As the 2025 solar eclipse draws near, millions of people are getting ready to see this unique celestial event and the enthusiasm is mounting. One important issue still unresolved, however, is how one might safely see the eclipse without running the danger of lifelong eye injury.
While certified eclipse glasses are readily accessible, some individuals would rather do-it-yourself. Knowing how to create your own solar eclipse glasses securely may be very helpful whether your demands are last-minute, creative curiosity, or just not finding eclipse glasses in shops.
Important Note: Never see the Sun straight forwardly without appropriate ISO 12312-2 approved protection. While homemade glasses are possible, only if you utilize approved solar filters will they operate. Not safe are regular sunglasses, CDs, or smoked glass.
This blog covers everything you need to know: supplies, detailed directions, safety precautions, and what not to do.
Why You Should Own Eclipse Glasses
When the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, either partly or totally concealing the Sun from view, a solar eclipse results. It’s safe to spend a few minutes only looking for a total eclipse, in which case the Sun is totally hidden. You always should use protective eyewear.
Looking at the Sun—even momentarily—without appropriate filtering may induce solar retinopathy, a kind of lifelong eye damage brought on by strong sunlight burning the retina.
How Safe Are Solar Eclipse Glasses?
Made from materials blocking 99.999% of sunlight, real eclipse glasses include dangerous UV and infrared (IR) radiation. They comply with the ISO 12312-2:2015 safety standard, which specifies the degree of protection needed.
Making your own calls for employing approved solar filter sheets, the same material used in professionally produced eclipse glasses.
Resources You Will Need to Create Your Own Solar Eclipse Glasses
Get the essentials to make your own solar eclipse glasses:
✅ Required Materials:
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ISO 12312-2 approved solar viewing film (available from reliable vendors include American Paper Optics, Rainbow Symphony, or Thousand Oaks Optical)
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Thick paper or cardboard; cereal boxes look fantastic
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Either a utility knife or scissors
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Regular tape, double-sided tape, or glue
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Either a pen or a pencil
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Ruler
✅ Optional:
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Aluminum foil for lens reinforcement
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Fun customizing with decorative paper or stickers
Detailed Guide for Do-It-Yourself Solar Eclipse Glasses
Use these precise instructions to create effective and safe eclipse glasses right at home.
Step 1: Either Download or Sketch a Template
First either draw your own or search for a downloadable eclipse glasses pattern online. The form should be like big sunglasses with two rectangular apertures for lenses.
Check that the glasses’ bridge comfortably fits your nose; next, add side covers to prevent light from getting in.
Step 2: Cut Out the Frames
Cut off the cardboard depending on your template using scissors or a utility knife. Sandwiching the solar filter material in between, you will need two pieces—one for the front and one for the rear.
Where your eyes will be, cut out two tiny rectangular holes around 1.5 x 2 cm. Your solar filter will find place here.
Step 3: Ready the Solar Filter Film
Cut your approved solar viewing film into two somewhat bigger rectangles than the eye apertures in your cardboard (approximately 2.5 x 3 cm). This additional space lets you properly put it between layers.
Be careful; do not scratch or puckle the film. Work on the edges to prevent creases.
Step 4: Get the Glasses Put Together
Orient one piece of cardboard face-down. Using glue or tape, attach the solar film rectangles over the eye openings so that the whole hole is covered.
Arrange the second cardboard piece on top so that the eye apertures line-up. Strongly press them to seal the filter between the two layers.
For a better fit, add side flaps or attach additional cardboard.
Step 5: Personalize and Verify Fit
Try on the glasses before eclipse day to be sure they block all outside light and fit tightly. Decorate them as you like, but keep the lenses free from obstruction.
Test Your Own Made Solar Eclipse Glasses Here
To ensure your eclipse glasses are in operating order:
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Indoors, stand beneath a strong light. The glasses are unsafe if you can see more than a weak, dim light.
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Look at the Sun momentarily (if you have used approved sun film). You should only notice a faint, orange-colored disk.
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There should be no obvious pinholes or scratches. One may have major eye damage even from a little tear.
Use caution if you doubt the safety. Better yet, employ indirect techniques such as a pinhole projector (seen below).
An Alternative Is a Pinhole Projector
Making a pinhole projector is a completely safe and simple option if you’re worried about eye safety or cannot locate approved solar film.
Resources:
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White paper for the screen
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For a projector, cardboard or aluminum foil
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A pin or a needle
Steps:
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Make a small hole in a foil or card piece.
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Face the Sun from behind.
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Let sunlight spill over the opening onto a white paper screen.
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You will see a little projected Sun picture, absolutely safe to see.
This approach absolutely does not call for any eye protection!
Safety Advice and Things Not to Do
Not every do-it-yourself tool is safe. DO NOT use the following:
🚫 Common sunglasses
🚫 CDs and DVDs or floppy drives
🚫 Glass that has been smoked or plastic with colors
🚫 Food wraps or Mylar balloons
🚫 Welders’ glass (unless it’s shade 14)
Use sun viewing materials approved by ISO only. Children should always be under constant supervision; never observe the eclipse using binoculars, telescopes, or camera lenses without first properly attaching sun filters.
Where May One Get Certified Solar Filter Film?
Make sure you place solar films orders from reliable, verified suppliers like:
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Thousand Oaks Optical
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Rainbow Symphony
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American Paper Optics
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Explore Scientific
On Amazon or eBay, stay away from unknown vendors as earlier eclipses have documented counterfeits.
Final Thoughts
Though only when done carefully, seeing the solar eclipse is an amazing event. Knowing how to create your own solar eclipse glasses lets you experience this once-in-a-lifetime event without compromising your vision.
Using only a few tools, some effort, and strict attention to safety rules, you may create dependable, personalized eclipse glasses or employ indirect viewing instruments like pinhole projectors. The secret is testing your devices beforehand and utilizing approved solar filters.
So compile your supplies, get ready for one of the most amazing events of 2025—the solar eclipse—and begin building!