diy sleep mask

How to Make a Homemade (DIY) Sleep Mask – Step-by-Step Guide

The Easy Way to Make a Sleep Mask

Making your own sleep mask at home is a fun and simple project. Instead of buying one that looks just like everyone else’s, you can make your own that fits your style and feels perfect on your face. A sleep mask helps block out light, which can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer—especially if you’re traveling, taking a nap during the day, or sleeping in a bright room. When you make it yourself, you can choose the fabric, the color, and the design, so it feels more personal and special. It also makes a thoughtful and useful gift for someone who travels a lot or just loves their beauty sleep.

Step 1: Preparation

Before you start, you’ll need to gather a few supplies. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Two pieces of soft fabric (for the front and back of the mask)

• A paper pattern (you can print one online)

• A clear ruler

• A seam gauge (helps with measuring small areas)

• Scissors

• Pins

• A water-soluble pen or a pencil

• Thin batting (this is soft padding for comfort)

• Thread

• Elastic (to go around your head)

You don’t need to be a sewing expert. Just have everything ready before you begin, and take your time as you go through the steps.

Step 2: Printing the Eye Mask Pattern

To start, you need to find and print a pattern for your mask. This is just a paper shape that you’ll use as a guide when cutting your fabric. You can search for “free sleep mask pattern” online—there are lots of good ones to choose from. Once you print it, check that the size looks right for your face. If it’s too big or small, you can make it bigger or smaller on your printer or by tracing.

Step 3: Cutting the Pattern

Once you’re happy with the size of the pattern, use paper scissors to carefully cut it out. This gives you the shape of the sleep mask. Cutting neatly here will help make the next steps easier. Try to follow the lines as closely as you can.

Step 4: Cutting the Fabric

Now it’s time to cut your fabric. Pin the paper pattern onto your fabric so it doesn’t move while you cut. You’ll need to cut two pieces of fabric in the same shape—one for the front of the mask and one for the back. It’s best to choose a soft and dark-colored fabric, like black or navy blue, because darker colors help block out more light.

Step 5: Cut the Batting

Next, cut one layer of batting using the same pattern. Batting is the soft, fluffy layer that goes inside the mask to make it more comfortable on your face. Make sure to use thin batting so the mask isn’t too bulky or heavy when you wear it.

Step 6: Pinning the Elastic

Now you’ll add the elastic that wraps around your head. First, measure how long the elastic should be by gently placing it around your head. It should feel snug but not too tight. Once you’ve cut it to the right length, pin one end of the elastic to the right side of one fabric piece, and do the same with the other end on the opposite side. This keeps it in the right place while you sew.

Step 7: Basting the Elastic

Instead of waiting to sew the elastic later, go ahead and sew both ends in place now. This is called “basting,” and it helps make sure the elastic doesn’t move around or come loose. Use a few stitches to hold it securely before you start sewing the full mask.

Step 8: Marking the Center Curve

This part is about making the mask fit better over your nose. Use your water-soluble pen or pencil to draw the curve that goes above your nose on the fabric. This mark shows you where to sew and helps make the shape fit more comfortably on your face. It also makes your stitches neater and more accurate.

Step 9: Pinning the Layers

Now it’s time to put everything together. Lay your two fabric pieces so the good sides are facing each other (this means the outer sides are touching). Place the batting on top. Make sure the elastic is tucked inside and not sticking out of the edges. Pin all the layers together carefully so they stay in place when you sew.

Step 10: Putting the Layers Together

Sew around the edges of the mask using a sewing machine (or sew by hand if you prefer), leaving about 3/8 inch from the edge. Don’t forget to leave a 2-inch opening at the top near the nose area. You’ll use this opening later to turn the mask right-side-out.

Step 11: Trimming the Seam Allowance

Once you’ve finished sewing most of the way around, trim the extra fabric around the edges. This is called trimming the seam allowance. Leave a bit of extra fabric around the top opening so you can close it neatly later. This helps make the mask smoother and more comfortable when it’s finished.

Step 12: Smoothen the Curves

Use a tool like a clear ruler with a rounded edge or even a spoon to gently push out the curved edges of the mask from the inside. This step helps your sleep mask look more rounded and smooth instead of flat or bumpy.

Step 13: Tucking in the Allowance

Now go back to the small opening you left at the top of the mask. Fold the edges inside so they line up with the rest of the mask. Take your time and make the fold neat. This will help the final stitches look nice and keep the mask looking clean and even.

Step 14: Closing the Opening

Use a thread color that matches your fabric and sew the small opening closed. Sew close to the edge—around 1/8 to 1/4 inch from the fold. This is the final seam that seals the mask. Make sure the stitches are small and even so it looks good and doesn’t come apart later.

Step 15: The Final Press

You’re almost done! All you need to do now is use an iron to press the mask. This helps smooth out the fabric and gives the mask a neat, finished look. Make sure the iron isn’t too hot, especially if you used delicate fabric. Once it’s pressed, your homemade sleep mask is ready to wear or give as a gift!

Learn More: Benefits of Wearing a Sleep Mask

Sleep masks are great for blocking out light, which helps your brain relax and produce more melatonin—the hormone that helps you sleep. Wearing a mask can make it easier to fall asleep, especially if you’re in a bright room, on a plane, or trying to take a nap. A good sleep mask can help you feel more rested and improve the quality of your sleep. And when you make your own, it fits you perfectly and feels more personal.