Pencil Roll - The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right One

The pencil roll is popular among artists, writers and travellers for its convenience, portability, and the ability to keep writing instruments neatly arranged and easily accessible.

In this guide, we'll explore what pencil rolls are, how they work, and why they've earned a place in the bags of artists and creatives around the world. You'll learn about their history, the different materials they're made from, and the features that make them practical for everyday use. You'll also learn how to avoid common mistakes when choosing your own and how a pencil roll compares to a traditional pencil case.

SO, WHAT IS A PENCIL ROLL AND HOW DOES IT WORK?

A pencil roll is a compact, fabric or leather organiser designed to securely hold pencils, pens, and other small drawing or writing tools. It usually consists of a fabric or leather rectangle with stitched pockets or loops to organise pencils individually. The roll can be folded or rolled up and tied with ribbons, straps, or cords to keep the contents protected and portable. Some pencil rolls feature an additional flap along one edge to secure pencil tips and prevent them from falling out.

A Brief History: From Bamboo Brush Rolls to Modern Pencil Rolls

Long before today's canvas or leather pencil rolls, traditional Chinese calligraphers used a clever solution for storing their delicate writing brushes: the bamboo brush roll. They made these rolls by stitching together thin, flat strips of bamboo, which created a flexible yet sturdy mat that they wrapped around brushes for travel.

Fun fact: They did not choose bamboo by accident. Bamboo provides natural ventilation, helping brushes dry after cleaning and reducing the risk of mould. The structure is strong enough to shield fine bristles from bending or breaking, yet light enough to carry easily. Here's a video demonstrating how to use a bamboo brush holder.

This same combination of portability, protection, and careful organisation is precisely what makes modern pencil rolls so enduringly practical.

WHY ARE THEY SO POPULAR

Artists, students, and travellers are drawn to pencil rolls for several reasons. First, they are compact. When rolled up, even a pencil roll filled with dozens of writing tools takes up surprisingly little room in a backpack, tote, or satchel. Due to their compact design, they are handy for people who need to bring their tools to school, the studio, a café, or even on outdoor sketching trips.

Another significant benefit is how organised everything stays. When each pencil or pen has its own slot, you can see all your tools at a glance and quickly pick the one you want. Having set places for each item also keeps things tidy, stops your tools from getting scratched, and helps you save time.

And lastly, pencil rolls aren't just for pencils. They can hold everything from pens and brushes to makeup brushes and small tools like craft knives or screwdrivers, making them highly versatile. Because of its versatility, the pencil roll is a clever all-in-one storage option.

WHAT MATERIALS ARE THEY MADE FROM

The most common and practical material options for pencil rolls include: cotton canvas, waxed canvas, leather, and synthetic fabrics.

Cotton canvas: Cotton canvas pencil rolls are durable and sturdy, and can withstand regular use without easily tearing. They offer good protection for pencils and other tools and roll up compactly. Canvas is practical for everyday use since it's washable and easy to maintain. However, canvas may absorb moisture if not treated, which can affect its longevity.

Waxed canvas: Waxed canvas offers the added benefit of being water-resistant, along with many of the same advantages as regular canvas. It is perfect for sketching outside or travelling in unpredictable weather because the wax treatment forms a protective layer that keeps out moisture and dirt. Over time, waxed canvas develops a distinctive, weathered patina that many, including us, find visually appealing. While slightly stiffer than untreated canvas, it softens with use and retains excellent durability.

Leather: Leather pencil rolls offer superior durability and protection along with a vintage, high-end appearance. Compared to fabric rolls, they typically provide better scratch protection for pencils and are more resilient to wear and tear. They can be heavier and less flexible than fabric rolls, and require some care to maintain, such as conditioning to avoid drying out.

Felt: Felt pencil rolls are soft and provide gentle cushioning, helping to protect pencils from impact. They offer moderate durability, are lightweight and easy to handle, though they may wear down or pill over time. 

Synthetic fabrics: Often used for their water-resistant and durable qualities, they make pencil rolls that are easy to clean, stain-resistant and moisture-resistant. These fabrics enhance portability for outdoor use or travel. Their durability is generally high, but they may lack the charm of waxed canvas, the vintage aesthetic of leather or the softness of felt.

WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A PENCIL ROLL

Although choosing a pencil roll may seem straightforward, there are some key features worth considering before purchase. Not all pencil rolls are created equal, and choosing the right one can make your creative work easier and more enjoyable for a long time.

Through our own experiences designing and using several different pencil rolls, we've put together a list of the most common features to consider before buying a pencil roll.

