How-To: Easy Eyeglass Case
Posted on July 27, 2008
Filed Under accessories, tutorials |
In less than a year, I’ve gone from horribly nearsighted, to both horribly nearsighted and needing reading glasses with my contact lenses. As a result, I’ve got reading glasses all over the place — in my purse, on my computer table, on the coffee table, everywhere! This is not only because I don’t want to be running up and down the stairs every time I need to see up close, but also because there are so many stylish and inexpensive reading glasses available. Since they usually come without a case, I’ve been leaving them out in the open, but they’re vulnerable to things like curious cats, propeller-like dog tails that can easily sweep everything off the coffee table, and of course, my own clumsiness.
I rarely find an eyeglass case that I like, so I decided to just make my own out of fabric scraps. These cases take about 15 minutes to make. I made the two pictured here in 35 minutes, and that included cutting the fabric, trying to thread the needle without my glasses on (I know!), and taking photos of the steps.
Now, if you like for everything to have perfectly finished edges, then this might not be the project for you. It is designed to be quick and easy, and as you can see from the photos, the batting shows along the edges. I meant for it to be that way — quick and easy, remember? And if your glasses cost a lot, then this project probably isn’t for you either. This case won’t protect your expensive specs from being crushed under extreme conditions, but it does provide some padding and will prevent scratches.
After you’ve selected your outer fabric, lining, and batting (I used Warm & Natural quilt batting), you’ll need to cut a 5″ X 6-1/2″ piece of each. If you’re using this for regular glasses, which may be bigger from top to bottom, extend the 5″ measurement a bit. The 5″ edge will be the top and bottom edges of your case.
Next, layer the batting in between the outer fabric and lining, being sure that the right sides of both fabric pieces face out. Next you’ll cut a gentle curve along half of the upper edge of your layered pieces. I’m left-handed, so I wanted my opening to face left. That way I can easily hold the case in my right hand and remove the glasses with my left hand. If you’re right-handed, you’ll want to reverse the curve you see in the photo below. In the photo, my outer fabric is shown on the top, and you’ll see that I cut my curve from the top center, curving down and to the left.
Next, select a zigzag or other decorative edgestitch on you machine. Probably any stitch that’s designed to finish an edge will work for this project. I used stitch #13 on my Bernina Artista 180. Using the same thread in the bobbin as you’re using on top, stitch the top edge of your case (see below). An edgestitch foot makes this easier (for my machine, the #10 foot).
You are now ready to finish your case (yes, already!). Simply fold the case in half, with the lining on the inside, and stitch the bottom edges together, then stitch the open sides together.
Before you stitch these remaining edges, you may want to trim off any uneven edges you have acquired up to this point. You may also want to secure the ends of your thread by backstitching at the beginning and end of each edge. That’s it — you’re done!
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I want to make these as a gift with the fobs thank you so much !
Ginger
[...] Eyeglass Case This one is good for Grandpa too! Bayou Bags has a very Easy Eyeglass Case Tutorial so you can make multiples for all of those stray [...]
How great!! Thank you so much!
Many thanks for this tutorial. I actually woke up thinking about the feasibility of making a case for my husband’s new reading glasses. So cool that you have the answer!
[...] above photo is from one of the tutorials for grandparents, Easy Eye Glass Case, that I am planning to make for my [...]
Oh my you are so describing me! Reading glasses all over the place! I need to make about 4 of these!
Thanks for your comments, everyone! I hope you enjoy making these. They are so easy, you can’t stop at just one!
[...] Make a few of these easy eyeglass case projects for stocking stuffers for [...]
[...] http://bayoubags.com/2008/07/27/how-to-easy-eyeglass-case/ [...]
Did a few on my serger, couldn’t be faster or easier.
Thanks, Christine, for mentioning the serger. If I ever get around to buying thread for my serger, that will certainly be my construction/finishing method of choice.