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Face Mask Pattern (FREE) – How to Make DIY Mouth Mask

As the coronavirus or COVID-19 gains momentum and slowly finds its way into more and more countries each day, face masks are starting to become a kind of necessity. People are becoming more aware of the danger and everyone is trying their best to avoid infection. That is why it’s becoming incredibly difficult to find N95 respirators or surgical face masks for purchase.
While certainly N95 filter masks are designed to protect against airborne viruses, waiting for them to become available without having any kind of an alternative in the meantime is not something I’m comfortable doing.

Mind you, use this simple DIY face mask as a last resort, as a homemade face masks don’t offer the level of protection the N95 respirator masks do, and their capacity to protect from viruses according to CDC is unknown.

Due to popular demand we added a VIDEO tutorial below, added a printable pdf of the instructions, found the most suitable nose wire materials, and designed 12 more free face masks patterns.
NEW VIDEO tutorial: How to add an eye shield to your face mask

We occasionally link to goods offered by vendors to help the reader find relevant products. Some of the links may be affiliate meaning we earn a small commission if an item is purchased.

How to make a DIY face mask with a Pocket For Filter Insert

Supplies and tools

This is a relatively simple project so it doesn’t require a lot of materials and tools to be completed. You need:

Face mask materials

Downloads:

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Follow us for free patterns & tutorials!

  • Printable pattern: face mask pattern (PDF file)==IMPORTANT NOTE== Don’t print the PDF pattern from the browser as the size might not be correct. Download the file on your computer, open it with Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Reader and print from there.

Once you have gathered all of these essentials, you can proceed to sewing the diy face mask.


INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Download the pattern and cut the fabric

face mask pattern and supplies on the cutting matThe pattern you will be downloading does not have to be scaled down in any way. Its original dimensions are 8.5 x 11 inches, which is about the size of a letter, small enough for easy printing. If you are not sure whether the dimensions are right, there is a small test square – 1 inch x 1 inch (US) and 2cm x2cm (for those outside US) on it so go ahead and measure it.

Download the pattern, print it out, and cut it accordingly. Before you put it onto your main fabric to cut it, fold the fabric in half so that the pretty sides are facing each other. Pin the pattern onto this folded fabric and cut the fabric.

cutting the outer layer of the face mask according to the pattern

The seam allowance is 1/2 inch and is already included on all sides except for the ear side where you should add additional one inch seam allowance.

Repeat this step with the lining fabric as well. This time, however, do not add a seam allowance for the ear section.

TIPS: Several seamstresses asked us for fabric recommendations. Basically any thickly-woven cotton is fine and it is even better if you can add a filter medium.

Here’s a relevant study that tested the efficacy of homemade masks

I saw someone wearing a stethoscope fabric mask and though that this is a great way to show appreciation to our front-liners. So, I found some suitable fabrics that can be purchased online. If you spot a great design, share it in the comments below

2. Sew the curve line of the face mask

Make sure the right (pretty) of sides are on each other.

Sew along the curved line on both pieces.

Then draw a line quarter-inch away from the original side line, on the inner layer. Do this for both side seams of the inner layer.

Next, you will need to clip the seam allowance on the curve part of the mask half an inch apart, both on the outer and the inner layer. Doing this allows the edge to stretch nicely instead of bulking up when you flip it inside out.

Now turn both pieces inside out and use the iron to press the seam allowances to different sides. If you want your mask to have a more professional look, topstitch near the seam line so that the seam allowances stay flat. Fold the side at the line you drew earlier and put the raw edge inside to hide it before topstitching it in place. Do this on each of the ear sides of the inner layer.

both layers of the mouth mask pinned to each otherIt’s time to join the two layers together now. Put the inner layer on top of the outer, right sides facing each other so that the upper and lower edges align. Make a stitch at the bottom and top seam lines. If you did everything right up to this point, you will find that the edge of the outer layer is a about an inch away from the side seam line on the inner layer. If this isn’t the case, retrace your steps and see where you made a mistake so that you can fix it.

 

Clip that curve on the seam allowance where the two layers meet and leave about half of an inch from the ends untouched. Flip the mask inside out again. Press the seams flat.

Fold the top and bottom raw edges of the outer layer twice and topstitch along the edge. Do this on the bottom seam line as well.

