Make this face mask pattern with a tiny bit of fabric and elastic.  The surgical mask style pattern is simple enough even for beginner sewers!

If you are making masks for others here are some super cute printable face mask gift tags.

Sewn Face Mask

This information is from The Deaconess Health System. According to the CDC, fabric masks are a crisis response option when other supplies have been exhausted. While it isn’t ideal it does offer some support to our communities.

stack of sewn DIY face masks

DIY Face Mask Supplies

  • 2 – 9 inch X 6 inch rectangles of fabric  for adult (7.5 inch X 5 inch for child)
  • 2 – 7 inch pieces of 1/8 inch flat elastic (cord elastic or beading elastic may also be used) Women and teens might get a better fit with 2 – 6 1/2 inch pieces of elastic. Use 2 – 5 1/2 inches for a child.
  • scissors or rotary cutter and mat
  • sewing machine
  • thread
  • iron
tew rectangles of fabric two pieces of 1/8 inch flat elastic

How to Make a Face Mask

man sewing face masks

Place the right sides of the fabric together.  This photo shows where the elastic is placed on each end.

fabric right sides together elastic in between

Instead of pinning the elastic, it was simple to place it in as you sew around the outside edge of the fabric. If using cord or beading elastic tie a knot in the ends. In this case, the knot will hang outside of the edge of the corner when you sew around.

sewing machine stitching elastic at corner

Stitch all the way around leaving an about a two-inch in the opening along one of the long sides. The pins mark my opening in the photo. We used a 1/8 – 1/4 inch seam allowance.

fabric right sides together sew around opening left on side marked with pins

Turn right side out and press.

fabric mask with ear loops before adding the pleats

Make three pleats on each end. Pin. Just eyeball the placement. Make sure the pleats are going the same direction on each side.

sides of mask pleated and pinned

Stitch all the way around the masks twice.

detail of stitching around edge

That is it! Super easy!

DIY Face Mask made of cotton floral fabric and elastic

The Deaconesses have these details about making/delivering fabric masks.

  • The pattern is courtesy of The Turban Project
  • Use tightly-woven cotton fabric on both sides. (we used a tightly woven cotton on one side and cotton flannel on the other)
  • Please remember that both women and men in a variety of roles may wear these masks.

If providing masks to a specific organization please make sure you follow their directions. My hope is that the DIY Masks be used by the general public if that makes them feel more comfortable and we save the real masks for our health care workers.

young man wearing sewn face mask

Free Printable Face Mask Sewing Pattern

If it helps to have something by your sewing machine you can download and print this PDF pattern as a handy reference guide. I think you will really like this pleated mask pattern.

printable face mask pattern
download printable

Filter Mask Pattern

There are so many mask designs. If you are looking to add a filter to your mask try this face mask with a filter pocket. So quick and easy! I used blue shop towels but you can use whatever you like. This is also a nice face mask pattern because it works without the filter too so it gives the user options.

How to Make a Mask with Filter Pocket

face mask with filter pocket tool box blue shop towels in background

More Patterns for Face Masks

If you prefer an easy fitted face mask whip up this soft and cozy mask in minutes! I have a free printable pattern in three sizes, even a kids’ face mask pattern sized just for them

three fabric face masks
Free Pattern for Face Mask (fitted style) with how to make a mask for kids

Now that you are sewing If you want to provide comfort to someone these rice heating pads are another easy sewing project that provides comfort and shows care.

There are so many ways we can provide support to each other and help our communities.  These uplifting message hearts are the perfect way to brighten someone’s days and show a bit of love.

Easy Sewing Projects

Now you have all my easy mask making ideas. If you find yourself at home looking for ways to enrich your life sewing is a great activity. It is so satisfying to make something yourself.

Here are some easy sewing projects:

I would love to keep you fully stocked with creative ideas, yummy recipes, fun crafts, and loads of free printables. Subscribe to Skip to my Lou to get new ideas delivered to your inbox. Follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram for all my latest updates.


About Cindy Hopper

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Comments

  1. Great mask tutorial. I’ve made so many masks since this whole thing started. My favs are the fitted style made with 4 way stretch chiffon which according to a study is one of the best fabrics you can use. I can’t stand anything touching my ears so I wear my mask elastic around my head.

  2. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I’m so tired of buying these, knowing that there had to be some way I could make my own! This was so detailed and so helpful and mine turned out great, and I was even able to use my favorite pink fabric! Thank you!

  3. My husband used this pattern a few months ago. He’s a beginner sewer and he had no issues with it. Thanks a bunch!

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