Getting 8 hours of beauty sleep is what we have been told for years, well why not do it in style with wearing your own DIY sleep mask that is inspired by the one worn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s?
Today’s post is taking on an element of style poise from none other than the icon that is Audrey Hepburn. On the 4th of May, she would have turned an impressive 91 years of age, so I thought I would do a belated celebration with a DIY inspired by her.
Now, Audrey Hepburn is one of my favourite actresses, and Breakfast at Tiffany’s is one of my favourite films. I thought I would have a go at trying to replicate the sleep mask she wore as Holly Golightly in this iconic film by making my own DIY sleep mask. I am not going to lie, this has been one of my favourite DIYs to have a go at to date, and I am loving how it has turned out!
It isn’t a direct replica of the sleep mask, but my own take on it, and I think the DIY sleep mask has turned out just as well as the original.
If you would like to see how I made this DIY sleep mask and maybe have a go at making one for yourself, then let’s get crafting!
DIY Sleep Mask – Breakfast at Tiffany’s inspired
So, to make any sleep mask you are going to need a template for it. You can make your own by drawing around an existing mask that you have, or you can have a search on Google. There is a tonne of eye mask patterns out there to choose from, and I decided on using Tilly and the Button’s version. They have a fab tutorial on making an eye mask with a free pattern to use as well.
There is also a video version of this post at the end of the post if you fancy checking that out as well. Sometimes a video can be easier to follow a tutorial or get a feel for the project!
What you need:
To make this Breakfast at Tiffany’s inspired DIY sleep mask, you will need the following items:
**Please note that some of these links are affiliate links. This means that I will earn a small amount of commission if you decide to buy the item through my link. This is at no extra cost to you but does go towards helping to keep Aimsy’s Antics running**
- Turquoise/Tiffany blue satin-type material
- Batting or a protective pillowcase
- Dark satin material (optional)
- Gold ribbon & gold glitter ribbon
- Decorative gold ribbon*
- Matching thread
- Glitter thread*
- Elastic
- Pins
You will also need:
- Sewing machine
- Hand sewing needle
- Tape measure/tailor’s measuring tape
- Scissors
- Pinking Scissors*
Step 1 – Cutting out the material
To start, make sure that you have washed your satin material and dried it. This will allow for any shrinkage of the material before your creation is fully made, as well as expose any fraying. Then you want to cut a strip of fabric that measures 90cm x 6cm for the tube to house the elastic. This will be for the back of the sleep mask to keep it on your head when in use.
After you have cut the strip it is time to pin the pattern piece and cut out all the eye mask shapes that you need. In the turquoise material you want to have two eye mask pieces, so fold the material over, and level this down so that you have enough for the pattern piece to fit onto. You want to save on material for any future projects so this is a perfect way in doing so.
Then you want to cut out some batting/wadding in the eye mask shape. This will add a bit of padding to your eye mask and make it more comfortable when wearing. I didn’t have any batting, so a top tip from me is to use a pillow protector. This is basically batting that has been stitched to cotton. Much cheaper and more likely to have around than batting (well I did anyway). It works just the same! You only need one of the eye mask shapes cutting out in this.
Finally, cut one more layer of the eye mask shape in a dark colour material, I opted for a black satin. This will help darken the DIY eye mask inside and make it a better light concealing eye mask. If your material and batting are thick enough, you may not need this part to the eye mask.
Step 2 – Make the eleastic banding
Before sewing your eye mask, the back elastic piece has to be sewn. I have opted to do a covered elastic band for this DIY. On the original Breakfast at Tiffany’s eye mask, Audrey Hepburn has this tied with a gold cord, so this part does differ slightly from this. Before doing anything with the strip of fabric, I just went around all the edges using my pinking scissors. This will help reduce any fraying to the edges of the strip, which the satin material is highly likely to do.
Press the strip of fabric to remove any creases. Remember to do this on low heat, as satin material can burn easily if the setting on your iron is too high! Then fold this in half, right side to right side to form the tube. Place pins along the open edge to keep it in place for sewing. You can also press this to keep the folded shape. This is very similar to how to make your own DIY Scrunchies.
Head over to the sewing machine and sew a straight stitch along the open edge where you have pinned. Now, you want to make sure that you don’t sew right to the edge, but you don’t want the seam to deep either. Sewing too close to the edge can be a bit risky, due to the satin material’s potential fraying. You don’t want this fraying into the seam and undoing your hard sewing work. You also don’t want the channel to be too narrow for your elastic either.
Step 3 – Measure for elastic and thread through
You can really use any width of elastic that you wish, as long as it is not too wide for the tube you have just made. I think the one I used is about 1.5 cms in width; which is quite a good width to be used in this project.
