How to Make a Matching Eye Mask and Scrunchie Set

Looking for a fun, quick, and budget-friendly sewing project? This scrappy eye mask and scrunchie set is a useful way to turn some fabric scraps into something practical. Both projects require only small pieces of fabric, making them ideal for leftovers from larger sewing projects, worn garments, or favourite fabrics that you cannot quite bring yourself to throw away.

In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make your own cozy accessory duo, step-by-step. We’ll cover what materials you’ll need, how to prep your fabrics, and easy sewing techniques to ensure your project turns out beautifully. 

The eye mask is lightly padded for comfort and designed to provide good coverage without feeling bulky. The matching scrunchie uses the same patchwork fabric, creating a coordinated set that can be kept for yourself or given as a handmade gift. This project is beginner-friendly and provides a good opportunity to practise simple patchwork, sewing curves, and working with elastic. 

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Materials and Tools

Basic sewing kit and sewing machine

Eye mask pattern: The scrunchie does not have a pattern as it is just a rectangle that can be adjusted to your needs. You can add fullness by extending the rectangle (if you are using very lightweight fabrics) and reduce fullness by shortening it (if you are using bulky fabrics, like toweling). 

Fabric scraps: In this tutorial I used lightweight denim scraps for the outer part of the sleep mask and the scrunchie. I used soft silk satin for the inner part of the sleep mask. You can use any fabric of your choice that is not too heavy. 

For the part of the sleep mask that is close to your skin, I would go for something breathable, natural, and cooling – like silk, linen, or cotton. I try to avoid using polyester and synthetic fabrics so close to my skin. 

For the outer part of the sleep mask and the scrunchie, go wild (as long as the fabric is light- to medium-weight). Knits and woven fabrics are both fine to use, try out different colors, patterns, and textures. I’ve made a small army of scrunchies over the years, but one of my absolute favorite scrunchies is made up of a fuzzy velvet knit. The absolute softest fabric I’ve ever had my hands on, it’s so gentle on my hair. 

Elastic: a thin elastic for the scrunchie 0.6 cm (¼”), and a thicker one for the sleep mask, 2 cm (¾”). The length of the elastics will depend on the size of your head and thickness of your hair. 

Batting (for sleep mask): Use a lightweight/low loft batting to pad your sleep mask. Since it’s so close to my face, I prefer to use organic cotton batting, but most batting will do. This project is perfect to use up some batting scraps.

I’m using a sewing machine in this tutorial, but both the sleep mask and the scrunchie are perfect for hand sewing if you prefer that. 

Making the Patchwork Fabric

The eye mask and scrunchie both use simple improv patchwork. This is one of my favorite techniques to make larger pieces of usable fabric out of small scraps. 

Step 1: Sort Your Fabric Scraps

Begin by selecting the fabric scraps you would like to use. You can choose fabrics that closely coordinate in colour and print, or combine contrasting fabrics for a more playful and varied appearance. There is no set layout to follow, so this is a good opportunity to experiment and use what you already have.

Step 2: Create Fabric Pairs

Place two scraps right sides together. If necessary, trim one edge so the pieces share a straight sewing edge. This will make joining the pieces easier and help create a flatter patchwork fabric. 

Step 3: Sew the Pairs

Sew the two scraps together using a ¼” seam allowance. Once sewn, press the seam allowance open. Pressing after each seam helps reduce bulk and keeps the patchwork smooth and flat. Make approximately 10 pairs, or enough to create the amount of patchwork fabric you need.

Step 4: Build Larger Sections

Join pairs into larger sections, so that you have units of 4, then 8, until you have joined all the pieces into one unit. Trim a straight edge where needed, place the next scrap right sides together, sew the seam, and press it open. Repeat this process of matching, trimming, sewing, and pressing until you have built a patchwork panel large enough for all the required pattern pieces.

Step 5: Cut the Pattern Pieces

Once the patchwork fabric is complete, give it a final press. Get the sleep mask sewing pattern (download at the beginning of the post) and place the pattern piece on top of the fabric. Cut out all the pieces:

For the sleep mask:

• 1 patchwork outer piece
• cut 1 lining piece
• 1 batting piece
• Cut 1 fabric strip for the elastic casing: 6 × 70 cm (approximately 2⅜” × 27½”).

