Learn How to Sew a Scarf Face Mask With a Filter Pocket, Nose Bridge Pocket Two Different Ways.
I’m so excited to be sharing this beautiful and stylish face mask with you! Many of you requested this tutorial so that you could easily wear a mask that doubled as a stylish accessory. It can easily be tucked under the scarf when it’s not in use.
Currently, it is recommended by the CDC that anyone over the age of 2 wear a cloth face mask or covering when leaving the home. This is a simple, yet effective way that we can prevent and slow the transmission of illnesses within our communities.
To wear this mask, simply tie it behind your neck. Tuck the mask inside of the scarf while it’s not in use. When you’re ready to wear it, untuck it!
This pattern is available is 5 different sizes including Toddler, Child, Teen, Adult and Large Adult. I’ have also included information on how to make this mask using two of our most popular masks; the Fitted Face Mask or the Pleated Face Mask. Select your size and desired style before you begin.
RECOMMENDED FABRICS FOR YOUR SCARF FACE MASK:
I recommend using a Rayon Challis fabric for this tutorial. This is a lightweight, breathable fabric that is soft and has a liquid drape to it.
Other suitable fabrics for this project are silk, voile, linen, chambray and chiffon.
Tips for working with Rayon Challis
- Press with medium heat. Too much heat can cause the fabric to become shiny.
- Spray the fabric with starch to give it more stability and prevent it from shifting.
- Use a brand new needle to prevent pulls in the fabric.
- Prewash the fabric before sewing as it may shrink slightly.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
I wouldn’t recommend tucking the mask back into the scarf after you’ve worn it out in public. This is to prevent spreading anything your mask has come into contact with from spreading onto your neck, mouth, or chest.
DOWNLOAD THE SCARF MASK SEWING PATTERN HERE
Supplies (Click on the links below to shop the supplies online)
- 1 Yard Rayon Challis Fabric
- 1/4 Yard Quilting Cotton
- 1/8 yard Knit for Ties or 1/4” Elastic
- Sewing Machine
- Scissors or Rotary Cutter & Mat
- Thread
- Pins
- Iron & Ironing Board
- Pony Beads
- 8″ Piece of Wire or String
- Scarf Face Mask Sewing Pattern
Click HERE to get our Back to School Guide for Sewing Face Masks for Kids
Before cutting out your pattern, review the graphic below. This will help you to choose the correct pattern for your specific face shape. The best way to do this is to take a photo of your face from a side angle and draw a line along the front of your face. If the line is a vertical line version 1 will fit you best. If the line goes inward along your chin, select version 2.
FITTED SCARF FACE MASK TUTORIAL
(SCROLL DOWN FOR THE PLEATED VERSION)
STEP 1. PRINT THE FITTED SCARF FACE MASK SEWING PATTERN
Begin by downloading the pattern to your desktop. Open the download, and print at 100% with no scaling. Immediately measure the 1″x1″ square to make sure the pattern has printed off correctly. Tape or glue the pattern together and cut out each pattern piece. Align the black lines and pink stars.
STEP 2: CUT OUT MAIN, LINING, CASING, & TIE FABRIC FOR SCARF FACE MASK
Select your desired size and cut out the mask pattern pieces. If you plan on cutting out multiple masks, you can cut the template out of something sturdier like a cereal box or cardstock. I recommend using a quilting cotton for the lining of the mask.
Lay the fabric out in front of you. Cut out a mirrored set of fabric from your main mask and for your lining. Cut out 1 large square piece of fabric for the mask using the pattern piece and cut a nose filter pocket as well.
Cut a 1″ wide strip of t-shirt material to create the tie. Stretch the t-shirt material out.
You should have two main mask pieces, two lining mask pieces, a t-shirt tie, scarf and a casing.
STEP 3. PRESS AND SEW SCARF FACE MASK CASINGS
Press the scarf under 3/8” and press. Turn under an additional 3/8” and press again. Sew around the entire scarf along the edge of the fold.
Take the main mask fabric and press the short edge under 1/4″ and press. Fold under an additional 5/8″ and press. Do not sew the tab.
Take the lining fabric and press under 1/2″. Sew 1/4″ from the folded edge. When placed together the main and lining folded tabs should meet each other.
STEP 4. SEW MAIN MASK AND LINING FABRICS TOGETHER
Place the main mask pieces right sides together and pin. Repeat with the lining.
