Sleep Mask Sewing Tutorial

I’ve got this pile of scrap fabric that only ever seems to get bigger and never smaller. Anyone else have that problem? (*Every sewer raises their hand*) Well here is a quick and easy project that can help that pile shrink!

This idea came to me while I was trying to figure out what to make to add to a giveaway I was doing on my Instagram. I did a couple test patterns and eventually came up with one that worked! Download the pattern by clicking on the picture to the right! Or you can make your own by free-handing or using a sleeping mask you already have as a pattern. Using a pair of sunglasses can be a good guide if you plan to draw your own.

I made two sleeping masks. I used denim and black velvet for one and floral lace and yellow rayon lining fabric for the other. I recommend using cotton fabrics with no stretch and keep in mind the texture of the fabric you plan to use for the side that touches your face.

Materials Needed

9”x6” piece of fabric (fabric that faces out)

9”x6” piece of fabric (fabric that faces your face)

9”x6” piece of cotton batting

Elastic (measure temple to temple then subtract 1” for your elastic length, mine was 11”)

Thread & Hand Needle

Directions

Cut Out Your Fabric Pieces

Use your pattern piece to cut 1 piece out of each fabric and the batting (3 pieces total).

Since I was using lace for one of mine, I cut out a second piece of the yellow rayon to line the lace as well.

Baste

Choose the fabric has the lightest weight and baste the batting to that piece. This will make it easier to sew and then flip right side out later on.

If you are using a lace or sheer fabric and have decided to add a lining like I did, bast the lining to your lace/sheer and the batting to remaining fabric piece.

Pin Together & Place Elastic

Place one side of your mask on the table right side up. Use the triangles on the sides as a guide for elastic placement. Place the elastic so that ½” of the end is hanging off the edge of the mask on each side. Your elastic should be laying across your mask NOT going around the outside

Place the other piece of fabric on top of the first piece and elastic, right sides together. Your elastic should be completely encased by the fabric, with the exception of the ½” tails sticking out the sides.

Pin together, starting with where the elastic is placed.

Add cross pins on either side of the nose bridge as a reminder to not sew it closed. This is where we will turn the mask right side out. Leave a hole big enough that you feel confident you can flip it. I left a bigger hole for my denim one because the fabric is more stiff.

Sew

Machine stitch around the outside of the mask, leaving the nose bridge open. I used a ¼” seam allowance to minimize excess and maximize the finished size.

Flip Right Side out

Pull your fabric through the hole you left at the bridge of the nose to turn it right side out. Iron.

Close the Hole

Use an invisible hand stitch to close up the hole at the bridge of the nose.

And there you have it!

These eye masks make great gifts, are simple, take less than an hour, and use minimal materials. Plus you give back to the planet by using your scraps instead of throwing them away!

If you’re a visual learner and need some video supplement to this tutorial, head on over to my instagram and look in my highlights for “Sleep Mask Tut”.

This is my first time blogging a sewing tutorial, so I hope you find it helpful and inspiring.

Stay Creative!

Annie