Reach for your craft kit and get sewing, papercrafting and stitching these quick and easy ideas for DIY school supplies – we've got everything from gym bags to pencil cases and lunch box makes to keep you busy.
We'll show you how to decorate your book covers, sew a bag to store your PE kit and whip up some easy desk decor in just an hour or two to keep your stationery organised.
Get set for the new term with our DIY school supplies
Sew an easy drawstring bag
All you need is 1 fat quarter of fabric and a couple of basic sewing supplies to make this quick and easy bag by Jennie Jones. It's perfect for carrying your gym kit or PE kit in a unique bag that's easy to find in the cloak room.
Cross stitch happy vibes for the new school year
We've gathered up a collection of cute cross stitch patterns to welcome in the new school year. Use them to stitch your name on notes and pencil cases or cross stitch a positive vibes banner to start the term the way you mean to go on.
Find our free school kids cross stitch patterns here.
Crochet a journal cover
This lovely beginner crochet pattern, designed by Samantha Osmond for Simply Crochet, is a great way to dress up your notes with a hand crafted touch.
Try our free journal cover crochet pattern – all you need is a crochet hook and a couple of your favourite colour yarns to give it a go.
Sew your own pencil case
Raid your fabric stash for a pretty fat quarter and whip up this handy zip case by Jennie Jones. It has neat box corners and can be made in just one evening.
Make DIY school supplies with our how to make a pencil case guide.
Make monster pencil toppers
Add a dose of happy to the Autumn term with these merry monster pencil toppers from The Craftaholic Witch.
All you need is some felt and basic craft supplies (like a pencil and pair of scissors) to brighten up pens and pencils and give your schoolwork a rainbow makeover.
DIY backpack
Keep your school supplies or swimming kit safe and dry whatever the weather with our guide to how to make a backpack.
You'll need a few sewing skills for this project but we've included step-by-step guides, a free pattern and tips for sewing with laminate fabrics to get you started.
Make your notes the cutest ever
Never forget your new term diary dates, from homework deadlines to class timetables or swimming lessons, with these super cute animal notebook covers.
Find the free templates and step by step instructions in our cat and dog DIY notebook project.
Learn to weave bookmarks
We're smitten with this introduction to weaving from Mollie Makes magazine. Find out how to make your own simple loom and weave easy bookmarks to add homespun style to your school books this term.
Make your own weaving bookmarks.
Store your stationery in style
This super cute DIY school supplies idea means you get to enjoy some soothing cross stitch and store your stationery in style.
Heather Nugent shows you how to stitch a caravan pencil case (we've even included the free cross stitch charts).
Refashion jeans into a denim lunch bag
You don't need to go out and buy lots of expensive craft supplies to make sustainable school supplies. Try our easy DIY by Jessica Entwistle and Simply Sewing magazine for how to make a denim lunch bag.
And if you like sustainable crafts, head to our video guide to learn how to make beeswax wraps for your lunch box too.
How to knit book covers
If you prefer knitting needles to crochet hooks, we've got a great beginner-friendly knitting pattern to show you how to knit book covers and customise your school notebooks!
Crochet pen pot cosies
No guide to DIY school supplies would be complete without a bit of crafty TLC for your desk!
Spruce up your pen storage with a set of Sara Huntington’s colourful crochet pen pot cosies. Get the free pen pot cosies crochet pattern.
Knit cute keyrings
Keep your keys easy to find in your school bag with this super cute and quick knitted heart pattern by Jane Burns and Simply Knitting magazine.
Or if you're liking the keyring idea, we've also got this free pom pom bear pattern for you to try too!
Dress up your desk with easy papercrafts
If you're on the hunt for DIY desk storage ideas, check out these colour-popping creations to whip up in just an hour or two from Ventuno Art on YouTube.
Check out their video for 6 easy desk decor ideas.
Make a patchwork gadget cosy
Sew a handmade cosy to protect your laptop or tablet with our how to sew a patchwork gadget case guide.
Get creative with DIY school supplies
Stand out from the crowd with DIY school supplies that will be the talk of the playground! Whatever your favourite craft, we've got an idea to inspire you.
Make a handmade teacher gift
Show your appreciation for everything they do with these handmade teacher gifts. Find monogram pictures, cup coasters, pretty pegs and much more!
