ready sewn sunglasses cases

DIY Sunglasses Case: Fast, Cute & Scrap-Friendly PDF

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11 December 2025

In this post, you’ll learn how to sew 2 DIY sunglasses cases with a free pattern.

If you’ve been saving tiny fabric scraps because they’re “too cute to throw away,” this little project is going to make your heart happy. Today I’m sharing two lovely, cute DIY sunglasses cases you can sew in under an hour, no stress, no fancy skills needed. These cases are beginner-friendly, sustainable, and the perfect way to reuse leftover fabric hiding in your stash.

I designed both cases with free patterns (yes, printable!) and added sweet little bows on top because… why not make something adorable and practical? These soft cases help protect your glasses from scratches while keeping your bag organized with something handmade and charming.

Handmade sunglasses case to show fit and function

If you’re completely new to sewing, don’t worry, I walk you through everything step-by-step, and there’s a full video tutorial to follow along with. Grab your scrap fabric, pick your favorite colors, and let’s make something cute and eco-friendly together.

Why This Scrap-Friendly Sunglasses Case Is Perfect for Beginners

This little project is designed to be simple, fast, and totally doable even if you’re brand new to sewing. Here’s why it’s such a winner:

  • Uses tiny amounts of fabric — perfect for leftover scraps or offcuts you already have
  • Quick to make — about 15–20 minutes from cutting to done
  • Beginner-friendly construction — just a few seams, no tricky closures
  • Looks surprisingly professional — especially if you add interfacing or quilted batting
  • Easy to customize — add a bow, topstitching, a wrist strap, or even quilt the whole thing
  • Great for gifting — everybody can use a cute sunglasses case

If you’re learning to sew (or teaching someone else), this is honestly the perfect starter project.

What You’ll Need to Sew DIY Sunglasses Case

tools and materials for sewing Velcro with school glue – easy Velcro sewing trick

You don’t need much for this project, another reason it’s perfect for beginners and scrap lovers. Here’s everything you’ll want to have ready:

  • Fabric scraps (cotton, linen, denim, canvas, or any small leftovers you love)
  • Lining fabric (optional, but makes the case feel more finished)
  • Interfacing or quilted batting (adds structure and protects your glasses)
  • Free sunglasses case pattern (download + print)
  • Fabric scissors or rotary cutter
  • Pins or clips
  • Sewing machine (a basic machine is totally fine)
  • Matching thread
  • Iron + ironing board
  • Small ribbon or fabric strip for the bow (optional but super cute!)

If you have these basics, you’re all set to start sewing your adorable scrap-friendly sunglasses case.

Best Fabrics to Use to Sew DIY Sunglasses Cases

Fabric scraps, and quilting cotton ready for sewing sunglasses case
Fabric TypeWhy It Works WellNeeds Interfacing?Notes
Quilting CottonStable, easy to sew, perfect for beginnersOptionalThe most popular choice for small projects
Linen / Linen BlendNatural texture and an elegant lookYesCan wrinkle a bit, totally normal
Lightweight CanvasStrong, durable, great for casesNo / OptionalHolds its shape beautifully
Denim ScrapsSturdy and great for upcyclingNo / OptionalPerfect for using old jeans
ChambrayLightweight denim feel, soft and easyYesBenefits from a little structure
Poplin CottonSmooth, light, beginner-friendlyYesOften used in patchwork
Old Cotton ShirtsSoft, thin, zero-waste optionYesAmazing for scrap projects
Viscose / RayonSoft and drapeyYes (strong)Only use it with good stabilization, it’s slippery
Thin PolyesterLight, affordable, easy to findYesToo floppy without interfacing
Knit Jersey ScrapsSoft and stretchyYes (medium–strong)Shockingly good when stabilized well
Quilted FabricAlready padded and protectiveNoGreat alternative to batting or interfacing

DIY Sunglasses Cases Sewing Pattern – Just for You!

To make this project easy for everyone, I’ve created a free sewing pattern.

How to cut out pattern :

How to Sew Sunglasses Cases (2 Ways!)

Below you’ll find two complete methods for sewing your DIY sunglasses cases.
Both are beginner-friendly and use small fabric scraps. The first method focuses on a soft structured case with an optional decorative bow; the second method includes a buttonhole or snap closure for a more classic pouch style.

Sunglasses Case – Method 1: Soft Case with Bow

Before You Start Sewing: Prep the Fabric

Follow these steps to prepare your materials:

Step 1 — Apply interfacing (if using)

  • Place interfacing glue side down onto the wrong side of your outer fabric piece.
  • Press with steam for 8–10 seconds.
  • Let cool completely so the glue sets.

