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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:

If you’re having trouble accessing the FREE pattern, make sure your pop-up blocker is turned off.

Follow us for free patterns & tutorials! [easy-profiles]

  • 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
Dee - April 4, 2020

Where do I find down load for
Free Pattern

Reply
    Katherine - April 29, 2020

    Where do I find down load for the free plain face mask with wire nose

    Reply
    Helen - April 30, 2020

    It’s in the article. Just after the supplies and materials section

    Reply
Shannon Lonergan - April 4, 2020

Been getting all my pieces and parts together and am *really* looking forward to a video tutorial. I am going to sew by hand since I don’t own a sewing machine. Just to be clear, you’re sewing both large pieces together with the pretty sides on the outside, and the same with both smaller inside pieces, correct?

For hand-sewing what kind of stitch do you recommend? Thanks for doing this!

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    Helen - April 4, 2020

    The pretty sides should be facing each other when you are sewing the curved center seam. Download the instructions – you’ll find the PDF in the “supplies and tools” section. Use backstitch
    Stay tuned for the video

    Reply
Rachel - April 4, 2020

Hey! I made the L and M and both models that tried them on said that if they open their mouth too wide talking it pulls down over their nose. Do you have any suggestions?

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    Helen - April 6, 2020

    It’s fitted by design, so you can either 1) size up (or use narrow seam allowance) and/or 2) leave the elastic a bit longer.
    Another suggestion is to try our surgical style mask – it doesn’t fit so tightly around the face

    Reply
    Kat Mayo - May 1, 2020

    Try it on upside down. LOL it sounds funny, but 2 people at my work had the trouble of it falling down and forward while talking, and both agreed it worked for them upside down!

    Reply
    Danielle - May 5, 2020

    I’m so glad I saw this comment because I just spent a lot of time making this mask and it wasn’t fitting right. It fits great upside down though!

    Reply
Face Masks for Dummies - lovemycottage - April 5, 2020

[…] a good, printable pattern for the face mask can be found at Craft Passion or Hello Sewing […]

Reply
Bernadette L Anderson - April 5, 2020

Great article and thank you so much the pattern and instructions. I’ve gone to several sites and by far yours was the easiest to download. I need to make several of these for my husband who does not have the luxury of staying home.

B. Anderson

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    Helen - April 5, 2020

    You are very welcome. Thanks for the kind words.
    I’ve heard that people who have to wear masks whole day long definitely prefer the surgical style masks (like this one) over fitted masks. You might want to consider making both to see which one he likes better? Just a suggestion

    Reply
Judith Rushing - April 5, 2020

Never pin the pattern to the fabric as it lets in air holes. Best to mark the pattern then cut out.

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Gnene Rineer - April 5, 2020

If we are to fold in the inner piece only a 1/4” on each of ear sides, how can the outer be 1” larger on the outer? We are only smaller by 1/4, or, if double turning the ear side, only 1/2” smaller.

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    Helen - April 5, 2020

    You have to add one inch seam allowance to the ear side of outer piece before you cut it. Also – you have to fold the inner piece twice. I’ll add the video tomorrow so you can see this in action

    Reply
Alicia - April 6, 2020

It says the seam allowance is 1/2″ but looks like only 1/4″ in the pictures.

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    Helen - April 6, 2020

    I used 1/2″ seam allowance and then trimmed it down.
    I chose to do it this way, as many beginners find it difficult to sew slim seam allowances, especially at curves.

    Reply
Jenni cowan - April 6, 2020

Hey guys n gals . I just had this idea to use the extra pad in a bra and convert it into a face mask. Has anyone tryed this . Seems like the right shape n size . Just thought . Thinking outside the box.
Jenni

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Frances - April 6, 2020

Hi! Just wondering if you might have an svg or cricut cut file for the mask. It would help a lot if I could cut out more than one at a time. Thanks for all you are doing!