3.Add the elastic band and finalize your mask

final face mask with elastic - ready to insert the filter

Now you will be making a channel for the elastic band. Fold the raw edge of the outer layer about a quarter of an inch away from the edge. Fold once again until that edge meets the edge of the inner layer.

Topstitch a vertical line across the part you just folded and you will be left with a vertical tube through which you can pull the elastic band.
– For 2 separate ear loops – you’ll need 2 x 6″-8″ of elastic for the adult sizes or 2 x 5 – 5 1/2″ (kids)
– For one continuous piece that goes around the head – use 1 x 15-17″ of elastic (again, depending on the size of the face)
TIP: Many makers report shortage of thin round elastic.  You can use hair ties , ribbons or even make ties out of fabric.

4. Insert flexible nose wire (Optional)

The mask will fit your face more closely if you add a flexible nose piece and mold it over your nose. I suggest using a 7″ long craft wire, couple of twist ties, or pipe cleaners but as those are not always available, we got creative.

We’ve compiled our ideas and feedback from our readers and got to work. We tested which are the most suitable materials and what is the best length for the nose piece. Here’s what we found – the most suitable materials for nose wire.

I recently saw that some aluminum nose bridge strips such as these pop over on amazon and they look like a good option.

To make a channel for a removable nose wire stitch  through both layers, the length of stitching should match the length of the wire.

5. Insert filter (optional) and use the mask

You will also notice an opening between the outer and inner layers. This is where you can put the filter in. Change it regularly and keep your mask clean by washing it in the washing machine after each use.

What to use as a FILTER? Note that these filters are not medically rated and their ability to protect is unknown:

As far as the filter goes you may use a piece of vacuum cleaner bag or HEPA filter without fiberglass, non woven fabric, or even an air-dried anti-bacterial wet wipe as filter. While those won’t be able to stop the virus, they will be able to filter out more particles than fabrics alone. It probably all boils down to finding a balance between breath-ability and filtering. You’ll have to make your own call here, and it would be smart to research whether and what filter to use.
[adinserter name=”Block 4″] Many readers asked why use vacuum dustbags as filter? According to this 2013 Cambridge university study which evaluated the capacity of several household materials to block bacterial and viral aerosols, vacuum cleaner bags were considered the most formidable household material with a rate of nearly 86 percent protection against the smallest particles they tested.

When placing the filter inside, make sure that it isn’t crumbled up and that it reaches all the way to the upper edge. Once you put the mask on, make sure that it covers your nose well and that there are no gaps between your face and the mask.

6. NEW OPTION: Add an Eye Shield to Your Face Mask

Level up your protection and add an eye shield to your mask with our easy step by step VIDEO tutorial. Here’s a sneak a peek of the design:

 

Here’s a quick visual of sizing – size L vs size M:

VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS:

Please enjoy and don’t forget to Like and SUBSCRIBE over on YouTube to be kept up to date with our new videos as they come out.

Still not sure you can sew this?

Then make our surgical style masks below. They are the easiest to sew face masks – as easy as it can get. If you can sew a straight stitch, you can make them!

Our FREE face mask patterns and tutorials:

how to sew a surgical face mask

Face Mask FAQ

  • How can YOU help fight the current face mask shortage?

1.Put your sewing skills to use – help our frontline medical staff during this COVID-19 crisis by sewing up face masks!

In light of the life-threatening, national PPE shortage, some hospitals have put out public calls for face mask donations and/or are looking for face shields.

Join one of the amazing initiatives and #SewMasks for#MillionMaskChallenges #MillionMaskMayday. Some healthcare workers face critical shortage and are in desperate need – just see how #PPEshortage #GivemePPE and #PPEwanted are really trending on Twitter.

However, before you sew up a bunch of mask make sure they are 1) actually wanted and 2) up to the intended recipient specifications. Don’t randomly pop up and drop masks at a random clinic/hospital.

2.If you have new surgical masks or N95 masks lying around consider donating them.  Anything helps, even if it’s just a box of 5 masks.

3.If you work for either an industrial company or a medical provider (like dentistry) who won’t need them now consider donating your N95 masks or face shields to local hospitals and first responders
==>If you represent a hospital in need of PPE you may add your institution to the spreadsheet here
==> Potential donors please refer to this  spreadsheet which has information regarding how to make donations to hospitals in dire need throughout the country.

