A flex frame is a closure often used for glasses cases or coin purses. It is very easy to install, as you’ll see in this tutorial.
For this tutorial, the flex frame will be installed to a glasses case sewn using the free pattern Mirettes, the pattern can be downloaded there : Free glasses case pattern Mirettes.
How to install a flex frame tutorial
Your flex frame will be either fully closed (frame at the bottom of the photo) or with an open hinge and a small nail (frame at the top on the photo – Prym flex frame).
1. If the flex frame is fully closed
Release a hinge by removing the nail that holds it. The other hinge must remain closed.
To remove one of the nails, you can use a nail clipper: grab the nail head with the nail clipper and gently pull with small circular movements.
Be careful not to lose the nail: remove it to a surface on which it will not roll (above a scrap of fleece for example). Carefully store the nail, once it is removed from the hinge.
2. Slide the flex frame inside the tunnels
Insert, at the same time, each end of the flex frame into a tunnel.
Gently slide them inside the tunnels, until they come out the other side.
If one end of the flex frame clings to the inside of a tunnel, do not force it, but use the tip of embroidery scissors to free it and to keep the fold out of the way.
3. Close the hinge
Match the 2 halves of the hinge and put the nail back in place.
Depending on your flex frame type, in order to lock it, you will need to :
• either press the nail head against a hard surface to push it in completely
• or fold the 2 small flaps to hold the nail in place (Prym flex frame).
Flex frame without flaps
Flex frame with flaps (Prym)
Flex frame installed !
Download the free glasses pattern Mirettes
I’ve tried to purchase a flex frame here in Perth, Wester Australia but no one seems to have them, or even heard of them. Where can I get some?
Jan
Hi Jan,
Being in France I don’t know specifically in which store you could find them in Australia, but you can probably find some online.
I know Prym sells them, you could try a “Prym flex frame” google search.
Véro
I just found some from Queensland. Voodoo Rabbit Fabric. Haven’t received them yet. Just trying to learn how to use them.
On another bag pattern, I saw the same type of closure and they used cut pieces of a metal tape measure like carpenters use. Worth a try.
Hi Vero,
I’ve been unable to find flex frames without flaps, where do you get yours from?
Cheers,
Hilary
Hi Hilary,
I bought my flex frames without flaps (with nails) online, in this French store : https://www.decocuir.com/fermoir-cliquet-clac-rapide-porte-monnaie-lunette-c102x3117699
Véro