Learn How to Easily Sew a Surgical Face Mask With This Step-By-Step Tutorial With Video
Currently, the supply of surgical masks is at a critical all-time low throughout the entire nation. For those of us who sew, we can band together and make a huge difference in this time of need!
In times of emergency, the CDC allows fabric masks to be used when a shortage takes place. You can read more from the CDC on this subject here.
In this tutorial, we will be sewing a standard face mask with elastic ear hooks.
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.
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, Sweet Red Poppy receives a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Click HERE to get our Back to School Guide for Sewing Face Masks for Kids
Homemade face masks can be donated to be used in hospitals, doctors' offices, and retirement homes. This relieves the strain of a mask shortage and allows N95 masks to be used for COVID-19 and critical situations requiring PPE.
Get the tutorial for my Bias Tape Tie Face Mask with Flexible Nose Piece here!
Get the tutorial & FREE pattern for my Fitted Face Mask with a flexible nose here.
Get the matching Scrub Cap FREE Pattern here!
While wearing a homemade face mask will not prevent someone from catching Covid-19, it can decrease the spread of large particles when someone sneezes. It can be used in cases of the flu, cold and other airborne illnesses. Just a reminder that these masks should only be worn if you are sick or caring for someone who is sick.
All face masks should be washed and sterilized before use and cleaned again after becoming damp or moist. Color-safe bleach like Clorox 2 or Purex 2 can be used to sanitize with hot water.
CLICK HERE FOR A PRINTABLE VERSION OF THIS TUTORIAL!
Begin by cutting your fabric using the chart below for the correct measurements.
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Supplies Needed for your Surgical Face Mask
- 100% Quilting Cotton
- Sewing Machine
- Rotary Cutter or Scissors
- Self- Healing Cutting Mat
- Acrylic Ruler
- 1/4" Elastic
- Sewing Pins
- New to Sewing? Check out my Beginner Seamstress Supply List on Amazon here!
DOWNLOAD SURGICAL MASK PDF PATTERN HERE
Can't find elastic? Here are a few options to use instead.
Cut a ponytail in half, use an elastic headband from the dollar store, cut open a bungee cord to find multiple pieces of elastic.
Surgical Face Mask Cutting Chart
Quilting (Tightly Woven) Cotton 2 Layers:
Adult: 9" x 7" Child: 7" x 5"
1/4” Elastic 2 Strips:
Adult:7” Child: 6”
Step 1. Pin Elastic
Place one piece of fabric in front of you. Pin a piece of elastic on the top and bottom of the short end to create an ear loop. The elastic should be placed 1/2 “ from the top and bottom edge of the fabric. Repeat this process on the opposite side.
Step 2. Pin Fabric
Place the second piece of fabric on top with right sides facing each other.
Step 3. Sew your Surgical Face Mask
Starting at the corner. Sew around the face mask making sure to backstitch over the elastic to lock the stitches in place. Leave a 1 1/2” opening along the bottom of the mask for turning.
Step 4. Turn
Turn the mask right side out and use an iron to press it flat.
Step 5. Press
Create three pintucks markings by folding the mask in half and pressing it with an iron and then folding the outside edges to the center and pressing again.
Step 6. Create Pin Tucks for your Surgical Face Mask
Open up the mask and create 1/2” folds facing upwards. Pin the fold in place making sure all tucks are facing the same direction.
Step 7. Topstitch your Surgical Face Mask
Sew along the outside of the entire mask using a 3/8ths inch seam allowance.
CLICK HERE FOR A FREE PRINTABLE VERSION OF THIS TUTORIAL!
Contact your local hospital, doctor's office or retirement home to see if they are in need of face masks before dropping them off.
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.
Hi this is great! I couldnt find the pattern though and couldnt download the printable versión. Am I doing something wrong?
Right under the fourth picture from the top.
I found that twist ties places in the upper part of the mask before closing will allow you to be able to bend it around your nose. I place it in and sew another row to form a pocket for it to sit in.
Anyone having trouble getting elastic... Try using the elastic from your fitted bed sheets... There is quite a bit of useable elastic right there
I am from Texas they hold the elastic behind counter at Walmart and one per person. You need to ask the lady who cuts the fabric. I got some on Sunday 4-5-2020.
Elastic substitute: This worked for me - Try cutting across the legs of old (or new) nylon pantyhose/tights for large stretchy rings that don't fray, are cuttable, knottable and can be oversewn by a long length zig-zag for improved colour. They'll also make great plant ties in the garden.