To measure how much elastic you need for the strapping piece, take one end and place it at one side of your head near the temple. Then bring the elastic around the back of your head to the opposite side of your temple. This gives you a rough guide of how much elastic you need. Remember to measure this a few times to make sure it is the correct fit. Also don’t stretch the elastic too much, as this will make the strap too loose around your head when wearing the DIY sleep mask.
Once you have your elastic, place a safety pin at the end of one side, and begin threading this through the tube of fabric. When the end of the elastic without the safety pin begins going inside the tube, use a pin just to secure it in place. You don’t want to lose this end of the elastic inside the tube, because it will be a nightmare to find!
Then, sew up each end of the tube, making sure the elastic is attached to this seam. Backstitch each end when you start and end the seam to give it extra strength.
Step 4 – Sew the mask together
Now it is time to work on the DIY sleep mask body. Start by placing one of the turquoise pieces with the dark material. Place these wrong side to wrong side and pin them at the sides and top. Turn the stitch length to the largest stitch possible on the sewing machine and baste stitch the two pieces together. Repeat this step to attach the wadding/pillow protector, again wrong side to wrong side. This just makes it so much easier to sew the whole mask together.
Select one of the two mask pieces and pin the back elastic piece to either side on the front of the mask (turquoise side). Again, complete a baste stitch to secure the elastic to the mask. This will keep it in place when sewing the mask together as well. The pattern I used has guides of where this should sit. Make sure the tube is the right way around and not twisted before you baste stitch it. Gather the elastic slightly and place a pin through the middle of it. This will again, help keep it in place and out of the way of the sleep mask seam.
Place the remaining eye mask piece on top of the one with the elastic. These should be right side to right side, or the two turquoise materials facing each other. Pin together, leaving a gap at the top of the eye mask so that the mask can be turned right side out.
Head to the sewing machine and sew a seam all the way around, leaving the gap free. Backstitch each side of the gap to give it strength when turning right side out. Make sure you capture in the elastic part and cover where the basting stitches are.
Step 5 – Turn right side out
Before turning right side out, double and triple-check that the seam has encaptured all the material needed and give it a quick press with the iron. This will help press the seams out sightly to make the sleep mask sit more flush. Then use pinking scissors to go around the edges of the sleep mask. This again, will help with any fraying and place in notches all the way around. If you don’t have pinking scissors, then trim any bulking parts and place in notches on the curves of the sleep mask. This helps the sleep mask maintain it’s curved shape when right side out.
Then, turn the sleep maks right side out through the gap left at the top. Press again with an iron to remove any creases and lay the seams flat. Now is a good time to fold in the open gap and press. This will make closing it up much easier and the fabric will naturally be falling into the seam.
Use a hand needle and matching thread and carry out a ladder or invisible stitch to close up the gap. You can also use a top stitch on the sewing machine to close up as well. This type will be more visible, but it doesn’t matter because this will be covered in the decorating of the mask. I am messy at hand sewing, so if you have any tips for this please place them in the comments below!
Step 6 – Add trimming to the DIY Sleep Mask
Now, this is when the DIY sleep mask truly takes on the Breakfast at Tiffany’s inspiration! Use gold ribbon and place this around the edges of the sleep mask. I placed the ribbon over the edges, folding it down so that it covered on both the front and back of the sleep mask. Attach this with a needle and thread. I opted for some fancy glitter thread here. You can also complete this on the sewing machine with a top stitch; however, due to the satin materials, I found it quite difficult to keep it all in place. Roll each end in on itself to finish the decoration with the ribbon.
Then, it is time to add on the decorative trim. The one I bought is very similar in style to the one Audrey wears in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Place this around the front edge of the eye mask, slightly overlap the gold ribbon here and stitch by hand again. I wouldn’t really recommend completing this part on the sewing machine because of the bulk. I wouldn’t want you breaking your sewing needle or machine!
Step 6 – Add eye detailing to the DIY Sleep Mask
Once the trims have been completed it is time for the eye detail. Now, the one Audrey wears has a 3d like effect of eyes, with a gem underneath. I did attempt this with the matching turquoise material; however, the material just wasn’t stiff enough to hold the shape and made it look very messy. You could add some fusible interfacing to strengthing it, but I thought I would just adapt the look slightly.
Cut some glittery gold ribbon at about 6cm long. Fold this in half so the two raw edges meet. Then either measure out the placement or pardon the pun, eyeball where it should go. Then stitch it on from the raw edge side to the mask, making it stand out slightly. You want this to curve upwards slightly to mimic the curve of an eye /eyelashes.
Then it is time to try out a bit of embroidery. So, using the same glittery thread begin stitching from one end of the ‘eyelash’ to the other, curving in an upwards to downwards fashion. I found bringing the next stitch up through the last stitch was a great way to have a continuous thread.