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    Helen - April 6, 2020

    Thank you so much for you comment and your kind words. I don’t have a cricut, and I’m afraid I can’t make a cut file.
    If you or anyone else is willing to make the file, I’ll add it to the article
    Cheers 🙂

    Reply
Jacklun - April 6, 2020

How do I print this out

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Paul - April 6, 2020

Argh!
I’m not really much of a sewing person outside of repairing clothing. Sewing buttons on shirts, stitching splits in fabric, and replacing zips is about my limit, and I’m getting hopelessly confused about step 2.
Do I cut all four pieces exactly to the pattern?
If yes, the 1/2″ seam allowance I understand.

What’s confusing me is the additional one inch seam allowance.
Does that mean I don’t cut to the pattern but add an inch to the ear side for the outer layer?

Paul.

Reply
    Helen - April 6, 2020

    Hi Paul,
    It’s very easy, don’t worry. You cut 2 lining pieces exactly to the pattern, and then before you cut the main fabric, add 1 inch to the ear side of the outer layer (main fabric) and then cut. I’ve just added a VIDEO tutorial to this article so you can see this in action.
    Tomorrow I’ll modify the pattern so that you’ll have the outer layer and inner layer on separate sheets.
    Hope that helps

    Reply
Malika - April 6, 2020

Hello, if you use material from a HEPA vacuum cleaner bag, it will filter a % of germs and viruses, but it must be HEPA.

Reply
    Helen - April 6, 2020

    Always read the labels and make sure the HEPA filter does not contain fiberglass. It’s very dangerous

    Reply
April - April 6, 2020

We’re trying to do this. My daughter pick this out. Could you update instructions with sewing terms? Like when you say clip, you mean snip with scissors. And when you say draw a line, you mean fold over and sew a hemmed edge?

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    Helen - April 6, 2020

    Hi April,
    I’ve just uploaded the video tutorial. Hope that helps. Thanks for your comment. Happy sewing!

    Reply
Katherine Gibbs - April 8, 2020

Hi Helen,

You are supposed to wash it every time you wear it according to a TV doctor. I have also heard that you can sanitize it in the microwave. Do you know anything about that? Thanks.

Katherine

Reply
    Helen - April 8, 2020

    Hi Katherine, indeed you should sanitize it after each use. I just wash our masks on high, dry them and then press (be careful with elastic – it might melt). I know that some people are boiling their masks in a pot for 20 minutes.
    As for using the microwave to sanitize your face masks – I wouldn’t advise you to do it. Although this seems the easiest and most feasible solution, I don’t feel comfortable heating food in the very same microwave I used to sanitize my face mask.

    Reply
Diana - April 8, 2020

Hi
I dont know how you insert the wire? Is it possible without seeing it? And without loosing it every moment??

Reply
Keatha McLeod - April 8, 2020

I would like permission to distribute templates of your pattern with a link to your instructions to local sewers in ND.

Reply
    Helen - April 9, 2020

    Permission to use, copy and distribute the pattern granted, provided you will not sell masks from this pattern for commercial gain. It is for personal and non-profit use only.

    Reply
Wendy - April 10, 2020

Why don’t you just give measurements ,for those that don’t have a printer????????

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Liz - April 10, 2020

Hi, I did not have access to a printer so I just traced the pattern ( once downloaded) from my screen. I hope everyone stays safe.

Reply
    Helen - April 11, 2020

    Awesome. Hope you stay safe, too! Happy sewing

    Reply
Lorrie Dairda - April 10, 2020

Hello, do you have video of how to add the wire nose clip to the mask. Thank you for this outstanding pattern and sewing tutorial.

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    Gretchen Haynes - April 29, 2020

    I would like that to please! Thank you for your time doing this and sharing!

    Reply
    Helen - April 30, 2020

    You are welcome, Gretchen. Just start, it’s so easy!