For the scrunchie:

• Cut 1 patchwork rectangle  measuring 70 × 14 cm (27½” × 5½”)

Optional: Before cutting, sew a few securing stitches across patchwork seam intersections that will be cut through. This helps prevent seams from opening during construction.

For the storage bag:

• Cut 1 rectangle measuring 15 × 40 cm (5⅞” × 15¾”).

I used solid piece of fabric for this one, but you can definitely make one out of scraps as well.

How to Sew the Eye Mask

Step 1: Create the Front Layer

Place the patchwork sleep mask front on top of the batting and quilt as desired. You can hand quilt, machine quilt, or leave the layers unquilted if preferred. Once quilting is complete, trim the batting so it matches the shape of the mask front.

Step 2: Prepare the Elastic Strap

Make the fabric casing by sewing the strip right sides together at around 1 cm seam allowance, press the seam allowance open and turn right side out using a safety pin. Thread the elastic through the fabric casing and secure the ends. Check that the strap fits comfortably around your head before attaching it to the mask. Position one end of the strap on each side of the quilted mask front. The elastic should lie on the right side of the patchwork front, with the strap extending across the centre of the mask. Baste or clip the strap ends in place.

Step 3: Layer the Mask

Place the lining piece on top of the quilted mask front with right sides facing together. The elastic strap should now be sandwiched between the front and lining layers. Align all edges carefully and secure the layers with clips or pins.

Step 4: Sew Around the Edge

Sew around the outer edge of the mask using the seam allowance specified in your pattern. Leave an opening approximately 5 cm (2″) wide along one side for turning. Backstitch at the beginning and end of the seam to secure the stitching.

Step 5: Trim and Clip

Trim the seam allowance evenly around the mask to reduce bulk. Clip into the curved sections, spacing the clips evenly around the edge. Be careful not to cut through the stitching. These clips allow the curves to spread and help the mask sit smoothly once turned.

Step 6: Turn Right Side Out

Reach through the opening and turn the mask right side out. Use a blunt tool such as a chopstick, knitting needle, or point turner to gently shape the curves and push out the edges. Press the mask lightly, folding the seam allowances at the opening to the inside.

Step 7: Close the opening

Hand sew shut the opening you turned the mask through, use an invisible stitch like the ladder stitch. Remove any remaining pins, clips, or loose threads and inspect the stitching around the entire mask. Give the sleep mask a final press if needed, taking care not to overheat any synthetic fabrics or elastic. Your sleep mask is now complete and ready to use or gift as part of the matching set.

How to Sew the Scrunchie

Step 1: Join the Short Ends

Place the scrunchie rectangle flat on your work surface with the right side facing up. Bring the two short ends together with right sides facing each other. Align the edges carefully and pin or clip them in place. Sew across the short ends using a ¼” seam allowance.

Press the seam open if desired. You should now have a continuous fabric loop.

Step 2: Arrange the Loop

Lay the fabric loop flat on your work surface with the wrong side facing out. Bring the two long raw edges together so they align around the entire loop.

Step 3: Create the Burrito

Starting at one side, roll the centre of the loop into a compact bundle. Continue rolling until only a few centimetres of the long raw edges remain exposed. Wrap the outer fabric around the bundle and align the long raw edges with right sides facing together. Clip or pin the edges together.

Step 5: Sew the Long Edge

Sew along the long raw edge using a ¼” seam allowance. Leave an opening approximately 5 cm (2″) long for turning and inserting the elastic later. Take care not to catch the rolled fabric inside the seam as you sew. Turn the Scrunchie right side out through the opening.

Step 6: Insert the Elastic

Attach a safety pin to one end of the small elastic and use it to guide the elastic through the fabric tube. Work slowly, gathering the fabric onto the elastic as you go. Hold the opposite end of the elastic securely throughout this process so it does not disappear inside the tube. Continue until the elastic has been threaded all the way through and both ends are accessible.

Overlap the two ends of the elastic by approximately 1 cm (⅜”) and stitch them together securely. You can sew several rows of straight stitching across the overlap or use a small box of stitching for extra strength. Give the elastic a gentle tug to make sure the join is secure before continuing. You can also just tie it in a knot. Hand sew the opening close using an invisible stitch like the ladder stitch.