  •  What’s the difference between a surgical mask and n95 respirator?

There’s a considerable difference between the two, in terms of protection against infections, as well as overall design and construction. Let’s cover the most important differences.

– A surgical mask is meant to help block large particle droplets and splashes from reaching your mouth and nose, as well as reduce exposure from your respiratory secretions to the people around you, if you wear it properly. This mask does not fit tightly and it doesn’t protect you from airborne pathogens.

– The N95 respirator, on the other hand, is designed to achieve a very close facial fit d seal protects from inhaling fine airborne particles that could carry the infection. This mask has a seal check that helps you make sure that you put it on well. However, according to the FDA, even a properly fitted N95 respirator does not completely eliminate the risk of illness or death.

Both masks are only meant to be used once and then have to be thrown away after contact with an infected individual, or once they get moist from your respiration.

For additional differences between surgical masks and N95 respirators, please check FDA’s N95 Respirators and Surgical Masks article and see CDC’s infographic.

  • Can a surgical mask or a fabric mask protect you from coronavirus?

The fabric masks’ ability to protect is unknown. For the surgical masks, see above.

However, if you start showing symptoms but have to go out in the public, a mask on your face will lower the chances of people around you getting infected by you.

Refer to the CDC website for accurate and up-to-date information regarding COVID-19.

  • How to protect yourself from coronavirus or any other respiratory virus?

The most important thing you have to do is to wash your hands thoroughly with an antibacterial soap for 20 seconds.

Use hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol) when there is no sink nearby —especially after touching a handrail or door handle, on public transit for example. You can also use an UV lamp to sanitize your home or your phone. Some people started using LED lamps to fight sunlight deficiency to help maintain good vitamin D levels. Others switched to touchless soap dispencers to reduce germ spread.

Don’t touch your face, mouth or eyes when you’re in public. If you cough or sneeze, do it in a tissue and throw it away as soon as possible. Stay home if you aren’t feeling well and rest.

Sleep and eat well to provide your organism with enough strength to resist the infection. If you are fatigued and lack vitamins, your immune system drops significantly and you become prone to respiratory infections. If you can, use disinfection products to clean the things you touch the most, like doorknobs, your phone, the TV remote and so. Wiping them off with a plain wet wipe or a cleaning spray will do the trick quite well if you don’t have a special disinfecting solution.

Also, you may want to have No products found., desinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer on hand. In the time of severe hand sanitizer shortage a DIY solution is to mix 2/3 pure isopropyl alcohol and 1/3 cup of aloe vera gel.

So Who Does Need a Mask?

Face masks aren’t really an effective way to prevent the most healthy people from getting infected with coronavirus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization. One of the reasons is that the ordinary people don’t wear them properly. Also, people tend to be less strict with hand washing and keeping safe distance from others when wearing a mask and according to Isaac Bogoch, M.D.”Impeccable hand hygiene is key”. So who SHOULD wear them:

  1. Medical professionals and other people who are caring for a sick person or person suspected of carrying COVID-19, you should wear a face mask according to CDC. Just as make sure you use it properly and throw it away when it becomes unusable.
  2. People with symptoms similar to COVID-19—such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath—should wear a mask when they are around others.

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Did you make this contoured face mask? Do you have an idea for improvement? Did you spot a great fabric design to show appreciation to our frontliners? Drop a comment below

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Click Here to Leave a Comment Below 304 comments
Debra Joy Demar - May 6, 2020

I was asked to make some face masks for a friend who’s husband is at a small home with 3 others with Alzheimer issues and other issues. She wanted ones that didn’t have to tie behind their heads, as it seems the fragile elderly can’t tie bows or knots behind their heads. I can, I’m a senior too, but quite young at heart. Anyways, I was able to make this pattern easier by once the elastics were in place, and the 2nd piece of fabric was attached with pins, I sewed all the way around including the sides, keeping a 2-3 inch opening center top, with right sides together. Then turn fabric right side out, then make the small pleats or tucks, clip down and then sew down the folded top part even with your stitching and iron all around, using the pleat shapes your ironed down and not sewing on the pre-inserted elastic. Then top stitch all the way around; not the thin slit style opening on top. I used a contrasting color on this part. The folded ironed down opening on top center is used to place the filter in, as well as used to turn this face mask inside out. Hope this helps. From, Debbie in Phoenix, Arizona.

