Sew an Eye Mask



This is a wonderful, easy item to sew.  You can give this as a stocking stuffer to a family member, make matching ones, or give it as a gift for that person that has light sensitivity.  I love using these for road tripping, or simply, to help me reduce light when I have a migraine.  Flannel and fleece are comfortable materials that will provide a soft, cushy feeling against your eyes. Dark color interior helps for that as well. The final measurements are approximately 4" x 8" so once again, you can use scraps for this project. 

Grab a link from below for an eye mask.  They are not mine.... just some I found online.  If you do not like them, you could download your own pattern from off the internet, for free, there are many, OR head to the dollar tree and buy a thin, cheap one that you rip at the seams and use as a pattern. 

To sew, gather the following materials:



 1 outer layer of cotton fabric

1 lining (go rest against your eyes)

1 layer of fleece OR flannel

12" elastic that measures 1/8 " or thicker

Let's get started!








First, place the outer facing fabric face up as shown. Then place the elastic across the face mask so that it is directly in the middle. 


Get the lining fabric, the material that will be placed on your eyes.  Place that material on top of the outer fabric and elastic.  You will be creating a sandwich.  Next, place the fleece, or flannel layer on top of that lining fabric.  You will need to fold the middle of the elastic inwards, as it is too long.  You only want about 1/4' left outside of the mask (with the raw edges). Pin sideways to ensure catching the elastic.  Pin. Starting at the top of the mask on one side, sew all the way around the mask leaving a gap on the top - to turn right side out. I find it easier to sew along a straight edge, instead of a curve when you want to topstitch an item.


Once you have sewn around the mask, cut around the curves of the mask.  Be careful not to cut into the stitch line. Cutting the curves will help reduce bulk when you turn the item right side out. 


Turn the mask right side out.  Use a chopstick, or pencil with and eraser, to smooth around the curved edges inside of the mask.  Iron flat.  This will help flatten the seams inside that you cut, to prepare for the next step. 

Top stitch around the mask.  When sewing around the curves, you may want to use a smaller stitch length than you are use to.  It makes it easier to go around curves and turn item. I found this particularly helpful when sewing around the nose/bridge area as well.  

That's it!  Simple.  Easy!  

If you end up sewing someone a pair of pajamas, this will be a cool item to add as a matching accessory. 




If you would like to see a video on how I sewed this eye mask, take a look at the video below.  Just fast forward to the part you need. 

Get some eye mask patterns from the links below.
 



Eye Mask Patterns - I know nothing about these patterns or sites.  I just wanted to make things a bit easier for you... simpler. : )

1. So Sew Easy
2. All Free Sewing