When the eyes are finished, repeat the embroidery style to place on some thin eyebrows at the top of the mask. Again add in a slight curve to these. I didn’t really measure the length of this and sort of just winged it, but I think it has turned out alright. Nobody’s face is 100% symmetrical anyway.
Trim any loose threads and the Breakfast at Tiffany’s DIY sleep mask is complete!
What do you think of this DIY? Will you be giving it a go? Who would you make a DIY sleep mask inspired by? Let me know in the comments below!
DIY Sleep Mask – Breakfast at Tiffany’s Inspired | Video:
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DIY Sleep Mask – Breakfast at Tiffany’s Inspired – Pin It!
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Thank you for sharing, I always love seeing your crafts! Also love Breakfast at Tiffany’s 🙂
Aww, thank you, I’m glad you enjoy my different crafts. Breakfast at Tiffany’s is a classic, isn’t it?!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
Ah Aimsy these look great!! The perfect sleepover make 🙂
Sarah x
Definitely great for a sleepover! Glad you liked!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
Oh wow how clever are you! This looks amazing, you’re so talented!
I try to stay away from sewing and things as I’ve managed to injure myself in the past and completely ruin things haha but I’d love to be able to make something like this one day.
Love Lozza xo
http://girlygabble.com
I love how it has turned out. Not 100% perfect, but is anything ever really perfect? Loved channelling my inner Audrey Hepburn!
Oh, gosh, sounds like you have had an ordeal…I remember the horror stories the D&T teacher used to tell us of her accidents with a sewing machine. Put me off for years! Practice makes perfect!
Thanks for commenting!
Aimsy xoxo
This is such a cute idea! I’ve not actually created anything (yet but im liking arts and crafts at the minute!)
Fy https://cultureeighteen.wordpress.com/
This current situation is a great time to get into a few art and craft projects, isn’t it? Glad you liked it 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
What a cute idea! I love that sleep mask! It looks great. I need to make me one as well because I like to sleep in totally darkness. I don’t like having any light shining through because it wakes me up lol
Oh, a sleep mask is a must, especially now the mornings are getting lighter earlier
It turned out great, didn’t it? I mean my hand sewing needs a bit more improvement but happy with how this turned out!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
Cool! I should try to this. Thank you for sharing.
You will have to let me know how yours turns out if you do! Would love to see it 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
It looks so fashionable! Thanks for sharing.
It has turned out well, hasn’t it?! I love it!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
This looks incredible!! Audrey Hepburn is one of my all time favourites too, and Breakfast at Tiffany’s is my favourite move ever so this is perfect (love that you opted for the white shirt for the photos too). That scene wearing the eye mask but still looking flawless is so iconic. You did an amazing job with this one! x
Sophie
Oh, I am so glad that you like it! It is just a true classic film, isn’t it? I read that the author of the book the film is based on really didn’t like Audrey or want her to play the part (she won him around, I think), but can you imagine this film without her?!
I had to channel her style in this, it was so much fun to do! Definitely an iconic scene in the film
Thank you for a lovely comment!
Aimsy xoxo
Love Audrey Hepburn and Breakfast at Tiffany’s. You made a really cute and fab sleep mask. I like the gold ribbon accent a lot!
She is such an icon, isn’t she?! Forever a timeless actress and film! Glad you like the sleep mask, the gold ribbon accent really added to it doesn’t it?
Thanks for commenting!
Aimsy xoxo
Your crafts are always so fun and creative! Thanks for sharing!
☼ cabin twenty-four
Oh, I am glad you like them. I love getting creative and having a go at making lots of different things. Hopefully, it inspires others to get their creativity flowing!
Thanks for commenting!
Aimsy xoxo
This is actually GORGEOUS!! I never ever thought of doing this but you have definitely inspired me. What a great choice of theme too!
Holly x
http://www.adailydoseofholly.com
Aww, thank you! I need to improve the hand sewing, but I don’t think it detracts from it too much! I have wanted to make a sleep mask for ages; and then I remembered the scene in Breakfast at Tiffany’s and though, I have to have a go at recreating that!
Glad I have inspired you, would love to see your creation if you do have a go at it!
Thanks for commenting!
Aimsy xoxo
Oh I love this sleeping mask Aimsy! It’s so pretty and I love the details! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
It’s turned out great, hasn’t it? Feel like Audrey or Holly Golightly, every time I go to bed now Only thing is, I wake up with glitter everywhere from the glitter ribbon
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
Wow what a clever and cute idea!! Love this 🙂 xo
Aww, glad you like! It has turned out better than I thought, although could do with some tweaks!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
I love this! My grandmother gave my mother a pink silk sleep mask last year, and I have wanted on ever since. Now I love the idea of making this more then hunting around online for a mask to buy instead.
Glad you like it! Now you can make one exactly how you like!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
This is such a cute mask! I’m always amazed at how people can make these sort of things! xxx
Glad you like it! You can get quite addicted to making things when you know how!
