy pen case, well done!

[Tanzanite]

Just a thought... Microfibre cloths made for cleaning are made to rub off dirt and are therefor abrasive, even though it feels soft. There is a risk that shiny resin pens will become less shiny.

[headchange4u]

I don't think microfiber is abrasive. It's the way the cloth is made that makes it clean so well. I know a lot of detailers use MFC the wipe down cars and many cloths that are made to clean monitors and glasses are made from microfiber. I don't think that they would be made for such tasks if there was potential to scratch.

[Tanzanite]

There are different kinds of microfibre cloths made for different purposes. It is best to read at the package. Some have warnings against use on sensitive surfaces.

 

Using soft fabric to make a penroll is a great idea though. Nice and comfy for the pens

[headchange4u]

I looked the towel up that I used and it is listed as "lint free & scratch free". That's good to know.

[Frank C]

Wow! I really like that case. I don't know how to sew with a sewing machine. Have you considered selling them?

[headchange4u]

Wow! I really like that case. I don't know how to sew with a sewing machine. Have you considered selling them?

 

Sorry but no, I'm not planning on selling them. Just sharing an idea with the community. The sewing skills needed are very basic, so even if you don't own a sewing machine or know how to sew, chances are that someone you know does. You may ask them to help you out.

[graystranger]

Just a thought... Microfibre cloths made for cleaning are made to rub off dirt and are therefor abrasive, even though it feels soft. There is a risk that shiny resin pens will become less shiny.

 

Just because something is made to rub off dirt does not mean it is abrasive.

 

The high nap microfiber fabrics, and their split-fibers, have an increased surface area, and the greater number of fibers in contact with the surface will remove grease, oils, etc. faster than the smooth nap fabrics. Plus, the fibers are so fine they are likely finer than what was used to shine the resin to begin with. Microfiber fibers are smaller than cotton fibers.

 

Still, it is best to read the label on anything like this to see if it is 100% polyester and that it is not made to shine jewelry (which would have a polishing agent and maybe chemicals).

[Lamyrada]

I'm really glad I read this post, so simple but useful. I picked a microfiber for glass and sewed the pouch! It is Spartan but I love how useful it is!

 

You should try this microfiber is finer than the traditional MF

Very nice, qhere can one get one? I mean the microfiber for glass?

Edited May 11, 2015 by Lamyrada

[headchange4u]

Amazon has several listed for glass:

 

 

https://tinyurl.com/q8u4e6m

 

https://tinyurl.com/q42hpdn

 

https://tinyurl.com/pc87zx8

[CarlosCaligrafia]

Very nice, qhere can one get one? I mean the microfiber for glass?

Walmart

[Lamyrada]

No! Wow!