I used a pipe cleaner folded in half as a nose bridge..,also sowed it in an extra little seam! Works well
Paola there is no pattern she has the cutting chart with the dimensions.
Thank you for this patter. My Daughter in Law is an emergency vet tech and they are in critical need. They will protect both people and animals.
Where is the cutting chart for dimensions
i am unable the print the pattern
Hello,
I don't know how to sew,but going through your site I'm so eager to learn & will. I couldn't find a no-sew version of this so I will just hand sew the pleats. Thank you so much for the pattern & all of your wonderful ideas.
Quick fix for mon-sewer: Try using iron on fusing (the kind you can find in grocery store for hems will work). Then hand-sew the straps to reinforce Them.
If you are looking for 1/4" elastic, I found some on eBay today Sunday March 22, 2020. Joanne, Hobby Lobby & Michael's are all out in store locally and on line. (Locally I'm near Atlanta, GA)
Is this mask one that will fit over an n95?
There is a mask that fits over the N95, The tutorial is found on the Riley Blake site. It is a little more involved with binding, but it is a nice mask.
Great idea. Thanks.
The grain line , is that where you make seam for elast?
Should I wash the masks after sewing before donating?
The masks will be sanitized at the hospital before being put into use.
Is there something we can insert for a filter?
My husband is a physician—he said to use polypropylene (it's what a lot of reusable grocery bags are made out of) and it's an effective filter. I'm going to cut and sew a piece of that in the middle of the two pieces of fabric.
Thanks for sharing that information Brandi. I have some of those bags and will add those in the middle too.
You can't use polypropylene sheet for that: it's not breatheable. That's why you have to keep shopping bags away from babies, so they don't suffocate. The filter material your husband would be referring to is called "non-woven polypropylene", "melt-blown polypropylene", or just "blown polypropylene". It's a kind of non-woven cloth made from matted-together FIBERS (not sheets) of polypropylene.
Brandi - Would you think the pattern using the elastic ear piece or the ties would work best over the N95 mask?
Some are using 911 Pelon.(feather weight/fusible) An acceptable combo of wearability/breathability and effectiveness. For those making an Olsen mask, it is ironed onto inside of both layers, so it's 2 ply filtering.
I thought the fusible was being discouraged....
Meant to include this link. They really put a lot of research into this. Includes a downloadable list of acceptable interfacings. Many of the materials folks are using are selling out so one of their videos explore substitutions... perhaps not the best options but better than nothing. The are getting tons of requests from facilities in their region (South central Washington.) http://www.fabricpatch.net/face-masks-for-covid-19-relief.htm
Thanks for this tutorial. Yes, we can all do our part in this time of need. I shared it on my page at invisionhope.com. it is a healthy living website in line with helping and empowering everyone especially at this crucial time in our lives.
I was told the pattern was placed in the trash by the owner of the document. Maybe it got moved there by acident?
Printable tutorial #5 says to fold in thirds.... should be fourths correct?
Hi, I am looking forward to making the " surgical mask" for my two grandkids. I am working with fabric that has a pattern So,.. My questions is which is the ear to ear measurment and which is the nose to chin measurment?
Thanks.
I am washing my fabric before sewing to allow for any shrinkage of the fabric.
Thank you the directions!
Stay strong, we will win!!
Thank you for your help in sewing these masks!!
I found that you can cut 1.5-2 inch thick rounds of nylon panty hose and use for the ear straps and they are much softer and roll when you stretch them...they are easier around the ears for longer wear. I also have learned that you can use vacuum bags as filters and they are breathable.
Do NOT use vacuum bags for filters. They often contain glass fibers that should not be inhaled, as well as other chemicals not meant for this type of use. There is a video on you tube from an MD warning people to please stop using vacuum bags.
Is there anything that we may have at home that we can repurpose into mask material?
Anything cotton would probably work. Tea Towels, for example.
Men's dress shirts tend to be cotton as well.
Use the tightest weave fabric you have. Hold it up to the light. See all those spaces between the weave? Picture a microscope piece of virus. So no loose weave fabrics.
Sheets and pillow cases. I read T-shirt material.
Another tip. They need to know which side it out, and the tutorial is using the same material, right sides out so you can't tell back from front. I am using muslin on the inside. (I may rethink this if it is too porous). Or, you can use two different materials, so it is reversible, once it is washed, but this way, on a given day, they would know which pattern is outside.
