How To Make An Eyepatch: 11 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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How to Make an Eyepatch Download Article Co-authored by Daniela Gutierrez-Diaz

Last Updated: February 23, 2026

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• Preparing the Patch
|
• Preparing the String
|
• Attaching the Eyepatch
|
• Video
|
• Q&A
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• Warnings

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This article was co-authored by Daniela Gutierrez-Diaz. Daniela Gutierrez-Diaz is a professional pattern maker and clothing designer at DGpatterns in Vancouver, Canada. With over 5 years of experience, Daniela creates modern and unique silhouettes that are suitable for a busy everyday life. Her blog, On the Cutting Floor, contains sewing tips and PDF sewing patterns for a variety of projects and designs. This article has been viewed 239,374 times.

The eyepatch is a staple accessory for do-it-yourself costumes. While eyepatches do serve a medical purpose, they more commonly seen today as a costume. The most famous use of the eyepatch is the pirate costume, but you can be creative and add an edge to any character you’d like! Continue below to learn how to make an eye patch and using it for different occasions.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 3:

Preparing the Patch

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1. 1 Gather your cloth. A traditional eyepatch is made out of black cloth. You can use the cloth of your choice. A popular material is canvas, but this isn’t the most comfortable. You could instead use a fabric that is soft like cotton, if you plan to wear the patch for an extended time period.[1]
   • You can also gather scrap cardboard if you choose to use it.
2. 2 Measure the dimensions. Use a ruler to measure one of your eyes and the surrounding area. Most eyepatches will extend from your eyebrows to below your eyes. Measure from your eyebrows to the top of your cheek bone for the vertical distance. Then measure from the center of your nose to the other side of your eye for the horizontal distance. Jot these measurements down on paper.
   • After gauging how large you want your eyepatch, measure and draw the dimensions onto the cloth. You can use chalk to best see your outline.[2]
   • Create a sunglass lens shape out of the rectangle. Be sure to hit the edges of the rectangle when drawing your outline.
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3. 3 Cut the outline. Use sewing scissors to cut out your eyepatch.[3] Once you have your patch cut, use a lighter to burn away any of the frayed strings left behind. Removing the frayed strings will create a cleaner looking eyepatch.
4. 4 Use cardboard for support. To create a stiff eyepatch that will look dramatic, you can attach a piece of cardboard to the backside of the eyepatch. Lay the eyepatch onto a piece of clean cardboard. Then trace the patch onto the cardboard using a pen. Now cut out the cardboard.
   • Glue the patch onto the cardboard using standard glue or a hot glue gun. Use more fabric than is needed to completely cover the cardboard, and curl the excess fabric onto the back side of the cardboard so that the front of the patch is seamless.
   • This isn't necessary, but it might look more believable than just using cloth.
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Part 2 Part 2 of 3:

Preparing the String

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1. 1 Measure your head. Use a seamstress’ measuring tape to measure your head. Take note of your dimensions. When preparing the string you should leave extra slack to account for attaching and adjustments.
2. 2 Prepare the string. Use black string for an authentic look. Measure out your string to the same length you documented for your head. Remember to leave about two inches of slack for tying knots and adjustments.
   • If black string isn't available, use whatever you have. Darker colors work best.
3. 3 Use a hair tie. Some hair ties will work as a string for your eyepatch. If you find that your hair tie is too small, use a headband. Cut whichever type of band you use so that it is in the shape of a string.
   • You can also rip an elastic band out of an old pair of pants.
4. 4 Test it on yourself. Before attaching the string to the eyepatch, try wearing it by using your hands to hold everything in place. This will help you gauge if the string is the right dimension.
   • Make adjustments if needed.[4]
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Part 3 Part 3 of 3:

Attaching the Eyepatch

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1. 1 Prepare a hole. You can either create a hole to tie the string, or glue the string onto the patch. If you decide to make inserts into the patch, use a sharp knife. Create small holes on the far left and right side of the patch.
   • If you decide to glue, prepare a hot glue gun or superglue.[5]
2. 2 Attach the string. Tie a small overhand knot if you created holes. Make sure you took into account the slack needed to attach the string. Use a hot glue gun or superglue to attach the string. Glue your string behind the front of the patch to create a sleeker look.[6]
3. 3 Wear the patch. Eyepatches are classic accessories for a variety of costumes. Slip the eyepatch over your head and you have your very own eyepatch.
   • For decorations, you can color onto the patch using a white marker. A classic costume decor is the pirates flag.
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Community Q&A

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• Question Could I use paper or foam for the patch part? Community Answer Yes, but it may break easily. If you are making a costume, try using fabric, but if it is for sight purposes, just try the best you can. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 6 Helpful 23

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Warnings

• This eye patch is not approved for medical use.[7] It's mostly for costumes. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

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References

1. ↑ https://cdn.wchn.sa.gov.au/downloads/WCH/children/ophthalmology/How-to-make-a-patch-Fact-Sheet.pdf
2. ↑ https://sewing.craftgossip.com/tutorial-make-an-eyepatch-for-amblyopia-or-lazy-eye/
3. ↑ https://sewing.craftgossip.com/tutorial-make-an-eyepatch-for-amblyopia-or-lazy-eye/
4. ↑ https://b-inspiredmama.com/diy-mama-kids-amblyopia-eye-patch/
5. ↑ https://b-inspiredmama.com/diy-mama-kids-amblyopia-eye-patch/
6. ↑ https://b-inspiredmama.com/diy-mama-kids-amblyopia-eye-patch/
7. ↑ Joel Warsh, MD. Board Certified Pediatrician. Expert Interview

About This Article

Co-authored by: Daniela Gutierrez-Diaz Pattern Maker and Sewist This article was co-authored by Daniela Gutierrez-Diaz. Daniela Gutierrez-Diaz is a professional pattern maker and clothing designer at DGpatterns in Vancouver, Canada. With over 5 years of experience, Daniela creates modern and unique silhouettes that are suitable for a busy everyday life. Her blog, On the Cutting Floor, contains sewing tips and PDF sewing patterns for a variety of projects and designs. This article has been viewed 239,374 times. 10 votes - 42% Co-authors: 17 Updated: February 23, 2026 Views: 239,374 Categories: Costume Accessories Article SummaryX

To make an eyepatch, start by getting some black fabric, like canvas or cotton. Next, measure the area around your eye and cut out your eyepatch from the fabric according to the measurements. Then attach a piece of cardboard to the backside of the patch to help it hold its shape. Afterwards, measure around your head and cut out a length of black string 2 inches longer than your head measurement. Finally, glue the string onto your eyepatch, then slip the eyepatch over your head and tie the ends of the string in a knot. To learn more, like how to make the edges of your eyepatch look smooth and clean after cutting it from the fabric, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Reader Success Stories

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  Firoz Nanji

  May 3, 2020

  "Very nicely explained. I have hurt my right eye with " Welding" flash burn. Need to calm the eye down...." more

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Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Daniela Gutierrez-Diaz Pattern Maker and Sewist 10 votes - 42% Click a star to vote 42% of people told us that this article helped them. Co-authors: 17 Updated: February 23, 2026 Views: 239,374

Firoz Nanji

May 3, 2020

"Very nicely explained. I have hurt my right eye with " Welding" flash burn. Need to calm the eye down...." more

Anonymous

Apr 13, 2016

"This was the best, most accurate, easiest, least time-consuming tutorial, period! Thank you, wikiHow."

Eric Evans

Nov 7, 2018

"Very helpful." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

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