Want to know how to make an eye mask? If you want something that will help with the puffiness and give you a relaxing evening (or morning), then this eye mask tutorial is for you!
How to Make an Eye Mask
We've all had them: those late nights that leave us puffy-eyed in the morning, headaches that won't quit, allergies that wreak havoc on our eyes and sinuses, or just those long days that make you dream of a few moments of relaxation at night.
Enter the eye mask. This thing has so many uses and is super easy to make. Plus, they make great gifts in a spa pack or favors at a party or shower.
They can be chilled to relieve puffy eyes, inflammation or bruises, or heated to bring out all the soothing delight for aching muscles or other sore spots (I'm looking at you, menstrual cramps). I keep mine in the freezer so it's already chilled if I need it, and then just pop it in the microwave if I want it heated.
These can be made in a variety of fabrics. Cotton works great. If you want something a little more cozy, you can use a microfleece, flannel or minky. Many fabric stores offer discounts or coupons so you can stock up and get to relaxing!
This tutorial is for the eye mask, but it can easily be made bigger for muscle relief. After pulling a muscle in my back, I made a large one that could be tied around my waist so I could wear it at work.
Materials needed:
- Fabric piece 14 in x 24 in or (2) 7 in x 12 in pieces
- 3/4 cup rice
- 5-10 drops of essential oil
Additional Supplies:
- paper
- pen/pencil
- scissors
- thread
- sewing machine or needle
- iron and ironing surface
- pins
- funnel
- bowl and spoon
- baking sheet and parchment (optional)
Step 1
First, make your pattern by holding a piece of paper up to your face, carefully tracing the shape of your mask, then fold the paper in half down the center and cut out your pattern. Draw it about 1/2 inch larger all the way around than the finished size to allow for the seam. You can also trace around a large pair of sunglasses.
Step 2
Place two pieces of fabric down right sides together. The right side means the side of the fabric you want to see facing out when the mask is done.
Step 3
Place mask pattern on fabric pieces and pin around edges.
Step 4
Cut around pattern.
Step 5
Remove pattern and pin fabric pieces around edge.
Step 6
Use sewing machine, or hand sew, stitch 1/2 inch in from the edge all the way around leaving a 2 inch opening across the top for filling with rice.
Step 7
Clip around edge to prevent puckering making sure not to clip through your stitching.
Step 8
Cut off excess from seam allowance. Trim down to 1/4 inch all the way around.
Step 9
Turn mask right side out making sure it's fully pushed out on all edges.
Step 10
Iron flat. Turn raw edges of opening in and iron.
Step 11
Stitch around mask close to edge, about 1/8 inch in, leaving 2 inch top space open.
Step 12: Prepare rice
Place 3/4 cup of rice in a bowl. Add 5-10 drops of essential oil and stir to combine. I prefer lavender, but you can use the oil of your choice.
Optional step: Spread rice mixture on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Place sheet in oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, making sure rice doesn't brown. Remove rice and allow to cool before filling mask.
This baking step will better seal the scent into the rice, but is not absolutely necessary.
Step 13
Using a funnel, or a spoon and a steady hand, fill mask with rice.
Step 14
Pin opening shut. Continue edge stitch to close opening.
And that's it!
Enjoy some soothing masky goodness!
Want an upcycling project? Try making a DIY eye mask from a t-shirt from FaveCrafts:
What do you think of these tutorial on how to make an eye mask? Let us know in the comments section what your thoughts are on this DIY eye mask. Will you give it a try? Let us know how it went and share your experience with us in the comment section below.
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This was exactly what I was needing to find I really loved the tips however I have one question can brown rice be used in place of white rice.