Make them warm, cool, or just lay back and relax with these DIY Linen Lavender Eye Pillows. Close your eyes and breathe in the calming scent of lavender.
I received an interesting and timely email from a reader the other day. She had found my site looking for ideas for handmade gifts she could give loved ones who were in mourning and facing hard times. She had found an abundance of those around her in need of support and caring friends.
I was touched, and thought, surely – nothing says “I love you and am thinking about you” more than a handmade gift from the heart. I appreciated her email, and began to brainstorm for thoughtful ideas that would help us all know what we could give to others going through hard times.
As it would happen, a dear friend and sweet young mother in my area recently received some crushing news that would impact her entire world.
Heartbroken, and feeling helpless to ease her pain, I remembered this email and determined to find something to make for her and her family.
I decided to find a way to combine 2 of the natural elements of this world, that I love and find myself completely obsessed over . . .
Pure Linen and Lavender.
If you remember this past Summer I did a video where I showed you 4 ways to remove lavender buds from the stems. Well, I still had a plentiful bud harvest in storage waiting for the perfect project to go with it.
Then I remembered how my daughter adored the silk lavender pillow I had bought her from the Target Dollar Spot for Valentines Day. I’ve even snuck it from her on occasion for my own relaxing purposes.
I opted to make my linen lavender pillows with a purposeful frayed edge. I think it adds to the organic beauty of the elements. However, you could easily contain the edges by sewing them on the inside.
Lavender pillows are really quite divine. If you haven’t experienced the benefits, here are the ways you can use them.
HOW TO USE LINEN LAVENDER EYE PILLOWS
- COOL IN THE FREEZER
- Great to relieve eye tension, headaches, fever, and to help reduce swelling from puffy eyes (due to lack of sleep or as a result of tear filled eyes).
- Place in freezer for about 20 minutes before use, or keep in freezer between each use.
- WARM IN THE MICROWAVE OR WITH AN IRON
- Great to also relieve headaches and for relaxation. The warming will strengthen the lavender scent for wonderful therapeutic aromatherapy.
- Warm in microwave in 15 second intervals. I would warn you to not let it get too hot. I prefer 15 seconds on one side and then flip and do 15 seconds on the other side. Be cautious of getting your eyes too warm, or burning the fabric in the microwave.
- The flax seed inside these pillows are great for holding onto heat for an extended period.
- ANY TIME USE
- These eye pillows can be enjoyable just as they are, without warming or cooling. Place them over your eyes anytime and breathe in to relax, relieve stress and help encourage restful sleep.
- Though made in the perfect shape to lay over the eyes, you could make them any size and use as potpourri inside drawers and closets to freshen up linens, or even to throw in the dryer with your laundry.
WHERE TO BUY PURE LINEN AND LAVENDER
*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links
If you don’t have a lavender harvest for this project, I have found a couple of places you can purchase lavender buds for these types of projects.
I’ve sourced pure linen from a number of suppliers on Etsy and in local fabric stores. You could essentially use any fabric for these pillows, but in my opinion, there is no better fabric in the world than pure linen. I’m so obsessed, I am in the beginning stages of a pure linen shop myself.
HOW TO MAKE LINEN LAVENDER EYE PILLOWS
First, gather your supplies. You will need the following for 1 lavender pillow:
- 1/4 Yard of Pure Linen (you will have extra)
- 1 1/4 cup flax seed
- 3/4 cup lavender buds
- Lavender essential oil (optional, but a few drops really improves the lavender smell!) . This is my favorite brand.
Make sure your linen is washed and dried before you begin.
For each pillow, cut 2 layers of fabric measuring 4.5 inches x 10.5 inches.
For the frayed edge look, you’ll want right sides facing out – though pure linen should be the same on both sides 😉
Begin by sewing along side a long edge, making your way all around, with a 1/4 inch seam allowance. Be sure you leave one short edge open to fill the pillow.
At this point, I like to pull threads to fray the edges even more. I do this on the 3 edges I sewed.
Mix the lavender buds, flax seed and a few drops of lavender essential oil in a bowl.
Fill the pillow bag until it is mostly full. The measurements above should give you the perfect amount.
Finally, sew the open edge closed containing the insides, and fray that last edge.
TIPS FOR MAKING EYE PILLOWS
- Use a tight stitch length, if you plan to fray. A long stitch length may result in the seams opening. Use a double reinforced stitched if you feel these may be handled vigorously (like bean bag tossing 😉
- A lightweight fabric will help the smell diffuse better, which is why I like a medium weight linen.
- The amounts of lavender and flax seed can be played with. If you desire more buds, go ahead and increase that amount. If you want more flax, have at it.
- Loosing smell? Try crushing the bag in your hands and help more lavender scent to release.
Have fun making as many as you need for comfort and relaxation for anyone in need (including yourself!).