Wouldn't the way pleats are sewn show which side goes out?
Good question. I have so much left over fabric. Can anything besides plain cotton be used or can we cut shirts,etc. as a source.
I only have 5/8 in foldable elastic, anyone use that and had good results? Stores are wiped out of the 1/4 in non roll elastic. Thnx. xx
I went to the dollar store and bought the elastic head bands.Just cut to size and they will work great.
Hi
How do you use the head bands instead please
I ordered a roll of 100 ft of 1/8 inch bungee cord from Home Depot. Is taking 5 days to come in.
I tried 1/2" elastic and it did not work! Too hard to get that width around your ears.
I have not tried this, but garment sewers have said in the past to cut the wider elastic down the middle to the size that you need. Ex: 1/2 inch elastic cut down the middle equals two long pieces of 1/4 inch elastic. Hope this helps!
Cutting elastic is not recommended. It will fray in the wash and degrade the integrity of the elastic.
I have some wider elastic and was going to fold it over and sew it so it's not as wide. Also have elastic from fitted sheet. Have sewn different stretchy fabric, doubled and sewn instead of elastic so it's easier on the ear. Picked up some fuzzy sticks (it's like pipe cleaners) from kid craft section for the nose wire. Read several places, can use the toolbox shop towels for a filter. Can even make the surgical mask themselves out of it. Usually in car department at a store.
Make some ties. Cut strips 1 1/2" x 18" Fold in half, press, open, fold down from each side and press again. Sew closed
This is a good method if you want to insert wire for a nose piece. Instead of just attaching the ties at the sides, you can put it across the top of the mask and it makes a casing for the wire.
All I have is great hotel sheets that I can use. Is 60% cotton 40% polyester. Is that ok for masks or do they have to be 100% cotton?
Poly allows more particles to pass through. If you have cotton that’s what’s recommended.
100% cotton is recommended for its absorbent properties. Polyester is not absorbent, plus it feels too hot when you're wearing the mask more than 2 or 3 minutes. All masks feel hot, but synthetic fabrics are much worse.
I can’t find printable pattern
There is a printable tutorial located here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pNNxN5oDDUmPu8Z_5TeFr18EB8Uph7kD/view?usp=sharing
where is the link for printable pattern
I cannot find the pattern either. The provided PDF is only 1 page and it is just the tutorial. I so much appreciate your information, and we want to start today, so can you please provide the pattern pdf?
The download is just a printable tutorial. the pattern peice can be cut from a peice of paper or cardstock. The measurements are 9" x 7". 🙂
How do we determine if our cotton is “tightly woven” enough?
Can you see through the cotton? If a cotton fabric is very thin and easy to see through I would try to use something a bit thicker if you can.
When I attempt to download the instructions my computer deletes the file saying that it has a virus.
???
Here's a direct link to the google upload:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pNNxN5oDDUmPu8Z_5TeFr18EB8Uph7kD/view?usp=sharing
really wish i could find the download.its nice
What is the seam allowance? 5/8 or 1/2?
I wish i knew too what the seam allowance is when you first sew around the outside
I tried to download but says it been trashed by the owner.
I don't see where or when to close up the mask (2" for turning inside out)
When you turn the piece right side out tuck in the opening's seam allowance. Press it lightly. It will be closed when you top stitch.
I'm going to leave a 3" opening instead, and use that area to place a piece of wire to fit to the nose, zigzag stitching to hold it in place. What would have been the bottom will of course be the top. Without the wire for the bridge of the nose, the mask doesn't fit as well, and causes fogging if you wear eyeglasses.
When you sew it all around the outside after turning and after you pin the pleats that closes up the 2 inch opening
Mine came out too big using 9x7. I've seen other patterns that use 9x6. I'm going to try 8x6.
What seam allowance did you use?
Too big for my head too. I tried 8 x 7 and it was too small across. I found that 8 1/2 x 7 worked good for me.
Thank you so much for this! I'm going to be making some for my nurse friends and then maybe also for our local hospitals.
For step 3 what is the seam allowance? Thank you!
I'm using a 3/8ths inch seam allowance throughout the entire pattern. 🙂
I haven't made any yet I wear hearing aids and the ear loops don't work for me I need something that will tie around my head how can you adjust this pattern to do that
Thank you for the pattern. Much appreciated. I going to make some now.