KEY FEATURES TO LOOK AT:

1. SIZE 

   Why it matters: A roll that's too small won't hold all your tools, or it'll make it hard to see and access what you need. An oversized one will be bulky, inconvenient and waste space in your bag.
   
   What to do: First, consider how you'll be using your roll. Short everyday outings require fewer tools, while longer trips call for more tools and larger pencil rolls. Then consider what you carry with you. For journalers and writers, a smaller pen roll with up to 7 slots is often ideal. For artists with a wide range of colored pencils, we recommend a larger roll with 13+ slots.
   
   

2. MATERIAL QUALITY
   

   Why it matters: Strong materials keep your tools safe and help the roll last longer. If the fabric is low-quality, it can tear, fray, or wear out quickly.
   
   What to do: To make your tool roll last, opt for strong, natural materials like waxed canvas or good leather and reinforced stitching.
   
   

3. CLOSURE TYPE
   

   Why it matters: Weak or fiddly closures can break, causing tools to spill out of your bag.
   
   What to do: Look for an adjustable closure that is easy to use. Leather straps, buckles, or strong cords are secure and reliable for travel.
   
   

4. WEATHER RESISTANCE
   

   Why it matters: Rain, spills, or even damp air can damage your tools, paper, and fabric.
   
   What to do: Choose a pencil roll made from water-resistant materials like waxed canvas or treated leather.
   
   

5. EASE OF USE
   

   Why it matters: If it doesn't unroll smoothly or lies awkwardly, it slows you down and can make tools slip out.
   
   What to do: Make sure the roll lies flat, opens easily, and keeps tools secure in their slots.
   
   

6. INTERIOR PROTECTION
   

   Why it matters: Pencil tips can break or smudge, and metal tools can scratch each other without separation.
   
   What to do: Look for an interior flap that covers and secures your tools before rolling them up.
   
   

7. STYLE AND PERSONAL PREFERENCE
   

   Why it matters: Your pencil roll is part of your creative ritual. A design that inspires you makes using it a pleasure.
   
   What to do: Choose a design and colour that reflect your style and make you excited to take it everywhere.

PENCIL ROLL VS. PENCIL CASE: WHICH IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

Deciding between a pencil roll and a hard pencil case comes down to what matters most to you. If you want something compact, organised, and able to hold lots of tools, a pencil roll is a great choice. Artists, students, and makers who move between different places often find them especially useful because they make supplies easy to carry and access.

A traditional hard pencil case, on the other hand, offers more robust protection and is a better choice for expensive or highly delicate tools that you want to shield from any contact. However, pencil cases can be bulkier and often hold fewer items.

In summary, if you want to carry a wide variety of tools efficiently and don't mind a softer form of protection, a pencil roll is the way to go.

If maximum security is your goal, a hard or zippered pencil case might be the better fit.

Additionally, pencil rolls are best used for travel and outdoor creativity when compactness and capacity matter. Pen cases are better for long-term storage and organisation at home.

WHY WE LOVE WAXED CANVAS PENCIL ROLLS FOR TRAVEL AND DAILY USE

If you're like us, you take your creative tools everywhere, on sketching trips, hikes with your journal, or even just on your daily commute.

We've tried many storage options over the years, but nothing quite worked for us. So, we decided to make our own waxed canvas pencil rolls, which quickly became our favourite for both travel and daily use.

Here's why we always keep one in our bag:

1. SECURE CLOSURE

It's frustrating to open your bag and find pencils scattered everywhere. Our waxed canvas rolls have special compartments to keep everything secure, along with a long flap that covers your pencils. This flap stops items from slipping out and protects delicate pencil tips from breaking while you're on the move.

2. ORGANISED STORAGE

Each roll has multiple compartments to hold pencils, pens, or brushes in place. This way, every tool has its own spot, so you can quickly find what you need. Our rolls also have spaces for notebooks so that you can carry your journal, sketchbook, or planner with your writing tools, all in one organised place.

3. SLIM, TRAVEL-FRIENDLY SHAPE

Waxed canvas is flexible, so even when the roll is full, it folds into a small bundle. It fits easily into backpacks, totes, or carry-on bags without taking up much space.

4. DURABLE WEATHER-RESISTANT MATERIAL

We love waxed canvas because it's built for travel. Because of its tight weave and wax coating, it is naturally water-resistant, protecting your gear from rain and spills. It's also tough enough for daily use and develops a unique look over time, showing the marks of your journeys.

5. QUICK ACCESS WHEN INSPIRATION STRIKES

When you unroll your tools, everything is easy to see and reach. There are no zippers to deal with or deep cases to dig through. This saves you time and lets you focus on creating.

