How To Sew A Sleep Eye Mask Using Scrap Fabric

An eye mask is a quick and easy sewing project that you can make using scrap fabric. This would make a nice gift, included in a basket with some bath salts or a reading light.

For this project you will need a piece of scrap fabric (one fourth of a yard should be plenty). The options for fabric choice are varied. A soft, comfy flannel would be nice, or you could use a pretty, embroidered brocade. Stiff fabric will be much harder to work with for a small project like this.

You will need a length of ¼ inch elastic. The length of the elastic depends of the circumference of the head that will be wearing the eye mask, but 18 inches will be enough.

You will also need something to fill the eye mask with. You can use long grain, unconverted rice, or you can buy special cooling beads from a health store. A drop of essential oil to add a soothing scent would be a nice addition, or you can add dried flowers such as lavender.

The first thing you need to do to make an eye mask is make a pattern. You can either draw one, or find one on the internet and print it out. Cut the pattern out of thin paper.

Fold your piece of scrap fabric with right sides together. Pin the pattern to both layers of fabric. Carefully cut out the fabric following the pattern. You should have two pieces of the same shape. Remove the pins and set the pattern aside.

Keeping the two pieces you have cut out right sides together, put the elastic in between. Stick one end of the elastic out about ½ inch on the side. Sew around the edge of the mask, over the elastic that is sticking out. Leave about 1 inch unsewn, on the side opposite where you put the elastic end.

Turn the mask inside right, through the hole you left unsewn. Pull the elastic around your head to measure how long it will need to be. Remember to tighten it enough so that the eye mask will stay on. Add an extra inch to your measurement and cut off the excess elastic.

Fill the eye mask with your desired filling. Use a few tablespoons if you like a light pressure on your eyes, more if you prefer a heavier weight on your eyelids. Once you have filled the eye mask to your liking, sew up the last inch of your mask, with the extra inch of elastic sealed inside.