Thank you so much for this pattern. I have lots of scrap fabric I can use. I also want to make masks for babies. What size do u think I should cut the squares and elastics. I think I will use 1/8” width for babies. What do u think?
Dawn, babies could suffocate wearing anything over their nose and mouth. I'm not sure that's a good idea.
good luck on that one, weather or not a mask should or shouldn't be used on a baby, any child who is unwilling to will not wear it. My 4 year old will wear it but my 3 year old just wants to eat it. Try keeping a hat on a toddler you get the same results. Any child younger than 3 really is a waste of time and energy in my opinion, as a mother of 4. good luck with your attempt.
I was asked to make for a medically complex baby who will have frequent hospital visits. Wondering what size to cut
The CDC recommends NO
facemasks for children 2 and under.
http://www.cdc.org
Thanks for the tutorial! My local hobby Lobby store is out of 1/4" elastic so I am substituting thin elastic headbands cut to size that I found at the dollar store. They work beautifully. Another tip is that the fabric should be 100% cotton and the fabric should be prewashed with dye free and fragrance free detergent.Let's save the world, one mask at a time!
Thanks so much for putting this together!!
A nurse friend said seven-inch elastic was a little loose, thought six-inch would fix more snugly. Perhaps make some 7” and mark LG ADULT and some 6” and mark MED-LG ADULT.
What about leaving a pocket you could slip a piece of vacuum cleaner bag material inside?
They are now saying that some vacuum cleaner bags have fiberglass fibers in them, as well as chemicals, and not recommending using them as filters. You can buy 'Shop Towels' (the ones I got at Costco are blue) they are nonwoven, and will hold up to washing when enclosed as a middle layer between the 2 outside layers of cotton.
This is a fantastic design. Thank you so much.
You do not need a pattern. It's a 7" X 9" rectangle.
For fabric, use material from clothing, like men's cotton t-shirts, women's cotton nightgown, woven shirts and blouses, as long as they are 100% cotton, is fine, as long as they have a tight weave. (Cotton gauze might not be so good) If you have a cotton blend, I'm not sure; best to be primarily cotton.
What can I use to make nose area fit snug with bendable metal or something
Paper clips.
I used christmas ornament hangers . They work great . I just zig,ag stitch over it a few times to hold on place.
I've just ordered twisty ties from ebay.
the ties that come with plastic food bags work great
Can I use 3/8 inch elastic? I have rhat
I tried the 3/8" elastic, it was a little wide to fit comfortably behind my ears. Would be okay for a fifteen minute wearing, but much longer than that and it causes irritation (for me, anyway.)
Can I use 3/8 inch elastic? I have that.
What is the length of the elastic to be cut? And the length of the ties, in case we can't find elastic?
Hi your mask is good . but do you know how to make mask with filter ? Here you are https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4eWuo0qlWU also you can find a mask pattern
Also you can sew a mask for kids https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mU2aP6gR-YY
what length elastic for a childs mask?
What length for using bias tape to make ties since so many of us cannot find elastic?
I would make four 20 inch strips and sew them in at the same points as where you would attach the elastic.
I am making these for my Daughter in Law, she is an emergency vet tech and they are low on supplies. They are hoping to get something soon. I hope these will help them out. Thank you for your directions and allowing to help out people and animals.
what is the length of the bias if you are making them so they can be tied...
The printable version is not really in the trash. Don't click where it says "click here" just click on the link below that.
Back layer can be non woven interfacing...then you can use any material for the top.
the printed directions say to fold mask into thirds, yet the video says 4ths. From the video and the pictures, I can tell it is 4th, but that could lead to confusion in other users. Thank you for showing how to fold and do the pleats so clearly. I've looked at other patterns out there, and they all just say "make pleats" but very little direction. I will try this pattern tomorrow.
Thank you for clear directions and a wonderful video. I'm making these today for family, friends, etc. 🙂
Thank you for sharing your talent and free pattern. It is easy to follow. Had no trouble printing the colorful instructions. Starting make them for family and friends in need. Also watching your tutorial makes it even easier to follow. God Bless, stay safe.
I have seen masks using bias tape. Cut length should be about 34 inches and then sewn along the sides, over the pleats. The pattern was put out by health officials in Cuba and I had to convert from cm to inches. Try one before making a bunch as I haven’t made one yet!
I only had 1 inch wide elastic, so cut it in
1/4 to 1/8 inch strips which is more comfortable around the ears. The pattern on the elastic had multiple straight lines.
