How to Make a Sleep Mask
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.
- Difficulty:
- Easy
Instructions
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)
-
-
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.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Suggested fabrics are soft cottons, satin and fleece. Any fabric soft to the touch is recommended.
Related Searches
References
- Photo Credit Digital Vision./Digital Vision/Getty Images
Comments
-
Shirley Philbrick
Apr 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
Apr 14, 2009
Thanks for the article on making a sleep mask. These would make great gifts! 5*
-
ReuseItAll
Apr 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
Apr 11, 2009
Only 40 minutes? I'll trade 2X the time to make just one. Always great, creative ideas from veryirie.
-
bossypants
Apr 11, 2009
40 minutes for 40 winks! Of course it's worth it! And what luxury to have a soft and snuggly sleep mask! I think I will make these for my house guests! Thanks!
