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.
Thank you for sharing your pattern. It looks simple and I have plenty of fabric on hand. However, no elastic to be found here at home or any of our local and online stores. Do you have a recommended alternative?
Stephanie this pattern didn’t have a pipe cleaner but you could easily insert one in the top seam allowance. After sewing around the outside edge, turn right side out. Slip a piece of the pipe cleaner through the hole (bend ends of each end of the pipe cleaner over before placing inside to eliminate sharp ends that might poke through the fabric) Put the pipe cleaner to the top seam and hold in place while you make pleats on the side. This pipe cleaner now gives your mask a top side, so make sure when you make your pleats they face down on the front side. Stitch around the mask being sure to keep pipe cleaner pushed to the edge and careful not to hit it with your needle. You might want to make your top stitching more than 1/4 inch from the side to be safe.
Sandi I am so happy you found the pattern easy to follow.
Also, the inside of a bungee cord can be used for elastic.
I have changed the pattern to use 5 1/2 inches for child.
Christine, I am thinking maybe 12 and under for the child size. However, this is hard to judge because my 15-year-old daughter is small and it fits her. I do believe the CDC has said do not use masks on children under 2. I hope this helps.
Hello. Thank u for the pattern. When looking at child sizes what ages do u recommend. Any suggestion on what age would just be adult size?
7” elastic for a child is too long. I use 61/2” for ladies and 7” for men! So far the measurements are working out fine. Haven’t made any for children but I know that 7” is too lose for me, so the same would figure for a child. Also put non-woven fuseable interfacing on both sides of the fabric, which gives them 4 layers and hopefully more protection! I enjoy making them and donating to family and friends here in the UK.
Since elastic was hard to find… I used the narrow headbands you can find at most dollar stores.
Thank you for making this so quick and easy! The instructions made it so easy to understand and follow. You made my day!
Patti, I used the same 7 inches for a child. I now have changed the pattern to say 5 1/2 inches for a child. I think this gives a better fit.
what length of elastic did you use for a child’s mask? I used 7 inches for an adult mask.
thanks!
Made these for my mom, dad, and sister, along with myself. Really easy. I added interfacing to the inner layer to add an extra layer of protection. Thank you so much.
Love this pattern! Making several for myself and friends. Easy to make by hand as I watch TV. Thank you!
Ame, thank you so very much for your generosity!