I cut carefully so each cut strip had 2 or three straight lines intact for keeping the stretch and rebound integrity in tack. I checked the stretch 25 x and it seemed to remain the same measured lengthy and without fraying. Yay!
PIN TUCKS: the pattern says to fold mask into thirds BUT the video says Fold into FOURTHS. I'm a beginner so I was confused by the pattern until I found the video so I thought I'd let you know. 😉
I am also making the bias masks when I can find materials for either. I am using my high thread count sheets as material. The tighter the better and over 50 per king size flat sheet.
What would be the best way to get the wire in the elastic version? I am also trying to use my serger to speed things up and don't wan to break too many needles!
Several of us want to know how to make the ties if we do not have elastic available — the picture does not give dimensions or directions for making using strips of fabric instead of elastic. Given the difficulty of finding elastic, fabric ties could be an easy alternative. Thanks.
Use bias tape. Instructions I had read used 1/4 inch, but 1/2 inch might be easier. They used one long strip each across top and bottom. They stitch the 2 sides, turned inside out, pressed, then stitched the open bias tape along the top edge, folded it over on the original creases, then stitched in place. They said to use floral wire. That was 26 gauge--I bought 20 gauge and it works fine.
There is a tutorial for ties on this same website.
Thank you so much for the pattern. Making them for nursing homes our daughter-in-law manages.
I love your tutorial and a group of us are sewing masks for local hospitals and medical professionals - primarily the NICU staff, as we make tiny shirts for the NICU babies to wear. I like your explaination of how the mask is to be used, cared for, etc. May i have your permission to quote that and put it in with our masks, giving you credit along with a link to your web site please?
These seem large around the ears is that how they should be?
Just a quick bit of info: some of the healthcare providers are using these to place over their N95 masks to quickly change when going to the next patient. The extra length in elastic helps so it doesn't get too tight.
If one adjusts the pattern a little, you can use large ponytail elastic to go over the ears. I would recommend making a larger size for men, as those don't stretch as nice as regular elastic.
I really like the shape of your face mask but can't get it to print to scale. My printer doesn't reduce and I don't want to go to Office Depot unnecessarily right now. Have you ever considered adjustments to make it print at scale? I'd say the printed version from the PDF is at least 10% too large. And the colored pattern prints WAY too large.
This is a great pattern. Thank you very much for putting it out here!!! The 7 inch elastic made the mask a little loose on myself and my daughter (a nurse). I cut the elastic 6.5 inches and I thought it worked better. I also cut the fabric pieces 9 by 6.5. It took a couple of tries to get it right, but I am very pleased with the result. I added a twist tie for the nose area. After step 3 (where you sew around the fabric but leave the 1 1/2 inch opening at the bottom) I put the twist tie in the top of the mask (opposite the bottom opening) in the seam allowance between the two pieces of fabric. I pinned it and then just stitched right over it. Then when I flipped it right side out in step 4, it is nicely sandwiched in there, and still works great. I am using 3/8 inch elastic, because that is all I had and it is working great! As with a lot of patterns, this is a fantastic guideline. I always make one as instructed and then make adjustments that work for the ones I am making it for when I make the next one.
If making masks for children, do you adjust the length of elastic or still use 7"? Making these for local hospital. Thanks for sharing this easy pattern.
Use 6 inch elastic for children.
Thank you for sharing how to make these masks. I truly appreciate it!
I cut the elastic into 1/4 in. strips. I did and it seems to work fine.
I just want to be able to print the three patterns out! I have wasted all night trying to find the print button. Don’t need written instructions when there is a video. I especially want to make the one with the pocket for the filter please. Video and designs are fabulous just make it easier!
I would like a pdf pattern for the fitted mask, but cannot find it, just the pleated mask. Please advise
Hi,
Firstly thank you for you time and effort and making these patterns and tutorials available. I was wondering if you had a pattern for the shaped mask? I haven't been able to find it. Thanks in advance.
Please disregard my previous message, I found it lol. Here's the link for anyone else looking
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VvC085EvzriC-i3H--bY0SLP384xFlXv/view
Once again thank you.
the link says doesn't exist
I am making these mask but I am adding a 4.5 x 7 inch piece of medium or heavy sew in interfacing down the middle for a filter. Just put the interfacing in the middle of either the front or back piece and sew down each side. Continue with the instructions printed.
