There is nothing worse than getting a bad night's sleep. Especially if you have kids, you need every precious minute you can get. A simple DIY sleep mask will help keep the light out and hopefully save a little of your sanity.
DIY Sleep Masks
Sleep masks are designed to block out light and help you sleep better. They are sometimes called eye masks. Light from either natural or artificial sources can disrupt our sleep patterns and leave us feeling tired and lethargic.
More Masks
This tutorial is for a sleep mask.
- If you are looking for a protective face mask, see my tutorial on face mask pattern.
- If you are looking for a fancier sleep mask, then see my tutorial on the cat mask.
Sleep Mask Face Mask
DIY Sleep Mask - Supplies
- FABRIC - Cotton fabric for the front and back of the sleep mask. Choose a soft fabric that won't irritate your skin.
- INTERFACING - Fusible fleece. If you can't get fusible fleece, then use regular heavy interfacing to give the DIY sleep mask some body. You could also use an extra layer of flannel or soft fabric in the middle.
- ELASTIC - ¼ inch (6mm) to ⅝ inch (1.5cm) elastic. I used a pretty fold over elastic in a ⅝ inch (1.5cm) width. Fold over elastic sits really flat and is super stretchy making a comfortable option. Around 13-14" fits most heads.
- PATTERN - Click here to download the pattern. Make sure you measure the test square to ensure your printer has scaled correctly. The PDF will open in a new window.
If you are new to printing PDF patterns then read my article which will show you the settings you need.
DIY Sleep Mask - The Video
Watch this short video on how to make your mask. I have new videos weekly on my YouTube channel so don't forget to subscribe.
Press PLAY below >>
DIY Sleep Mask - Instructions
Here are the instructions and see the pictures further down.
Step 1 - Cutting
From your pattern, cut 2 pieces from fabric and 1 piece from the fusible fleece.
- 2 Fabric (one front and one back)
- 1 Interfacing
Step 2 - Add Interfacing
On the wrong side of the front piece of fabric, press the fusible fleece with the glue side down.
Step 3 - Baste Elastic
On the right side of the front, baste the elastic at the sides in the position marked on your pattern piece. If your elastic has a pattern on it then put the pattern facing down. Do a quick test to see if it fits your face and is comfortable. Adjust the elastic if necessary.
Step 4 - Stitch Around
Put the back and front fabric pieces with right sides together. Stitch around with a ¼ inch (6mm) seam allowance and leave a 2 inch (5cm) gap at the top.
Step 5 - Clip
Clip around the curves. Make sure you leave the gap unclipped. Pinking shears can do a great job of reducing bulk. (Read Clipping Sewing)
Step 6 - Turn and Press
Turn your sleep mask to the right side and give it a good press. Just make sure you don't put the iron on the elastic as it might melt. I did this on the first sample I made and it completely ruined the elastic.
Step 7 - Topstitch
Topstitch around the edge of the mask. Move the elastic out of the way as you sew and make sure you don't catch it in.
DIY Sleep Mask - In Conclusion
All ready for an afternoon nap now! Now that might be wishful thinking but if you are lucky enough, then get out your mask on and snooze away.
Treasurie
Cut a little semi circle and add it at the bottom before you sew the back and front together. Good luck!
Michelle
I am a little late to the party but I'm working on one now and it'll be a slow go with hand stitching but I want that little piece of fabric that covers the bridge of the nose. Do you have any ideas? I'll probably figure it out but I thought you'd be better at this. Thank you
Thea
Wonderful! I made one using your template. My fourth ever sewing project. Thank you, this was really helpful. Definitely going to look around your blog and see what else you have.
Martha C
Thank you for the mask pattern!
Catherine
Thank you! This is such a fun, quick sew. I made 2 in no time!
Treasurie
Hi Heather, try a 2.5 length and 3-4 tension on a scrap and then adjust it if necessary.
Treasurie
Hi Heather, It does depend on your machine and the fabric you use. For a cotton fabric do a test on a scrap of length 2.5 and tension 3-4. See how it looks and adjust.
Heather
What is the proper stitch length and tension?
Heidi Johnson
Thank you for this pattern and instructions. We made these these sleep masks today in my Beginner Sewing camp and they came out wonderfully...even the youngest camper was able to manage it. Great DIY project!
Treasurie
Hi Jessica, it depends on your fabrics of course. I found that the fleece is quite dense and made a big difference. Use darker colors too. Fabrics should be tightly woven.
Jessica
Can you still see light through the layers of fabric/fleece? I'm looking for something that "blacks out" and I'm wondering if I'd have to add a layer of blackout like a curtain.
Amanda
This sounds amazing, I would be make this sleep mask for me. I just love sleep mask and very excited to make this.
Treasurie
Hi Susan, Around 13-14″ fits most heads. My head is 22″ and 13″ was comfortable. The fold over elastic I used was quite stretchy so it does depend on your elastic as well.
Treasurie
Hi Susan, Around 13-14" fits most heads. My head is 22" and 13" was comfortable. The fold over elastic I used was quite stretchy so it does depend on your elastic as well.
Treasurie
Hi Susan, the raw edges are folded in by the seam allowance and pressed. The edges will naturally fold in when you turn it the right way out. Then when you topstitch this gap will be closed and invisible. Thanks for reading.
Susan
Another question since I am new at this...what do I do about the raw edges in the opening after turning thru the opening and pressing?
Susan
Did I miss where it said how much elastic to use?