    Reply
Kathleen Matthews - April 11, 2020

Thank you very much for this very thorough instructional video. I appreciate your effort towards keeping everyone as safe as possible. Blessings to you as well.

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Robert - April 13, 2020

As for the limited elastic bands hit up walmart, harbor freight, tractor supply, etc. Look for the round bungee tie down straps. You can cut the end off then cut the outer layer and they are full of elastic bands. Sorry, this will not let me upload a picture for reference.

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    Helen - April 14, 2020

    Good idea, thanks for sharing. It is just that many people prefer to order online to reduce exposure – the bungee cord can be ordered online as well.

    Reply
Renate - April 14, 2020

As opposed to masks, respirators are subject to certification and regulation, and are established to shield against respiratory infection.

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Roseanne - April 14, 2020

I’m trying to figure out how to attach the 17″ elastic to the mask for over the head application. Thanks for your help.

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    Helen - April 14, 2020

    One way to do this is to feed the elastic through the side casings. Attach a small safety pin to the edge of one end of the elastic. Feed the safety pin and elastic through the right casing and then feed it through the left casing. Once the elastic has been fed through both casings, make a knot and then pull the elastic to hide the knot in one of the casings. Done!

    Reply
    Susannah - May 1, 2020

    What kind of knot? Can you please show an image of how to fasten the ends of the elastics?

    Reply
    Helen - May 1, 2020

    Just a standard knot – watch the video here to see how I do it https://hellosewing.com/face-mask-with-eye-shield-diy/ – it is exactly the same mask but with an eye shield.

    Reply
Betty - April 14, 2020

Muslin is inexpensive, tightly woven after washing and perfect for the liner. We are making masks as fast as we can. Cut a heavier pattern out of cardboard to use with a rotary cutter. Can cut four at a tome.

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    Helen - April 16, 2020

    ^ I second the tip for using a cardboard pattern with a rotary cutter. Makes cutting so much faster, doesn’t it?

    Reply
Alyssa Stanley - April 15, 2020

Can you use hair elastics for the straps that wrap around the ears for this mask?

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    Helen - April 16, 2020

    Yes you can. Depending on the size of your elastics you might need to make the sides of the mask a bit longer though

    Reply
Carolyn - April 17, 2020

A very good fabric for these masks is the Hoffman Fabics batiks. The fabric is very closely woven and it’s available on eBay for reasonable prices.
Happy Sewing!

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Joan - April 18, 2020

How do you get the nose wire in without sewing “blind”. I have tried putting one in, but ended up hitting it with the needle, breaking it. Tried sewing it in last, but it is on the inside so it is uncomfortable on the nose.

Thanks, Stay Safe!

Reply
    Helen - April 18, 2020

    Hi Joan,
    Check out the video of the Fast and Easy mask here, around 5:40 I show exactly how I sew in the wire. I push the wire to the top and use 3 clips/pins to keep it in place. Go very slow. Hope that helps.
    Stay safe 🙂

    Reply
    Wiese Betty - April 18, 2020

    I found plant ties which come in big rolls make great nose pieces. I cut them to 4-5’ then zigzag stitch onto the seam allowance. Then turn the mask right sides out.

    Reply
    Cindy - April 27, 2020

    Thanks for this idea, Betty!

    Reply
Denise Beran - April 18, 2020

Thank you for the pattern, tutorial and you tube visual. I think I’ve got it now.

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    Helen - April 18, 2020

    Awesome. Glad to have been of help. Happy sewing!

    Reply
Jean Harnden - April 19, 2020

I found the pattern very easy, but the first mask, a large, was too small for my husband, so I added 1/2″ more to the second mask cutting line and it fit great. Thank you for the easy to follow video too.

