DIY Aromatherapy Eye Pillow Step-by-Step Sewing Tutorial
Welcome to a cozy self-care sewing project! In this post, we’ll walk you through how to make a relaxing aromatherapy eye pillow — perfect for stress relief, gentle acupressure, and a little handmade wellness. This simple project is beginner-friendly and doesn’t take much time, yet makes a wonderfully thoughtful gift or spa-night essential.
Why Make an Aromatherapy Eye Pillow?
An eye pillow does more than just shield your eyes from light. When filled with soothing ingredients like flaxseed (or millet, rice, buckwheat) and fragrant herbs (such as lavender or chamomile), it becomes a gentle tool for relaxation and stress relief. Some benefits include:
Blocking light and visual stimulation — Helps calm a busy mind and supports relaxation or nap time.
Gentle pressure and weight — The soft weight of the filling can soothe tension in the temples, forehead, cheekbones, and even neck or shoulders.
Aromatherapy + calming scent — Lavender (or other herbs) adds a subtle scent that can support calmness, restful sleep, or mindfulness.
Reusable & handmade gift potential — A handmade eye pillow feels more special than something store-bought, and makes a thoughtful gift for a friend, family member, or yourself.
Materials You’ll Need
1 fat quarter, coordinating thread, filling (flax seed or rice and any dried herbs you want to include)
How to Sew Your Eye Pillow — Step by Step
Create the eye mask — Cut two fabric pieces about 9in × 7in. Place right sides together and stitch around edge with 1/4 in seam allowance, leaving a couple inches on one end open for filling. Cut the tips off of the four corners before turning right side out and pressing. Then topstitch 1/4 inch from edge all the way around to create a nice finished edge. Be sure to leave the opening for filling.
Fill your pillow — Roll a scrap piece of paper (or use a fabric funnel) to make a small cone for easy filling. Pour in flaxseed, lavender, and chamomile (or mix or choice) until the bag is a little more than halfway full.
Close the eye pillow — Fold the open edge under 1/4 in and sew it closed. Make sure seams are secure.
Tip: If you want a removable cover that can be washed, you can make an optional slip-cover for the pillow. You can store in a plastic bag to keep clean and to preserve the scent. Stick in the freezer to make a cold pack or pop in the microwave for a hot pack.
When & How to Use It
Use during rest, meditation, nap time, or bedtime to block out light and encourage calm.
For sinus pressure or headache relief — try chilling the pillow in the freezer (inside a plastic bag) for a cooling, soothing compress.
Refresh the scent occasionally by gently squeezing the pillow or adding a drop of essential oil to the outer fabric cover.
Why This Project Is Great for Beginners (and Makes a Lovely Gift)
Requires very basic sewing skills — straight seams, simple folding/hemming, no zippers.
Uses small amounts of fabric and filling, so it’s great for scrap fabric or stash-busting.
Quick to make — you can finish one in 15 minutes (or less, once comfortable).
Makes a beautiful handmade gift — thoughtful, practical, and easy to personalize with fabric choices, tags, or scent blends.
Variations & Customization Ideas
Try different scents: chamomile, rosemary, rose petals, or mint — depending on what effect you want (relaxation, sinus relief, energy).
Adjust pillow size and shape — small rectangle, curved mask-style, or even heart-shaped.
Make a set of mini pillows — pair for couple’s gifts or gift sets.
Create matching spa kits — pair the eye pillow with a handmade cotton eye mask, herbal tea, or a cozy blanket.
Use upcycled fabric — old cotton shirts or sheets make sustainable, soft bases.
Final Thoughts
Handmade self-care doesn't need to be complicated. With just a bit of fabric, some flaxseed, a few lavender buds, and a little stitching — you can create a soothing eye pillow that invites rest, calm, and mindfulness. Whether it’s for your own nightly ritual or a thoughtful handmade gift, this little DIY is one of those simple pleasures that feels luxurious.
If you make one, I’d love to see how it turns out — post a pic or tag me on social! Happy sewing, and may your new eye pillow bring you many peaceful, restorative moments.