Learn How to Easily Make a Comfortable Neck Gaiter Face Mask with this Sewing Tutorial and Free Downloadable PDF Pattern.
So many of you have requested an alternative to the quilting cotton face mask and this is a great option! It's easy to make, incredibly comfortable and can be reused in a variety of different ways.
There are six different ways that you can wear this protective neck gaiter face mask so it's sure to get plenty of use no matter which way you choose to wear it.
The best part about this mask is it's made from knit fabric which is extra soft and makes for a comfortable, stretchy mask.
This sewing pattern comes in five different sizes including child, preteen, teen, adult and large adult to fit any sized face.
SUPPLIES FOR YOUR NECK GAITER FACE MASK:
Shop Online Through the Links Below!
- Sewing Machine
- 4-Way Stretch Fabric 1/2 Yard
- Jersey Needle
- Scissors or Rotary Cutter
- Thread
- Iron & Ironing Board
- Fabri-Tac
- Nose Bridge Aluminum
Click HERE to get our Back to School Guide for Sewing Face Masks for Kids
Get the Gaiter Face Mask Sewing Pattern Below!
IMPORTANT INFO BELOW - READ BEFORE SEWING
First, begin by selecting the size of neck gaiter you would like to make. For reference, I made the adult size for myself. If you have a smaller sized face you may want to downsize to the teen size.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT FABRIC FOR YOUR NECK GAITER FACE MASK:
I recommend using a light- to medium-weight knit fabric with a content of 95% Cotton, 5% Lycra/Spandex or 95% Rayon, 5% Spandex. Having at least 5% Lycra or Spandex allows the fabric to have elasticity and bounce back to its original shape without getting stretched out over time.
Let's talk about fabric! It's important to use a 4-way stretch fabric for this project. It’s essential to use a fabric with at least 50% stretch. Not sure what that means? A 4" piece of fabric should stretch to at least 6". Fabric must have stretch both horizontally and vertically. Look for fabrics labeled as a 4-way stretch knit fabric.
Make sure to prewash and dry your knit fabric before cutting and sewing it! This will prevent your fabric from shrinking after you've sewn it.
CONSTRUCTION
Use the stretch stitch on your sewing machine; this looks like a lightning bolt and allows seams to have more give so the stitches don’t pop when stretched out. If you don't have this option, use a zigzag stitch.
You'll also want to use a jersey or ballpoint needle if you have one. This will help the needle to pass in between the fibers instead of piercing them.
Choose which style of mask you would like to make. First, choose 1 layer or 2 layers. Second, choose whether or not you would like a filter pocket for a filter and a metal nosepiece.
PRINT THE PATTERN FOR YOUR NECK GAITER FACE MASK:
Download the pattern to your computer and print the pattern at 100% with no scaling.
Immediately check the 1”x1” square to ensure the pattern has printed correctly.
HOW TO ASSEMBLE YOUR NECK GAITER FACE MASK PATTERN
The pattern is numbered 1-3. Align the circles and black lines together as you are piecing the pattern together.
Feel free to trim off the excess from each piece of the pattern or hold the pieces up to the light and align them together without trimming.
PLACE THE PATTERN ON THE FABRIC
Lay the fabric out in front of you and fold it in half. Align the cut on the fold marking with the fold of the fabric and pin the pattern in place. The fabric should be folded in half with the greatest direction of stretch running across the width of the pattern.
TWO LAYER (LINED) MASK TUTORIAL
Scroll down for the Unlined One Layer Mask Tutorial
CUT YOUR FABRIC
Cut out your knit fabric using the provided pattern. Cut out two pieces of fabric to create a lined mask. Cut out a filter pocket as well.
CREATE THE FILTER POCKET FOR YOUR NECK GAITER FACE MASK:
Place one mask with the right side of the fabric facing upwards on a flat surface. Find the center of the mask and mark it. Align the filter pocket on top of the mask making sure it's centered. The raw edges of the fabric along the top of the mask should be aligned.
Pin the filter pocket in place. With a stretch stitch, sew along the bottom of the filter pocket 1/2" from the edge of the fabric. Sew along the top of the filter pocket 1" from the raw edge of the fabric.
SEW YOUR MASKS TOGETHER
Place the masks right sides together and sew across the top and bottom of the mask.
Turn the fabric inside of the tube so the right sides are facing each other and align the seams. Pin everything into place and sew along the raw edge of the fabric with a stretch stitch leaving a 2-3" opening for turning.
Pull the fabric through the hole to turn it right side out.
PRESS & CLOSE OPENING
Hand stitch or use fabric glue to close the opening.
Press all of the seams on the mask with plenty of steam and a hot iron. This will help the fabric to shrink back to its original size as it can get stretched out during sewing.
FILTER POCKET
Slide a filter into the filter pocket and a nose piece into the top pocket. Now you're ready to wear your face mask!
This style of mask can be worn a variety of different ways.
UNLINED MASK TUTORIAL
Read the directions below to create an unlined mask. This mask is preferable for some because it's easier to breathe through than the two layer mask.