I like this pattern's simplicity but am having trouble (as others) sourcing supplies. I've decided to modify the elastic version with tie strings, so instead of 14" of elastic per mask, I'll use four ties made of the fabric, approximately 15" long each. Using 45" fabric, I'll get six rectangles of 7" x 9" and six 1" strips for the ties, so I'll be able to make three masks out of 1/2 yard of fabric.
What about just serging around the mask?
Would love to see an alternative for elastic or bias tape as JoAnn's is out of these presently, and Amazon doesn't have them being shipped til May or even June. I am a novice, so any help with this is appreciated!
You can make ties from fabric cut 1" x 36". Fold the long sides into the middle, then fold down the middle and topstitch along the open side. Tie a know in each short end. Then fold it in the center, match the center to the centers on each short end of the mash, and top stitch it onto the mask on each side.
For bias tape that runs across the entire top of the mask and a second one across the bottom, cut it at 40" and center it over the center of the mask. Be sure to use double-fold 1/2" bias tape -- the single fold is pretty thin and may not hold up. If you want to have a bendy part at the nose, you can use floral wire. Thank you for helping our health care workers!!!
I starting using cut rubber bands as the ear pieces. ("OfficeDepot: size 33 rubber bands. 3 1/2in x 1/8 in. 1/4 lb. net wt..") I cut them in half, lined the ends paralell on a strip of thin backing material, and sewed across, to give them grip and help the needle smoothly go through them. Then, I placed them on the corners....like this pattern, as the elastic was placed.
Where is the pattern for the contoured mask? I've been up and down the website for half an hour and can't find it.
FITTED MASK PATTERN
https://sweetredpoppy.com/how-to-sew-a-fitted-fabric-mask/
Fuzzy pipe cleaners work for the top to form a close fit over the nose. $Tree has pkg of 45.
Elastic - some brands of wider elastic can be cut into narrower widths.If you do not cut straight on the ribbed line it might ravel just to next section. I have 3 different widths here at home that can be cut down and another type that would only work if was surged.Wider elastic is easier to come by right down because of demand.
Pelon works as liner of masks and some say it can make mask almost as protective as an n95 especially when using the curved style mask that covers side of face better.
Would a soft thin interlining be suitable for making face masks?
I can't believe the useless questions that people are asking this is not rocket science cut a 9 x 7 pieces of fabric two times so I'm together with some elastic on it Easy peasy And pleat it by ironing it
You don't need to be rude. Some people do not have a lot of sewing experience. If the questions are bothering you, just don't read them. That's also simple. Good luck, everyone!!
I've had good luck posting a request for 1/4" and 1/2" elastic on NextDoor Neighbor. I cut the 1/2" elastic in half.
Seems like a disconnect between Step 5 & Step 6. For beginners, this would be confusing. Also says fold up, but picture folds are down. Otherwise, good directions. Thank you
I saw a comment on Facebook from a nurse requesting that the inside and outside fabric be different. That way if they take it off, they can easily see what side was facing the patient (contaminated). Should be an easy way to make things easier for them!
Sue, an experienced seamstress knows that, but many people are beginning to do this for very first time, because they want to be helpful. I know impatience would thwart me if I were beginning something new that others are obviously adept at. I hope we can continue to be kind in this time of stressful uncertainty. Be well. 🙂
I saw another piece asking for stretchy headbands with buttons sewn on above where the ears go so the mask straps or elastic can be strung around the buttons since the nurses' ears are getting raw from the elastic. Those might be a nice addition to make and donate too.
Is this washable? Is it sewn in or placed inside the mask as a filter?
I love the more fitted version - fabulous!’ Thank you so much for all the work you’ve done 🙂
Has anyone had luck downsizing it to use for a child? I’d like to make one for my 3 year old granddaughter
Thanks for this tutorial! It was super easy to follow and I had two done in no time!
How long should the elastic band be?
Never mind my previous question. I re-read above and realized I missed it!
What about putting a piece of washable microfiber dusting cloth in between layers? I read microfiber is good to use but idk if a dust cloth is the same. Does it matter as long as it's washable? Thanks for all the help. I am a beginner in making these and haven't seen on a machine in many many years.
Does the wire rust after washing?
pipe cleaners can be used rather than floral wire.
If you have trouble finding narrow elastic, you can split wider braided elastic into narrower lengths. I am not sure if the "no roll" type would do this, but worth a try. I have had success cutting the correct length first, and then using a rotary cutter and a see-through ruler to cut that length into one or more narrower pieces. I'm starting with 3/8" width, so only cutting that in half.