Step 2 — If using quilted fabric

You can skip interfacing, quilted fabric already has structure.

Fold the Outer Fabric Right Sides Together

Folding outer fabric right sides together for sunglasses case sewing tutorial

Take your outer fabric piece (with interfacing already applied if using).

Fold it right sides together, matching the rounded top edges precisely.

Secure the edges with pins or clips, leaving the bottom 3 cm (1.25″) turning gap open, this is very important and makes turning much easier later.

Sew Around the Curve and Sides (Leave Bottom Gap Open)

Sewing around curved top of sunglasses case with straight stitch

Using a 1 cm (3/8″) seam allowance, sew from one side of the bottom edge → up the side → around the curved top → down the opposite side → stopping at the second turning-gap mark.

Use a straight stitch.

This creates a clean, symmetrical outer shell.

✔️ Important: Do not sew the turning gap closed yet.
✔️ Use backstitch at the start and end to secure your stitches.

Clip the Curves

Clipping fabric curves to reduce bulk on handmade sunglasses case

To ensure the rounded top turns smoothly, use sharp scissors to make tiny notches around the curve.

❗ Do NOT cut through the stitching line.
Leave 1–2 mm of fabric next to the seam.

This step reduces bulk and helps the final shape look smooth and professional.

Turn the Case Right Side Out

Reach into the turning gap and gently turn the entire case right side out.

Use a point turner, chopstick, or blunt knitting needle to push out the curved top for a clean shape.

Once turned, press the entire piece well, especially the seam around the curve.

Add a Decorative Bow Tie

This little detail elevates the design, especially if you’re using scrap fabrics that you want to showcase in a more decorative way.

Cut the Bow Strip

50 × 4 cm (20 × 1.5″)

You can also use:

  • pre-made ribbon
  • leftover bias tape
  • a strip from an old shirt sleeve
Cutting long fabric strip to make bow for DIY sunglasses case

Attach the Bow to the Front

Lay your finished sunglasses case flat.
Position the bow strip on the right side of the case, centered about:

5 cm (2″) up from the bottom edge

Pin it in place horizontally.

Stitch the Bow Strip Down

Sew a tiny straight stitch in the center of the strip to secure it.
This anchors the strip in place so it doesn’t slide.

Tie the Bow

Now simply tie the strip into a bow!

You can make the bow:

  • small and cute
  • long and elegant
  • double-knotted
  • trimmed at an angle for a polished finish
Finished bow tied on front of handmade sunglasses case

This detail adds personality and charm, especially great for gifting.

Fold the Case to Form the Pocket

Lay the outer piece flat.

Fold the bottom half upward, aligning:

  • the side edges
  • the bottom corners
  • the curve aligning symmetrically across the top

Pin or clip both side edges and the bottom fold securely.

The top will remain open, this is where the sunglasses go in.

Sew the Sides and Bottom to Close the Case

Folding soft case to form pocket for sunglasses

Sew down the right side, across the bottom fold, and up the left side using a 1 cm (3/8″) seam allowance, securing all layers together.

This forms the pocket of the sunglasses case.

Make sure the seam is smooth and straight, this is the final structural seam.

Ready!

Finished DIY scrap-fabric sunglasses case with cute bow

Your first sunglasses case is complete.

Watch How to Sew the Soft Sunglasses Case with a Bow

Want to see exactly how this cute bow-front sunglasses case comes together? Here’s the step-by-step video that walks you through the whole process from start to finish.

Sunglasses Case – Method 2: Classic Pouch with Flap & Buttonhole

Cut Your Fabric

Cutting fabric on fold using free PDF pattern for sunglasses case

Cut 1 piece on the fold using the PDF pattern.
Make sure you transfer all pattern markings, this will help with strap placement and flap/buttonhole alignment later.

Fold & Pin

Sewing around edges of pouch-style sunglasses case

Fold the piece right sides together.
Pin around the edges and mark a 3 cm turning gap on one side.
(If you prefer inches, add roughly ½” per centimeter.)
This gap is where you’ll turn everything right-side out after sewing.

Sew the Main Piece

Sew around the entire shape except for the turning gap you marked earlier.

When you reach the rounded corners, take your time.
After sewing, clip the curves to reduce bulk, but be careful not to cut into your stitches.

Turn & Press

Turning fabric sunglasses case right side out and pressing seams

Turn the case right-side out through the opening.
Use a turning tool (or a chopstick!) to gently push out the curves.

Give everything a good press, then sew the turning gap closed with a tiny edge stitch.

