Eye Pillow Instructions

Lavender flowers can add scent to a homemade eye pillow.

An eye pillow is a simple sewing project which can be given as a gift or used personally to relax tired eyes. The pillow is made up of fabric and a filler, such as flax seed or rice, that provides weight and gentle pressure when worn. It is optional to add scent to the pillow by adding sprigs of lavender or chamomile. Although the pillow can be sewn by hand, it is wise to use a sewing machine to ensure your stitches are tight and don't allow any of the filler material to escape.

Things You'll Need

• 8 x 10-inch piece of silk, rayon or cotton fabric
• Straight pins
• Thread to match fabric
• 1 1/2 cups of flax seed or rice
• Lavender or chamomile flowers

Instructions

1. Fold your fabric in half with the right side on the inside. The right side of the fabric is the side you ultimately want to show on the outside of your eye pillow. Fold the fabric so the crease you create is parallel with the sides that measure 10 inches each. An 8-inch-by-10-inch piece of fabric will create an eye pillow that measures about 4 inches by 10 inches, less a seam allowance. A seam allowance is the amount of fabric lost when you sew your edges.

2. Pin your folded fabric in place with your straight pins. Depending on your sewing skill, you may wish to do this on just the long side or on both the long side and one of the short sides. Your intent with using the pins is to ensure the fabric does not slip apart or shift as you sew. Therefore, be sure your fabric is folded neatly and your corners meet up before you pin the fabric in place.

3. Sew the long side of the fabric by running it through the sewing machine. Remove the pins as you sew, making sure you remove each pin well before the fabric ahead of it goes under the foot of the machine. Use a straight, short stitch. Repeat on one short side. Leave the remaining short side open for now.

4. Turn the pillow pocket inside out. The right side of the fabric will now be facing outward. Fill the pocket with your filler material, which will include flax seed or rice and scented flowers.

5. Fold the flaps of fabric on the open side of the pocket inside to hide the fabric edge. Sew the last side shut. Because the thread will be seen on the outside of the pillow on this last edge, you may wish to choose a thread that is an exact match for your fabric or a color that is complementary enough to be considered decorative.

References

• Unique Projects: Free Plans -- How To Make An Eye Pillow
• Save On Crafts: How To Make Silk Lavender Eye Pillows

Resources

• Martha Stewart: Easy Sewing Projects For Beginners