Sew A Spa Set Series #4: Free Eye Mask Tutorial

Welcome to the next tutorial in our Sew A Spa Set Series! In this post you can download our free eye mask template and find a step-by-step sewing tutorial on how to sew your own eye-mask suitable for long and luxurious self-care baths!

Our Spa eye mask is backed in super soft bamboo towelling to make it the perfect companion for your next candle lit bath.

To make this eye mask you’ll need a copy of the free eye mask template. Request the template here and we’ll send it straight to your inbox, along with the other patterns in the Sew A Spa Set Series

Be sure to check out the Intro post for the full lowdown on what other tutorials are included in our Sew A Spa Set Series

If you’re new to bamboo towelling you can learn more about it our full guide and gain some pro sewing tips too!

As well as using the Eye Mask template for bath time use you could omit the binding & layers and cut from felt and mark eye holes to make a simple kids mask! Or use different fabrics to make a sleep mask… the template can be used to make any fabric eye mask.

How to Sew An Eye Mask

Important Notes:

• 1cm /  ⅜” seam allowance throughout, unless directed.
• We used an overlocker to finish our seams. If you don’t have an overlocker check out this post for other seam finishing options
• For steps using machine sewing, straight stitch, backstitching at the start & end using stitch length 2.5 unless otherwise stated.
• Prepare your fabrics as per manufacturer’s care advice – we recommend pre-washing all fabrics used in this project as they will be used to make items that will be washed frequently
• Do not sleep with the eye mask on as there is a strangulation risk

To Make This Eye Mask You Will Need:

• The Sew a Spa Set Series Pattern
• 25cm x 15cm of Bamboo Towelling [We used Premium White Bamboo Terry Towelling]
• 30cm x 25cm of Quilting Cotton [We used Dashwood Studio Tree of Life – Montage]
• 0.5m Soft Elastic (Eye Mask)  [We used Velvet Elastic Ribbon 10mm Wide – Olive Green]
• 25cm x 15cm of Fusible Fleece – [We used Vlieseline / Vilene Fusible Fleece Interfacing H630 – White]
• Optional – 1m 20mm wide Bias tape
• Sewing Thread

• Sewing machine
• Fabric Scissors OR rotary cutter, mat & ruler
• Tape Measure or ruler
• Pins or Clips
• Pinking Shears or rotary cutter pinking blade 
• Hand Sewing Needle
• Basic Sewing Kit
• Safety pin

Making the Eye Mask

1. Pre-wash your fabrics

We recommend pre-washing all fabrics used in this project as they will be used to make items that will be washed frequently

2. Print the Eye Mask Template

Print off your Eye Mask Template ensuring you print at 100%. If you haven’t already, request your pattern here.

Please note: This free pattern has been sized to print on A4 paper.

3. Cut your fabrics

Using the eye mask template piece cut out; 

• 1x Mask front from Patterned Cotton
• 1x Inner from Fusible Fleece
• 1x Mask back from Bamboo Towelling

4. Assemble The Eye Mask

1. Mark the elastic points. Use pins to mark where you want the elastic to lie on the back mask (bamboo towelling) piece, using the notches on the pattern piece.

2. Cut the elastic to the desired length. This will vary depending on your head size. The formula we used was head circumference minus 19cm / 7”.

3. Pin the elastic in place. Pin the ends of the elastic RS (right sides) together with the back of the mask, pointing outwards at the points you marked.

4. Adhere the fusible fleece. Iron the wrong side of the mask front onto the fusible fleece piece.

5. Baste your bias tape RS together on the front mask piece (optional)

6. Clip the curves. Clip or pink around the curved edge of the tape.

7. Sew the layers.

• Pin the mask front and mask back RS together, sandwiching the elastic head strap between the two pieces. 
• Sew around the edge of the mask leaving a 5cm / 2” opening to turn the mask out. Clip or pink the seam allowance. 

8. Turn out the mask and press. Top stitch 3mm / ⅛” from the edge around the mask.