How to Make Sleeping Masks With Embroidery Writing

Look at traditional needlework letters for design inspiration.

A sleeping mask is a relatively simple and quick sewing project that makes a thoughtful homemade gift for anyone in need of some rest and relaxation. The addition of embroidered writing, perhaps her name, a special word or a short quotation, makes it even more special. If you are new to embroidery, use a simple running stitch for the writing; experts can use all manner of stitches and decorative details.

Things You'll Need

• Squared paper
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Fabric
• Fabric pencil
• Embroidery hoop
• Embroidery needle
• Embroidery thread or floss
• Fusible interfacing
• Iron
• Narrow elastic
• Pins
• Sewing machine
• Sewing thread
• Sewing needle

Instructions

Embroider the Fabric

1. Draw a pattern for your sleeping mask on squared paper. Make it actual size, and make sure it is symmetrical. You could shape it like a fat figure-of-eight, it could be kidney-shaped or it could be straight along the top with two u-shaped parts for the eyes, similar to a large pair of sunglasses. Cut the paper pattern out with scissors.

2. Place the paper pattern down on the right side of your fabric, and trace around it with a fabric pencil. Make sure there is enough fabric around the outsides of the shape to position it in the center of your embroidery hoop.

3. Write your name, word or phrase on the front of the mask shape with the fabric pencil. You can practice on a piece of paper beforehand to get the design right, or print it out from your computer in a nice font and trace it.

4. Place the fabric in your embroidery hoop so that the marked outline of the mask shape is in the center.

5. Stitch the word following the pencil lines. You could use one long running stitch; other options include stem stitch, split stitch, back stitch and couching. Trim the ends of the thread when you have finished stitching.

Sew the Sleeping Mask

1. Use your paper template to trace a second eye mask shape on the fabric and one on fusible interfacing. Cut out the interfacing mask shape along the outlines. Cut the two fabric shapes (one embroidered, the other plain) about half an inch from the pencil outlines.

2. Place the fusible interfacing shape adhesive-side-down on the reverse side of your embroidered fabric shape. Position it in the center, covering the back of your embroidery work, with a half-inch margin of fabric around the edges. Use a hot iron to fuse the interfacing to the fabric following the manufacturer's instructions.

3. Take the second (plain) fabric shape and place it right-side-up on your ironing board or table. Place the embroidered fabric shape right-side-down (and interfacing-side-up), on top of the plain fabric shape, matching the edges together. Place pins around the edges, through both layers of fabric. Cut an 8-inch length of elastic, and pin each short end to one side of the eye mask. Pin the elastic in place on the wrong side of the fabric; do not tuck it between the layers.

4. Sew a seam around the edges of the mask, stitching around the edges, just to the outside of the interfacing shape and through the two layers of fabric. Stitch slowly over the pieces of elastic at the sides. Stop stitching when you get to about 2 inches from the beginning of the seam, and back-stitch a few times.

5. Turn the eye mask right-side out through the 2-inch gap in the seam. Press the layers flat with your iron, and fold the raw edges of the 2-inch gap to the inside. Hand-stitch the gap closed.

Tips & Warnings

• Make the sleeping mask cozier by adding a little polyester stuffing inside or using a soft, lofty type of fusible interfacing.

• For a colorful look without having to change thread colors, use a variegated embroidery thread or floss.

• Use a tightly-woven, dark colored fabric to help the sleeping mask block light, and make sure it is soft so that it feels good against the face.

References

• Crafts for all Seasons: Sleep Mask for Mom
• "Hip to Stitch"; Melinda A, Barta; 2005