PLACE THE PATTERN ON THE FABRIC
Lay the fabric out in front of you and fold it in half. Align the "cut on the fold" marking with the fold of the fabric and pin the pattern in place. The fabric should be folded in half with the greatest direction of stretch running across the width of the pattern.
CUT THE FABRIC
Cut out your knit fabric using the provided pattern. Cut out 1 piece of fabric for the main mask. Cut out 1 filter pocket as well.
CREATE FILTER POCKET
Place the mask with the right side of the fabric facing upwards on a flat surface. Find the center of the mask and mark it. Align the filter pocket on top of the mask making sure it's centered. The filter pocket should be placed 1/2" down from the raw edge of the fabric.
Pin the filter pocket in place. With a stretch stitch, sew along the bottom of the filter pocket 3/8" from the edge of the fabric. Sew along the top of the filter pocket 1.5" from the raw edge of the main mask fabric.
SEW MASKS TOGETHER
Fold the top and bottom of the mask inwards 1/2" with wrong sides facing to create a hem and press. I like to spray my material with a heavy starch to give me more control of the fabric.
Sew along the folded edge of the fabric, securing the hem in place using a stretch stitch.
Fold the mask in half with right sides facing together and sew along the raw edge with a 3/8" seam allowance. Don't forget to backstitch at the beginning and ending.
Turn the mask right side out.
PRESS THE MASK
Press all of the seams on the mask with plenty of steam and a hot iron. This will help the fabric to shrink back to its original size as it can get stretched out during sewing.
FILTER POCKETS
Slide a filter into the filter pocket and a nose piece into the top pocket. Now you're ready to wear your face mask!
CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE PRINTABLE WRITTEN TUTORIAL.
Don’t forget to join my face mask Facebook group where you can show us what you’re making, ask questions, and learn from others! Follow me on Instagram for daily crafting inspiration and a look behind the scenes.
Thank you so much for this; I've seen people wearing them and have been thinking it would be nice to have some that hide my old lady neck issues, lol.
Now I need one more thing, if I may: we don't have a printer (or computer, since the libraries here are still closed). Any chance I could get measurements? If they graduate in equal amounts, I would only need the outside one (plus the pocket & nose piece) and how much to subtract for the other sizes. This would be a great help, and I'm looking forward to making some of these for the people on my list. Thank you!
just printed out my pattern and measured it for you.
width is meant to be the direction of greatest stretch
full dimensions given (ie not half dimensions based on placing pattern on the fold)
child: 9" high x 16" wide
preteen: 10" high x 17" wide
teen: 11" high x 18" wide
adult: 12" high x 19" wide
large adult: 13" high x 20" wide
only two filter pocket sizes given
child and preteen: 3" high x 5" wide
all others: 4" high x 6" wide
Thank you I'm having printer problems
I have the same problem. Thank you for requesting measurements! ❤️
Thank you so much for making this pattern available! I was wondering - do the gaiters need to be the full length indicated? As long as it covers my nose and mouth fully, could I fold the adult 12 x 19 in half, making a 6” lined gaiter?
That's how I did mine. I made it a little tighter (narrower) by about 3/4 inch. I think it fills the need very well.
Janice, thanks for measurements!!
If you don’t like the pattern, don’t use it. There’s no need to be hateful. Some people may choose to use two different fabric prints, so don’t jump to conclusions. Be nice or don’t say anything.
I was a bit confused by checking the square measurements. At the large square I think you mean 2'' (5 cm) instead of 2 cm.
(1'' = 2,54 cm)
I used the pattern it they turned out great. No need to be so rude. If you don’t like it-don’t use it. No need to be a seamstress snob!
These are not good to wear for covid masks! First of all, it is a stretchy material that when stretched opens up the holes in the fabric. Secondly, pulling this over your head after wearing it, opens up the possibility that the virus could get rubbed into your eyes and face plus your hands and hair. Also, with any mask you wear for this virus, your nose and mouth need to be covered and yes it covers it but when it gets wet with your breath, it's too late. You need to wear masks that can easily be put on and taken off. This virus comes not only from your mouth but from your nose. If they are not worn properly, and of the right material, your chances of getting covid increases. You can inhaled the virus through your nose if it's not covered. I am a nurse and I've worn masks quite a lot and I'm just trying to ensure you all are safe with the masks. Make sure your filter also covers your nose and mouth. Wash your hands frequently. Please stay safe.
Looking for the PDF patern for the gator mask
Thank you! Exactly what I was looking for.
Can this be made from a t-shirt?
T-shirts usually have 3% or less Lycra. 5% is recommended for this pattern.
Do you have a pdf of the pattern?
Oops, I just saw the pdf link up top. Thank you.
Hi Kimberly,
Will 4-way poly/spandex work or does it have to be cotton/Lycra(spandex) or rayon/spandex?
You could definitely try out a poly/spandex. My only concern would be that it might not be very breathable. On the upside, it might wick away the moisture from your face.
