DIY Sleep Mask | How to draft and sew an easy mask pattern for beginners, by Christine's Home Affairs on YouTube. 17 min 42 s.
- Video length
- 17 min 42 s
- Time to do it
- 45 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 10
What you need
Steps
Draw a sleep mask shape on paper. Make it about 20 cm wide and 9 cm tall at the centre, with a gentle curve for the nose. Cut it out as your template.
Fold your fabric in half with right sides together. Pin the paper template on top and cut two fabric pieces, giving a 1 cm seam allowance.
Cut one piece of fusible fleece or thin batting to the same shape. Fuse it to the wrong side of one fabric piece with a warm iron, following the fleece instructions.
Place the two fabric pieces right sides together. Pin around the edge, leaving a 5 cm gap on one short side for turning.
Sew around the edge with a straight stitch and a 1 cm seam allowance. Backstitch at the start and end of the gap to lock the stitches.
Trim the seam allowance to about 5 mm and snip small notches into the curves. Do not cut through the stitching.
Turn the mask right side out through the gap. Push out the corners with a blunt tool, then press the mask flat with an iron.
Cut a piece of elastic about 30 cm long, or measure around your head and add 3 cm. Tuck the ends into the gap at each side and pin them in place.
Topstitch all the way around the mask close to the edge. This closes the gap and secures the elastic. Go slowly over the elastic ends.
Try the mask on. Adjust the elastic length if it feels tight or loose, then trim any loose threads.
Tips and common mistakes
Use a soft, breathable fabric like cotton or silk for the side that touches your face.
Keep the pins inside the seam allowance so the needle does not hit them and break.
Press the mask after turning it so the edges lie flat before topstitching.
Test the elastic length on your head before sewing it in, since it is hard to change later.
Questions
Can I sew this sleep mask by hand?
Yes. Use a backstitch or running stitch around the edge and a small slip stitch to close the gap. It takes longer but works fine.
What fabric works best for a sleep mask?
Soft cotton, silk or satin feel best against the skin. Avoid scratchy or stiff fabrics, especially for the inner layer.
How do I make the mask block more light?
Add a layer of blackout fabric or a second piece of batting between the layers. Keep the total thickness thin enough to sew through.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
