Crochet and summer are not usually associated with each other. But wait until you see the crochet sunglasses case that I designed! It’s a quick, fun pattern to work up and useful for your summer essentials.
I just returned from Las Vegas from a chess tournament (for my boyfriend) and I used this every single day! I stuffed the case inside of my purse and every time I emerged outside from a hotel, I whipped out my sunglasses. Even though it is a soft case, my sunglasses were always protected. This will get a lot of use for me, and I hope the same for you!
The Mary Jane Series is a collection of 3 crochet patterns designed with the summer in mind. Typically, when people think summer, they don’t think “crochet” or “knitting” because that is what you do when it is cold outside. However, with this collection I want to show that there is also a space for crochet during the summer months. I do hope that you enjoy this collection and you can find The MJ43 (coin purse) here and The MJ44 (clutch) here.
The Inspiration
The entire collection was inspired by the beautiful marguerite stitch. I was flipping through my copy of the book, Crochet Every Way Stitch Dictionary (a crocheter must-have), and I began swatching immediately. I fell in love with the texture and appearance. It has a very girly vibe, and the fabric is dense too, so I immediately thought of a sunglasses case.
I remembered seeing a post by @debrosse_nyc on Instagram last summer I believe. She used an item called an internal flex frame (usually for purses) for a project. I thought the fabric would look beautiful combined with a metal flex frame. Turns out I was right 😉
The MJ42 Sunglass Case features the marguerite stitch in all it’s glory. The entire piece is made with only marguerites and the flex frame gives it a more polished look. The thick, puffed texture will protect sunglasses, making it a great summer accessory.
The Yarn
A cotton blend yarn was used for the pattern. Specifically, Lion Brand Comfy Cotton Blend, which contains 50% cotton and 50% polyester. It is weight 3 yarn, so it’s a middle weight yarn. This yarn was mainly chosen because I am trying to use the yarn that I have rather than purchasing new yarn.
I also chose this yarn because of the cotton content. Cotton is a strong fiber, it is washable and durable. All features that are important for a sunglass case. It may get tossed into a bag, get dropped in water at the pool, or get spills from it being in the car. You just want to make sure your sunglass case can withstand your habits.
*One thing to note about the Comfy Cotton Blend yarn, I am worried it will pill. With just a little bit of friction from me moving it around and photographing it and what not, it’s getting fuzzy at the top. It still looks great, but I want to mention this because with more time it might pill.
When you go to choose your yarn, I would suggest a 100% cotton yarn or a high cotton content yarn. The stitch definition is beautiful and over time it won’t get fuzzy. With that said though, you have the choice to use any yarn you wish.
The Stitch Pattern
The marguerite stitch was used for this pattern, which is also referred to as the star stitch. It has a very unique look, appears complicated, but definitely is not. Watch this simple tutorial to familiarize yourself with the stitch pattern before working up the pattern.
The MJ42 Pattern
Description
The puffed texture of the Mary Jane 42 provides cushion, making it a perfect accessory for toting around your summer essential, sunglasses. The delicate stitch pattern looks complicated, but you’ll be surprised how simple it is to achieve.
Materials
- Lion Brand Comfy Cotton Blend (95 yds, about 43g)
- Size G / 4.00 mm crochet hook
- Tapestry needle
- Scissors
- Measuring tape
- Metal flex frame
- Pliers
Gauge
8 rows x 6 sts (marguerites) = 2″
*The number of stitches is actually the number of marguerites in 2″
Final Measurements
4″ x 6.5″
Abbreviations
- sc = single crochet
- hdc = half double crochet
- ch = chain
- inc = increase (2 sts in the same st)
- rs = right side
- ws = wrong side
- rep = repeat
- st(s) = stitches
Pattern Notes
- Eye means the hole at the top of marguerite made after working the 6 loops and ch 1.
- Leg means one of the loops of marguerite (6 total).
- On the first row, work into the back bumps of every chain. A nice, even edge will form, which makes seaming easier.
- On marguerite rows, work into the back bumps of the starting chains to keep the edge flat.
- Each panel is worked bottom up.
- Work the chs and loops loosely throughout.
- To modify the pouch size, chain a multiple of 2 stitches then add 3 stitches to the total.
- If a metal flex frame is not obtainable, snaps, buttons or cinch ties can be used instead.
The MJ42 Sunglass Case
Make 2 panels for front + back.
Begin: ch 23
Row 1: Draw loop through back bump of 1st 5 ch, yo, draw through 6 loops on hook, ch 1 for eye (1st marguerite), *draw loop in eye just made, draw loop in last leg of marguerite just made, draw loop in same ch as last leg, draw loop in next 2 ch, yo, draw through 6 loops on hook, ch 1, rep from * across, hdc in same ch as last leg.
Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc in hdc, sc in first eye, *2 sc in next eye, rep from * across, sc in turning ch.
Row 3: Ch 2, draw loop in back bump of 1st and 2nd ch, draw loop in next 3 sc, ch 1, work marguerite across, hdc in same sc as last leg.
Rep Rows 2 and 3 ten more times or until desired length. End on a row 2. (24 rows total)
Finish: Cut yarn and fasten off + weave in all ends.
Assembly: Place both panels together, with rs facing inward. Whip stitch along the sides and bottom, leaving the top open.
Add Flex Frame: Wrap yarn around one side of the flex frame, covering it completely in yarn (about 3 times the number of stitches at the top, so approximately 66 times). Tie at the end to secure in place. Thread tapestry needle with yarn and insert needle from ws to rs into the first stitch of the back panel. Next insert the needle from left to right underneath the first 3 loops on the metal flex frame. Pull tight. Repeat the process going from the back panel to the metal flex frame until you reach the end. Tie off and weave in end.
Repeat the same process for the other side of the flex frame. When wrapping yarn, begin from the outside and work in. Sewing the panel to the frame is much easier this way.
After the frame is sewn to the top of the sunglass case, insert the pin into the hinge on the open side. Use pliers to fold the tabs down to keep pin in place.
Now play with the squeeze frame and add your sunnies inside. Enjoy!
