Highland Heather Plaid Eyeglass Case Free Pattern – A Cozy Knitted Tartan Pouch

Wrap your spectacles in the timeless warmth of Scottish tartan with this fully knitted plaid eyeglass case. The clever stranded colorwork creates a soft, heathery check that feels like a favorite wool blanket. This beginner-friendly pattern is perfect for using up worsted weight yarn scraps and makes a thoughtful handmade gift for any glasses-wearer in your life. With clear instructions and a simple repeating color sequence, you'll have a beautiful, functional accessory in just a few evenings of knitting.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. All materials are readily available at your local yarn shop or online.

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in four colors:
  • Color A: Crimson Red (approximately 50g)
  • Color B: Forest Green (approximately 30g)
  • Color C: Golden Yellow (approximately 20g)
  • Color D: Cream/Off-white (approximately 20g)
• Needles: US Size 6 (4.0 mm) knitting needles (straight or circular for flat knitting)
• Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming
• Optional: Small button and matching thread for a closure

Gauge: 20 stitches and 26 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (knit one row, purl one row). Always knit a gauge swatch to ensure your finished case is the correct size.

Finished Size and Abbreviations

Finished Size: Approximately 7 inches tall and 4 inches wide, fits standard eyeglasses.

Abbreviations:

• K = knit
• P = purl
• K2tog = knit two stitches together (decrease)
• St(s) = stitch(es)
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side

Pattern Notes

The plaid pattern is created using stranded colorwork, which means you'll carry the unused yarn loosely across the back of your work. This technique creates the beautiful woven check effect. Work all colorwork rows in stockinette stitch (knit on RS, purl on WS) unless otherwise noted. Important: Carry yarns loosely to avoid puckering—the fabric should lie flat and stretchy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cast On and Ribbing

1. With color A (Crimson Red), cast on 40 stitches using your preferred method (long-tail cast on works well).
2. Work in K2, P2 ribbing for 8 rows (about 1.5 inches). This creates a neat, stretchy edge that will hug your glasses case opening.

Main Body (Worked Flat)

Now you'll begin the plaid pattern. Work in stockinette stitch (K on RS, P on WS) following the color sequence below. The 40 stitches are divided into two 20-stitch sections—you'll work the first 20 stitches in one color and the second 20 stitches in another color, carrying the unused yarn across the back.

Row 1 (RS): With A, K20, with B, K20.
Row 2 (WS): With B, P20, with A, P20.
Row 3 (RS): With A, K20, with B, K20.
Row 4 (WS): With B, P20, with A, P20.
Row 5 (RS): With C, K20, with A, K20.
Row 6 (WS): With A, P20, with C, P20.
Row 7 (RS): With C, K20, with A, K20.
Row 8 (WS): With A, P20, with C, P20.
Row 9 (RS): With D, K20, with B, K20.
Row 10 (WS): With B, P20, with D, P20.
Row 11 (RS): With D, K20, with B, K20.
Row 12 (WS): With B, P20, with D, P20.
Row 13 (RS): With A, K20, with C, K20.
Row 14 (WS): With C, P20, with A, P20.
Row 15 (RS): With A, K20, with C, K20.
Row 16 (WS): With C, P20, with A, P20.

Repeat rows 1–16 until the piece measures 6 inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a WS row. This creates the full plaid pattern that will form the body of your eyeglass case.

Shaping the Top

Now you'll shape the rounded top of the case. Switch to using color A only for the remainder of the knitting.

1. Row 1 (RS): K2, K2tog, K to last 4 sts, K2tog, K2. (38 sts)
2. Row 2 (WS): P all sts.
3. Row 3 (RS): K2, K2tog, K to last 4 sts, K2tog, K2. (36 sts)
4. Row 4 (WS): P all sts.
5. Row 5 (RS): K2, K2tog, K to last 4 sts, K2tog, K2. (34 sts)
6. Row 6 (WS): P all sts.
7. Row 7 (RS): K2, K2tog, K to last 4 sts, K2tog, K2. (32 sts)
8. Row 8 (WS): P all sts.
9. Row 9 (RS): K2, K2tog, K to last 4 sts, K2tog, K2. (30 sts)
10. Row 10 (WS): P all sts.
11. Bind off all stitches loosely. This creates a gently curved top that will comfortably accommodate your glasses.

Finishing and Assembly

1. Fold the piece in half with right sides together, matching the cast-on edge and side seams. The ribbed edge will be at the bottom, and the shaped top will be at the top.
2. Using a tapestry needle and color A, sew the side seams from the cast-on edge up to the beginning of the top shaping (about 5 inches). Use a mattress stitch or whip stitch for a neat, invisible seam. Leave the top open.
3. Turn the case right side out. Weave in all loose ends securely with your tapestry needle, making sure to weave them through the wrong side of the fabric so they're hidden.
4. Optional closure: Add a small button and a knitted loop closure at the top for extra security. To make a loop, simply crochet or knit a small chain of 8-10 stitches, attach it to one side of the top opening, and sew a button on the opposite side.

Tips for Perfect Results

• Keep tension even: When carrying yarns across the back in stranded colorwork, be careful not to pull too tightly. Your fabric should lie flat without any puckering.
• Weave as you go: To minimize finishing work, weave in ends as you complete each color section, or leave long tails and weave them in at the end.
• Block your work: After seaming, gently block the case by wetting it and laying it flat to dry. This will even out the stitches and give your plaid pattern a crisp, professional look.

This Highland Heather Plaid Eyeglass Case is a delightful project that combines traditional Scottish aesthetics with practical everyday use. The stranded colorwork is simpler than it looks—once you get into the rhythm of the 16-row repeat, you'll find it meditative and rewarding. Whether you're making it for yourself or as a heartfelt gift, this cozy tartan pouch is sure to become a cherished accessory. Happy knitting!