Sew the main and lining along the curved edge using a 3/8″ seam allowance. Use a pair of pinking shears to trim away the seam allowance.
Open the masks and press the seam allowance to the left. If you have a pressing ham it’s helpful to use this.
Press the nose piece casing 3/8″ under on one long side and both short sides.
Align the raw edges of the casing with the raw edge of the lining (wrong side of casing facing the right side of mask) and pin it into place.
Place the main mask on top of the lining with the right sides together and pin. Sew around the entire mask, making sure the main fabric extended tabs are unfolded and remain unsewn.
STEP 5. MASK RIGHT SIDE OUT & TOPSTITCH
Turn the mask right side out. Roll out the seams and press with plenty of steam.
Create the casing by folding in the extended tab. Sew along the innermost fold to secure the casing in place.
STEP 6. HEM SCARF AND ATTACH TO MASK
Sew around the entire scarf with a double rolled hem. Fold the scarf in half and mark the center point of the scarf. Lightly press the middle of the scarf to mark it. Align the mask with the scarf and sew along the edge of the mask to connect it. Do NOT sew over the casing!
STEP 7. THREAD STRAP THROUGH CASING OF YOUR SCARF FACE MASK
NOSEPIECE – Cut a piece of wire floral wire slightly larger than the length of the casing. Turn the sharp edges inward on both sides. Insert the floral wire into the casing. Use a metal nose bridge if preferred. The casing allows it to be easily removed before washing the mask to prevent damage or rusting.
You can create the ear loops a few different ways.
TIES – First off, you can create a T-shirt casing that goes around the head. To do this, cut a length of knit fabric or a t-shirt 1/2″ wide by 35″ long. You can adjust this measurement as needed.
Attach a safety pin to the t-shirt tie and feed it upwards through the right-hand casing and downwards through the left-hand casing. The tie can be adjusted once it is placed on the wearer for a better fit and tied at the base of the neck.
You can also create adjustable ear loops using pony beads. To do this, feed the knit tie through the casing. Bend a piece of wire in half and slide the pony bead onto the wire. Slide both ends of the knit tie in between the wire, pull the wire to feed the bead onto the ties. Now you can adjust the ear tie using the pony bead.
FILTER – A filter can be slid into the mask through the openings on either side. Attach a safety pin to the side of the filter to help feed it through the mask.
PLEATED SACRF FACE MASK SEWING TUTORIAL
STEP 1. PRINT THE PLEATED FACE MASK SCARF SEWING PATTERN
Begin by downloading the pattern to your desktop. Open the download, and print at 100% with no scaling. Immediately measure the 1″x1″ square to make sure the pattern has printed off correctly. Tape or glue the pattern together and cut out each pattern piece. Align the black lines and pink stars.
Select your desired size and cut out the mask pattern pieces. If you plan on cutting out multiple masks, you can cut the template out of something sturdier like a cereal box or cardstock. I recommend using a quilting cotton for the lining of the mask.
STEP 2. CUT MAIN MASK, LINING, SCARF, NOSE FILTER, & TIES
Lay the fabric out in front of you. Cut out 1 fabric for the main mask and two fabrics for the lining of the mask. Cut out 1 large square piece of fabric for the mask using the pattern piece and cut a nose filter pocket as well. Cut out
EAR ELASTIC –
Cut 1/4″ elastic to the following lengths for each size. 5.5″ Toddler, 6″ Child, 7″ Teen, 8” Adult, 9” Large Adult. This measurement may need to be lengthen or shortened based on the quality and stretch of your elastic.
KNIT TIES- Adjustable with Pony Beads Cut 4 – 10″. Around the head 30″-35″.
You should have one main mask piece, two lining mask pieces, a t-shirt tie, scarf and a casing.
STEP 3: SEW FILTER POCKET & NOSE BRIDGE CASING
FILTER POCKET – Place the two pieces of lining fabric right sides together. Save the third piece of fabric for the next step.
Place a pin in each corner of the rectangle and horizontally mark the center of the rectangle. I like to do this by pressing the fabric in half.
Sew a straight horizontal line leaving a 2-3″ opening in the middle.
Grab both top corners of the top fabric only and pull them downwards to meet the bottom. Flip mask over and this time grab the bottom two corners of the top fabric and lift them up to meet the top.
