Eye Cover for Sleep Tutorial

Last Updated on December 18, 2022 by Ellen Christian

If you’ve been considering a sleep mask, make this simple eye cover for sleep. Learn how it can improve sleep quality and help you get more restful sleep each night.

Eye Cover for Sleep

An eye mask can help you fall asleep more quickly and sleep better each night. It helps block out light which makes falling asleep easier.

I always add a simple, no-frills sleep mask to my travel bag when I travel. It helps me sleep on the plane and in an unfamiliar hotel room. It’s an absolute must for light sleepers.

This sleep mask will work for any face shapes or nose types.

Benefits of sleep masks

There are many benefits to wearing a sleep mask. They include:

• Light blocking
• Improved sleep quality
• Lessen puffy eyes
• Get a better night’s sleep

Sleep masks are also called eye masks. A sleep eye mask is a lightweight mask you wear while sleeping at night.

It rests gently on your nose bridge and blocks out both light and distractions. Blocking light can help many people fall asleep. This is especially true for restless sleepers.

I get the best sleep in total darkness. You may also consider blackout curtains or a weighted blanket to help you sleep at night.

Tips for a more peaceful sleep space

If you have trouble sleeping, there are a few things you can do to create a more peaceful sleep environment.

Consider these tips from sleep experts for a better night’s rest.

• Use an eye mask
• Sleep in complete darkness
• Invest in blackout curtains or light-blocking curtains
• Buy a white noise machine
• Wear earplugs
• Keep your room at a neutral temperature
• Diffuse essential oils
• Create a bedtime routine

These simple changes to your sleep environment can make a big difference in your sleep quality and help you get a good night’s rest.

What sleep position will this work for?

If you are a side sleeper, back sleeper, or stomach sleeper, an eye mask can help. Some people find that an eye mask helps them sleep better in any position.

Stomach sleepers can choose an eye mask with a velcro closure to hold it more firmly. Back sleepers may want to use an elastic band that connects at the sides to avoid an uncomfortable lump in the back.

The best material for a sleep mask

The best sleep mask will be made of a soft, lightweight material. The fabric should not irritate your skin or eyes. Try wrinkle resistant fabric.

Cooling jersey cotton or pure silk sleep mask will be the most comfortable in warm weather. But you can make a flannel or cotton sleep eye mask as well.

How to wash a sleep mask

You should wash your sleep mask regularly. A good rule of thumb is to wash it after 3-4 uses which is why it must be machine washable.

This is even more true if you have sensitive skin. Oil from your nose bridge and skin can build up on the eye mask.

This sleep mask is machine washable. Wash it in a mesh laundry bag on the delicate cycle in cold water. You can also hand wash it with mild soap. Let it air dry or use a low tumble dry setting.

If you have a silk eye mask, use a gentle detergent for silk.

Eye mask supplies

• A printable sleep mask pattern
• Sewing Machine
• Scissors
• Pins or Clips
• Fabric Pencil or Chalk
• Thread (match color of the fabric)
• Outer Fabric (used a print satin fabric)
• Back Fabric (used a black satin fabric)
• Fusible Fleece
• Iron
• Ironing Board
• Pressing Cloth
• 3/4 Inch Wide Elastic or make a velcro band.

Pro tips for making the best sleep mask

If you have longer hair, consider using a velcro strap instead of an elastic band, so it doesn’t get tangled in your hair.

Choose a breathable, super soft material for your sleep mask to avoid acne breakouts. Make sure it is machine washable.

An adjustable strap will allow you to relieve any uncomfortable pressure if you think the band is too tight around your head. It should only provide a light pressure from the elastic band.

If you find that traditional sleep masks don’t work, you might consider a weighted sleep mask.

For a soothing scent, spritz lavender essential oil lightly on your eye cover for sleep. Lavender is an ideal scent for the best sleep at night.

How to sew a sleep mask

Pin your pattern to your fabric and trace around it. You will need one piece of each of the outer fabric and the back fabric. Then use the scissors to cut out the sleep mask fabric.

Then cut the sleep mask pattern down on the inside mark and trace it onto the fleece. You want the fleece to be slightly smaller than the fabric. Cut the fleece out with the scissors as well.

After you cut all your pieces, we need to iron the fleece to the backside of the outer fabric. You do this by having the iron on medium heat and laying the scratchy side of the fleece onto the backside of the fabric, not the print side.

Then lay the pressing cloth over and iron for 10-15 seconds making sure to cover the whole thing. Make sure it is fully attached before moving to the next step.

Lay the fabric with the fleece, with the fleece side down. Then lay a 15-inch piece of elastic with each end at each edge and pin it.

Lay the other piece of fabric on top with the best side touching the elastic. Pin your sleep mask all together around the edges.

Sew everything together all the way around except for about a one-inch opening. We will need this opening to turn it right side out.

Through that opening, turn the whole thing right-side out.

Turn the raw edge inside of that small opening and pin closed. Starting at the opening, sew around the edge of the eye mask, adding on the elastic.

Shopping advice for sleep masks

If you’d prefer not to make your sleep masks, you can find a great variety of eye masks you can buy to help you get better sleep.

• Sleep masks
• Eye masks
• Weighted mask
• Natural silk sleep masks
• Cotton sleep eye mask
• Silk sleep mask

Check out the video for the entire tutorial on making sleep masks. You can make the entire mask in very little time. I hope this eye cover for sleep makes sleeping a little more peaceful!

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