Step 7: Finish

Spread the gathers evenly around the elastic, adjusting the fabric until the fullness is distributed consistently. Remove any loose threads and give the scrunchie a final inspection. The matching scrunchie is now complete and ready to use alongside the sleep mask as a coordinated handmade set.

Storage Pouch

This simple envelope-style pouch is designed to hold the matching sleep mask and scrunchie. The overlapping back opening allows the pouch to be filled and emptied without the need for zippers, buttons, or other closures. Before assembly, the front of the pouch can be embellished with hand stitching, embroidery, appliqué, or any decorative design of your choice.

Step 1: Hem the Short Ends

With the wrong side facing up, fold each short end over by 1 cm (⅜”) and press. Fold each short end over again by 1.5 cm (⅝”), enclosing the raw edge, and press. Edge stitch to secure both hems.

Step 2: Mark the Folds

Place the rectangle right side up on your work surface. Fold one short end toward the centre by 9.5 cm (3¾”) and press. Fold the opposite short end toward the centre by 9.5 cm (3¾”) and press. The two hemmed edges should overlap in the middle, forming the envelope opening. Once the fold lines have been established, open the rectangle flat again.

Step 3: Add Decorative Stitching (Optional)

Before assembling the pouch, add any decorative stitching to the fabric. I stitched a simple night-themed design using running stitch and #8 perle cotton, but you can make the design as simple or as detailed as you like.

When planning your design, remember that the centre section of the rectangle will become the visible front of the pouch. Avoid placing important design elements too close to the fold lines or seam allowances.

To keep the back of the work neat, begin and end your stitching near the side edges whenever possible. This allows the thread tails and knots to be hidden inside the finished French seams rather than in the centre of the pouch. Once the stitching is complete, press the fabric lightly if needed.

Step 4: Assemble the Pouch

Refold the rectangle along the previously pressed fold lines so that the two hemmed edges overlap in the centre. The right side of the fabric should be facing outward. Pin or clip the sides to hold everything in place.

Step 5: Sew the French Seams

With the pouch right side out, sew both side edges using a 1 cm (⅜”) seam allowance. Trim the seam allowances to approximately 3 mm (⅛”). Turn the pouch wrong side out, press the edges flat, and sew both sides again using a scant 0.5 cm (¼”) seam allowance to enclose the raw edges.

Turn the pouch right side out, push out the corners, and give it a final press. The pouch is now ready to be filled with the matching sleep mask and scrunchie.

Ideas for Personalising Your Set

One of the advantages of this project is that no two finished sets will ever be exactly alike. Because the eye mask and scrunchie are made from fabric scraps, they provide an opportunity to experiment with colour, texture, and fabric combinations that might not fit into larger projects.

Naturally dyed fabrics can create soft, layered colour palettes, while denim patchwork produces a more structured and graphic look. Small details such as hand embroidery, visible mending, decorative stitching, or appliqué can add extra character and make the finished set feel even more personal. Vintage sheets, lightweight cottons, velvet offcuts, and other reclaimed textiles can all bring their own texture and personality to the project.

You can also tailor the colour palette to suit a particular season, occasion, or recipient. Soft florals and pastels work well for spring, warm earth tones suit autumn, and deeper colours can create a more dramatic look. Because the project requires only a small amount of fabric, it is an easy way to experiment with combinations you may not normally choose.

A matching sleep mask and scrunchie set also makes a thoughtful handmade gift. Sewn for yourself, a friend, or a family member, it is a practical project that combines usefulness with the satisfaction of creating something unique from materials you already have.

Final Thoughts

This scrappy eye mask and scrunchie set is a simple sewing project that turns small fabric leftovers into something both practical and enjoyable to use. It is approachable for beginners, quick to complete in an afternoon, and flexible enough to suit almost any fabric collection or personal style.

Projects like this are also a reminder that even the smallest scraps can still have value. Rather than leaving them forgotten at the bottom of a scrap bin, they can become useful everyday items that are handled, worn, and appreciated regularly. The patchwork construction means every set reflects the fabrics available at the time, creating a finished piece that is entirely individual.

If you have a collection of scraps waiting for a purpose, this is an excellent place to start. Gather a handful of fabrics, experiment with colour and texture, and enjoy the process of turning leftovers into a coordinated handmade set that is completely your own.