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.
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.
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
How to Make a Face Mask
Place the right sides of the fabric together. This photo shows where the elastic is placed on each end.
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.
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.
Turn right side out and press.
Make three pleats on each end. Pin. Just eyeball the placement. Make sure the pleats are going the same direction on each side.
Stitch all the way around the masks twice.
That is it! Super easy!
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.
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.
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
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
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:
- Zippered pouch – Let me walk you through step by step how to put in a zipper. I bet you will be surprised at how easy it is.
- Reversible Tote – This makes a useful project to give or keep.
- First Aid Pouch – So cute!
- Tissue Cover
- Hot Pad Tutorial
- Fabric Coffee Sleeve
- Pet Bandanas
- Yoga Mat Sling
- Key Chain Wallet
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.
Frances, we used about a 1/4 inch seam or less. I didn’t want to have to trim after stitching. I will add a picture of a person wearing the mask.
Thanks for the pattern. Can you please tell me what the seam allowance is? 3/8, 4/8, 5/8? I made one using 4/8″ and the mask barely fits my face and with the elastic around my ears it is really tight and I have a small face. Please advise.
Sheri, I measured and the elastic side when finished measures about 3 1/4 inches wide (on the adult). They did vary slightly but seemed to be about that. Thank you so much for making masks.
Great ideas Emma!
Sandra, I am not sure about the interfacing. I heard vacuum cleaner bags provide protection. I think this pattern is something that can provide a bit of comfort and protection to the public and frees up the medical masks for those health care workers. I do know that some health care workers are wearing them over their medical masks so those can be reused and the fabric one can be washed. For sure, not a perfect situation.
I am a retired seamstress. My question is…What if you inserted inside of the homemade masks interfacing? Would that enhance the degree of protection? I hesitate to make something that is only 64% protection, although I understand if this is the Only thing available it is better than nothing.. At the same time I fear of giving false confidence to various workers in these facilities..
Thank you,
Sandra
Same length of elastic for Child’s mask?
Thank you for such a cute and easy tutorial. I’ve been studying all the different ways to make the masks and found this to be the fastest.
I also used iron-on interfacing on the wrong sides of both sides, before sewing, creating 2 more filter layers, plus it’s still washable. And I sewed a length of pipe cleaner on the inside of one long sides, so it can be shaped over the nose.
To make a “nose crimp” sew a 3″ piece of pipe cleaner into the upper seam.
Please add a length of pipecleaner to the upper and lower section of these masks so they can be fitted a bit tighter to the face. Just cut a pipe cleaner in 1/2 and zig zag stitch in place.
I would just wash and dry.
This is fantastic! Thank you so much! I’m just waiting on my elastic to arrive. Would you mind telling me what the approx finished measurements would be? Mostly the sides with elastic and pleats. Sure do appreciate your simple to follow directions! ; )
Maryann, you may prewash the fabrics. Generally, the rule is if the finished item will be washed you should prewash the fabric. I think in this case I might refrain from fabric softener. So happy you are making masks. Thank you!
Great pattern/instructions! Do you have a printable version (without the ads and videos)? Every time I try to print, the ads/videos print on top of the instructions. Thanks!
Do you prewash the fabrics and use fabric softener? Or just a regular wash and dry