Learn how to sew a sleep mask with this free downloadable sewing pattern and step-by-step photo tutorial from Sew Hungry Hippie. This DIY eye mask uses an outer fabric, a lining, woven interfacing, batting or fusible fleece, and a soft elastic strap. Pick a print you love and let's sew something fabulous!
To make a sleep mask, prepare the fabric layers, attach the elastic at the pattern markings, sew the outer fabric and lining right sides together, then turn the mask right side out and hand-stitch the opening closed. The detailed steps and photos below walk you through the process.
Download the free sleep mask sewing pattern
Download the free Sew Hungry Hippie sleep mask pattern PDF. Use the pattern shape and its markings for elastic placement and the turning opening.
Supplies for your DIY sleep mask
- One piece of outer (focus) fabric, roughly 10 inches × 6 inches
- One piece of lining fabric, roughly 10 inches × 6 inches
- Two pieces of woven fusible interfacing. I use Natalie's Woven Interfacing.
- One piece of batting or fusible fleece
- 13–14 inches of elastic. I always use soft elastic meant for underwear.
- Hand-sewing needle and thread
- The free sleep mask pattern linked above
Have your sewing machine, scissors, pins, and iron ready, too. Use a 1/2-inch seam allowance throughout. Check the elastic fit before finishing so your mask feels comfortable rather than too tight.
How to sew a sleep mask, step by step
1. Fuse interfacing to both fabric pieces
Cut your outer fabric, lining, interfacing, and batting or fleece using the pattern. Fuse woven interfacing to the wrong side of each fabric piece.
The photos show interfacing and batting cut 1/4 inch smaller than the fabric. After making this mask, I preferred cutting them the same size as the fabric. Both ways work, so use the approach you like best.
2. Add batting or fusible fleece to the lining
Fuse the fleece over the woven interfacing on the lining piece. If you are using batting instead, press it in place; it will stick somewhat.
3. Attach the elastic strap
Attach the short ends of the elastic at the side markings on the pattern. If your elastic has a right side, place it right sides together with the fabric. Make sure the strap is not twisted.
4. Place the fabric layers right sides together
Place the lining and outer fabric right sides together and pin them in place. Tuck the elastic inside, keeping it away from the stitching path except at the attached ends.
5. Sew around the edge and leave a turning opening
Carefully sew around the mask with a 1/2-inch seam allowance, leaving an opening at the top where marked on the pattern. Alternatively, baste across the opening and unpick those basting stitches before turning. I like this method because it helps train the fabric to turn inward neatly.
Before closing the mask, try it on to check that the elastic is comfortable and not too tight.
6. Clip or notch the curves
Clip or notch the curved seam allowance as needed, taking care not to cut through your stitching.
7. Turn the mask right side out and press
Turn the mask through the opening. Gently ease out the curved seams with a knitting needle or a turning tool, being careful not to poke through the fabric. Press well and tuck the opening's raw edges inward.
8. Hand-stitch the opening closed
Close the opening with a whip stitch or slip stitch using your hand-sewing needle and thread.
Sleep mask sewing FAQs
How much fabric do I need to sew a sleep mask?
For this pattern, start with one outer fabric piece and one lining piece, each roughly 10 inches × 6 inches. You will also need two pieces of woven interfacing and one piece of batting or fusible fleece.
How much elastic do I need for this sleep mask?
This tutorial uses 13–14 inches of soft elastic. Try the mask on before finishing and adjust the elastic as needed for a comfortable fit.
What interfacing is used in this sleep mask tutorial?
I use Natalie's Woven Interfacing on the wrong sides of both fabrics, plus batting or fusible fleece on the lining piece.
What seam allowance should I use?
Use a 1/2-inch seam allowance throughout this sleep mask sewing tutorial.
How do I close the opening after turning the mask?
Press the raw edges inward, then hand-sew the opening closed with a whip stitch or slip stitch.
Wear your mask and feel Faaaaaaaaabulous dahhhhlings!
XOXO
