Craft Your Perfect Sunglass Case: A DIY Guide & My Journey to Clear Vision

Summer has arrived, bringing with it bright sunshine and the perfect excuse to update your eyewear collection. But for me, this year’s sunglass upgrade comes with a particularly exciting backstory – a personal journey towards clearer vision that has opened up a whole new world of possibilities, including the joy of stylish, non-prescription shades and the satisfaction of creating a custom case to protect them.

My Vision Journey: From Progressive Lenses to Multifocal Contacts

For years, my vision journey was a familiar struggle for many entering their late 40s. The once effortlessly clear world began to blur when it came to reading small print. Initially, simple dollar-store readers sufficed, offering a quick fix for menus and labels. However, anyone who has worn them knows the constant hassle: the perpetual dance of looking over the top of the lenses to see anything beyond arm’s reach, or the indignity of having them dangling from a chain around your neck. It was far from ideal and certainly not a look I embraced.

Eventually, I transitioned to progressive prescription eyeglasses, which seemed like a more sophisticated solution at the time. These innovative lenses offered a clear top portion for distance vision and a reader prescription seamlessly integrated into the bottom half. For about two years, they served their purpose, allowing me to navigate the world and read without constantly switching glasses. Yet, they came with their own set of frustrations, most notably the persistent, uncomfortable indentations they left on the bridge of my nose. These marks never seemed to disappear, no matter how many different styles or brands of frames I tried. The desire for a truly unencumbered vision experience, free from facial marks and the constant presence of frames, grew stronger with each passing day. My heart was set on contact lenses.

If you’re curious about my phone cover in the image, you can personalize your own with this helpful monogrammed iPhone cover tutorial!

Admittedly, I’ve always been incredibly squeamish about anything involving my eyes. The thought of touching them, let alone inserting and removing contact lenses, sent shivers down my spine. I’d much rather endure a trip to the dentist than an eye doctor’s appointment. Watching my sisters and daughters effortlessly handle their contacts for years only reinforced my belief that it was an impossible feat for me. But then, a few weeks ago, the constant pressure from my glasses led to a small but significant bleed on the bridge of my nose. That moment was a wake-up call; I knew I had to conquer my fear and finally make the switch to contact lenses.

The first few days were, as expected, a significant challenge. Getting the lenses in felt like a monumental task, often taking 15 minutes or more for each eye. There were moments of doubt, but everyone assured me it would get easier with practice. And they were right. Now, just a couple of weeks later, I can confidently insert them on the first try, a true victory against my long-held apprehension. I’m still in the process of fine-tuning the prescription for optimal clarity at both near and far distances with my new multifocal contacts, but the sheer joy of no longer needing to wear eyeglasses all day long is immeasurable. This newfound freedom from frames means I can now embrace a wider range of accessories, especially sunglasses!

Celebrating Freedom: Why I Decided to DIY My Sunglass Case

To commemorate this triumph over my ocular anxieties and to fully embrace my new contact lens lifestyle, I invested in a beautiful pair of simple, classic sunglasses. No longer burdened by prescription lenses in my shades, I wanted a stylish and practical way to protect them from scratches and damage when they’re not gracing my face. While I could have easily purchased a case, I found myself disappointed by the limited selection of designs I liked, and frankly, the prices seemed exorbitant for what they offered. My desire for a case that reflected my personal style and didn’t break the bank led me down a familiar path: the rewarding world of DIY.

The beauty of this project lies in its sustainability and cost-effectiveness. The best part? Everything I used to create my new DIY sunglass case came from fabric scraps leftover from previous projects. This made the case essentially a “freebie” – a delightful perk of saving those seemingly insignificant remnants from larger crafting endeavors. Even the Velcro closure, essential for keeping my new shades securely tucked away in my purse or tote, was a remnant from another crafting session. It’s a testament to how simple scrap fabric projects can yield incredibly useful and personalized items, adding a touch of handmade charm to your everyday essentials. For the exterior, I chose a durable vinyl-coated fabric, which not only provides a sleek look but also makes the case easy to wipe clean – a crucial feature for an item that will likely spend a lot of time in a bag. For the interior lining, I opted for a soft, contrasting fabric. The black dot fabric I used for the exterior might look familiar; it played a starring role in my powder room makeover. The lining fabric is another cherished remnant, eagerly awaiting its own blog post feature!

How To Make a Closeable Eyeglass or Sunglass Case

Ready to create your own custom eyewear protection? This simple sewing project is perfect for beginners and a fantastic way to utilize your fabric scraps. Follow these easy steps to craft a stylish and functional case for your sunglasses or reading glasses.

