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.
Vickie, click on the red button that says download under the hand-drawn images of how to sew the mask. Let me know if it is not working for you. Thanks
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
Purchase interlining which is used for draperies. It’s a 100% cotton flannel type fabric similar to a baby blanket. It’s not the thick kind. Good luck.
How did you secure the pipe cleaner inside the mask please???
I needed to print out the instructions for this but cannot find the print button anywhere.
Are selling any of your 😷 mask?
Tracy, I cut the elastic the same and it seemed to work, however I think 5 1/2 is better. You might try it with your child first to double-check.
How long should the elastic be for a child size
Loved watching this … I have lots of fabric now I’ll check to see if I have the necessary elastic! I called my granddaughter to see if she might want to make some! She home schools her 7 yr old daughter, Lily. Her sister works w/nursing home clients and had already called to send her a pattern. I have two granddaughters who work in nursing homes and one pediatric nurse. The nurse has already been in contact w/ someone who tested positive. It’s a scary world right now … if we can do anything to help it would be GOOD! Thank you so much for the video lesson!!
Yes Nancy, I have added a printable version. I hope this helps.
Mary, I started about an inch down. You can adjust how gathered the sides are by making larger or smaller pleats.
Where can I find the pattern? Where do you start the first pleat? How many inches down?
https://smartairfilters.com/en/blog/best-materials-make-diy-face-mask-virus/?fbclid=IwAR3Bnv9XCrMdAfexxbsasiA0psaNmFqExKDBw4BIcNAQw_lGKOcv8LoUrCQ
This is a link to a University of Cambridge study on which materials are the best filters.
Great tip Kelsey! Thank you!
Thank you for sharing this and inspiring us to use our skills for the greater good! If you find that some of your masks are a little loose under the chin, try adding 3 very small pleats close together under the chin for a more snug fit (think 3 pleats that are all squeezed into a 1.5 inch width.) This worked wonderfully for my small face and for my little ones!