Taking on Crayon Rolls Another Summer!

A few years ago I had a few students that were autistic. One of them liked to have things in order especially his crayons.  It was taking him a long time to get things done since he would take out all of his crayons put them on order and then began his work. So, I set out on pintrest to make something for him.  I found how to make a crayon roll on The Pleated Poppy.  I figured I would make him one, but then I decided to be awesome and make the entire class each one.  I had never used a sewing machine, so I bought one on Costco.com and thought how hard can this be?  Only 2 weekends and I had this project done.  They lasted two years and I decided to make some more this year. If you want awesome directions please follow The Pleated Poppy above.  But I am going to attempt how to make them below for a classroom set.  

I have 20 students, so I bought...

-2.5 yards of my owl theme fabric

-1.5 yards of green fabric

-1 yard of flannel or felt

-2 spools of the color thread that matches

-butons (20)

-elastics hair ties (20)

First, I cut out all the material.  I cut 40 5''x16 1/2'' of the owl themed fabric.  Next, I cut 20 5''x16 1/2'' of the felt.  After reading over the pleated poppy again, she used felt which would of been a lot easier. Finally, I cut 20 6''x16 1/2'' of the green fabric. 

Next, I put the owl themed fabric on top of the white felt and then I folded the green fabric and pinned it together.

Next, I drew on the lines.  I measured 8 1/4'' and started with my first line.  Then I measured 1 inch and marked a small line at the top.

Then I started to sew.  When I sew I start at the top and go down about 1/2'' an then reverse the stitching to where I began, and then sew all the way to the bottom.  I noticed when using these in the classroom the kids are really hard on these and that makes them last so much longer.  I also sew a hair band on the middle right side. I sew that and over and over again since the students will be using that a lot to open.

Next, I sew a button onto the other owl fabric about 4'' inward.  Most machine will sew buttons and it is super easy.  My first batch I hand sewed them and boy was that a lot of work and it sure did't hold up with my first graders.

Next, I put the owl fabric with the button facing down towards the pockets and other owl fabric.

I stitched all the way around the crayon roll except about 1.5'' on the opposite side of the hair tie and button.  Then I pull the crayon roll through and stitch the 1.5'' up.  And finally look at these adorable crayon rolls for my kiddos next year!

I even made some more for another teacher and her Western themed classroom next door.