How to Make a Blindfold

Blindfolds can have many uses and are easy to make. The most common use is for games, such as "Pin the Tail on the Donkey" or when batting at a piñata. They are also used more sedately as a sleep mask to block out light while sleeping. Learn to make a blindfold that is versatile enough for rest and play. This project uses few supplies and is economical to make. The sleeping mask blindfold makes a wonderful stocking stuffer for adults. Use bright novelty fabric and make blindfolds for your next child's birthday party.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Notebook paper
• Ruler
• Scissors
• 10-inch square fabric
• Lightweight quilt batting, small amount
• 1 yard 5/8-inch wide satin ribbon
• Straight pins
• Sewing machine
• Sewing needle and thread
• Iron

1. Draw a 4 1/2-inch wide by 9 1/2-inch long rectangle on a piece of notebook paper. This is the size of your blindfold. Find the center of 1 long side and mark it. Measure toward the center of the rectangle 1 1/4 inches and mark. On the same long side of the rectangle, make a mark 2 1/4 inches from each short end. Round the edges of each corner on the rectangle. Starting at a 2 1/4-inch mark, curve a line to the mark that is 1 1/4 inch inside the rectangle. Repeat from the other 2 1/4-inch mark. This will give you room for your nose. Cut the pattern out

2. Fold the fabric in half with the right sides together to measure 5 inches wide by 10 inches long. Pin the blindfold pattern to the fabric through both layers. Cut the blindfold out. Pin the blindfold pattern to the lightweight quilt batting and cut out 1 shape.

3. Cut the satin ribbon in half and angle cut each end to prevent it from fraying. Roll up a piece of the ribbon and pin, leaving a 2-inch tail. This will prevent the ribbon from getting caught in the stitching when sewing the blindfold. Repeat for the other piece of ribbon. Place the ribbon between the cut fabric blindfold shapes. Pin the tail edge of the ribbon to the center of each short end of the blindfold. Lay the quilt batting blindfold shape on top of the layered fabric ones and pin through all layers.

4. Sew around the blindfold using a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Leave a 3-inch opening along the top of the blindfold for turning. Trim the seam allowance on the blindfold to 1/8 inch. Turn the blindfold right side out and remove the pins from the ribbon. Press the blindfold and pin the opening closed. Use a sewing needle and matching thread to blind stitch the opening closed. Top stitch the blindfold a scant 1/4 inch from the edge.

References

• Cyndee Kromminga, Craft and Interior Designer; Kro Crafts; Winfield, Kan.