Supplies Needed:

• Fabric for Outer Shell: One square measuring 7.5 x 7.5 inches. Consider a durable or decorative fabric that complements your style. If your glasses are particularly large or oversized, simply adjust the square dimensions to be slightly bigger to ensure a comfortable fit.
• Fabric for Lining: One square measuring 7.5 x 7.5 inches. Choose a soft fabric for the interior to protect your lenses from scratches.
• Padded Adhesive-Backed Interfacing: One square cut to the same 7.5 x 7.5-inch size as your fabric. This provides structure and extra cushioning for your glasses.
• Velcro: Two pieces, each 2.5 inches long. While sticky-back Velcro is convenient, it’s always recommended to sew it for long-lasting durability.
• Sharp Scissors: For precise fabric cutting.
• Sewing Machine and Thread: Choose thread that matches or complements your chosen fabrics for a professional finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Fabrics and Interfacing: Begin by precisely cutting your outer fabric, lining fabric, and padded adhesive-backed interfacing into perfect 7.5 x 7.5-inch squares. Accuracy here is key to a well-proportioned finished case. Remember to adjust these dimensions if you have larger eyewear.

2. Position the Velcro on the Lining: Lay your lining fabric right side up on a flat surface. Take your two pieces of Velcro (hook and loop sides attached together). Remove the adhesive backing and carefully place the Velcro strip 1/2 inch down from the top edge and 1/2 inch in from the side edge of the fabric. This precise placement ensures the case will close securely and evenly.

3. Transfer Velcro Position to the Other Side: To ensure perfect alignment, fold the lining fabric over so the top edge meets the bottom, aligning the sides perfectly. Gently press down on the area where the Velcro strip is located. This will create a faint impression or mark on the opposite side of the fabric, indicating where the other half of the Velcro should be placed.

4. Secure the Second Velcro Piece: Carefully unfold the fabric. Now you have a clear guide. Remove the adhesive backing from the other Velcro piece and place it precisely on the marked spot. This method guarantees that when your case is completed, the two Velcro pieces will perfectly match up for a secure closure.

5. Stitch the Velcro in Place: Even if you are using sticky-back Velcro, it’s crucial to reinforce it with stitching for long-term durability. Using your sewing machine, carefully sew around the perimeter of both Velcro pieces. This step prevents the Velcro from peeling off over time with repeated use, ensuring your case remains functional for years.

6. Apply Interfacing to Lining: Turn your lining fabric over so the wrong side is facing up. Carefully peel the backing off the padded adhesive-backed interfacing. Align it perfectly with the lining fabric and press firmly to adhere it. This interfacing adds crucial padding and structure to your case, protecting your glasses from bumps and impacts.

7. Prepare for Initial Seaming: Place your lining fabric (with interfacing attached) on top of your outer fabric, ensuring their right sides are facing each other (pattern side in). Align all edges perfectly. This is the “right sides together” step, a fundamental technique in sewing.

8. Stitch the Top Edge: Using your sewing machine, stitch a straight seam along one of the top edges of the aligned fabric squares. A 1/4-inch seam allowance is generally ideal for this project, providing enough stability without being overly bulky. Backstitch at the beginning and end to secure your stitches.

9. Form the Tube: Open up the fabric so the outer fabric and lining fabric are splayed open, connected only by the seam you just sewed. Now, fold the fabric lengthwise, bringing the two unstitched long edges together, again with right sides facing in. This creates a fabric tube.

10. Stitch the Long Side and Outer Fabric End: Stitch a seam along the entire length of the open long edge, effectively closing the side of your tube. Continue this seam along the bottom edge of the outer fabric only, leaving the lining fabric’s bottom edge open. This creates a small opening in the lining that will be used for turning the case right side out.

11. Turn and Close the Lining: Carefully turn the fabric tube right side out through the opening you left in the lining. Gently push out all corners and edges to create a neat shape. Once turned, push the lining fabric completely into the outer fabric shell to form the case. This step can be a bit bulky, especially with the padded interfacing. To ensure the lining lays flat and smooth inside, use a blunt object like a ruler or a chopstick to gently push and smooth the lining into place, working from the inside. Finally, hand-stitch or machine-stitch the small opening in the lining closed. This last seam will be hidden inside the case, providing a clean finish.

And there you have it! A beautifully crafted, custom-made sunglass or eyeglass case, ready to protect your precious eyewear. This summer, I can confidently carry my new shades, safe from scratches and nestled in a case that tells a story – a story of overcoming personal fears and the satisfaction of a handmade creation. I’m truly hoping for a season filled with endless sunshine and clear vision, enjoying every moment with my comfortable new contacts and stylish, protected sunglasses. Happy crafting, and here’s to a summer of clear sights and vibrant adventures!