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Jackie - May 10, 2020

Thank you so much for your easy to follow and simple to make masks. I’ve made 5 so far and I am making more for the rest of the family.
Also, I’ve looked at various reports – not official – regarding filters and the best filter if you can’t get the ‘real’ ones are made from a piece of a blue paper towel, the kind you find in hardware stores.
Thank you once again!

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    Helen - May 11, 2020

    It’s my pleasure! I’m so glad you liked it

    Reply
    )eannie - May 14, 2020

    Yes, the blue towels are called Shop Towels and they work really well as they are tightly woven and thicker than regular paper towels. Highly recommend these.

    Reply
CM - May 11, 2020

very much appreciate your encouraging lesson here – something we need to be able to do for family and friends, and probably for some time to come- tomorrow I will have to replace or re-jig one of my wires which has been through the wash a number of times already. Practise will make easier and better!

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Jasmine Anron - May 12, 2020

I find a great website that can buy the masks. I wanna share with your guys. Hope you can protect yourself. Take care.

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    Helen - May 13, 2020

    All the lovely people here are making their own masks, Jasmine

    Reply
    Dixie Umstead - June 25, 2020

    I would like to find a website that I could sell my mask that I have been making. I have been making them and donating them to our hospital. I have probably made well over 500 masks so far and I have a I’m guessing I have about 50 of them so far to take over on Friday. But I will have more then that cause I will sew some more tomorrow. But I would like to try selling them as well so of someone can hook me up to do that I think that would be awesome. That’s very much.

    Reply
      Helen - June 29, 2020

      Hey Dixie,
      Thank you for your service and for your donations to hospital staff. I’m sure they really appreciate this.
      As for selling – there are few facebook groups matching sellers and buyers of face masks. You can also tell your friends and family that you are selling some of your masks – maybe they know others who want to buy and can hook you up with them.
      You can also try selling on Etsy.
      Good luck!

      Reply
Julie H - May 13, 2020

The best thing were came up with to use for the nose piece is soldering iron. It cuts easy, is super flexible and doesn’t break. We’ve made all are masks with it and it is super adjustable over the nose and cheeks and very comfortable and pretty easy to find since no one else seems to have figured out to use it.

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    Jane - May 21, 2020

    You must be very careful with using soldering wire as some are not lead free. Make sure to check out the ingredients before using it

    Reply
Shelley (Wander & Luxe) - May 14, 2020

This is brilliant and just what everyone needs right now. Thanks for sharing! #AnythingGoes

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    Helen - May 14, 2020

    Thank you for your nice comment

    Reply
Cindy Buffington - May 15, 2020

A young woman in our community that owns a bridal shop discovered that the wedding gown dress bags are CDC
approved filter material for the inside of homemade masks. One bag has enough fabric to do many masks. Thought you might want to know.

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    Helen - May 16, 2020

    That’s great to know. Thanks for sharing, Cindy

    Reply
Laura - May 17, 2020

I found some of the instructions a little vague and unclear, though I am a beginner sewer. Also the instructions on the print out are different than the ones on the site. There was a step or two I found later on the print out.

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Sandi - May 19, 2020

Thank you so much for sharing! Many friends and family benefitted from your most thorough instructions. You may have even saved some lives!

Appreciated this!

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    Helen - May 19, 2020

    Thank you for the warm comment. I really appreciate it

    Reply
Claire Tompkins - May 19, 2020

Great information, thanks! Since you’ve added so much more info about masks in general, I want to point out that many people are not aware that N95 masks come either with a vent or without. In my area, I’ve seen people wearing vented N95’s which protect the wearer, but freely allow exhalations and droplets to go out through the vent and infect others. People I’ve told this to have been surprised and upset to find this out. Even the CDC page you linked to doesn’t mention this.

Basically, the surgical or cloth masks are to give the wearer some protection, but mainly to protect others. If everyone wore one, we’d be in better shape.

Thanks!

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    Helen - May 21, 2020

    Hi Claire, thank you so very much for pointing that out. I just recently find this out myself.
    It is definitely not something that many people know. Thanks for sharing

    Reply
Samantha - May 21, 2020

Found your pattern yesterday and made a mask for my daughter and then my husband got on the machine and made one for himself! It says 15 mins but we are quite inexperienced (slow) and after 4 hours we had the two done.

