Halloween is right around the corner. Whether you enjoy all things crafty or are looking for a fun project your child can help with, this eye mask tutorial is the perfect accessory for any costume.
The Quilter’s Trunk at 10352 S Western Ave. has a wide selection of cotton Halloween patterns available through the end of October as well as animal prints and solid colors that can match a range of costumes.
While a mask could be added to any costume, here are a few ideas:
- Superheroes: Spiderman, Batman, Superman/girl, Incredibles, The Hulk
- Animals: Cat, Leopard, Tiger, Panda, Fox
“I think it would be fun to bring a kiddo into the store to have them pick out their own fabric for a treat bag and/or mask and maybe even have them help with the construction of the bag or mask, depending on their age,” Manager Debbie Rogozinski said. “We have all sorts of things that might match their themes.”
The Quilter’s Trunk just celebrated their eighth anniversary in Beverly and are open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. The fabrics shown here range from $9.99 to $12.99 per yard.
If the below instructions seem daunting, rest assured! The Quilter’s Trunk staff timed themselves making a mask and it took less than one hour. In addition to an eye mask, Rogozinski has a tutorial for a treat bag that’s only slightly more involved. To check out that tutorial, search “trick-or-treat tote” on weallsew.com.
Halloween eye mask tutorial
By Stacy Schlyer, weallsew.com
Materials
¼ yard cotton fabric
½ yard woven interfacing
Velcro
Ruler
Scissors
Water Soluble Marker
Mask template (weallsew.com/halloween-mask-tutorial)
Instructions
Cut two of the mask templates from the fabric as well as two 2.5 by 8.5 inch strips. Cut two of the mask templates from the interfacing. Next, use an iron to attach the interfacing to the wrong side of each piece of the fabric mask. Fold one of the long strips of fabric in half with the wrong sides facing inward and sew one long side and one short side. This way you can still turn it inside right. Repeat for the second strap, press both and turn inside right.
For the eye openings, fold back ¼ inch along each eye hole and sew a basting stitch where you’d like the opening to be. Cut the eye opening to the stitching, then fold back the fabric to the wrong side of the mask and press. Repeat for second mask piece.
Center the open end of the strap to the front of the mask and pin, then do the same for the second strap. Check that the length will fit your child and adjust as needed. Place the two mask pieces together and sew around the outside edges, clip excess fabric and turn it righ side out through the eye hole openings. Press.
Now, with the wrong sides together, line up the finished edges of the eye holes and stitch close to the edges. Stitch along the outer edge of the mask. Cut the Velcro into 1.5 inch ieces and sew to the bottom edge of the strap.
Go trick-or-treating!
