How to Make a Sleeping Mask

If you prefer to sleep in a perfectly dark room, but a little light manages to creep in and disturb your beauty sleep, make your own simple sleeping mask. Sleeping masks are especially handy to take along while traveling, and can help you get that much-needed rest in conditions that can often be unpredictable.

Things You'll Need

• Soft, lightweight fabric
• Ultrasuede fabric for lining
• Light cardboard
• Matching thread
• Paper scissors
• Fabric scissors
• Sewing machine
• Soft ribbon or elastic
• Trim (optional)

Instructions

1. Draw a pattern for the sleeping mask on the heavy paper. If you already have a sleeping mask, you can use it for a pattern. Otherwise, you can draw a mask freehand. Make an oval about 6 inches wide, curved at the bottom for your nose.

2. Fold the heavy paper in half down the center of the mask pattern, so the sides of the mask will be equal, and cut out the pattern. Use the pattern to cut one mask out of the soft mask fabric, and one mask out of the lining fabric. Stack the fabric and cut them both at once, if you want.

3. Measure the elastic by holding one end by the corner of one of your eyes, and pull the elastic around your head to the corner of your other eye. Pull it slightly snug, so the mask won't be too loose. If you're using ribbon, cut two pieces, making them longer so you can tie them in the back.

4. Pin the two mask pieces right sides together, and pin the elastic in place on each side of the mask where the seam will catch it when you sew the fabric. Arrange the elastic inside the mask so you won't catch it when you stitch the mask.

5. With the sewing machine set on a small, straight stitch, sew from one side of the nose around to the other side of the nose, leaving an unstitched place so you can turn the mask right side out. Stitch back and forth a few times to reinforce the elastic. Trim the seams.

6. Turn the mask right side out carefully. Fold the unstitched area under, pin it, and stitch it closed as you topstitch around the entire mask. If you want to add fancy trim around the edges of the mask, stitch it on with the topstitching.

7. Trim the threads and press the sleeping mask lightly, if needed.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have allergies, choose your fabric very carefully. Be especially careful or wool fabric.

• Choose a fabric with a tight weave to keep light out. Good choices are velour or fake fur.