Did you know that the average cat sleeps 15 hours per day? Sometimes when you have kids or a stressful job, you desperately wish you were a cat! Now you can make yourself a cute cat mask with this simple sleep mask template so you can make the most of every minute of sleep.
Table of Contents
Sleep Mask Template - Supplies
- FABRIC - Cotton fabric for the front and back. Make sure it is soft and breathable. Quilting cotton or flannel is a great choice. Cut 2 (one front and one back)
- INTERFACING - Fusible fleece. If you can't get fusible fleece, then regular heavy interfacing will work. You can also just add an extra layer of scrap fabric. You just want the mask to be a bit thicker and softer inside.
- FELT - A small scrap of felt for the nose
- PEN - Fabric pen, fabric paint or embroidery floss for the eyes. I used a fabric pen.
- ELASTIC - Elastic for the back of the head. It can be ⅝ inch (1.5cm) to ¼ inch (6mm). I like fold-over elastic as it comes in pretty colors and is really flat and soft so doesn't dig-in to your head. Around 13-14" fits most heads.
- PATTERN - Your pattern piece. Click here to download and don't forget to measure the test square.
If you are new to my patterns, read how to print PDF patterns.
Sleep Mask Template - The Video
Watch this short video on how to make your mask with my sleep mask template. I have new videos twice weekly on my YouTube channel so don’t forget to subscribe.
Sleep Mask Template - Instructions
Step 1: Interfacing
Turn your front piece to the wrong side and press on the fusible fleece with the adhesive side down
Step 2: Decorate Face
Decorate the face. Stitch the felt piece on the nose and paint or embroider the eyes. For embroidered eyes, a backstitch works well. I found the easiest way to transfer the face markings on to my fabric was using dressmaker's carbon in a contrast color.
If you use a fabric pen or paint don't forget to press with your iron to set it. I forgot in the first sample I made and the pen smudged as it wasn't set properly.
Step 3: Baste Elastic
On the right side of the front, baste the elastic in place at the sides. The position is marked on your pattern piece.
Step 4: Stitch
Put the front and back with right sides together and stitch around with a ¼inch (6mm) seam allowance. Make sure you leave a 2 inch (5cm) gap at the top.
Step 5: Clip & Turn
Clip the curves of the face and the ears at the corners, leaving the gap unclipped.
Turn the mask to the right side and give it a good press. Make sure the seam allowance at the gap is folded neatly to the inside. Don't put the iron on the elastic or acrylic felt as it will melt.
Step 6: Topstitch
Topstitch all the way around. Move the elastic out of the way so it doesn't get caught up as you sew.
And now you are all ready for a cat nap.
More Fat Quarter Projects
Make your sleep mask look professional by adding a DIY fabric label. Learn how to make your own clothing labels great for all crafts.
Stephanie
What a wonderful sleeping mask! Thank you 🙂
Treasurie
Hi Phyllis, glad it all worked out with the printing. Good luck in your sewing.
Phyllis Loveless
I found it, sorry. Gonna make a bunch for the girls. Too cute, thanks.
Phyllis Loveless
How do I get the paperwork pattern to print out?