When you download the design, you will find multiple files. Some are embroidery files and some are dielines files (marked with "DL") that are used to cut the fabric to the correct shape.

Open and print each dieline file using an embroidery software. If you do not have an embroidery software, take a look at our helpful video on using dielines

We also recommend Wilcom's Hatch software which comes in different levels depending on what you'd like to use the software for. Hatch Organizer works well to view your designs, print dielines and templates, change design colors, and create basic design layouts. (This is an affiliate link. We may earn commission on purchases made with this link.)

Front the front fabric piece, spray the back of the front dieline and smooth it onto the main fabric.

Cut out the front piece following the dieline shape and remove the paper. Make sure to remember which side was the top edge.

Then fold the top edge of the front piece over 1/2in with wrong sides together. Press the fold.

Repeat the previous steps to cut the front lining piece out of the lining fabric using the paper dieline. Then fold the top edge of the front piece over 1/2in with wrong sides together. Press the fold.

The front lining piece will be slightly smaller than the front piece.

For the back piece, spray the wrong side of the paper dieline and smooth it onto the main fabric. Cut out the shape, and remove the paper. The back piece does not get folded at all.

For the back lining piece, spray the wrong side of the paper dieline and smooth it on to the lining fabric. Then also spray the wrong side of the lining fabric and smooth it onto a piece of medium weight cutaway stabilizer.

Cut out the back lining piece following the dieline shape & remove the paper. The back lining piece does not get folded at all.

In the end you should have 4 fabric pieces.

Hoop a piece of tear-away stabilizer tightly.

Attach the hoop onto the machine and load the embroidery design. For best results use a 75/11 sharp sewing needle as it makes smaller perforations in the stabilizer.

Embroider the front piece dieline. This will mark on the stabilizer where ethe front piece needs to be placed.

After the dieline has sewn, spray the wrong side of the front piece with temporary adhesive. Smooth it into place inside of the sewn dieline on the front of the hooped stabilizer.

Make sure to place it so the folded edge is at the top edge.

Embroider the front piece tackdown. This tackdown will hold the fabric in place for the remainder of the design.

Once the front fabric piece is in place, all the inner details will embroider.

After the details have sewn, the front lining placement guide will embroider. This will show where to place the slightly smaller front lining fabric piece.

Spray the wrong side of the front lining piece with temporary adhesive. Smooth it into place on the back side of the hooped stabilizer, lining it up with the sewn placement lines.

Make sure to place it so the folded edge is at the top edge.

Place the hoop back on the machine and embroider the front lining tackdown. This will hold the front lining piece in place for the rest of the design.

Then the back dieline will embroider. This will show where to place both the back piece and the back lining piece on the stabilizer.

After the back dieline has sewn, place the back lining piece on the back of the hoop with the right side facing down against the stabilizer.

To avoid any sticky residue once the pen holder is finished, do not use spray adhesive. Instead, tape the back lining piece in place along all four sides.

After the back lining piece is in place, embroider the backing lining tackdown and seam.

Then embroider the elastic placement guides. The two guides will sew at both the top and bottom of the design.

Select the journal or book that you would like the pen holder to attach to. Measure the height of the cover.

To find the length of the elastic need, multiply the book height x2. Then subtract 4.75in. Cut the elastic to that length.

For example our book measured to 8.25in and we cut our elastic to 11.75in. Our math looked like this: 8.25in x 2 = 16.50in. And then 16.50in - 4.75in = 11.75in.

Lay both ends of the elastic inside of the placement guides with the right side of the elastic facing downwards and tape it in place. Then carefully fold the excess length of the elastic up in the center of the pen holder and tape it inplace.

If using slightly wider or thinner elastic, simply center it over the guides and it will still work.

Embroider the elastic tackdown. This will hold the ends of the elastic in place for the remainder of the design.

Before embroidering the back piece tackdown, place the back piece inside of the back dieline on the front of the hoop. Make sure the right side of the fabric is facing down against the stabilizer.

Do not use spray adhesive. Instead, tape the back piece in place along all four sides.

Place the hoop on the machine and embroider the rest of the design. The last thing to embroider will be the back tackdown.

This step will leave an opening at the bottom of the pen holder for turning.

After the embroidery is finished, unhoop the design. Using pinking sheers, cut around the back tackdown. Make sure to leave 1/8in – 1/4in of fabric around all four sides.

If you do not have pinking sheers, you can use a normal scissor to cut around the shape. Just make sure to also cut slits into the seam allowance around all four corners to help with turning.

After cutting, carefully turn the pen holder right side out. And remove any remaining tape.

For best results, lift the folded edge of the front piece so you can see the stitching for the front dieline that was sewn only onto the hooped stabilizer.

Being very careful to not cut any fabric, cut the sewn line and tearaway stabilizer right along both sides of the center seam. This will help prevent you from breaking the center seam when tearing this out.

After cutting, tear the remaining tearaway out from top of the pen holder. This will open up the pockets.

If you are having trouble tearing it out on the left and right sides, you can also carefully trim the front piece dieline stitching right along where it goes into the seam.

Use a bone folder or another stiff tool to press out the corners and edges. You can also press the edges with an iron and ironing cloth. Just be careful not to melt the elastic.

Finally turn the bottom opening inwards and press the edges carefully with a pressing cloth. Hand sew the opening clothes with thread matching the main fabric.

Your pen holder is complete! Use it to stash your favorite writing tools with your journal, planner, or notebook. This quick project makes a great gift!