Aimsy xoxo
This is so creative, I absolutely love it! I so wish I had the talent to do this kind of thing! Xx
I have loved getting creative and making lots of different things recently. I think this has been my favourite one to create so far!
I am sure with a bit of practice you ould be away with the sewing!
Aimsy xoxo
You are so creative! This is such a great idea, thank you so much for sharing!
Thanks for commenting! I love how this has turned out, definitely one of my favourite makes so far!
Aimsy xoxo
This is so pretty!! I love the fabric!
It is such a nice rich colour, isn’t it? I really wanted to get the tiffany blue colour, but this is the closest I could get. Still turned out fab!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
What a clever project to work on during quarantine – and beyond. I could see myself making these for friends at Christmas. Thanks for sharing such a detailed post on how to create these masks!
Definitely kept me busy for the day! They would make lovely gifts at Christmas, maybe with some handmade spa goodies too?
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
This is awesome. The cold eyes are so cool with the blue cover. I never came to my mind that we could do one at home but you make it easy.
I didn’t realise how easy they were to make until I gave it a go. Definitely a great little project to have a go at!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
This is adorable! If I had a sewing machine, I would totally give this a go!
Aww, thanks! You could totally have a go at sewing it all by hand, but it would take absolutely forever!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
Oooh I love that sleeping masks are easy to make! Pertty cool when you get to pick your own pattern out. I love the Tiffany vibes from this mask! It is great when you can stitch by hand or machine. Thanks for sharing this tutorial!
Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me
Oh, the possibilities are endless when you know how to make them. They are really easy when you get into it!
Glad you liked the tutorial!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
Aimsy, this is absolutely gorgeous! I must admit I don’t think I would have the patience to do this myself, especially working with silk/satin (great tip about washing first though) but your finished mask is stunning. You could sell these, I’m sure you’d be inundated with orders! Lisa x
Oh, silk/satin can be a nightmare to sew, it frays so easily and easily snags. I must admit the hand sewing part was quite wearing but love the effect afterwards! Glad that you like it…maybe in the future I should set up an Etsy shop of all my makes!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
hello!
I have just been learning how to sew and this looks such a cute DIY to try! x
Oh, it is a great little project to get into sewing. You can leave all the embellishment bits off, which makes it a much quicker and easier project! Happy sewing!
Aimsy xoxo
I love the idea of making your own DIY sleep mask. This looks so elegantly classy! It is a great pick me up during this uncertain time.
I have wanted to make one for a while, and then the inspiration for a Breakfast at Tiffany’s version came to mind. Very good distraction from all that is going on!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
Aw this is super cute and so creative! I had the hardest time finding a sleeping mask when we were living in Prague. I wish I had your idea and sewing skills to make my own!
Really glad you like it! That’s the thing, isn’t it, you can never find what you are looking for or have in your mind. Definitely great to be able to create your own!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
Really cute! I love your eye detailing. Do you think you sleep better with it? Thanks for the idea.
Aww, thank you, glad you like! I would like the ye detailing to be a little neater, but practice makes perfect!
Yeah, I have actually slept better, mainly because I am not waking as early because of the morning light. I notice it more at the weekends because I get the luxury of a lie-in
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
I love the mask! So clever, and such a good idea too. I don’t know why but I’ve never thought about making my own sleep mask. I love the idea of being all arts and crafty and making loads of things but I feel like I’ll need a lot of practise hehe, although I guess now is a good time to get practising!!
Chloe xx
http://www.chloechats.com
Definitely a great time to get practising now! It really does open up what you can make and do (and sometimes on the cheap!) Glad you liked the mask, I really enjoyed making it. I dare not wear it too much in case I ruin it, but that’s an excuse to make another, isn’t it?
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
I really admire your crafts, this sleeping mask looks so pretty
I’m really glad you like the various crafts, I really enjoy making them and posting them on here/youtube!
Next week’s post may be up your alley too!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
Love your gorgeous sleep mask – I’d be lost without mine!
So glad you like it! They are perfect for these lighter mornings, aren’t they?!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
Oh this looks so fun to do! I haven’t seen the film but your take on the mask looks amazing 🙂 x
https://www.femaleoriginal.com
Oh, this has been my favourite DIY to do, love how it turned out! It is a fab film, such a classic!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
Love this DIY, it looks easy to make thank for the explanations and the step by step
Glad you like it! It is fairly easy when you get into it.
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
Love this, such a fun little craft to do!
Glad you liked it. Definitely one of my favourites to do!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
I cannot sleep without a sleep mask…love the color!! Very creative idea!! I wish I was that handy but I literally have to left hooves lol
It is such a gorgeous colour, isn’t it? I am sure your hooves could be trained into being a bit handier haha!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo