How to Make a Sleep Mask With Flaxseed

Make your own sleep mask to shield out light.

A sleep mask adds pressure to your eyes to help relieve tension and blocks out light while you're trying to sleep. A sleeping mask is essential if you work overnight and have to sleep during the day. Instead of purchasing a mask from a store, use your craft skills to make your own sleep mask at home. Flaxseed acts as a filler to the mask and gives it additional weight to remain in place overnight.

Things You'll Need

• Paper
• Pencil
• Pins
• Scissors
• Flannel
• Heavy fabric
• Needle
• Thread
• Elastic
• Flaxseed

Instructions

1. Draw the outline for the mask on a piece of paper. It should be approximately 3 inches tall and 6 inches wide, leaving a small indent about 1/2 inch in the center to accommodate the bridge of your nose.

2. Place the flannel and heavy fabric together, then hold them up to the light to ensure light cannot pass through and the material can function as a sleep mask.

3. Pin the paper template on top of both the flannel and heavy fabric and cut the pieces out to the same size as the paper template.

4. Place the flannel and fabric on top of each other with the wrong sides facing each other. Sew the pieces together one-fourth of an inch from the edge all around, leaving approximately 2 inches of space open to fill the inside. Use a sewing machine if you have one available. Flip the mask to place the right side out.

5. Cut another piece of fabric 21 inches long and 2 inches wide. Cut a piece of elastic 17 inches long. Fold the fabric in half lengthwise with the right side facing out and sew together, leaving the ends open.

6. Thread the elastic through and sew the ends to the sleep mask to form an elastic band to keep the mask on your head during the night.

7. Fill the mask with flaxseed, then hand-sew the opening closed.

Tips & Warnings

• You also can add a fragrance, such as lavender, to the mask to give it aromatherapy properties and help you fall asleep faster.

Resources

• Sleep Mask Template