How to Make a Sleep Mask

Who says sleep masks have to be boring? You can make a sleep mask as simple or as ornate as you wish with these easy to follow instructions.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• fabric remnant
• batting or quilted mattress pad remnant
• chalk or marking pencil
• 1" wide elastic at 14 1/2" long
• sewing machine
• scissors
• needle and thread
• cardboard for pattern
• pencil
• craft scissors
• embroidery thread (optional)
• sequins and/or trim (optional)

1. 
    
   Cardboard template.

   To make a sleep mask, draw a pattern on cardboard in the shape shown in picture. Simply draw a rectangle that is 8 1/4" long x 4" tall. At center bottom of rectangle, measure up 1/2" and mark with pencil.
   Now make a tapered line from this point that graduates to the 4" height on both sides; this forms the bridge that will curve around the nose. Round edges of rectangle to shape sleep mask and cut on line with craft scissors.

2. 
    
   Trace pattern.

   With pattern laid on top of doubled piece of fabric, use chalk or marking pencil and trace 1/4" away from edge of cardboard. Cut along this line to start your sleep mask.

3. 
    
   Cut batting.

   Place wrong side of mask front on top of batting. (Note picture shows two different masks.) Pin in place and cut near edge of fabric piece.
   If you have ample batting, make a "rough cut" further away from your fabric piece to make sewing these pieces together a little easier.

4. 
    
   Stitch batting.

   On sewing machine, stitch batting to wrong side of fabric piece 1/4" from the edge. Trim any excess batting.
   
   To make a sleep mask with a definite design, now is the time to do this. While applying trim or decoration to the mask, remember the straight edge of the mask is the top and the curved section is the bottom to fit around the nose.

5. 
    
   Pin and sew.

   Make a sleep mask to fit well. Cut elastic strip 14 1/2" long. Sew each end close to edges at center of mask front. Fold elastic down flat in center and pin pieces with right sides together. Sew 1/4" from edge leaving a 4" opening at top of sleep mask.

6. 
    
   Sleeping masks.

   With scissors, snip curved bridge of nose section just to stitch line. Turn mask right side out. Slip stitch opening closed.
   
   Only basic sewing skills and approximately 40 minutes are required to make a sleep mask. Isn't 40 minutes a small price to pay for a good 40 winks? Zzzzzz

Tips & Warnings

• Suggested fabrics are soft cottons, satin, fleece. Any fabric soft to the touch is recommended.
• For decorating your mask, keep in mind some trims may not be washable.
• For the eye sleep mask, the shape of the closed eye is embroidered. Sew an actual pair of fake eyelashes to the bottom and a row of sequins on top.
• Because this project uses so little fabric, it's easy to double the fabric on both front and back pieces. This method adds a little more softness and stability to the structure and makes assembly that much simpler.
• A sleep mask makes a fun, inexpensive yet useful gift for anyone.

[chessieko]

on 6/27/2009 Good clear instructions. For anyone wanting an extra challenge this is cute with cording around the edge and a soft velour fabric on the underpart. And to be fancy I made one with a jasmine scented flax pillow inside. Heated in the microwave makes a nice sinus treatment. But would be best for the spa and a bit bulky for sleeping.

[slphilbrick]

on 4/16/2009 LOL, as I'm reading this..... I'm thinking of making one of these with the eyes on it to use for my clients who prefer darkness during their sessions. I doubt I'd stop laughing though.... !!!! But sleep masks are more effective than people realize ... excellent step by step directions!

[FrazzledNanny]

on 4/14/2009 Thanks for the article on making a sleep mask. These would make great gifts! 5*

[ReuseItAll]

on 4/13/2009 I've never used a sleep mask and have thought from time to time, I wonder if it would help! I love this idea! Great instructions and because it doesn't take long, I could make these homemade sleep masks and give them to friends as gifts! Thanks!

[e-Rambler]

on 4/11/2009 Only 40 minutes? I'll trade 2X the time to make just one. Always great, creative ideas from veryirie.