Press seams with an iron. A filter can easily be slid into this pocket at the end of the tutorial.
NOSE BRIDGE – Iron the bottom and sides of the nose bridge by turning them under 3/8”
Place the nose bridge casing with the right side facing upwards and sew along the bottom edge.
Place the main piece of fabric in front of you. Pin a piece of elastic or knit ties on the top and bottom of the short end to create an ear loop. It should be placed 1/2 “ from the top and bottom edge of the fabric.
Place the last rectangle on top of the lining with right sides facing each other. Sew around the entire face mask 3/8ths inch seam allowance.
STEP 4: TURN AND PRESS MASK
Turn the mask right side out through the filter pocket and use an iron to press it flat. You can use a needle and thread to gently wiggle the corners out or a turning tool
Lay the mask out in front of you. Create the pleat markings by folding the outside edges to the center and pressing. Create the pleat by folding the mask 1/2” under bringing the pleats towards the center of the mask. Pin the pleats in place from the front of the mask.
STEP 5: SEW PLEATS
Create a stitch starter. This is a piece of fabric that has been folded to create an equal thickness to the mask. It will help the sewing machine to easily sew over the thicker fabric without problems.
Start sewing on the middle of the stitch starter and place the mask right next to it. After sewing a few stitches on the mask, backstitch and continue sewing forward. Don’t forget to backstitch at the end. Repeat this process on the opposite side of the mask.
Press the pleats with an iron.
STEP 6: SEW SCARF AND ATTACH TO MASK
Sew around the entire scarf with a double rolled 3/8″ wide hem.
Fold the scarf in half and mark the center point of the scarf. Lightly press the middle of the scarf to mark it. Align the mask with the scarf and sew along the edge of the mask with a 1/4” seam allowance to connect it. Press the scarf downwards away from the mask.
Step 7. Thread T-Shirt Casing
NOSEPIECE – Cut a piece of wire floral wire slightly larger than the length of the casing. Turn the sharp edges inward on both sides. Insert the floral wire into the casing. Use a metal nose bridge if preferred. The casing allows it to be easily removed before washing the mask to prevent damage or rusting.
FILTER – A filter can be slid into the mask through the openings on either side. Attach a safety pin to the side of the filter to help feed it through the mask.
ADJUSTABLE TIES – You can also create adjustable ear loops using pony beads. To do this, feed the knit tie through the casing. Bend a piece of wire in half and slide the pony bead onto the wire. Slide both ends of the knit tie in between the wire, pull the wire to feed the bead onto the ties. Now you can adjust the ear tie using the pony bead.
Now you know how to create two different styles of a scarf mask.
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.
Looks very interesting to make can’t wait to get started, it’s just what I have been looking for thank you
Is there a way to get just the sewing directions. I have downloaded the pattern but to keep reading the directions on my phone is not easy to do. Thank you
I got the pattern for the mask but how can I get a hard copy of the sewing directions? Love your patterns and directions, thank you very much for being such a big help! Marlene
Love your work and tutorials
Thanks for your great offerings, Kimberly!
Was unable to download the pattern for the PLEATED FACE MASK SCARF SEWING PATTERN, I’ve gone through the post a few times searching but there doesn’t seem to be a working link for this. Hope you can help!
There is no link link for the download! I’ve scrolled though 3 times and cannot find a link!
I found the pattern on the website under facemasks. I was confused too.
https://sweetredpoppy.com/category/face-masks/
U have to do it on A PC, not A phone if that’s what your using. Put E Mail Click download and it should pop right up. I was able to print out everything.
I still can’t find the pattern. When I click on download I get the link to download, then I’ve all the instructions but no pattern. In the pdf-document there are only links to a YouTube-film. I need the pattern.
Kelly: Both patterns are included in the one download. The 2nd page is the pleated mask pattern.
Cathy, I’m really confused… You say the 2nd page is the pleated mask pattern but my second page is fitted mask V1. I have a page that says Surgical mask. But is only half of the pattern so, I’m assuming to cut it on the fold even though it doesn’t say that? Did I miss something? is there a different PDF that I should print?
Cathy: Wonderful, thanks for clarifying!
Thank-you for the tutorial! I am wearing an n99 mask with a fabric covering, and wanted to make something just like this!
