![Homemade sleeping mask / eyeshade](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/ppds/3a8007ea-499d-47ac-81a4-5777b997f4bc.jpg)
Handmade remnant fabric sleeping masks deliver big on beauty rest - they're the perfect gift for new moms in need of shut-eye or jet-setting friends enduring time zone shifts. Keep a few around the house for when you need a little R&R - they're also a nice (and easy!) addition to any guestroom night kit.
Things You'll Need
Cotton fabric scraps
Felt
1/2 inch elastic
Straight pins
Decorative trim
Sewing machine
Coordinating thread
Scissors
Mask template
Poly batting
Pencil
Iron and ironing board
Fabric glue (optional)
Video of the Day
Step 1: Print Template and Cut Pattern Pieces
Print and cut out a mask template from the free download here. Cut out one front mask piece, one back mask piece, and one poly filler piece.
Video of the Day
![Cut mask pattern](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/ppds/00d83e5c-805b-4a41-be75-960253498789.jpg)
![mask pieces](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/ppds/636f677e-d72c-4cdf-b42b-786e7be745bc.jpg)
Step 2: Add Appliqué Details
If you would like to add felt appliqué facial features, cut them out and top stitch them onto your mask.
![Sleeping Eye Mask](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/ppds/d865b447-0688-405b-9b38-200f8788fe35.jpg)
Step 3: Pin and Sew
Align both mask pattern pieces right-sides facing in, and pin around the outside edge.
![Making Eye Mask](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/ppds/42b188a2-fc02-43db-89bb-35a66c887361.jpg)
![Pinning Eye Mask](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/ppds/697cfe35-4c4a-44ae-90a8-406fe2dca663.jpg)
Align the presser foot with the edge of the fabric and sew a straight stitch along the edge of the mask, leaving a 2-inch gap on either side.
![Sewing Eye Mask](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/ppds/f61ebbb0-4472-44ff-bf43-09645dee5176.jpg)
Step 4: Snip Curves
Before turning right-side out, snip 1/8-inch cuts along the curved edges of the mask. Cut a notch at the nose of the mask an 1/8 inch away from the seam to create a sharper corner when inverted.
![Trimming Eye Mask](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/ppds/3a8047d6-3cfe-4be4-a5cf-a7fe12cff90b.jpg)
![Trimming Eye Mask](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/ppds/4a2568c0-f215-45a4-9d51-ce70b1fd3105.jpg)
Step 5: Turn Corners
Gently turn your mask right-side out, using a pencil eraser to help round out the edges.
![Turning Corners](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/ppds/71000c8e-d8e7-4bc3-a642-e7c7f800044c.jpg)
Tip
Press your mask before adding filling or attaching elastic.
Step 6: Insert Batting
Fold the poly batting in half and gently work into the side of the mask -- use a pencil eraser to work into corners if needed.
![filling mask](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/ppds/a37b1965-47d2-4134-be3c-b06f1a3f29a1.jpg)
Step 7: Measure and Attach Elastic
Temporarily pin elastic to the sides of the mask to measure around your head for a comfortable fit. Give yourself a 1/4 inch extra on each side to insert into open side seams. Fold in extra seam allowance, insert elastic and pin before sewing into place.
![Measuring Elastic](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/ppds/f77a4f98-9a60-4f5a-83e4-1f216bb09eab.jpg)
Tip
Use a fun pompom trim to hide stitches attaching elastic.
![Pinning Trim](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/ppds/f208d12b-29c4-4dfd-9019-f2e35ff5867a.jpg)
Step 8: Add Trim
Pin trim along the mask edge and secure with a topstitch or fabric glue.
![Pinning Trim](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/ppds/72056e35-2f77-46c3-97b1-ecc6dca3c56d.jpg)
![Finished Mask](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/ppds/06ecf7a6-25e9-4a4d-a553-430fb82f3025.jpg)
Enjoy stylish slumber with your new hand-sewn sleeping mask. Add pockets to the eyes of your mask for dried lavender sachets or cooling gel packs for a spa like experience.
Have questions or ideas for cute sleeping masks? Leave them for us in the comments below!