Looking for a small sewing project that makes the most of your fabric scraps? Our free sleep mask pattern is a lovely way to turn leftover fabric into something useful, pretty, and personal. With a small piece of fabric, some batting, lining, and elastic, you can sew a soft, quilted mask for a better night's sleep.
Below, we’ll show you how to make a sleep mask step by step, from quilting the fabric to adding the elastic. Download the PDF, grab your scraps, and let's get started.
Download the free sleep mask pattern (PDF) here.
This sewing project at a glance
- Pattern: free PDF sleep mask template
- Level: a small, quick project, great for beginners
- Fabric: any fabric will do, so it's perfect for scraps
- Finish: quilted front, soft lining, and an elastic band in a fabric casing
A small sewing project for your fabric scraps
A DIY sleep mask is one of those small sewing projects you can finish in an afternoon. It only needs a few small pieces of fabric, so it's a great way to use the leftovers from a bigger project. If you're looking for scrap fabric projects, this one is quick, useful, and easy to make in many different fabrics.
It’s also a nice choice if you’re new to sewing. You’ll practice quilting, sewing a fabric tube, threading elastic, and hand-stitching an opening closed.
A thoughtful handmade gift
A handmade sleep mask also makes a thoughtful gift. Sew one in a fabric that matches a friend’s style, tuck it into a self-care basket, or make a pair for a cozy weekend away. If you're collecting self care gift ideas or DIY sewing gifts, this one is quick to make and always appreciated.
Want to go all in? Sew a matching set with our Unisex Pajama Set Sewing Pattern, and wrap it all in a fabric gift bag using our tutorial on how to make a drawstring bag from leftover fabric.
What you need to make a sleep mask
- The free sleep mask sewing pattern (PDF)
- Main fabric (any fabric will do)
- Batting
- Lining fabric (choose something that feels nice against your face)
- Elastic, 1/2" (1 cm) wide
- Sewing machine, thread, pins, and a needle for hand-stitching
Materials chart
Material |
Imperial |
Metric |
Main fabric for the mask |
10" × 6" |
25 × 15 cm |
Main fabric for the elastic casing |
24" × 2" |
61 × 5 cm |
Batting |
10" × 6" |
25 × 15 cm |
Lining |
10" × 12" |
25 × 30 cm |
Elastic, 1/2" (1 cm) wide |
16 to 17" |
40 to 42 cm |
The lining is used twice: once as the back of the quilted fabric and once as the inside of the mask. That's why you need twice as much lining as main fabric.
How to sew a sleep mask, step by step
Now for the fun part! Making the mask takes seven simple steps below. You’ll find both the rectangle template and the eye mask template in the free PDF, so print the pattern before you start.
One tip before you begin: quilt the fabric first and cut out the mask shape afterwards. Quilting can make the fabric shrink a little, so cutting last keeps the edges neat and the shape accurate.
Each step has an illustration to show you what to do. If you’ve never quilted before, don’t worry! Simple straight lines work just as well as a fancy pattern.
RSF in the steps below means right sides facing.
Step 1: Cut the fabric
Use the rectangle template in the PDF to cut out the main fabric, the batting, and one piece of lining. Then cut one piece of fabric for the elastic casing: 24" × 2" (61 × 5 cm).
Step 2: Quilt the fabric
Here’s how to quilt fabric for your mask: place the lining wrong side up, put the batting on top, and add the main fabric right side up. Pin the layers together, and quilt them in any pattern you like. Straight lines, a grid, or wavy lines all work.
Step 3: Cut out the eye mask
Place the eye mask pattern piece on the quilted fabric and cut it out. Cut one more piece of lining in the same shape. Make a small snip on each side at the notch.
Step 4: Make the elastic casing
Fold the casing strip RSF and sew it together. Turn it right side out. Thread the elastic through the casing, secure the elastic at both ends of the casing, and trim.
Step 5: Attach the strap and lining
Line up the ends of the elastic casing with the notches and baste them to the sides of the quilted mask. Pin the lining to the quilted mask RSF and sew around the edge. Leave a 2" (5 cm) opening in the seam.
Step 6: Turn and close
Turn the mask right side out through the opening, then hand-stitch the opening closed.
Step 7: Add a finishing touch
Finish your sleep mask with a cute bow hand-stitched to the side, or add an embroidered signature. That’s it: your DIY eye mask is ready for bedtime!
Frequently asked questions about our DIY sleep mask
Is this DIY sleep mask pattern free?
Yes! The sleep mask pattern is a free PDF that you can download and print at home.
What is the best material for a sleep mask?
Any fabric works for the front, so feel free to use your favorite scraps. The best material for sleep mask lining is a fabric that feels soft and comfortable against your face, since that’s the side that touches your skin.
What is batting in sewing?
Batting is a soft layer of padding that goes between two layers of fabric. In this mask, it sits between the main fabric and the lining and makes the mask soft and quilted.
Do I need to quilt the fabric to sew this sleep mask?
Quilting holds the main fabric, batting, and lining together so the layers don’r shift. It also gives the mask its soft, padded look. You can quilt in any pattern you like.
How do I wash a sleep mask?
Wondering how to wash a sleep mask you made yourself? Follow the care instructions for the fabrics, batting, and elastic you used. Choosing materials that can all be washed the same way makes it easy to keep your mask fresh.
Is a sleep mask a good sewing project for beginners?
Yes. It’s a small project with simple steps, and it’s one of our favorite easy sewing projects for beginners. New to sewing? Start with our guide on how to start sewing.
More cozy sewing projects from Wardrobe By Me
Love sewing for bedtime? Make a full set with our pajama set sewing pattern, or follow our guide on how to sew pajama pants. Looking for more scrap projects? Try our bucket hat tutorial, or browse our easy sewing patterns for beginners.
