Upcycled DIY Sunglasses Case

Learn how to make a DIY sunglasses case by upcycling a sleeve or pair of leggings. Reuse the hem for fast sewing and a scrap of fleece for cushion.

I’ve gotten to the point where basically if I’m outside, I’m wearing sunglasses. I love having a pair of cheap sunglasses in my car, in my purse, and near the front door. I buy cheap sunglasses because my kids have stepped on, sat on, and broken so many of my sunglasses.

I made an easy DIY sunglasses case by upcycling the sleeve of a t-shirt. If my kids get holes or stains on their sleeves I cut them into short sleeves. I reused the hem and added some fleece to protect the sunglasses. Here’s to no more broken sunglasses!

I made this sunglasses holder out of the sleeves of a t-shirt, but it would also work with the legs of leggings. I bet it would even work with jeans or a sweater. Try it with anything that is already hemmed!

what is upcycling?

Upcycling is to reuse material to create something better than the original. I usually use this to describe when I’m sewing adult clothing into clothing for children or I’m sewing clothing into an accessory or house item.

Upcycling saves time, saves money, saves the environment, and saves memories.

Save time by reusing details from the original shirt. Save money by using something you already have.

Save the environment by keeping t-shirts out of the landfill. Save memories by reusing a favorite adult t-shirt for your toddler or child.

Do you like to upcycle and refashion? Try one of these fun projects!

• T-shirt upcycle project tutorials
• Sweater upcycle project tutorials
• summer sewing projects
• sew a sunglasses case with a free pattern

Upcycled DIY Sunglasses Case

supples

• Bottom half of sleeves or pant legs
• Sunglasses
• Small piece of felt, fleece, or batting
• Snaps, buttons, or velcro
• Sewing tools
• Sewing machine

Lay the sunglasses over the sleeves and cut both of the sleeves 1.5 inches longer than the sunglasses.

Cut a piece of fleece the same size as the case (as if it was opened up) and add a small seam allowance to the sides. Cut the fleece 1/2 inch shorter.

Fold the piece of fleece in half and sew one side to make a tube. The side you sew will line up with the original seam of the sleeve.

Place the fleece tube around one of the sleeves and lining up the non-hemmed side.

Sew the non-hemmed side with a 1/4 inch seam allowance on both sleeves, one with fleece and one without.

Turn the sleeve with the fleece right side out and poke out the corners.

Slide the remaining sleeve inside the sleeve with fleece. Match up the hems at the opening.

Sew the two hems together all the way around 1/4 inch from the edge. Make sure you are sewing like a tube so that there is still an opening.

Add a closure to the end like plastic snaps. (Here’s how to use plastic snaps.)

Slide your sunglasses inside the case and close it. You finished!

If you make something using this sewing project, I’d love to see! Please share it on social media with the hashtag #heatherhandmade and tag me!