How to Make a Sleep Mask

Sleep masks can work anywhere.

Sleep masks provide the darkness you might need in bright or unfamiliar places, like airplanes and hotel rooms. MayoClinic.com says if you have trouble sleeping even at home, they can be part of creating a comfortable environment, including turning off the phone and posting a "Do not disturb" sign on your door.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric remnant
• Batting or quilted mattress pad remnant
• Chalk or marking pencil
• 1-inch-wide, 14 1/2-inch-wide elastic
• Sewing machine
• Scissors
• Needle and thread
• Cardboard
• Pencil
• Craft scissors
• Embroidery thread (optional)
• Sequins and/or trim (optional)

Instructions

1. Draw a 4-by-8 1/4-inch rectangle on the cardboard. At the center bottom of the rectangle, measure up a half-inch and mark with the pencil. Make a tapered line from this point that graduates to the 4 height on both sides; this forms the bridge that will curve around your nose. Round the edges of the rectangle to shape the sleep mask and cut around the line.

2. Lay the pattern on top of a doubled piece of fabric and use chalk or a marking pencil to trace a quarter-inch away from edge of cardboard. Cut along this line to start your sleep mask.

3. Place the back side of the mask front on top of batting. Pin it in place and cut near the edge of fabric piece. If you have ample batting, make a rough cut farther from your fabric piece to make sewing these pieces together a little easier.

4. Stitch the batting to the back side of the fabric piece a quarter-inch from the edge. Trim any excess batting. Now you can add personal touches to make a sleep mask with a unique design. When 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. Sew each end of the elastic strip close to the edges at the center of mask front. Fold the elastic down flat in the center and pin with the right sides together. Sew a quarter-inch from the edge, leaving a 4-inch opening at the top of the mask.

6. Snip the curved bridge of the nose section just to the stitch line. Turn the mask right side out.

Tips & Warnings

• Suggested fabrics are soft cottons, satin and fleece. Any fabric soft to the touch is recommended.

References

• MayoClinic.com: Adult Health