This face mask pattern & tutorial will be updated once we have new resources or ideas coming in.
Skip all and jump straight to download the patterns, click the button below:
(If clicking the button brings you to nowhere, then please scroll to find the family photo of mine (a 6 person portrait), the pattern options are just below that picture.)
{29th March Update:} Thank you all for the feedback and suggestions, I heard you all from the comments. I feel sorry that I can’t thank you individually for the inputs and also helping me answer others’ questions. After gathering all the info and pick up which is essential, I have made a face mask sewing video tutorial and it is embedded in this section (click to jump straight to the video). In this face mask sewing video, I have included the detail on how to cut and sew the face mask with a pocket for the filter media. Besides, there is additional 2 new info I have added to the video: a sleeve on the top edge of the face mask for a removal nose wire, and, using a cotton shoelace as the head tie, as shown in the picture below.
The face mask design itself has a very good seal along the face, however, some may still find that fogging happened to their glasses when they breathe. In order to make the face mask sealed even better, nose wire is added in as optional. If you don’t need the nose wire, you can still sew the sleeve but just skip the wire, or, you may completely omit the sleeve part.
Choice of nose wire? In fact, any wire that can be bent and stay in shape is a good choice as the nose wire, for example, twist ties, florist wire, gardening wires, hardware wire of gauge around #20. You may also twist multiple strands of thin wires to make a stronger nose wire. I personally like pipe cleaner as it also has some cushioning from its chenille stem.
I agreed that elastic loops really hurt the ears after a long hour of wearing. It will hurt less if they are not pulling so tight but the face mask will not be tight enough to seal on the edges. Hence, either wearing the elastic bands across the back of the head or using a cotton cord head tie will solve the problem. T-Shirt Yarn will be perfect too if you have a few t-shirts to cut out from. View the tutorial on how to cut a T-shirt to make T-Shirt Yarn.
Face Mask With Pocket & Nose Wire Sleeve
Watch on Youtube
{24th March 2020 Update:} A grid-pattern of this face mask is included. For those who don’t have the access to a printer may now manually sketch it out on a 1/2″ grid graph paper. Or, you may trace the pattern through your monitor by placing a piece of paper on your monitor and trace; make sure to enlarge the pattern document until you get the size correctly by measuring the 2″ marking with your ruler.
{22th March 2020 Update:} Good news to Cricut and Silhouette cutter users, I have uploaded the SGV files and Studio3 files here in ZIP format, please get them at the pattern section. Thanks to Tanya Chilton (Cricut) and Marlene Teter (Silhouette) in making these files free for us to download. I personally do not have these machines so I can’t open the files. Please let me know if you have any questions about the files. Also, templates with seam allowance are added to the patterns, please choose your options to download and print.
{19th March 2020 Update:} Men size is included in the pattern, now we have a total of 4 sizes for everyone from age of 3 and up.
{Feb 2020 Update:} For the past few weeks, I have been receiving a lot of requests on how to add non-woven filter inside the face mask. Disclaimer: this face mask is not meant to replace the surgical face mask, it is a contingency plan for those who have no avail to surgical mask in the market. Proper use of a surgical mask is still the best way to prevent virus infection. I have updated the tutorial by adding the option to sew the face mask with a pocket for filter media, please scroll down further to find the tutorial.
{Jan 2020 Update:} We have collected some feedback from readers and updated a different way to wear the elastic band that will put less stress on the ears.
{Original Write-up in August 2013} Contemplating the ever-rising pollution level on our Earth, the respiratory face mask will soon become an essential item in our life. Every year around May till August, we will be attacked by terrible haze, as our neighboring country started to mass-burn their plantation wastes during this dry weather period to clear out their land while producing fertilizers for the next cycle (hmmm, not a right way to recycle, huh~).
The hazardous smokes and burning particles were being transported by the wind which is blowing towards us, settled in and won’t go anywhere else unless the rain washes them down. At times, the API (Air Pollution Index) can go up to 400 (hazardous) in a certain area. The haze is dusty, smokey and obscuring the clarity of the sky, the most important thing is that it caused eye and respiratory irritation, it is life-threatening especially to the young and elderly person, and those with weak heart and lungs.
Besides limiting the outdoor activities and switch on air purifiers at home, my BFF and I urgently needed the face mask for our kids to wear. Like most kids nowadays, they have weak lungs and vulnerable respiratory system, the haze will impact a lot on their health condition. What makes us furious and anxious was that the kid’s size face mask was out of stock in the market. So, I sewed up a storm on this double-layered face mask recently and gave some away to whom who needed them.
In order to share out more so that you can sew your own washable and reusable face mask, I made the pattern into 3 sizes, small kids (around the age of 3-6, young kids (7-12) and Teenage & Adult. Not recommended for baby. It is not medical rated but good enough to filter out those haze particles and bad smell.
