Give a personalized gift to a special man in your life by making him an embroidered case to hold his eyeglasses or sunglasses. With this step-by-step how-to, I guide you through the entire process, also providing a printable PDF to make following along as easy can can be. This is an easy sewing project and men’s gift idea perfect for beginners or experienced sewists alike. Let’s get started!
For this project, you will need…
- Fabric scraps in 2 coordinating patterns
- Fusible fleece
- Craft thread or embroidery floss
- Embroidery needle
- 7″ embroidery hoop
- Washable ink marker
- Coordinating thread
- Basic sewing supplies: machine, shears, iron, etc. (Click here for a list of my must-have sewing tools.)
Click here to download the PDF version of this tutorial!
For each eyeglass case, cut the following:
- 2 outer fabric pieces at 4.5×7″
- 2 lining fabric pieces at 4.5×7″
- 2 fusible fleece pieces at 4.5×7″
Fuse the fusible fleece pieces to the wrong sides of the outer fabric pieces according to the product instructions, and set aside.
For the embroidered patch, cut a 10″ square of fabric (I recommend using a solid color so the design will stand out nicely), and fit the piece into the embroidery hoop. Use the washable ink marker to draw a design onto the center of the hooped fabric, aiming for a design that is approximately 2×3″. You can freehand the design, as I did here, or use any combination of stencils or templates you wish. Use the craft thread or embroidery floss to outline the design with a backstitch. When the hand stitching is complete, trim the piece down to 3.5×4″, making sure the embroidered design is centered nicely.
Fold the top and bottom edges of the patch under by 1/4″; press. Position the patch at the center of one of the outer pieces, aligning the raw edges, so that the top and bottom edges of the patch are 2″ from the top and bottom edges of the outer fabric piece. Pin.
Edgestitch along the top and bottom edges of the patch to affix it to the outer fabric piece.
Place one of the outer fabric pieces and one of the lining pieces together, right sides facing, aligning the top edges of the pieces. Pin. Stitch the pieces together with a 1/4″ seam allowance and press seam open. Repeat with the remaining outer fabric piece and lining piece.
Lay one of the assembled outer/lining pieces face up on a work surface. Place the other assembled piece face down on the first piece, so that the right sides of each are facing, and the corresponding outer and lining portions of each piece are precisely along their outer edges. Pin.
Using a 1/4″ seam allowance, stitch around the outer perimeter of the pieces, leaving a 2″ opening for turning at the lining end, as shown. Clip the corners and turn the piece right side out through the opening, using a point turner (or a wooden chopstick) to make sure the points and seams are completely turned. Stitch the opening in the lining closed by hand. Tuck the lining down into the case and finish by pressing the top edge so it is nice and crisp.
Your personalized eyeglass case is complete!
My daughter and I created this case to give to my dad to hold his reading glasses, but this would also be a terrific gift for a man who loves to wear sunglasses.
Feel free to make the design as simple or as ornate as time and experience allows. Add a simple letter monogram, an entire name, a team logo, or just about anything you can imagine. There really is no right or wrong way to embellish this project!
On the lookout for even more terrific handmade gift inspiration for a special guy in your life? Don’t miss these other great ideas!
Father’s Day Photo Collage
Outdoor Drink Holders
Golf Club Headcovers
Necktie Key Rings
Thanks so much for stopping in!
Having grown up in a home brimming with sewing notions and paintbrushes, Amy has a deep love for all things creative. On any given day, you’ll find her knee-deep in her latest creative endeavor, with projects ranging from sewing and crafts to home decor and kid-friendly ideas. Amy believes that everyone, regardless of skill level or experience, possesses the ability to create something beautiful, and Positively Splendid was born of her passion for helping others harness their innate creative potential.