A quick note on being concerned about removing mask from face and wearing as scarf-
If your mask has COVID on it from another person’s droplets/aerosol, so do your clothes and body. A lot of people have protocols for mask wearing based on hospital protocols for PPE use, but in hospitals you don and doff PPE in specific ways that includes changing clothing and washing exposed skin- not particularly practical for a grocery run. I think there is some wisdom in changing masks periodically throughout the day though.
Thankfully, it doesn’t seem surfaces and clothing are a major route to transmission (Although certainly you can get it from surfaces, so wash your hands and sanitize!). It seems like it’s mainly respiratory droplets, with aerosols being a concern in certain environments.
I love these with the scarf addition. What a neat idea to have the mask handy but not seen till you need iti! My problem like someone above – I need a pdf or a word doc or something that has the directions with the steps written out. I have the pattern – and the pattern for the simpler fitted masks too. It will take me a week to make the masks if I have to constantly go back to the tutorial – because of computer screen – or iPad screen constantly moving things up and down. And I need to be able to read the whole thing together. I’m not a good or confident sewer but I’m determined to do these! Thanks so much for your help.
Nancy Monroe
Depending on your browser, you may be able to install an extension called “Print Friendly & PDF” or something similar. It will let you convert the page to a PDF and even remove extra stuff you may not want saved. You can then save it as a PDF and read on your screen or print when you want.
I created one of these but I am baffled how one is supposed to get a large square from a rectangle? So the bottom of my mask has a rectangle hanging from it.
The rectangle piece of the pattern is to be cut on the fold of the fabric. When you open it up, it becomes a square.
Thank you for the very nice pattern and the instructions.
Maybe the pattern is in metric measurements because the person who made it is from a country other than the US, Liberia, or Myanmar, the only countries using inches.
Thank you so much for sharing your pattern, my granddaughters are going to love this.
What is the difference between fitted mask 1 and mask 2?
Is there only 1 pattern for scarf so adults use same as one the has child ? Sorry just confused.
I am not finding the link for the download for the pattern. I see the instruction download but not the pattern for this mask with scarf.
Please let me know the dimensions of the scarf before I attach it. Thank you
I have the tutorial but can’t find the pattern on there. Can you please tell me what I’m doing wrong.
Thank you
Probably shouldn’t bother leaving a comment since it doesn’t look like any of the previous questions were answered, which is sad…
But I’m going to ask anyway and if I’m lucky maybe another reader will answer me.
Cotton is not listed as a material to use. But I see people using regular bandanas tied behind their heads. Could cotton be used with this pattern? I know it wouldn’t drape as softly, but would it work at all?
I am unable to download the pattern for the mask and mask with scarf. please help. thank you, Barbara
Hi there! Great tutorial. How would I be able to make this for a child? My 5 year old daughter hates other masks and wanted me to make her one like this. Maybe I can downsize a bit and shorten the ear loops?
How do you wear the scarf? It’s not big enough to wrap around and hang in the front, so do you tie it in back? Can you add a snap or button? Confused about how to wear it without looking like “I Dream of Genie”.
I think I need to make one of these next. Cute and functional is right up my alley. You’re so talented!
This looks like something I’d love, but all the things I’ve read about making masks says that the best fabric to use is 100% cotton. I’ve seen lots of masks made like this since the pandemic started, but I’m not sure I’d be comfortable using something else. Love the idea, though,
So cute! I need to try this pattern!
I’ve used your tutorial to make masks. I love this idea. Thank you!
Cannot find the pattern. Downloaded the PDF, but no pattern
I figured it out. Strange that it asks for your name and email address before downloading. Very confusing.
I’ve made masks with your other patterns and my granddaughter favors your pattern over all others. . However, I must caution you that the CDC does NOT recommend scarf type masks or non-cotton materials for masks. I think you might want to reconsider sharing this pattern.
I don’t see any markings to show where pieces should be attached. There is no verbal indication that I can see, either. “Align edge of mask with scarf” doesn’t tell me enough. Which edge of each piece? What are you calling tabs? And what is the ‘nose filter pocket’ mentioned for the fitted mask? Fold scarf in half which way? Lots of words but not the ones that answer all this. HELP!
Thanks. I loved . I have a favor to ask if you can make a mask for a flute players .
best and interesting information would like to visit again
ranheather@gmail.com
I also need the dimensions for the scarf. Have the mask made but not clear on how the scarf is attached or what the size is.