A handmade, thoughtfully designed solution to store and protect your favorite painting brushes.
If you’ve been looking for a way to keep your thick watercolor brushes organized and protected, this scroll-style brush case is the perfect project. It features a stabilizer layer for extra firmness, two rows of pockets to hold your brushes securely, and an elastic wrap tie for easy closure. Whether you’re storing your brushes at home or taking them on the go, this handcrafted scroll keeps everything in its place. I do recommend investing in covers for your bristles. That will protect your investment even further.
Fabric Arts for Creative Tools: Handcrafted Large Paint Brush Scroll
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Artisan Collection
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Materials & Tools
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Instructions
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Notes & Improvements
Browse the Artisan Collection
This Sewing Project is part of the Fabric Arts, Art Studio, Painting & Mixed Media Collection
Materials You’ll Need
Finished Dimensions
14 ⅞″ wide × 13 ¾″ tall when opened flat
Outer fabric: approx. 15″ × 14″
Lining fabric: approx. 15″ × 14″
Lower pocket fabric: 15″ × 4″
Upper pocket fabric: 15″ × 8″
Top flap: 14″ × 2 ½″ (For better coverage, consider increasing the flap height to 3 ½″–4″)
Heavy stabilizer (craft stabilizer, foam, or fusible fleece)
Elastic tie: folded length >18″
Additional supplies: matching thread, ruler, fabric marker, scissors, sewing machine, iron
Seam allowance: ¼″ unless noted
Step-by-Step Tutorial
Step 1: Stabilize the Outer Fabric
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Cut the outer and lining pieces to approximately 15″ × 14″.
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Fuse or baste the heavy stabilizer to the wrong side of the outer fabric for support.
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Press the fabric smooth.
Step 2: Create the 4″ Lower Pocket
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Cut a strip of fabric measuring 15″ × 4″.
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Fold the top edge down ½″ twice and press to create a clean hem.
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Top-stitch the folded edge to finish the pocket top.
Step 3: Create the 8″ Upper Pocket
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Cut a strip of fabric measuring 15″ × 8″.
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Fold the top edge down ½″ twice and press.
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Top-stitch the folded edge.
Step 4: Attach Pockets to the Lining
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Lay the lining fabric right side up.
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Place the 8″ upper pocket along the bottom edge.
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Layer the 4″ lower pocket on top, aligning all the bottom edges.
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Baste across the bottom to secure all layers together.
Step 5: Stitch the Brush Slots
Because thick brush handles need extra space, mark vertical lines 1 ¼″ to 1 ½″ apart. Stitch along each line from bottom to top, going through both pocket layers. Back-stitch at the top and bottom of each row for added durability.
Step 6: Add the Top Flap
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Hem the long edges of the 14″ × 2 ½″ flap.
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Place it above the upper pocket and baste the lower edge in place.
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The flap will fold down to protect your brush bristles.
Note: For future versions, consider increasing the flap height to 3 ½″ to 4″ for fuller coverage.
Step 7: Install the Elastic Tie
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Fold the elastic in half.
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Pin the folded end to the right edge of the lining, about halfway down.
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The long tails will wrap around the rolled scroll to keep it secure.
Step 8: Assemble the Roll
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Place the outer fabric right side down on top of the lining assembly.
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Pin all edges together carefully.
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Sew around the perimeter with a ¼″ to ½″ seam allowance, leaving a 3 to 4″ opening for turning.
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Trim the corners at an angle to reduce bulk.
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Turn the roll right side out through the opening.
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Press the edges flat and close the opening using a ladder stitch or top-stitch.
Step 9: Finish the Edges
For a polished, structured finish, top-stitch ⅛″ to ¼″ around the entire perimeter. This step is optional but really elevates the final look.
Step 10: Load and Roll
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Insert your brushes into the pockets.
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Fold the flap down over the bristles to protect them.
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Roll the scroll from left to right.
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Wrap the elastic around several times to secure it closed.
Notes & Improvements for Future Versions
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Increase flap height to 3 ½″ to 4″ for fuller coverage
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Adjust pocket spacing for thicker brushes or smaller tools
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Add decorative stitching or embroidery for personalization
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Consider a waterproof outer fabric for travel-friendly use
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Experiment with different closure options like snaps or buttons
Even if you eventually outgrow this brush scroll, it remains a valuable project with lasting purpose.
Purpose for now: It keeps your brushes organized, protected, and portable wherever your creativity takes you.
Learning experience: Creating it strengthens your sewing, design, and problem-solving skills in ways that will benefit future projects.
Adaptable for the future: You can modify, resize, or make a larger version as your brush collection grows and your needs change.
Sustainable use: Every handmade project has a season of usefulness. This scroll serves yours fully for this chapter of your creative journey.
Giftable: When you do outgrow your Large Paint Brush Scroll Case you can gift it to another painter who will appreciate it just as much as you do.
The beauty of handmade tools is that they grow with you and teach you along the way. This scroll will organize your work, sharpen your skills, and adapt to your changing needs. And someday, if you move beyond it, another artist will be blessed to receive something made with care and intention.
Blessings to you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
Filed under: Art Studio Organization, Artisan Collection, Fabric Arts, Painting and Mixed Media, Sewing
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