How to Sew a Sunglasses Case

Time for sewing! Finally!!

It has been a while since I shared a new sewing project but that doesn’t mean it hasn’t been happening in the background.

With two kids in high school now, this year has involved lots of new routines and less time for crafting. In many ways, I’ve kind of lost my crafty mojo as I’ve gotten used to new places, people and days. I’ve volunteered for some pretty busy jobs at one cherub’s school and picked up a morning of tennis to get myself moving. I’ve loved becoming part of a new community while also missing our wonderful primary school community which I was quite involved in. In my online life, I’ve spent a lot of time on my Etsy Shop and playing with digital designs rather than writing.

But back to the sewing!

For ages, I’ve been using a sunglasses case that I made years ago. It was soft and squidgy for throwing in my handbag but padded to protect my sunnies. Sadly though it was starting to look a little worn and a trip through the washing machine did not help!

Time for a new one.

In the end, I made two cases, thinking of all those times when I carry my sunglasses into the shops then don’t have some way to protect them from scratches in my handbag.

I considered making a new pattern and tutorial to go with it, but a quick search found the perfect tutorial already out there on the net.

I used this tutorial by Courtney from Sweeter than Cupcakes: Quilt-as-you-Go Sunglasses Case Sewing Tutorial.

I adjusted the dimensions slightly to make a larger case so here are the sizes of the pieces I cut:

2 x lining pieces: 4.5″ x 8″
2 x batting pieces: 4″ x 7.5″
2 x outer fabric pieces: 4.5″ x 8″ – made from two sections 6.25″ x 4.5″ and 2.25″ x 4.5″ joined together

My fabric is from a recent QuiltyBox. (If you haven’t heard of QuiltyBoxes, they are like getting a quilty surprise present every month!) The fabric line is Terrestrial by Cloud 9 Fabrics. I used two prints: Lichen in Blue and Herringbone in Navy. For the lining, I used a soft flannel that was upcycled from an old pair of pyjamas.

I also used this handy little tool from VioletCraft. This seam roller saved me trips to the ironing board to press seams as I went along. The wooden wheel simple rolls over the seam to flatten it enough to continue sewing without getting up. Plus it is super cute! You can find these at Fat Quarter Shop.

The finished cases are the perfect size. One has gone into my handbag for when I’m in the shops and take off my sunglasses. The other is in the console of my car which is the main place I wear them.

I hope I’ve inspired you to make a new case too – this really is a pretty quick project!