Before you start sewing, please pre-wash all fabrics before sewing, and wash it again prior to wearing it. In this tutorial, I used quilting weight cotton on both layers, which is good enough for basic filtration. Besides, I sewed some in cotton flannel as the lining too, the filtration is even better but not recommended for small kids as it might be a little difficult for them to breath through properly.
Apart from wearing it on a hazy day, the face mask would be good for the motorcyclists, bicyclists and whoever needs to travel on a heavy traffic road. Exhaust gas from motor vehicles is even perilous and unhealthy! Also, you can use it on your sick days, to prevent spreading the viruses via your respiratory discharge.
Just a suggestion, you can also DIY the face mask for something fun, for example, adding some drawings on a plain white face mask like a “Red Hot Lips”, “No-Teeth”, “Skeleton Teeth” (a perfect match with the skeleton costume during Halloween), or any funny smiles!!! Just to have fun 🙂
See us posing for the face masks… For Better Life, cheers!!! ***camera rolls***
Face Mask Pattern Templates
Free Downloadable Face Mask Pattern in various options. Please click to download and print separately.
1. Face Mask Sewing Pattern, WITHOUT seam allowance included
All 4 Sizes: Men, Women/Teenager, Kid (7-12), Kid (3-6).
2. Ordinary Face Mask Sewing Pattern WITH seam allowance included
Men
Women/Teenagers
Kids (7-12)
Kids (3-6)
3. Pocket Face Mask Sewing Pattern WITH seam allowance included
Men
Women/Teenagers
Kids (7-12)
Kids (3-6)
4. CRICUT Machine (SVG files)
Men
Women Teenagers
Kids (7-12)
Kids (3-6)
5. Silhouette Machine (studio3 files)
All 4 sizes in .zip file
Face Mask Sewing Pattern
Free face mask sewing pattern & tutorial on how to sew double-layered mask. In 4 sizes, small kids, young kids, teenagers & Women, and Men. With optional variants:
Variant 1: With Pocket for filter media or as surgical mask cover.
Variant 2: With sleeve to insert nose wire for an even better seal that won't fog the glasses.
Materials
- Material:
- Main Fabric (cotton), 13" x 7", prewash
- Lining Fabric (cotton or flannel), 12" x 7", prewash
- Bias Tape, 2" wide 6" long, prewash (Optional, as nose wire sleeve)
- Nose wire, 6" (Optional)
- Elastic cord for ear loops 16", or, shoelace/ribbon/cord with at least 44" length for the head tie
- Face Mask Sewing Patterns; Choose your option to download and print separately
Tools
- Sewing essential
- Sewing Machine or hand sew
- Iron
- Seamstress tracing wheel and paper
- Pencil or soluble fabric marker
Instructions
- Download and print out the Face Mask Sewing Pattern separately.
- Follow the sewing instructions below.
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For CRICUT users, download the zipped SVG files separately. Notes from Tanya Chilton who is so kind to contribute these files for free:
With the Cricut Maker, you need the Rotary Blade and the purple cutting mat. The setting is: Fabric - Cotton
With the Cricut Explore Air2, all I know is that you have to iron a stabilizer on the back of the fabric first. There are tutorials online on how to do that.
Flip the image to cut the other piece in reverse orientation.
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For SILHOUETTE users, download the zipped Studio files separately. Notes from Marlene Teter for her kindness to contribute the files for free:
Cut settings are as follows:
Printed cotton fabric ( like the fabric used for making quilts)
Cameo 4
Tool 2
Rotary blade
Force 15
Passes 1
Speed 8
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More Details on how to sew the Face Mask
Choose your option, download and print out the Face Mask Sewing Pattern separately. Don’t scale the printing, it is in letter size paper (8.5″ x 11″) so you should have no problem printing it in full scale. There is a 2″ scale marking for you to check if you are printing it in the right size.
Cut out the pattern of your size.[Remark: It is a pdf document and will be open in a new tab or window, or asking you to download. Please make sure your computer has the supported software for it to open correctly. Unblock your computer “pop-up blocker” for this site if you have it enable.]
[Important: Don’t print the pattern from the browser, the size might not correct. Please open the pdf pattern in Adobe Reader or Adobe Pro and print from there]
*UPDATE
*Here is the template reference on a 1/2" grids, please sketch it on a graph paper. I hope this is good enough for those who do not have a printer on hand to print out the downloadable template.
Fold the main fabric into halve with the wrong side facing each other, pin the paper pattern onto the double-layered fabric. Cut the fabric with 1/4″ allowance, except the ear side. Cut the fabric at the ear side with 1″ seam allowance.
Insert the tracing paper between the layer, trace sewing lines with tracing wheel.
