A good pair of sunglasses deserves a little TLC. If yours always ends up scratched by keys inside your bag, it might be time to sew them a soft little home. This DIY sunglasses case is a beginner-friendly project just in time for summer. It’s also a great way to use some of the fabric scraps you have lying around. Let’s sew one together!
What You’ll Need
- 1 piece of fabric, 7.75″ x 9.5″
- 1 ribbon or bias tape, 16″ long
- Thread
- Disappearing ink pen or chalk
- Pins
- Safety pin
- Iron and ironing board
- Sewing machine (or hand sewing needle if that’s what you’ve got!)
Step-by-Step: How to Sew a Sunglasses Case
This project uses a ¼” seam allowance unless noted otherwise. That means lining up the edge of your fabric with the first guideline on your sewing machine.
Step 1: Prep and Mark
Start by folding your fabric in half with right sides together so it measures 3.875″ x 9.5″.
On the raw edge, use disappearing ink pen to mark 1.5″ and 2″ down from the top. This is the opening for your drawstring, so don’t skip this part!
Step 2: Sew the Side and Bottom
Start at the top and sew down to the 1.5″ mark. Backstitch and clip your threads. Then hop down to the 2″ mark and sew from there, pivoting at the corner, and across the bottom. This step will leave a gap for the drawstring.
Step 3: Press the Seam Open
Open up that side seam with your iron, including the little gap. Doing so helps flattens everything and makes the casing easier to sew in the next step.
Now fold the top edge down 1.5″ toward the inside of the pouch and press. Tuck under the raw edge by 0.5″ and press again. You’re basically making a tube or tunnel for your drawstring. Pin in place if it helps!
Step 4: Sew the Casing
Stitch close to the folded edge about 1″ from the top edge of the pouch. You’ll need to go slower here since you’ll have to maneuver a smaller circle under your machine. Sew all the way around the top edge to lock down your casing. Just be careful not to close the gap as that’s where your ribbon goes.
Step 5: Thread the Drawstring
Attach a safety pin to one end of your ribbon. Slide it into the opening and thread it all the way through the casing until it pops out the other side. Tie a knot at each end if you’d like.
Customize Your Sunnies Case
Once you’ve finished the first one, you can start thinking of the various ways to personalize your sunglasses case:
- Bigger shades? Wrap a scrap of fabric around them first to check the fit. If it measures more than 7″, just add extra width.
- Want more padding? Try fusible fleece or flannel lining for a cushier case.
- Prefer a snap or button? You can skip the drawstring and add a flap with a snap or loop.
Why Sew A Sunglasses Case?
Pricey sunglasses and even budget pairs both deserve some protection. A soft case like this keeps them scratch-free and easy to find in your purse or beach tote.
A sunglasses case also makes sweet handmade gifts for friends. At the same time, you get to learn handy techniques like sewing a case and working with small seams, both of which are great skills for any beginner to learn!
Sunglasses Case DIY: Ready to Make One?
This sunglasses case project is a great way to turn leftover fabric into something useful for summer. Got a fabric print you’ve been saving? This is your sign to cut into it. Which fabric would you end up with for your first case?
FAQs: Sunglasses Case
- What fabric works best for a sunglasses case?
Cotton, canvas, or linen scraps all work well. - Can I add padding to the case?
Yes, use interfacing or flannel for extra protection. - Will this fit oversized sunglasses?
It fits most sizes—add width if yours are extra large. - Do I need a sewing machine?
Nope! You can hand sew it if needed. - What size should I cut my fabric?
Start with 7.75″ x 9.5″ as the base size. - Can kids sew this project?
Yes, with supervision—it’s beginner-friendly. - Is it washable?
Yes, if you use washable fabrics and thread. - What’s the purpose of the gap in the seam?
It creates an opening for the drawstring. - Can I use something other than ribbon?
Yes, try bias tape, cord, or a fabric strip. - How long does it take to sew?
Around 20 to 30 minutes, start to finish.