I would like to request if you could add in your steps on adding the metal nose grip part in. We have pipe cleaners and they work perfectly but just guessed it. Its probably not as nice as it could be.

I am now headed to the recently reopened fabric store here to grab more fabric options as I have had some requests after seeing what we made last night!

Thanks again for the great instructions.

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Steve Jefferson - May 27, 2020

Thank you for sharing the pattern. I will make the face masks for the whole family, so I even have bought filters for them.

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    Helen - May 27, 2020

    Sounds awesome. Thank you for commenting!

    Reply
Khanyi ndlovu - May 28, 2020

I like sewing but idont know how

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    Helen - May 28, 2020

    Watch the video and follow the written tutorial. Both guides are step by step tutorials that follow you every step of the way.
    Try it, you can do it

    Reply
Shelbee on the Edge - May 28, 2020

Thanks so much for taking the time to create these helpful tutorials for those who are contributing their time to making face masks. What a wonderful thing to do! And thanks for joining my link party as well.

Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com

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    Helen - May 29, 2020

    You are so nice, Shelbee. Glad to have been of help. Thank you so much!

    Reply
Peggy - May 30, 2020

I am very happy that I found your site. I would like to make the fitted face mask with filter pocket and flexible nose. But, neither my husband nor I could get the pattern to print. The diagram using the blue, red, and green colors would not print. We both have printers with color cartridges and were unsuccessful, much to my dismay. My friend showed me her mask yesterday, perhaps made from your pattern, and I was more eager than ever to find the right pattern so that I could make several of them too. I am writing to you in hopes that you can send me the pattern minus the additional colorations? Perhaps done all in black to ensure that I can print the pattern?

Thank You. I hope that I hear from you or one of your associates soon so that I can get sewing!

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    Helen - May 31, 2020

    Hi Peggy, thank you for your lovely comment. I’ve converted the pattern in black and white for you. Check your email
    Stay safe and healthy
    Helen

    Reply
Melanie - June 1, 2020

Thank you for posting this! May I ask where your main fabric is from? I absolutely love the pattern!

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J. W. - June 3, 2020

Could you please put the “Add 1 inch of extra allowance on the ear side” instruction BEFORE you tell people to cut out the outer fabric, or maybe even add it to the printable pattern? I’m sure others as well have been following along and cut where instructed only to then read that they need to cut a whole new piece with the correct allowance. Otherwise, thank you for prividing these resouces!

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    Helen - June 4, 2020

    Will do. Thanks for the heads up, JW!

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    Chris B - June 4, 2020

    Hi JW! This caught me out too. Instead of wasting the mask, fabric, time and effort already expended I just sewed the fabric and liner all around enclosing elastic at t four corners so the finished dimensions are the same but unfortunately no opportunity to insert filter. Hope this helps your ( and my) frustration. CB

    Reply
Katherine Boyer - June 10, 2020

If you have a supermarket like Winco near or any store that normally sells bulk dry items, from scoop yourself barrels! The reinforced wide paper/wire twist ties, about 1/2 inch wide, about 4 inches or so long work over bridge of nose! I have cut in half, using each side in Seperate masks. Just stiff enough, I also have doubled the item Back on itself,reinforcing its shape holding ability! Works great when slipped into top seam! Has survived multiple washing as well!
I asked employee if I could take a few extra, explained why…was told to gather as many as I wanted since there are few self service options remaining with the barrels! Its just a suggestion, I’m sure you’ve found better ideas already!

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    Helen - June 10, 2020

    Thank you for the outside of the box idea, Katherine!

    Reply
Janie - June 24, 2020

Love your website just found it. I have been making masks for a veterinary hospital and rescue. Would like to try your pattern very clear on all instruction except the wire. There is nothing telling you how to sew it in place. Hoping to hear from you on this.

Thanks
Janie

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    Helen - June 24, 2020

    Hi Janie, thank you for your nice words. I’ve updated step #4 with an image and explanation how to make the nose wire channel. Size L fits most men and women. Hope that helps.

