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How to Sew a Simple Eye Mask

by on Jan 12, 2018

If your New Year’s resolution is to get more sleep, this DIY was made for you! My bedroom lets in a lot of light first thing in the morning, which would be wonderful if it didn’t wake me up before my alarm. Because I’ve never liked the look of blackout curtains, I find that a simple eye mask can be helpful for keeping out light and other distractions so that I sleep better. Sure, I could buy one, but what fun would that be? Instead, I grabbed my favorite fabric and learned just how easy it is to make a simple sleep mask yourself in less than 30 minutes.

This eye mask is a beginner sewing project, so there’s very little fuss involved. You don’t even need to do any hand sewing to complete it, which is a relief for me! Grab your two favorite fabrics, some padding and elastic, and this eye mask will come together in no time. Make one for yourself and then several for your friends!

A pair of scissors is set up next to other sewing tools and material.

Materials:

  • Patterned fabric
  • Solid fabric 
  • Quit batting or felt 
  • 1/2-inch elastic
  • Pins
  • Fabric scissors
  • Sewing machine 

Note, the solid fabric will be against your eyes, so you’ll want something soft and comfortable. Cotton is easiest to sew.

Step

Cut out two equal sized eye mask shapes – one from the patterned fabric (front) and one from the solid fabric (back). To achieve the shape, cut an oblong pill shape and then cut a curved notch for the nose. Cut the quilt batting or felt about 1/2 inch smaller than the other pieces. 

Step

Cut the elastic to about 14-15 inches. Wrap around your head to check that it’s a tight fit before sewing. 

Pink and white color eye mask is on the white color background

Step

With the front piece facing right side up, tack the elastic to the side, about 1/4 inch from the edge. Repeat with the opposite side, making sure the elastic is not twisted. 

Straight pins hold pink cloth in the shape of an eye mask together.

Step

Place the back piece on top, right sides together, and pin around the edges, leaving about 2 inches at the top open. Mark with pins if needed. Be sure the elastic is between the two layers.

A pink fabric eye mask hand sewn with white thread.

Step 

Sew a thin seam around the fabric, leaving the section at the top unsewn. Cut small notches around the curved edges to ensure that the fabric does not bunch when turned right side out.

A hand with pink finger nails holding a pink eye mask.

Step

Place the smaller batting piece on top and carefully turn the eye mask right side out. While doing so, you’ll push the batting inside and pull the elastic out. Adjust the padding inside so that there is no bunching. 

Cotton eye mask that has colors white, pink, and green with a elastic strap.

Step

Pin around the outsides of the eye mask again, folding the open edges inward to appear like a seam. Sew a thin border all way around the eye mask, back stitching at each end. 

A sleep mask near an ereader.

Now your eye mask is ready to use! Get ready to enjoy your mornings a lot more without the sun interrupting your beauty sleep.

Still having trouble sleeping? Is Your Alarm Clock Too Bright? A Simple Fix to Dim the Display and Sleep Better.

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