6. THOUGHTFUL EXTRAS

Our waxed canvas pencil rolls feature strong stitching for durability, a zipper pocket for small items like erasers or sharpeners, and a classic design that looks better with age. We made them both useful and enjoyable to use.

WHICH MAIOOK  PENCIL ROLLS IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

If you want the most complete, fully organised setup, choose our medium waxed canvas pencil roll. It offers the highest level of internal organisation: 13 narrow slots for pencils, markers, or brushes; 4 interior pockets for scissors, rulers, extra pens, or small notebooks; 2 exterior pockets for an A5 notebook or loose papers; plus a zip pocket for small items.
It's the most compact of the larger-capacity rolls, yet it carries the broadest range of tools. If you like having everything sorted and visible, tools, notebooks, paper, and accessories, this is the most versatile option.

If you prefer more room for notebooks and sketchbooks over extra pockets, our large artist pencil roll is the better fit. It shares the same thirteen pencil slots but swaps the 4 smaller interior pockets for two larger ones that comfortably hold both an A5 and an A6 notebook. It's slightly wider and taller when closed, which makes it better for artists who carry larger paper or need a bit more breathing room for bulkier tools. It still includes two exterior pockets and a zip pocket, but the layout is simpler and more spacious than with our medium one.

If you want something streamlined and easy to carry every day, pick our small roll up pencil case. It has seven slots, enough for your core writing tools, along with two interior pockets and one exterior pocket. It fits an A5 and A6 notebook but keeps bulk to a minimum, making it ideal for journaling, writing sessions, or travel when you don't need a full kit. It's the most compact option and slips easily into any bag without taking up space.

In short: the medium size gives you maximum organisation, the large one gives you more notebook space and a roomier layout, and the small one gives you a light, minimal everyday carry.

CONCLUSION

Whether you're an artist, writer, student, or maker, a good waxed canvas pencil roll is more than just storage. It's a reliable travel companion, a way to organise your workspace, and a small source of daily happiness.

A great pencil roll does more than hold your tools. It helps you stay organised and protects your supplies, so you can focus on your work instead of searching for what you need.

When you pick the right size, material, and design, your pencil roll can meet your needs and even inspire you in your daily routine.

Ready to find the perfect home for your creative tools? Our pencil rolls are made with these features in mind, from strong waxed canvas to secure closures, so you can have a storage solution that travels with you wherever you go.

FAQ

Here are some common questions about pencil rolls and their use.

WHAT ARE THE MAIN ADVANTAGES OF USING A PENCIL ROLL

Pencil rolls save space because they roll up into a small shape, so they're easy to carry in your bag. They keep your pencils or pens organised and protected. Many people find them handy for travel or for carrying several writing or drawing tools at once.

They help you stay organised. Most pencil rolls have loops or compartments for each pen or pencil, so everything is neat and easy to find. Some also have spots for notebooks, erasers, sharpeners, and other small items.

They're versatile. You can use them for more than just pencils—like pens, brushes, mechanical pencils, or small tools. Some rolls fit different pen sizes, and you can even put more than one pen in a slot if needed.

They are portable: Pencil rolls are lightweight and flexible, and therefore convenient to carry around for school, work, art trips, or travel. They help keep all your writing supplies together and make them easy to grab on the go.

Pencil rolls protect your tools. They don't have the hard shell of rigid cases. Still, they do help prevent scratches or damage, especially if they have protective flaps. They're better than just tossing your tools loose in a bag.

They're easy to clean and maintain. Fabric or leather pencil rolls can often be washed or are easier to keep clean than hard pencil cases.

HOW MANY PENS AND PENCILS CAN A TYPICAL ROLL HOLD

Pencil rolls are made for carrying on the go, so they usually don't hold large numbers of pens or pencils.

They vary in size and typically hold 7 to 36 pencils. Smaller pen rolls are perfect for minimalists, writers, and journalers. In comparison, larger rolls are better suited for extended trips that require a wide range of tools.

We found that beyond a certain size, however, a pencil roll can become bulky and harder to roll up, so balance is essential.

CAN PENCIL ROLLS BE USED FOR OTHER ITEMS?

Yes, pencil rolls are versatile. Besides pencils, people use them to store paintbrushes, colored pencils, pens, makeup brushes, knitting needles, crochet hooks, small tools like screwdrivers, or crafting knives.

ARE THEY SECURE AND PROTECTIVE ENOUGH FOR EXPENSIVE PENCILS OR PENS?

Pencil rolls do provide moderate protection, especially when rolled tightly. Still, they generally allow some contact among items, which could cause minor scratches. They may not be ideal for expensive collectables, but they are suitable for daily-use items.