    Reply
Mary Alice Martin - June 24, 2020

thank you so much for the pattern and the very clear instructions. I consider myself a fairly good seamstress, but I was unsure about this pattern since it was new to me.
Also, if you are interested, I found N95 washable filter cloth on the internet. A company in Tennessee that makes washable furnace filters started making and selling it.

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Mary Alice Martin - June 24, 2020

The company that makes the filter cloth is Filti.

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Julie - July 13, 2020

Great pattern. Just a note for anyone not in the US. As well as NOT printing from your browser remember to change the Paper size setting on your printer to “Letter”.

If you print the PDF with the setting on usual A4 size the pattern comes up smaller.
Just set paper size setting to “Letter” and print onto your usual A4 paper.

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    Helen - July 14, 2020

    Thanks for the reminder, Julie. I’m glad you liked the pattern and tutorial

    Reply
Leigh A Larsen - July 14, 2020

Where do I find the pattern for your masks?

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    Helen - July 14, 2020

    Usually in the supplies and tools section of each article

    Reply
Aleksa - July 19, 2020

Thank you for this enormously helpful website ad easy to follow pattern. I think I might actually get a mask made without having to undo at leaste two seams… Our Public Health Officer who is clinically skilled and has years of working with Ebola and H1N1, SAR, etc. tells us we do not need antibacterial soap. Plain old soap will do as long as you wash your hands properly, including for long enough.

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    Helen - July 21, 2020

    Thank you, Aleksa. I know the same thing about the antibacterial soap. Thanks for the reminder

    Reply
NCross - July 19, 2020

Great pattern, I’m going to make some tomorrow as well as one for my neighbour’s daughter who is starting school in the fall. Masks are mandatory in many parts of Canada including our location.

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    Helen - July 21, 2020

    Thank you! Apart from this mask we do have 8 more patterns (incl. breathable, 3d, pleated), so you are free to change this up a bit and find out which one you like best

    Reply
Lydia Lili Ross - July 20, 2020

I am using Liberty of London Tana Lawn for both the outside and inside of the mask. It is a very light weight cotton with a very high thread count which means it is much easier to breathe compared to a heavy cotton.

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Linda Hodges - July 23, 2020

I have been making your mask pattern for several months and have given away at least 50 and still making them. Your pattern is great and the fit is perfect. I am wondering if you have a pattern for the cowl face masks, the ones you just pull up from your neck. Our daughter, who is a teacher, is a stroke victim and her right ear does not hold the elastic and due to her weak motor skills the ones that goes around the head are too difficult for her to put on/take off. My other daughter who works in manufacturing bought some of the cowl neck masks and that would be perfect. I know they are usually one piece, no seam material, but since you are so talented I wondered if you had ever tried to make those. Thanks again for your talent and the great mask pattern. I appreciate you and pray for your success. Cordially, Linda, a fan

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    Helen - July 23, 2020

    Thank you for this wonderful comment! Linda, you made my day!
    I actually do have the cowl face mask you are referring to. It’s called a GAITER. Here’s the link https://hellosewing.com/diy-gaiter-face-mask/

    I will upload the second (LINED) version soon.

    Reply
      Linda Hodges - July 24, 2020

      Thank you so much for your prompt response. I am linking out to the pattern now. I’ll let you know how it goes.

      Reply
        Helen - July 26, 2020

        sounds good. Definitely let me know how it turned up for you

        Reply
Lara - July 25, 2020

Hi there, just wondering if you could provide the finished product dimensions in cm for the 3 sizes. EG Nose to Chin, etc. I have made a couple but just want to double check I am getting the correct measurements.
Thanks Lara

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Brittni DiFurio - July 25, 2020

I love and have been using your mask pattern for several masks I have made. I recently had a request for 30 masks (20 in the large size and 10 in the medium size) for a funeral. Is there any way the 2 sizes can be separated and made into an SVG file to use with a cricut machine? I was hoping to use it to save me time cutting the fabric. I tried doing it on my own with the extra 1 inch for the outside piece but the lines didn’t stay technically straight so it was taking the machine FOREVER to cut just a tiny line.

Thanks!

