Mini Scissors Case with Needle Minder

You know what they say about necessity and invention, right? I found myself looking for something to help organize a pair of thread snips, needles and pins for small hand sewing tasks. Something like my larger scissors case, but smaller and easier to carry. I made a few changes to the original scissors case to create this mini version with needle minder and a handy side pocket. Not only is it super cute, but it’s super quick to make (and makes a great gift for friends that sew!).

Mini Scissors Case Tutorial

Materials to Make a Mini Scissors Case with Needle Minder

  • Two 6″ x 10″ or larger pieces of fabric, one for the outside of the case and one for the inside/needle minder
  • One 6″ x 10″ or larger scrap of thin batting
  • Paper or craft scissors
  • Fabric cutting shears or rotary cutter and mat
  • Pins
  • Sewing machine (I use a BERNINA 590 E)
  • Your choice of presser foot, Reverse pattern foot #1D, Patchwork foot #97D or #37D, or Walking foot #50
  • Download the Mini Scissors Case pattern here

First, print the Mini Scissors Case pattern at 100% and cut it out using paper or craft scissors.

Mini Scissors Case Tutorial

Layer your fabric pieces, one for the inside of the case and one for the outside of the case, right sides together and pin the pattern to the fabric. Cut out from fabric and set these pieces aside.

Mini Scissors Case Tutorial

Pin and cut one pattern piece from thin batting. If the batting is too thick it may not be possible to sew through all the layers in the last step. I am using a scrap of an 80% cotton/20% polyester batting for this craft.

Mini Scissors Case Tutorial

Layer the batting and fabric as follows; place the two fabric pieces right sides together, and place them on top of the batting as in the photo below.

Mini Scissors Case Tutorial

Pin the pieces together, leaving a 2 1/2″ opening at the bottom of the pattern. This opening is for turning the pattern inside-out, and will be stitched closed in the last step.

Mini Scissors Case Tutorial

Set up your sewing machine to sew with thick layers. If your sewing machine is equipped with Dual Feed, use either Reverse pattern foot #1D or a Dual Feed patchwork foot like #37D or #97D. If you do not have Dual Feed, use the Walking foot #50. Using a walking foot or a Dual Feed foot will help the thick layers feed evenly through the sewing machine and help to prevent puckers or tucks in the fabric.

Mini Scissors Case Tutorial

Start sewing with a 1/4″ seam allowance on one side of the 2 1/2″ opening, back-stitching a few times to help the stitches from coming unsewn while turning the project inside-out.

Mini Scissors Case Tutorial

Sew all the way around the mini scissors case with a 1/4″ seam allowance, pivoting carefully around all corners. When you reach the other side of the 2 1/2″ opening, create a strong finish by back-stitching a few times.

Mini Scissors Case Tutorial

Clip corners close to stitching.

Mini Scissors Case Tutorial

Turn the mini scissors case inside-out through the opening, using a point turner or eraser end of a pencil to carefully push out the corners.

Mini Scissors Case Tutorial

Press well, turning under the opening 1/4″.

Mini Scissors Case Tutorial

Quilt the mini scissors case however you choose. I like to do a bit of straight line quilting following the outside edges of the pattern, using the edge of my Reverse pattern foot #1D to follow the prevous line of stitching as I go.

Mini Scissors Case Tutorial

Once quilted, follow the fold line on the original pattern to make the scissors pocket portion of the case. You will note that the inside/outside fabrics change depending on which way you fold this part of the case – so make sure you like it! Once folded, press well.

Mini Scissors Case Tutorial

Flip the case over so the long pointed end is up, and fold this pointed end over, even with the side of the case. This will create the pocket and needle minder. Once folded, press well.

Mini Scissors Case Tutorial

Use clips to hold the folded case together.

Mini Scissors Case Tutorial

Stitch right along the very edge of the case. This is where the Dual Feed or the Walking foot #50 really comes in handy!

Mini Scissors Case Tutorial

Stitch slowly and carefully, pivoting at the corner.

Mini Scissors Case Tutorial

When you sew to the top edge of the case, pivot and sew a small triangle to help strengthen this corner.

Mini Scissors Case Tutorial

Sew across the top edge two or three stitches, and then pivot back to the edge a few stitches. You’ll get a triangle just like you see pictured below.

Mini Scissors Case Tutorial

Pop your thread snips in the big middle pocket,

Mini Scissors Case Tutorial

and you can fill the side pocket with little needle packets and needle threader.

Mini Scissors Case Tutorial

The needle minder will securely hold your pins and needles, and there you have it!

Mini Scissors Case Tutorial

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11 comments on “Mini Scissors Case with Needle Minder”

  • This was a great little project. I used my 8D foot with a 100/16 jeans needle and the straight stitch plate on my B770QE at the end to sew the multiple thick layers together. Worked like a charm! I do cross stitch and wool applique and am always looking for something convenient to “park my needles” and place my scissors where I can find them! Linda from Maine

  • After making 4 of the large Scissor cases, I made 4 of these mini scissor cases to accompany the large ones as gifts. Both projects produce attractive cases and are easy to make. Thank you. Carol from Texas

  • I love your small sewing case/needle keeper. I’ve added a few modifications because the scissors didn’t seem secure. This elastic loop on the back comes over to wrap around a button down at the bottom of the point. It has two purposes… the needle keeper can be hung up when not in use, it secures the scissors, and you get to add a cute button. Wish I could send a photo.

  • I love this little project! I made one and gave it to a friend who needed a gift for a sewer. I need to make another for myself! It was so much fun picking my two fabrics and seeing the project complete in short order! This case will go with me in the car for travel projects, and EPP, and to my easy chair for binding quilts!

    • Hi @LINDAJQUILTS, thanks so much for checking out my project. I’m so happy to hear that you love the little scissors case! Some friends in my guild are making these with the addition of a little loop at the top and a strap or tie to hold the scissors in place when traveling – all great ideas. Cheers! – Erika

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