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Herschel Coutant - April 19, 2020

Helen,

Wanted to say thanks for what you’ve done here! As an “essential worker” (industrial mechanic and fabricator), I just approached this as another ‘fab’ job. Going to make a few scale adjustments for me after I got the first one put together. Kudos to you for the video for some of us “rusty sew-ers”. 2 things to note that another material in place of elastic that I used is micro bungee strapping. And 2nd for nose bridge material, well I’m a country boy who has hundreds of feet of electric fence wire left over from the garden (the larger the wire gauge #, the thinner and more maleable it is) – sewed in a 6″ piece as suggested and formed it to my face with no fogging of glasses. Thank you again!!!

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Laura Bentley - April 19, 2020

Thank you for both video and print options. I was actually thinking about donate my machine and fabric because I was on to other hobbies. As a Gemini, I had to change my mind and took your pattern and went to town. I had more scrap material than I thought and did masks for friends and neighbors. Since family is in CA and I am in VA, getting ready to send off a couple to them so they can have a souvenir when this is all over.

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    Helen - April 19, 2020

    You are so very welcome 🙂 You Geminis are profoundly creative, so keep your machine on hand just in case. I’m sure it will come handy again!

    Reply
Margaret Eichman - April 19, 2020

I am unsure how to cut the filter so it fits inside the mask. Is there a pattern for the filter. Is it just flat or the same as the pattern.
Thanks for the pattern and I am anxious to start this project.

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    Helen - April 19, 2020

    There is no separate pattern for the filter. What I do is just make it a bit smaller than the finished mask, so it can fit inside.
    Happy sewing!

    Reply
judy - April 19, 2020

cannot print or download the pattern.

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    Helen - April 20, 2020

    Hi Judy,
    Try to reload the page (press F5) or try from a different device or browser. Another option you can try it to right click on the link and choose “SAVE AS” to download the pattern

    Reply
Marcus - April 21, 2020

Well written article. The key piece is that everyone needs to wear them since they mostly protect the person not wearing them. Also a bit of humor and seriousness about shaving before you wear them here. https://thefutureprepared.com/best-mask-to-keep-virus-out/

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Margaret Lindou - April 24, 2020

I love this tutorial. The pattern was easy to download, compared to other sites. One thing that I did, and is working well, is to use a nice long black shoelace as a strap. I feed it down one side and up the other. I put the loop over my head and pull the mask up to tie on top or back. Works well for me.

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    Helen - April 24, 2020

    Excellent idea. Elastic is currently in short supply, and currently it takes at least 3 weeks to ship.

    Reply
Kathy - April 24, 2020

Hi – Rhanks for sharing your pattern. I just made the large size and it seems kind of small. When you say in the instructions that there is a 1/2” seam allowance included, should I have stitched 1/2” at both the top and bottom? Thanks.

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    Helen - April 25, 2020

    Hi Kathy, it’s fitted and you did it exactly as designed. If you need a larger mask you can just stitch it with a 1/4 inch seam instead of 1/2

    Reply
Ana - April 25, 2020

Thank you for helping others with very little sewing experience. God bless you

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    Helen - April 25, 2020

    Thank you Ana. Stay safe and healthy!

    Reply
Gloria - April 26, 2020

Hi, Thanks for the patterns. I used to sew a lot, but not since 2010. My question is how can you tell the type of material it is. When purchased years ago I didn’t mark that on tape with amount of yardage. Any help would be appreciated.

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    Helen - April 29, 2020

    You can check whether the cotton is tightly woven if you fold it in two and hold it up to the light. You should not be able to see through it

    Reply
Anna - April 27, 2020

How do we add the wire for the nose?

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    Helen - April 29, 2020

    topstitch a straight line 1/4 inch or so from the top= to make a channel wide enough to slide your nose piece through. I’ve uploaded an image in the comments so you can see how it’s done

    Reply
Cindy - April 27, 2020

Thank you so much for this very informative post and easy to follow instructions & pattern.

