Reading Glasses Case Using a Flex Frame

How to sew an easy glasses case using one of those flex frames that you pinch to open.

This week, something bad happened to my sunglasses.  Oops.  They were floating around in my bag while it was briefly raining and the next time I took them out, the lens was broken.  That's the second pair this month I've broken.  And don't talk to me about reading glasses – even worse. I keep my best reading and sewing spectacles at home but my arms are no longer long enough to be able to read menus when I'm out and about, so I carry some small readers with me where ever I go, and they are always getting bumped about in my bag.  But I don't want one of those big and bulky hard cases in my purse, so I decided to make myself some small padded glasses bags and these Flex Frames looked a really interesting option.

Materials needed:

  • Flex Frame – size dependent on the size of your glasses or sunglasses.  I got mine from Amazon.
  • Pattern Paper.
  • Small pieces of fabric for outer and lining
  • Fusible fleece

To make a Flex Frame glasses case

How to sew an easy glasses case using one of those flex frames that you pinch to open.

Measure your flex frame.  We'll need to make a casing exactly the right length and width.  Mine is a tiny one for my tiny ‘out and about' reading glasses, just 6cm, about 2.25 inches long.  The height is half an inch.  A standard size would be 3.5 inches.

Cut pieces of fabric for the flex frame casing as follow:

Length = length of frame, plus 1 inch

Depth = double the depth of the frame, add 1.5 inches.

Cut 4 pieces of fabric this size.

Prepare your casing by adding a fusible fleece to 2 pieces.  Place the fused piece right sides together with an unfused piece and stitch along the sides with a 1/2 inch seam allowance.  Trim and turn right side out.

How to sew an easy glasses case using one of those flex frames that you pinch to open.

Fold over in half along the length and pin the two raw edges together along the 1/2 inch seam line.  Check that the flex frame fits and make any small adjustment if necessary.  Repeat for the other side and set them both aside for now.

Making the body of the case.

You will need 4 pieces of fabric, two for the outer and two for the lining.  The width should be the length of your flex frame plus 1 inch.  The length should be sufficiently long to hold your glasses plus a little for seam allowances.

Iron on some fusible fleece to the outer fabric pieces, or baste on a light batting or foam padding.  If you want to add in some embellishment or quilting type finish to the outer pieces, do this now.

How to sew an easy glasses case using one of those flex frames that you pinch to open.

Add the casing to the top of the outer piece, lining up raw edges and centering the casing.  Pin the lining on top, right sides together and stitch across the top with a 1/2 inch seam allowance, catching the casing in place.

How to sew an easy glasses case using one of those flex frames that you pinch to open.

Repeat for the other side and double-check that your frame still fits OK.  It should be a snug fit, but you should still be able to wiggle it through there.

Open out both pieces and place them right sides together.  Stitch around the whole outside, being careful NOT to catch the edges of the frame casing.  Leave a gap in the side of the lining for turning. I used my zipper foot so I could get in close to the edge of the casing as I went past.

How to sew an easy glasses case using one of those flex frames that you pinch to open.

Trim edges and corners, and turn the case right side out through the gap in the lining.  Give it a good press.  Close up the gap in the lining and push it down inside your case.

Feed through your flex frame, adding in the little pin to the hinge and bend over the small end covers to stop that pin falling out.  Pinch your frame to open the case and keep your glasses safe while on the move.

How to sew an easy glasses case using one of those flex frames that you pinch to open.

These would be great for a gift for Mother's and Father's Day, stocking stuffers for Christmas or just to make to keep your sunglasses safe.  Make them in some trendy fabrics for the kids.

How to sew an easy glasses case using one of those flex frames that you pinch to open.

You can download and save these instructions in a PDF  HERE.

Do you like the idea of a flex-frame to do away with fiddly closures?  I've got one more small one left to use – any ideas for a great project?


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Debbie Davis
Debbie Davis

I have made a padded flex frame case for the removable radio panel in my car.

PattiH
PattiH

I love this type of opening. Quick, one-handed…only I’m so cheap I use a metal tape measure from the dollar store. You get 12 feet and can cut them into whatever lengths you want. I trim the ends and cover with duck tape so they’re not so sharp.

Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemum

I’ve made the snap pouches using old metal measuring tapes, in place of the flex frame..Someone else suggested mini blinds… The pouch still snaps shut, broken tape measures are put to good use….and it’s cheaper!

Catherine M Novelli
Catherine M Novelli

Love this I`m going to make some. So cute!

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melissa937

Love the frame flex. So easy to open. I found you at And Sew We Craft.

Erin
Erin

I think this would be so much prettier and lighter than the hard case I have in my purse. Great Idea. Thanks for sharing!

Marti @ SewliciousHomeDecor

That is such a great idea! Love it! Sharing it! 🙂

Jess @ Chaos & Love
Jess @ Chaos & Love

What a cute case! So fun!

Thanks for linking up with the Caffeinated Crafters link party!

le chateau des fleurs

I like this! I need one! The colors are so pretty!
Xo
Isabelle