Remove pins and paper pattern, get set to sew.
Repeat the same as the main fabric, except the ear side seam allowance. Cut the fabric at the ear side with zero seam allowance.
Turn the face mask main piece with right side facing each other, sew the centerline of the face mask.
Clip curve along with the seam allowance, be careful and don’t accidentally clip on the stitches.
Press seam allowance to one side, topstitch near to the seam line on the side where the seam allowance is.
Repeat the sewing on the lining part.
Flip the lining and place onto the main face mask, align the center seam line, pin and sew the top and bottom lines.
Turn the face mask right side out. Press seam neatly and topstitch near the edge.
This is how it looks like from the inside at this stage. The main fabric of the side ear area is longer than the lining piece. This is going to be the pocket of the elastic band.
Fold in 1/4″ at the raw edge of the side ear, fold again so that the first fold edge is 1/4″ from the lining raw edge.
Sew a straight line down, don’t forget to perform a few back stitches to lock the thread end.
Measure and cut the length of the elastic band needed (usually around 6″-8″ depending on the size of the face).
Insert the elastic band through the pocket and tie a dead knot to the ends.
Repeat the same to the other side. Pull the elastic band until the knots are hidden in the pocket.
Wear and breathe normally!
UPDATE: A different way to wear the elastic band that will put less stress on the ears.
Instead of splitting the elastic band into 2, use the full length and insert through the pockets as shown in the picture, tie a knot and hide the knot in the pocket.
Wear the face mask with the elastic band sits at the back of the head.
No more stress on the ears with this method.
Variant 1: Face Mask With A Pocket For Filter Insert
Get ready for all the materials as stated in the material list above.
Fold the fabric with the wrong side facing each other, place the paper template on it, pin.
Cut the fabric out with ⅜” seam allowance, except the side of the face mask: 1″ for the outer layer, ½” for the inner layer.
Trace the sewing lines with the tracing paper and tracing wheel.
Turn the pieces over and pin the pair together with the right side facing each other. Sew the curved lines as shown in the picture.
Draw a line ¼” from the original side sewing line of the inner layer, do the same to the other side of the inner layer.
Clip the seam allowance about ½” apart. This will let the fabric’s raw edge to stretch without pulling the seam when you turn it right side out. Repeat this on both the outer layer and the inner layer.
Turn the pieces right side out, press the seam allowance to one side, topstitch near the seam line. Repeat the same to the inner layer.
Fold the side at the second line drawn next to the original sewing line of the inner layer. Fold the raw edge and hide inside the fold. Topstitch to sew it on. Repeat on both sides of the inner layer.
Place the inner layer on top of the outer layer, with the right side facing each other.
Sew the top and bottom seam lines.
You may notice that the edge of the inner layer is now ¼” away from the sewing line of the outer layer. If it is not the case, please check if you sewing it correctly in the previous step.
Clip curve on the seam allowance where the 2 layers meet. Leave about 1/2″ from the ends un-clip.
Turn the face mask right side out. Press seam flat.
Double fold the top and bottom raw edges of the outer layer (both sides). Topstitch near the edge as shown in the picture. Repeat the same to the bottom seam line.
To make the pocket for the elastic band, fold the side raw edge 1/4″ from the edge, then fold again so that the edge meets the edge of the inner layer.
Topstitch a vertical line to sew it on. The top and bottom have an opening for you to insert your elastic band.
I added my label while sewing it.
This is the opening for the filter insert.
Add elastic bands to the pocket face mask the way you like and it is really to be worn.
Insert a surgical mask if you are using the face mask as a cover.
Insert a non-woven fabric if you can’t find any surgical maskin the market. I air-dried a piece of the anti-bacteria wet wipe as the filter insert. Throw away the filter correctly and wash the face mask every day.
Disclaimer: this face mask is not meant to replace the surgical face mask.
Insert the medium into the pocket from both openings of the face mask. Adjust it nicely so that the medium doesn’t crumple up.
After the surgical mask is fully inside the cover, push the nose wire of the surgical mask to the tip of the cover, bend the wire a little to follow the curve.
The filter insert must be placed till the tip of the face mask, where the nose position is at.
Variant 2: Face Mask With A Nose Wire Sleeve
Cut a bias strip of 2” wide and 6” long or use store-bought bias tape if you can find if from the shelf.
How to cut bias strip:
Fold the fabric diagonally, draw a line along the crease of the fold, measure 2” from the line and draw a line parallel to it. Cut the strip into 6” length.
Fold ¼” from the 2” ends.
Fold the strip into half, lengthwise.
Stitch up both ends.
Align the bias tape along the front top edge of the lining.
Topstitch at the bottom edge of the bias tape.
Do not remove the pins until you pin the main piece to this lining piece.