I hope you enjoyed this post! Please let me know in the comments what kinds of things you enjoy making or gifting for those who are going through hard times. I know myself and a thoughtful TIDBITS reader would absolutely love to know!
Thanks for reading!
I’m thinking of making these for favors for some young moms. What young mom couldn’t use some help in relaxing! Curious as to why do you add flax seed?
Hello …. I know this is an old post but may I ask which colors you chose from the linen link.
They have so many weights & colors and I love the colors you used. Thank you 🙂
Good Morning Cami,
I came across your lavender pillows and thought it was a wonderful and thoughtful gift to give to anyone, I love homemade gifts because I feel make it more special.
What type of lavender do you plant, I’ve seen different varieties to purchase?
Thank you so much and continue the great work you do.
Joy
Hi, how can i wash this pillow?
Hello Carni ! This pillow is an amazing idea ! Thank you so much ! Lola
Hi Cami!
Came across your lavender eye pillows on Pinterest today and ordered the lavender and flax on Amazon. I plan to make them for my sister and 2 nieces who are pretty stressed out from losing their dad/father recently. And going to make a couple for people who suffer from headaches and migraines. I have been sewing since I was 10 years old and always love to receive and give homemade gifts! With being a Jama (grandmother) I have 13 grandchildren to sew for and with! Love passing my gift of sewing on!
Debbie
I would love to buy your lavender eye pillows do you sell them by any chance?
God bless, Bonnie
What do you consider a medium weight for pure linen? I see you refer to the fabric website, and there are so many different weights listed. Thanks, can’t wait to make a few.
Yes, that website has a TON of options! I’ve had great experience with reading the comments on the product and emailing support for more guidance on what varieties are a good medium weight. I love that they have so many options but it is overwhelming too!
SO what is considered a medium weight?
Hello Cami!
I love your beautiful ideas. These lavender pillows are sooo romantic. Thank you for sharing.
Love your blog, Cami. You come up with some of the most thoughtful, useful gifts ideas. I also love that you and your husband are showing your children that in those times when we could all use extra money or gift ideas, (always), to use our minds and hands to be creative. What a gift to pass on! I grew up in a family with 5 sisters and had I not been creative, I could never have afforded to give them gifts…..both as a child and as an adult.
Nancy! I loved your comment. Thank you so much for the compliments! I actually grew up in a home where store bought gifts were about the only thing. Sure, I loved them, but I’ve grown to really appreciate the handmade thought and effort that goes into a gift. It takes so much more love and kindness! I’m glad you enjoy my gift ideas, it is something I really enjoy sharing!
Hi there,
these pillws look so pretty! I tried making them in silk with an inner bag for the lavender and flax, and added some other essential oils – i like to blend frankincense and peppermint oils with lavender for a calming mix… but the fragance doesn’r last long… do you have any tips?
bw
Amanda
Thanks, these sound wonderful, i have migraines and i am going to see if these help. They will be nice gifts too.
I sure hope they do Marlene! Migraines are so frustrating, I know! It may not cure them, but I do think placing them over your eyes and blocking out the light, included with the relaxing smell will do wonders. It helped me so much last night when a headache hit!
Hi Cami,
Wonderful, thoughtful gift idea. Is the weight of the linen important? What do you suggest? Also do you grow your own lavender? Any suggestions on how to get started growing my own? Thank you for such a great site for recipes, gifts, and other DIY ideas. Loved the ideas from your husband’s woodworking site.
Becky
Thank you Becky! I prefer a mid-weight linen. You don’t want it such heavy fabric that the scent can’t make its way through. But a too lightweight fabric may show the insides. I’m so glad to have you stop by and so happy you enjoyed this idea!
Is there any time soon that you may sell these? I am a grandma with an active five year old and haven’t had a lot of time to craft. I love lavender and would use this a lot!
I wish I could Becky. With our need to move this month, I just can’t think of starting another product at the moment. So sorry! I’m so glad you like them, and definitely sounds like you could use some!
Hi Cami,
I’m up early today & was “cleaning up my way too many Bookmarks”, when I came your Natural Bath Bombs, which I’ve yet to try. I’m working on gathering supplies.
That prompted me to stop by your blog to see what other brilliant ideas I can save for those in need, and to my delight, I came across your recent post on these beautiful lavender eye pillows. My sister suffers daily from migraines & I know she would benefit from one. Thank you for coming up with such thoughtful and easy to make gifts that will be well received by those in need. You’re a good woman!
Warm Regards,
JoAnne Woll
Raleigh, NC
I’m so flattered! I just love to hear how readers find themselves to my site and it is most helpful. I appreciate you bookmarking my ideas and so glad you popped over today to find my newest one. How thoughtful to give it to your sister, and I really hope it helps with her migraines. That is no fun! Feel free to sign up for my newsletter and you’ll never miss a project! Much thanks!