If you’re looking for a calming, useful sewing project, this one is perfect. In just a few easy steps, you can make an aromatherapy eye pillow that helps ease tension, reduce headaches, and promote rest.
It’s infused with dried lavender, which is such a beautiful way to bring self-care into your day or give a thoughtful handmade gift.
Why You’ll Love This Sewing Project
This is a quick and rewarding make. It’s just perfect for beginners or anyone who wants to sew something relaxing and practical.
You’ll love how it looks, feels, and smells, and it’s even better knowing you made it yourself!
The scent of lavender is known for its calming properties, making this eye pillow a soothing treat that everyone will enjoy.
It’s also a great way to use up fabric scraps or create thoughtful, handmade gifts for loved ones.
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Materials You’ll Need
100% cotton or soft fabric, fat quarter or scrap-sized piece
Matching thread
Scissors or rotary cutter and mat
Pins or clips
Sewing machine
Ruler or measuring tape
Funnel, optional
Flaxseed, for filling
Dried lavender buds
Essential oil, lavender or your favorite scent, optional
Iron and ironing board
Fabric marking pen or chalk, optional
Creative Variations to Try
Removable Cover
I’ve added a washable outer cover to make cleaning easy and extend the life of your eye pillow. It’s optional, but a great way to keep it fresh and reusable for years to come!
Fabric Choices
Try using soft flannel, upcycled cotton shirts, or even silk for a more fancy and luxurious feel.
Favorite Scents
Add the fragrances and dried herbs you like best, such as chamomile, mint, or rose petals, and a few drops of essential oil for an amazing aroma.
Shape & Size
Create a longer version for a neck wrap or a smaller one for a favorite child in your life. You can also curve the edges for a softer look.
Weighted Option
Add a little bit more filling for extra pressure to help relieve eye strain or tension headaches.
Instructions
Below are step-by step directions to sew an easy eye pillow.
Slipcover
1 Cut one piece of fabric measuring 18″ x 5″. (If your fabric is smaller, sew two shorter pieces together along the short ends to make one long strip.) Fold each short end to the wrong side twice, hiding the raw edges, then press.
2 On one short end, fold the hemmed edge toward the right side of the fabric by 1″. Press to create a pocket flap.
3 With right sides together, fold the strip lengthwise so the short ends overlap slightly. Position the folded flap so it extends about 3/8″ past the other end. Pin in place. Stitch along the top and bottom long edges with a 1/2″ seam allowance. Trim seam allowances or use pinking shears to reduce bulk.
4 Turn the slipcover right side out.
5 Press flat.
6 Once your insert is done, slide it into the slipcover through the flap opening.
Pillow Insert
7 Cut two fabric rectangles, about 9″ x 5″. Place them right sides together and pin. Using a ½” seam allowance, sew around three sides, leaving one short end open for turning and filling. Backstitch at the beginning and end.
8 Trim the corners and clip seam allowances slightly to reduce bulk. Turn the pillow insert right side out and push out the corners with a blunt tool (not pictured). Press flat with an iron. Fold the raw edges of the open end under ½” and press to create a clean edge.
9 In a small bowl, pre-mix lavender and whole flaxseed. I use 1½ cups total, half lavender and half flaxseed. This blend gives the pillow a nice conforming shape, but you can adjust the ratio or quantity to your preference. For a lovely scent, add a drop or two of essential oil to the mix, being careful not to overdo it. Use a funnel or a rolled piece of paper to fill the insert neatly.
10 Even out the filling and adjust until you like the fullness.
11 Close the opening with a neat topstitch, either by machine or hand. Backstitch at both ends to secure and prevent any filling from escaping.
12 Slide the insert into the slipcover. Your aromatherapy eye pillow is ready to use or gift! Store it in a sealed bag or container when not in use to help preserve the scent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Flaxseed is a good choice because it has a soft texture, retains heat and cold well, and keeps its scent.
Yes, you can warm it in the microwave for 15–30 seconds or chill it in a freezer-safe bag for 30 minutes before use.
The scent typically lasts several months. You can refresh it with a few drops of lavender essential oil if it fades.
For a washable version, make a removable fabric cover. If it’s a one-piece design, spot clean only.
Soft, breathable fabrics like 100% cotton, linen, or flannel work best. Avoid synthetic materials.
Tips & Tricks
Below are a few pointers for making your eye pillow.
Use dry, clean hands when filling the pillow to prevent moisture from getting inside.
Test the microwave heating time in short intervals to avoid overheating or burning the fabric.
Store the pillow in a sealed container to keep the scent fresh and prevent dust buildup.
Add essential oil carefully; a little goes a long way, and too much can be overwhelming.
Use a funnel to make filling neater and quicker.
Experiment with shapes, such as a slight curve, to better fit around the eyes.
More DIY Projects
Below are other DIY pillow projects to sew.
Heart-Shaped Lavender Pillows
Monogram Pillow DIY
DIY Pillow with Initials
DIY Christmas Pillow
This DIY eye pillow is a great project for beginners and seasoned sewists alike, especially if you have scraps of fabric in your fabric stash to use up like I do. Infused with the calming scent of the lavender and a touch of essential oils, it’s perfect for headache relief and soothing puffy eyes. It also makes a thoughtful and great gift for anyone who could use a little handmade relaxation.
Please let me know how your new eye pillow turns out in the comment box below. I love to hear from you. Also, remember to subscribe or follow me on social media for more inspiration!
xo,
Cindy
Did you make an eye pillow?
I would love to hear all about it! Let me know how it went by leaving a comment below.
Thank you!
About Bloom
Cindy Munson is a lifelong sewer, pattern designer, and former graphic design studio owner. She shares approachable, stylish sewing projects through her blog, Be Brave and Bloom. Her mission is to help others discover the joy of making and live a more creative life. Cindy works from her sunny sewing studio in Minnesota, where she lives with her husband of over 30 years.