This is a great project to use up smaller fabrics from your stash that you've been wanting to show off for ages. All you need is one fat quarter of fabric for the outer case, a small piece of lining fabric and a zip! Read on to find out how it's done.
You will need
- 1 fat quarter
- Lining fabric: see instructions for further details
- Zip: nylon, closed end, approx 4cm (15⁄8in) longer than the top of your template in a matching or contrasting colour
- Basic sewing kit
Notes
Use a 1cm (3⁄8in) seam allowance.
We've used...
Nimbus in Navy from First Light by Eloise Renouf for Cloud9 Fabrics from Purple Stitches.
How to make a sunglasses case: step by step
Cutting the pattern and fabric
Step one: Make a paper pattern from your sunglasses by drawing around them, adding 3cm (11⁄4in) for ease and a seam allowance all the way around. Fold your pattern in half to make sure it’s symmetrical, trimming to shape if not.
Step two: Using this pattern, cut two pieces from the fat quarter and two from the lining fabric. Use a soft fabric for the lining to protect your sunglasses – we used faux suede.
Inserting the zip
Step three: Place the zip right sides (RS) together on the top edge of one piece of the outer fabric, matching the edge of the tape with the raw edge of the fabric. The fabric needs to be placed centrally along the zip, and the zip should be closed to ensure the slider doesn’t get in the way of the stitching.
Step four: Place one of the pieces of lining fabric RS up on top to sandwich the zip in between, matching the top edges of the outer and lining. Pin and sew into place.
Step five: Repeat this to stitch the other piece of outer and lining fabric on the other side of the zip in the same way.
Stitching the case together
Step six: Open the fabrics out then pin the two pieces of outer fabric RS together and the two pieces of lining fabric RS together. Pull the slider to the centre of the zip.
Step seven: Stitch the outer fabric together and the lining fabric together all the way around, leaving a 3cm (11⁄4in) turning gap in the lining. You’ll stitch over the ends of the zip too, so work slowly and reverse stitch over them to secure.
Step eight: Trim the ends of the zip 1.5cm (5⁄8in) beyond the line of stitching.
Step nine: Turn the fabrics RS out through the turning gap in the lining and press.
Step ten: Slip stitch the turning gap closed.
Making a zip pull
Step 11: Cut a 1x10cm (3⁄8x4in) strip of the lining fabric for the zip pull.
Step 12: Fold it in half lengthways with wrong sides facing and topstitch together.
Step 13: Fold it in half and loop through the zip slider to knot in place.
Enjoy your finished sunglasses case!