Love this - 6 ways to wear it - will come in handy. Thank you for sharing
Thanks! I just told my husband today I was going to make some of this style and it popped up in my inbox. Perfect timing!
there is a pdf with instructions, toward bottom
I need a PDF of the instructions in sewing all these videos make my head spin I need written instructions so I can break it down
I agree. please make a PDF instruction with pictures
If you go to the top of the instructions on the webpage, you can click and drag your cursor to highlight the directions and the photos and drag it all the way down over all that you want to use, then copy and paste them into a Microsoft Word document. It skips all the ads and you can print it out and have all the instructions laid out like they are on the website. I do this with all her turorials.
She usually condenses the instructions in her printable PDFs, so this way you can get all the details.
Looking for pdf. I just figured it out...
Pull up pattern as if you were going to print it.
Right click on the pattern or side of pattern and
it will give you an option of save as. Here you
can save as a pdf. Hope this helps everyone!!!
Remember to print pattern at actual size not
fit to page...
having no luck printing pattern tried it all any help? will be great thanks much
I’ve been wanting to make one like this to try even have fabric! What type filter did you use for this and a source/instruction?
I love all your perfectly explained instructions. Thank you. Where can I buy the nose wire?
Please advise
Thx
many people use floral wire or any other bendable type of wire. I found the actual nose piece thingies available on amazon, they are adhesive backed, but you could just as well slide them in to the pocket. I like that I don't have to worry about a sharp wire point aimed at my eye area.
if you click on it in list of supplies it takes you to amazon and the item
silly question, but I can't find the one inch square to assure pattern was printed correctly. Can someone guide me?
me either, I was wondering also
I didn't see it either but someone posted the sizes in an earlier comment. So the small size filter pocket is 3" X 5" and that measurement did print accurately for me.
The inch square is on the PDF pattern now.
What are you using for filters
Janice, thank you for sharing all those measurements. That's a great help.
Pretty but I have concerns about removal of a potentially contaminated “mask”. How is it removed? The uses for it are going to lead some to wear it as a mask, slide it down to a scarf, wrap it around their wrist or tie their hair back. There is just too much potential for contamination during removal. Please remember that masks are never handled by the face piece, always by the straps and stored away with no touch. The gaiter needs to be treated the same.
If you have those concerns, then obviously this type of face covering is not for you. But for those of us that don’t have those concerns and are looking for something to satisfy the “masks required” directive, this pattern is perfect!
Nancy, I have to agree with you on this one and to be perfectly honest, if places of business were not mandated to make people wear them, I would not be doing so. I am a 64 year old public safety employee that has been constantly around the public and either I'm lucky or just simply fearless.
so I tried with a jersey tee. and it did not stretch after I made it.... epic fail for my husband big brain. (ha)
I have a sport shirt that is 100%polyester. any thoughts on how I can make it work?
I want to try on household items before I run out and buy material.
Thanks in advance
Four-way stretch is like swimsuit fabric. Most garment knits are two-way stretch and so won’t work with this item.
im looking for the 2019 pattern on scrunchies can you send me those patterns please.
my pattern is not printing in english and i cant understand it when i view it it seems ok but it prints different
Making these for my kids to wear to school in the fall. Now I don’t have to worry about them dropping them, losing them or taking the in and off “because they bother my ears”! Perfect solution! Thank you for the pattern and easy to follow instructions!
Thank you for this. I had been searching for something comfortable to wear at work. Our mandate requires us to wear a mask when we're in the same building as anyone else, so despite not actually being closer than 6 feet and in a separate room from anyone for 8 hours, I still have to wear a mask the entire time. This one-layer mask is perfect. Fits the requirements, but very breathable and comfortable. And when I'm actually going to be near someone I can just slide it up as a headband and put on the other earloop mask I made. Perfect. Thank you.
I am wondering how to size these. When I taught Stretch and sew we always said 2/3 of measurement for lycra turtlenecks. How are these fitting with actual measurements of heads? Seems if you matched actual size of fabric piece with head measurements would be slipping down. Any thoughts from some who may have made them? Making for kids who are far away so cant try them for sizes. Have measurements for area will be worn on face and around head. Thanks
Hi
I just printed out the download but there isn't any of the actual pattern pages showing. Did I do something wrong?
Thanks
These will be great for ski season.
PLEASE correct and amend your instructions on the fabric choice. Studies done have shown that single layer stretch fabric actually is WORSE THAN NOTHING AT ALL in protection. The reason is that this type of fabric breaks up the droplets into aerosolized particles that then spread farther than breathing with no mask whatsoever. The basic rule of thumb is that if you can see through it when you put it up to the light, it is not protecting anyone.
I will be making this for my granddaughter. She has down syndrome. The masks with elastic do not stay on her ears. She will only wear the gaiter style mask. Thank you for having this pattern.
You're welcome! I hope you enjoy my pattern!
Thank you for this pattern. It was very easy to follow. I must be doing something wrong because when I make the two layer gator, everything looks fine until I wash it. The two layers twist badly. Can someone help me figure out what I’m doing wrong.
can you use fleece? thank you so much!