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    Helen - July 26, 2020

    Hi Brittni, I appreciate your kind words. I don’t have an svg file of this mask. To save time I would suggest that you do these masks assembly-line style and cut 4 layers at once using a rotary cutter and a mat.This would easily cut your cutting time in half. Hope that helps

    Reply
Debbie - August 16, 2020

Thank you so much for your very detailed instructions and video. I haven’t sewn in years and it your information is so clear and useful. I’ve made masks for friends and family and a friend asked me to make a mask for her 2 1/2 year old son. Will the Kids pattern work for a child that young? Or can you recommend another pattern for that age?
I appreciate your help!

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Kimberly Nelson - September 6, 2020

I need more detailed help on sewing a channel for a wire nose strip if that is at all possible. The nose strips my friend bought on Amazon are rather short and thick. I am a little baffled as to how to get them into the mask once the mask is sewn. The end of the video has words over what the person is doing, so I can’t see how they made an opening to slide the wire into. Did they have to cut a hole in the mask? I am so confused! Help??

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    Helen - September 6, 2020

    Hi Kimberly, it’s explained in step four, and there is an image showing where you need to stitch. See how I stitched a line through both layers – this forms a channel to slip a removable wire into. Both sides of the mask have openings, so you can insert the wire through one of these and through the channel.
    Just make sure the channel is wide enough to accommodate your nose wire

    Reply
Audrey - September 9, 2020

Well guess what wanted to print out the instructions,and guess what it printed everyone comments,that is a lot of ink, and papers, well I guess I better work hard for no pay day The replace this.
I tried several ways to print just what I wanted and it did not work.
Maybe my I pad don’t work like a pic, are a lap top.
Now maybe I will use my phone and take pictures Andy then delete after.
Thank you.
It not your fault what’s so ever its me.

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    Helen - September 11, 2020

    Audrey, there is a downloadable pdf file with instructions just under Supplies and tools sections. It is one page only print-friendly file.
    You can do it! 🙂

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Karen the next best thing to mummy - September 18, 2020

I a going to follow your instructions and make a mask #thatfridaylonly@-ksrendennis

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Donna Reidland - September 18, 2020

Thanks for sharing your pattern and easy to follow instructions. It looks like we’re all going to be wearing these for a while yet.

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Rosie Doal - September 18, 2020

This is fab! Really handy too – I hate wearing disposables so this will push me to make my own x #PoCoLo

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    Helen - September 18, 2020

    I love reusables and this mask is no exclusion. You can also check the 3d version – it has even more space to breath and is really comfortable

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Sam - September 20, 2020

really useful post x #pocolo

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    Helen - September 23, 2020

    Thank you! So glad you liked it

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chickenruby - September 20, 2020

Another pattern of yours I have saved and added to my to do list.
Thanks for linking with #pocolo

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    Helen - September 23, 2020

    Thanks for reading and following up!

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Liz - September 24, 2020

Masks don’t seem to be going anywhere so thanks for sharing this great tutorial on Homestead Blog Hop!

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    Helen - September 25, 2020

    We’d better get used to wearing them as these uncertain times! I’m so glad you liked the tutorial

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Christine - September 30, 2020

I love this tutorial and pattern. I have included it in my round up of my 5 favourite face mask tutorials. You can find it here at https://christines-crafts.com/face-masks-diy-5-of-the-best-tried-and-tested/
This mask is very comfortable to wear and fits the face well. Thank you for this tutorial.

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Rose - October 4, 2020

Do you have a suggestion on how to attach interface between the 2 pieces? Looking to make a mask with just a little extra

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    Helen - October 7, 2020

    Just place the interface on wrong side of the main fabric and sew as instructed. You can baste it or use some pins, but I don’t think that is necessary at all

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Maggie - October 12, 2020

Super simple and great fitting. I made these with modifications, as I had purchased adjustable elastic ties. Made mask as usual, but cut both outside and lining the same. Sewed center seams, then sewed top and bottom seams, leaving sides open. After turning and pressing, I pressed under both side edges 1/2 inch, and sewed the edges of my adjustable elastic ties to top and bottom of the sides edges. Worked out great! Thanks for the pattern and instruction.

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Catherine - October 13, 2020

Thank you so much for sharing these instructions. I still haven’t found the perfect face mask and although I’m not great at sewing I think I could manage these :o)

#MMBC

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    Helen - October 13, 2020

    Hey Catherine, I have a bunch of patterns for masks (14 models, all free). You can also try the 3d mask and the breathable mask. People are raving about them

    Reply

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