How to sew a glasses case

Protect your glasses in style with this cheerful polka dot glasses case. Team the outer fabric of the case with a complementary lining.

Not a fan of polka dots? Simply switch up the fabric to bring your own unique style to this sewing project.

Jessica Entwhistle’s simple pattern is perfect for beginners and makes a great last-minute gift. Read on to learn how to sew a glasses case step by step.

Fabrics used

The fabrics used are from the Les Petits collection by Amy Sinibaldi.

Main fabric: Petits Dots, Midnight. Ref: AGFLEP712.

Lining fabric: Petits Stipples, Sky. Ref: AGFLEP613.

Note

Use a 1cm (3/8in) seam allowance.

You will need:

• Main fabric (25x25cm (10x10in))
• Lining fabric (25x25cm (10x10in))
• Wadding (25x25cm (10x10in))
• Flex frame (85mm (3 3/8in))
• Matching sewing thread
• Basic sewing kit
• Hammer

Cutting out

Step 1

Cut the fabric as follows:

• Main fabric: two 10.5x23cm (4¹⁄₄ x 9¹⁄₈in).
• Lining fabric: two 10.5x23cm (4¹⁄₄ x 9¹⁄₈in).
• Wadding: two 10.5x23cm (4¹⁄₄ x 9¹⁄₈in).

Making the case pieces

Step 1

Pin a piece of wadding to the wrong side (WS) of one of the main fabric pieces.

Step 2

Sew these pieces together using a 5mm (¹⁄₄in) seam allowance. This is just to hold it in place at this stage before you assemble the glasses case.

Step 3

Sew the second outer and wadding pieces of the case together in the same way.

Step 4

Mark 5cm (2in) down from the top short edges and 1cm (³⁄₈in) in from each long side on the WS of both of the outer and the lining pieces.

Step 5

Pin the two main fabrics right sides (RS) facing.

Step 6

Sew the two main fabrics together, starting at one 5cm (2in) point and stitching all the way around to the other 5cm (2in) point. Backstitch at both ends to secure the seams.

Step 7

Repeat for the two lining pieces, making sure you leave a 5cm (2in) gap in the centre of the bottom edge as you go for turning through.

Joining the case together

Step 1

Take the outer piece and pin one open top to the corresponding lining open top.

Step 2

Sew together all the way around the top from one 5cm (2in) point to the other 5cm (2in) point.

Step 3

Repeat this for the second outer and lining tops.

Step 4

Turn RS out through the turning gap and press.

Step 5

Close the turning gap with a slip stitch or by oversewing.

Step 6

Push the lining back inside the outer and ease out the corners.

Adding the flex frame

Step 1

Fold one open end back so the lining is exposed and the case top seam aligns with the 5cm (2in) sewn point.

Step 2

Pin and then sew together to create a channel for the flex frame.

Step 3

Repeat for the other case top.

Step 4

Thread the flex frame through both channels at the same time.

Step 5

Join the flex frame open ends together and insert the pin.

Step 6

Use a hammer to lightly close the ends and secure the pin. Simply squeeze the ends of the frame to open the case.

You’re all finished! Use your new glasses case to keep your specs intact or give it as a gift.

The perfect finishing touch

Sewing your own glasses case is a simple, satisfying project that adds a personal touch to something you use every day.

Stitch your next staple

Try our DIY makeup bag tutorial to create a stylish, practical pouch you’ll reach for every day – perfect for travel, gifting or upgrading your handmade accessories.

Jessica Entwistle

Jess is a fabric crafts designer who’s work is regularly published in Simply Sewing and Love Patchwork & Quilting magazines. She shares her work on her website http://www.jellybgood.com. She inherited her love of fabric, colour and sewing from her mother and specializes in creating easy-to-sew, accessible designs with a fresh modern style, making her projects popular with magazine readers and crafters online alike. She’s got a thing for neon threads and a serious love of fabric. She runs her own craft business creating everything from hair slides and brooches to bunting and quilts. She has previously appeared as a guest designer on Sewing Quarter TV and shares her work on Instagram @jessjelllybgood

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