(Optional) Add a Bow-Tie Strap

This strap makes your sunglasses case extra cute and can act as an additional closure.

To make the strap:

  • Cut a piece 50 cm long × 4 cm wide.
  • Fold lengthwise, right sides together, and sew to make a long tube.
  • Turn right-side out and press.
  • On the case, mark 3 cm down from the upper edge.
  • Pin the strap in place and sew it securely.
Creating bow-tie strap for sunglasses case closure

Sew the Side Seams

Fold the case as shown on the pattern and pin the two side seams together.

Sew along the sides to create the pocket shape.
Your case should now look like a small pouch with a flap.

Sewing side seams to form pocket shape for sunglasses

Add the Buttonhole (or Snap)

With the flap open and right side facing you:

  • Mark the center of the flap.
  • Measure 1.5–2 cm up from the edge.
  • Sew your buttonhole following your machine’s settings.
Adding snap or button closure to DIY fabric sunglasses case

To open the buttonhole safely:

  • Insert a pin at the end of the buttonhole (to prevent ripping too far).
  • Use a seam ripper to open the buttonhole between the stitches.

Now add your button to the body of the case or install a snap if you prefer.

Tie your bow if you’re using the strap, it looks adorable as a decorative closure!

And You’re Done!

Sunglasses stored in soft fabric case on table

Your handmade sunglasses case is ready to use or gift.
This is a quick project, perfect for scraps, and easy to customize with fabrics, trims, and closures.

If you make one, I’d love to see! Share your version and tag me so I can feature your beautiful work.

Sunglasses stored in soft fabric case on table

Watch How to Sew the Classic Sunglasses Case with Flap

If you prefer following along visually, this video shows how to sew the classic flap-style sunglasses case using the free pattern and fabric scraps.

FAQ – DIY Scrap-Fabric Sunglasses Case

Do I need a lot of sewing experience?

Nope! This project is made especially for beginners. You’ll be sewing mostly straight lines, and I guide you through each step in the tutorial and video. If you can sew a basic seam, you’re absolutely ready.

What kind of fabric works best for these cases?

Small pieces of quilting cotton, linen, chambray, old shirts, denim scraps, or lightweight canvas all work great. The project is very scrap-friendly, so you can mix and match prints and textures you already have at home.

Do I really need interfacing or batting?

Interfacing or quilted batting isn’t 100% required, but it does help your sunglasses case feel more structured and protective. If your fabric is thin or drapey, I definitely recommend adding it. For thicker fabrics like denim or canvas, you can skip it if you prefer a softer look.

Will these cases fit all sunglasses?

The free pattern is designed to fit most regular-sized glasses and sunglasses. If your frames are extra large or very slim, you can easily adjust the pattern by adding or removing a little width and height before cutting your fabric.

Can I sew this by hand instead of using a machine?

Yes, you can! It will take a bit longer, but it’s totally possible. Use a small backstitch for strong seams and take your time around the curves. It’s a great little hand-sewing project for a quiet evening.

Are these sunglasses cases good for gifts?

Absolutely! They make adorable, practical gifts and are perfect for using up pretty scraps. Add a cute bow, choose a fun lining, and you’ve got a handmade present that looks thoughtful and stylish.

Looking for more cute handmade and scrap friendly gift ideas? Check out these tutorials:

Ready Two Cute DIY Sunglasses Cases !

Eco-friendly sunglasses case made from recycled fabric scraps

And that’s it, two super easy DIY sunglasses cases made entirely from scrap fabric, plus a little bow for extra charm. I hope this project inspires you to look at your leftover fabric in a new way. Even the smallest pieces can become something useful, beautiful, and totally “you.”

If you stitched along with the video, let me know how your cases turned out, I love seeing your color combos and creative touches. And of course, feel free to download the free patterns anytime and make a few extra cases for friends, gifts, or just to keep your glasses cozy in every bag.

Thanks for sewing with me today. Until next time, keep creating lovely things from what you already have.

In this post, you have learned how to sew 2 DIY sunglasses cases with a free sewing pattern.

Disclaimer: All the patterns that I provide on this blog are for private and personal use only. You are not allowed to sell, distribute, modify, or share these patterns for any commercial or profit purposes. These patterns are my original creations and intellectual property, and I reserve all the rights to them. Please respect my work and do not violate these terms of use. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Some links are affiliate links , which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps me create more free sewing tutorials for you ❤️

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I create sewing patterns, refashion projects, and practical tutorials designed to make sewing feel less intimidating and more creative. Most of what you see here starts with something I wanted to wear, remake, or figure out for myself, then I turn the process into a tutorial you can try too.

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