Check Amazon, I just ordered a roll of 200 yards of 1/4 in for $14.99 and free shipping!!!
Hi Kimberly, Just wanted you to know that I translated your instructions in French for Québec Canada and posting it out there for us to make masks. We are putting a link to your website. Thank you so much for the pattern! For our American neighbours keep safe! We love you!
For everyone having trouble finding elastic, I just ordered a roll of 200 yards of 1/4 in for $14.99 and free shipping!!! Not sure how long it will take, but free is free!
Thank you for this! I've added some florist wire - a long piece folded back and forth like 4 times (fold those sharp ends in too!) to end up with a 5" length - and stuck it in between the edge and the top-stitching using that 2" gap you used to turn the mask right side out. Then I hand-sew that closed. Now my son and DIL (both RNs) have 2 masks to use per shift and they can just toss them in the washer along with their scrubs when they get home and all gets sanitized at the same time.
Thank you Sweetredpoppy for your instructions and videos !! Very easy to follow ! God Bless !
The best out all very clear at a speed everyone can learn n make a face mask! Thank you so much. Sending love, Take care and stay safe everyone
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16 How To Make A 5 Minute Face Masks
https://www.diytomake.com/how-to-make-face-mask/
Despite all the video tutorials I have watched (and there are a bunch) I was never able to get the pleats formed properly. I finally sat down and created a set of rectangular face mask patterns (small, regular, medium, large) in my CAD system along with templates for marking the pleats (3/4 and 1/2 inch). Perhaps some of patterns would be useful to you or your readers. There are two files available on my website page. One is a PDF document with all the patterns and templates. The other is a ZIP file with the original CAD DWG files. I have declared all these files/patterns to be PUBLIC DOMAIN so that anyone can freely download, use, copy or modify them for their own requirements. The URL for the page is: http://www.keywild.com/facemask
do you prewash the cotton before sewing?
I can't find where it tells the seam allowance for the pattern. Can anyone tell me?
Thank you
What is the seam allowance to sew all around at the beginning? It looks like 1/4” but the seam allowance to finish is 3/8 and would catch the opening to sew shut
Thanks so much for sharing. Much simpler patterns than I am currently using, should be able to make a lot more. Printable copies appreciated.
Hi. I am a beginner sewer (if that's even a word) and I've been sewing these masks for a few weeks and it's so nice to see the many different variations. Your instructions are easy to follow and to the point. Thanks so much for sharing. I look forward to making some of the other items you have as well.
If anybody is looking for elastic, get yourself a biggie cord and cut it. It is loaded with elastic. Just trying to help
Where can I find the video for the making of the mask with elastic?
You Tube! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TL9D6ZFtZHM
Do you have measurments to use for a toddler mask? ages 2 - 4/5? what age is the small child mask for that you have posted. Thank you for your help in advance and thank you for sharing this tutorial.
Thank you for posting this! Super easy to follow. I found some ironable elastic on Etsy that worked really well and now we can put our masks in the dryer. https://www.etsy.com/listing/833792705/
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For your masks with no filter, what fabric length and width and length of elastic would you use to fit a 5 year old. I am making a few masks for a friends granddaughter. I noticed that you have children and might have made some for them as well.
Some one near the top of the comments mentioned melt blown for filters. I have been using it. I got a role from Amazon for I think it was about $34. The only problem is that it is paler thin and you have to be careful with it as it tears easily. I soaked it in water to see if it disintegrated. It did not. But I tell the recipients of my masks to hand wash them and ket them air dry in the sun. We have had no problems with the masks and the melt blown is a very effective filtering. material. I know I am late to this party but wanted to give you the info. Good luck all!
The .pdf says to cut three layers for a lining but your tutorial does not include a lining?
Hi! What type of sewing needle and what size do you use? I read that we use stretch needle for elastics but I am not 100% sure.
You don't need to be rude. Some people do not have a lot of sewing experience. If the questions are bothering you, just don't read them. That's also simple. Good luck, everyone!!
This is a great pattern for a face mask and I love mine. I like it so much that I have included it in a roundup of my 5 favourite face mask tutorials here at https://christines-crafts.com/face-masks-diy-5-of-the-best-tried-and-tested/
Thanks for the detail and easy to follow instructions.
You have the best patterns, thank you! I've made so many of these for my family.