DIY Sleep Mask in 5 Steps. Free Sewing Pattern and Tutorial.

This is the day when we are to sew a beautiful DIY Sleep Mask.

This project is very easy to do and does not take up much fabric.

So, you can use the leftover fabric from your dress slip free pattern and your Slippers free pattern and have a whole pajama set. 

Isn’t that wonderful?

In this tutorial, I will show you how to sew the basic style.

But I will also tell you how to make variations of these sleep masks. For example, a weighted sleep mask and a scented one. 

Are you ready? Let’s sew!

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One of my biggest and more constant problems has been difficulty sleeping.

I have tried to take every tea and even meditation that I have been suggested.

But nothing seemed to work.

It wasn’t until I started to learn about my sleeping habits that I learned something very important. 

I read studies that suggested that having a complete blackout room while you are going to sleep improves your sleeping quality.

So, I decided to give it a try. 

I got blackout shades for my room, but that wasn’t enough. 

Some of the Moonlight will still filter under them. 

The same study said that sleeping masks actually help a lot better because they cover the light entirely. 

And that was the thing that made the whole difference! 

In about a week, I was having a full night’s sleep, and I felt better every time I woke up in the morning.

SEWING A SLEEPING MASK. 

Today, you will realize that this project is very easy to do.

It’s so easy that you’ll want to do more than one of these in one sitting. 

And I suggest you do.

You can give them to your friends and family if you do not want to keep them all.

This sewing project makes a lovely gift for anyone.

And with a bit of imagination and inspiration, you can make them one of a kind.

With the holidays coming, this project also makes an easy last-minute sewing gift that everyone will love.

WHAT IS THE BEST FABRIC FOR A SLEEP MASK? 

The best fabric for a sleep mask is either 100% silk or 100% cotton with 100% cotton batting for structure.

These are the best fabric choices to allow your skin to breathe underneath the mask.

Also, they will keep you fresh and comfortable without damaging your skin.

HOW TO MAKE A DIY SLEEP MASK?

To make this sleep mask, first, click and sign up here to get the free sewing pattern in your inbox. Then, cut your fabric as indicated in the sewing pattern and follow these easy step-by-step sewing instructions in the video or the picture tutorial below.

STEP-BY-STEP SLEEP MASK TUTORIAL

1. Cut your Fabric.

Cut 2 layers of your main fabric mirrored and one layer of batting.

Pin one layer of the main fabric to the batting with the right side of the fabric facing up to you.

If you prefer, you can use sewing clips too. So, your mask is easier to handle.

2. Make an elastic strip.

In this step, you’ll have two options for the elastic of your DIY Sleep Mask. Make a gathered stretch strip, or use just the elastic.

Either choice is good. It all depends on what kind of style you want.

For my satin fabrics, I decided to use a gathered strip as it looks fancier this way.

But I use elastic only on my cotton sheep-printed fabric.

It seemed more casual that way.

Cut 13” or more of your elastic band. Then for the gathered strip cut a strip of fabric of 26” by 2”.

Close the fabric strip lengthwise and turn inside out.

Then, with the help of a loop turner, insert the elastic through.

Finally, pin the edges of the strip to the mask and batting, as shown in the picture above.

3. Pin the layers.

Pin the second layer of the fabric facing down to the other layers.

When you pin the fabrics, make sure that the strip isn’t getting caught by mistake.

Believe me, you don’t want to unstitch that.

Leave an opening of about 2” and pull whatever you can of the strip through it.

4. Sew.

Sew around at ¼” leaving those 2” open.

Make snips all around the curves and turn the piece inside out. Press.

5. Close

Use an invisible stitch to close your sleep mask and you are done!

In this step, you can also sew a topstitch but I’ve found that it looks cleaner without it.

Also, if you want this could be the time to add any decorations or drawings you want.

I made sleeping eyes on one of my masks. 

Another good idea could be writing the name of the person who’s going to use that sleep mask.

WEIGHTED SLEEP MASK PATTERN

Weighted sleep masks are actually very good for improving sleep, too! They work just like a weighted blanket. To make one, use the same free sewing pattern and stuff it with rice and a couple of drops of your favorite essential oils.

You can also use materials you have bought, such as plastic poly pellets or steel shot beads.

But to keep it natural and safe, stick it with rice.

That way you can also use it as a heating pad to relax after a long day.

ARE SLEEP MASKS BAD FOR YOUR SKIN?

Absolutely no. Sleep Masks are very beneficial for your health as long as you take good care of them. It’s even better to make your own DIY Sleep Mask that way you can have control over the materials used. 

Change them every 2 days and wash them with neutral soap either by hand or on the gentle cycle of your washing machine.

As they go right over our face it is important to treat this item very carefully. Don’t let it in a place where it can gather dust or dirt.

Also, have more than one sleep mask, so you don’t use the same one 2 days in a row.

Remember that we still sweat when we sleep. And we don’t want to put a sweaty mask on our eyes every night, right?

So. How are some fun design ideas you would put on your DIY sleep mask? Let me know in the comments below.

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