Reply
    Helen - April 29, 2020

    Thank you for taking the time to comment. Stay safe and healthy

    Reply
Asta - April 28, 2020

Thanks for this pattern. This is my favorite pattern of the ones I’ve looked at and tried. I noticed that, on this webpage, in step 1 of the instructions, you wrote, “fold the fabric in half so that the wrong sides are facing each other.” It should actually be “fold the fabric in half so that the right sides are facing each other” (which is what the video instructs). Thanks again.

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    Helen - April 29, 2020

    Hi Asta, thanks you so much for the kind words an for the heads up. I’m constantly updating the tutorial to make it as easy as possible to sew up, so I’ll update the written instructions to match the video instructions

    Reply
Rhonda - April 28, 2020

Like other, I don’t have a printer and I can’t but paper on my tablet. Please give measurements so we who can’t print can still help out with our sewing

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    Helen - April 29, 2020

    Hi Rhonda, thanks for taking the time to comment. I’ll try to squeeze that in my to do list to help you out

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Susannah - May 1, 2020

I just made the medium and it’s *very* small. I might sew at 3/8″ instead of 1/2″ for the next one. Also, I do not understand how to fasten the ends of the elastic together. You write ‘make a knot’ but a know will not fit into the tiny sleeve–I barely got the elastic in there.

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    Helen - May 1, 2020

    Try 1/4″ seam allowance instead of 1/2. As for making the knot -see my next comment

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Joseph Hanes - May 2, 2020

Thank you so much for 1: providing this for free, 2: providing links to reputable studies 3: providing a basic design that can be personalized in any number of ways, in fact I’m thinking of doing some bead work, or suspending small strings of beads from the bottom edge. If you’re going to wear a hand made mask why not make it look awesome! In fact this is how I got my 7 yr old excited about wearing a mask! Thank you so much again!

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Danielle - May 2, 2020

I am french and I cannot speak English very well, but I want to say you a big thank.

MERCI POUR TES SUPER PATRONS ET TUTOS. Je vais les utiliser.
Je t’embrasse.
Danielle

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    Helen - May 3, 2020

    You are welcome, Danielle
    Je vous en prie! C’est mon plaisir!

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Ceratul - May 3, 2020

Great work!! Fully agree with you:
To overcome this crisis, we need to change our perception of masks only being for sick people. Wearing masks needs to be the new social norm, at least until we found a vaccine or cure. This is not the first time in history that we turn to face masks as a solution: During the Spanish flu (1918 flu pandemic) the Red Cross urged people to wear face masks by saying: “The man or woman or child who will not wear a mask is now a dangerous slacker.”

So do not be a “dangerous slacker”, make and wear your face mask. If you do not yet know how to do so, then this book will be your solution.

There are great instructions on DIY face masks. Some, like the one below, even free for charities and comunity projects!!!
https://www.amazon.com/2020-DIY-Face-Mask-Manual-ebook/dp/B087HVKKR6/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=face+mask&qid=1588435935&s=digital-text&sr=1-5

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mary eslin - May 4, 2020

Thank you so much for creating this tutorial and answering everyone who needs assistance.
Just found this, and have not studied the tutorial yet, but will soon.
I wanted to share one thing with you;
If the ‘filter’piece of the pattern could be made removable you could use this piece of advice…
A doctor at our local hospital told me that a tri-folded double sheet of white paper towel is one of the most effective face mask materials. One or two sheets of paper towel could be removed after each use of your mask and a new filter easily inserted.
However, your masks are explained beautifully and the use of cheerful fabrics lifts everyone’s spirits.
Thanks so much, Mary E.

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Heather - May 5, 2020

I’ve been through this article a couple of times & I just can’t seem to find how you are attaching/inserting the nose wire.

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    Helen - May 7, 2020

    I’ll upload an image later today so you’ll see how it’s done

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Elizabeth - May 6, 2020

I do not see instructions on how to insert the nose wire.

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    Helen - May 7, 2020

    Stitch a channel just under the top of the mask and insert the wire there. I’ll upload an image later today to show how it’s done

    Reply

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