Keep Your Shades Safe: Easy DIY Upcycled Denim Sunglass Case Tutorial

Denim is a sturdy cotton warp-faced textile in which the weft passes under two or more warp threads. This twill weaving produces a diagonal ribbing that gives the fabric its legendary durability. For a sunglass case, denim offers three distinct advantages:

• Shock Absorption: The thick weave provides a natural cushion against minor drops.
• Scratch Resistance: When paired with a soft lining (like an old flannel shirt or microfiber cloth), it creates a dual-layer defense.
• Aesthetic Longevity: Unlike plastic or faux leather, denim develops a unique patina over time, making your case look more sophisticated as it ages.

You don’t need a fancy sewing machine to master this project. In fact, hand-stitching provides a rugged, bespoke look that machines often fail to replicate. To get started, raid your ‘to-be-donated’ pile and look for jeans with at least one intact leg or a back pocket. If the jeans are heavily distressed or have holes, even better—those areas add character to the finished product.

Essential Materials Checklist:

• Denim Scraps: Approximately an 8″ x 8″ square (from a pant leg or back pocket).
• Lining Fabric: A scrap of soft cotton, old flannel, or a microfiber cleaning cloth (to prevent lens scratches).
• Heavy-Duty Thread: Contrast colors like gold, tan, or white look best against blue denim.
• Needles: A size 14 or 16 sharp needle is required to pierce through multiple layers of denim.
• Closure: A vintage button, a piece of velcro, or a simple leather cord.

Frugal Guru Tip: If you don’t have heavy-duty thread, you can use dental floss in a pinch! It is incredibly strong, waxed for easy sliding, and gives a cool, industrial aesthetic to your stitching.

Not all sunglasses are created equal. Oversized aviators need more room than slim reading glasses. To ensure a perfect fit, follow these steps:

1. Place your sunglasses on the denim fabric.
2. Fold the fabric over the glasses to determine the width. You want about 1 inch of ‘breathing room’ on either side of the widest part of the frames.
3. Mark a rectangle that is roughly 7 inches wide by 9 inches long. This allows for a fold-over flap at the top.
4. Cut your denim piece and a matching piece of your lining fabric.

If you are feeling particularly clever, use the original hem of the jeans as the top opening of your case. This saves you from having to finish one edge and gives the case an authentic, professional look immediately.

To make this case indestructible, we will use the Backstitch. This is the strongest hand-stitch available and mimics the look of a machine-sewn seam. It is perfect for the thick side-seams of denim.

How to Perform the Backstitch:

1. Thread your needle and knot the end. Bring the needle up through both layers of fabric (denim and lining, right sides facing each other).
2. Take a small stitch forward (about 1/8 inch).
3. Bring the needle back up a stitch-length in front of the first stitch.
4. Go back and push the needle down into the hole where the previous stitch ended.
5. Repeat this process, always ‘backing up’ into the previous stitch.

Safety Note: Denim is thick! Use a thimble or the edge of a table to help push the needle through the seams to avoid pricking your fingers. If the fabric is too tough, use a small pair of pliers to pull the needle through.

Now that you have your pieces cut and your stitch technique mastered, it’s time for assembly. We will use a ‘turn-and-sew’ method to hide the raw edges inside the case.

• Layering: Place the denim and lining fabric together with the ‘pretty’ sides (right sides) facing each other.
• The First Seam: Sew along the top edge (the 7-inch side). This joins the lining to the denim.
• The Fold: Fold the entire piece in half lengthwise so the denim is on the inside.
• The Side and Bottom: Sew down the long side and across the bottom. Leave the top (where you did the first seam) open.
• The Reveal: Reach inside and pull the fabric through the opening. Like magic, your raw seams are now hidden inside, and your case has a clean, professional finish.

A great DIY project is all in the details. To keep your shades from sliding out, you need a secure closure. Here are three budget-friendly options:

For the Leather Cord Wrap, simply sew a small scrap of leather or a sturdy string to the center of the flap. Sew a decorative button to the body of the case. To close, just wind the cord around the button. It’s a clever, no-fail way to secure the case without needing to cut buttonholes.