felt crayon roll

Crayon rolls are definitely not an original idea of mine. As a matter of fact, you can google "crayon roll" and find hundreds of pictures and instructions for them. My version is made by combining a few things I liked from the ones I've seen. And truthfully, if I continued looking, I'm sure I'd find that the one I make isn't really "my version" at all!

What I like most about this one is that it's made from felt. Although there are some adorable fabric options out there, with felt there is no need for turning or finishing edges and the felt is very forgiving. This makes for a super quick and easy project!

I start with 3 pieces of felt - approximately 6 x 16 1/2 inches in size. These pieces will be the front, back and pocket of the roll.


Fold the piece of felt that will be the pocket for the crayons in half lengthwise. Pin this folded piece (the pocket) to the inside felt by placing the pocket along the bottom of the inside piece with the fold facing the middle. Stitch the pieces together along the pocket at one inch intervals.


Next, prepare the outside piece of felt by adding a button and pinning a piece of elastic at the appropriate place. I'm sure there is a "professional" way of doing this, but mine are done by trial and error. :) You will actually sew the elastic in place when you sew the two pieces of felt together.


Next, sew the front piece of felt to the back piece. Make sure you backstitch several times along the elastic to reinforce it. Remember that kiddos will be pulling on the elastic every time they close the roll.


For the final step, cut around the outside stitching with pinking shears to give it a decorative finish. This also allows for some forgiveness if your pieces didn't line up exactly!


Add a box of new crayons (which are very cheap right now with the back-to-school sales!) and you've got a super cute goodie!


These are great for birthday presents with the addition of a coloring book or blank drawing pad. I haven't done the math, but I'm sure it cost me less than $3.00 to make one. I'm also thinking about giving these as favors for a birthday party, or maybe Christmas gifts for my girls classmates at school. You just can't beat coloring with fresh, sharp crayons!!