Continue to attach the main piece and sew them up into a face mask as shown above.
Cut a piece of pipe cleaner about 6” long, bend the ends in to make the pipe cleaner slightly shorter than the nose wire sleeve. Insert it into the sleeve. Remove the wire before washing the face mask.
Other options of nose wire are twist tie, florist wire, garden bonsai wire, aluminum or other hardware wires as long as it can be bent and stays there. If the wire is too thin or soft, twist multiple pieces of them to make a thicker nose wire.
Notes
This pattern will be updated once we have new resources or ideas coming in. If you get the pattern in pdf file, please check the original pattern for the latest update https://www.craftpassion.com/face-mask-sewing-pattern/
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Elastic Bands for Sewing White Elastic Cord 1/8 Inch Heavy Stretch Rope Earloop String Round 10m -
Dritz 9340W Beading Cord Elastic, White, 1/16-Inch by 5-Yard -
KLOUD City White 120-Yards Length 1/8" Width Elastic Cord/Elastic Band/Elastic Rope/Bungee/Black Heavy Stretch Knit Elastic Spool
Wear the face mask properly, ensure no air is breathing in from sides of the mask.
Handle the face mask carefully, wash it thoroughly every day. Do not touch the contaminated side of the face mask, wash your hand if you accidentally touch it.
Always keep good hygiene by washing your hands thoroughly with soap, don’t forget the fingernails and up till the elbows.
Wear safety goggles if needed and avoid rubbing your face, eye, and nose at any cost.
I am still experimenting on using wax to make the fabric repels water droplets. I know water repellent spray can be used but I can’t find any that doesn’t contain chemicals. If you do have a better solution, please comment and let us know.
{29th March 2020 Update:} Expert recommended that use Non-Woven Polypropylene (NWPP) as the material to sew for the face mask. Oly-Fun fabric is a non-woven polypropylene material where re-use grocery bags or event bags are made from. Perhaps it is a great alternative to sew instead of cotton. However, please check if it is washable at high temperatures for sanitization and whether if they can last for repeated washing.
Thank you. Hope you all stay safe and stay away for any virus.
Thanks You for share its
Thank you for updating this with a pattern with the seam allowance included, I goofed up my first batch.
I live in Los Angeles and would have never thought that it was necessary to wear a face mask here to protect yourself. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, that has changed. I found your free pattern on this website and decided to make some masks for my husband and I. It worked out wonderfully. I even put a paperclip into the sewn channel in the top of the nose, which worked wonderfully.
I just wanted to thank you sincerely for making this pattern available and free for people to use right now. You’ll never know how many people you may have helped.
Thank you so much for sharing this. My first mask came out great. Very good instructions.
Hello, thank you for this pattern! I’ve sewn over 50 to donate to local healthcare and have lots more to go and I’ve shared the pattern many, many times with others looking for a mask pattern to sew, as well.
Would you consider selling a licence for small businesses to sell items made from your mask pattern? That would be AMAZING! I’m donating to healthcare facilities and will continue to do so but when someone from the general public asks I’d like to be able to recoup some of the cost and time of sewing.
Thank you for the mask pattern. I made masks in varying sizes for my family and all the members of our church. Everyone has commented that they fit very well! I think they are much easier to make that the ones with the pleats on the sides. I wish I’d seen the nose bridge casing before I made them, but will definitely make more and use that feature in the future!
Thank you so much for being so thorough in your article/video; & so accommodating to the commenters’ requests/suggestions. This is a wonderfully clear & well put-together tutorial. Stay safe & healthy!
Any idea how much I should downsize for a 2.5yo? Thank you!
Thank you for offering FREE face mask patterns to the public. This is most generous of you since many people are trying to profit from an American disaster by “selling” their patterns.
I, do however, like to make a suggestion. I made the adult female mask and it is way to small for a woman or teenager. Everytime we try to talk it falls down on the nose. It needs to be longer on the bottom. I will correct this on the pattern. Thanks again, Donna D from TN
I printed out the pattern (thank you for making it free and down-loadable) but found that it was 1/8″ off when printed. The 2″ line was 1 and 7/8″ long. Not 2″. Do you have any recommendations on the best way to increase the properly? Just add 1/16″ inch all around? I’d like to make these masks to help out, but don’t want to make them if they are the wrong size.
If you have set your printer to 100% or “Not to scale printing” or “actual size” and yet the printing is still smaller, probably you are printing it from the browser or another printer setting has over-written your current setting.
I did a simple calculation based on your info, in order to bring your printing to meet the 2″ mark, set your printing to enlarge by 107% (math: 2/1.875×100%). This will give you the correct size. Hope this helps.
Any ideas on how to modify the pattern to cover big noses? It’s not big enough for my husband
Thanks!
The mask pattern date is 2013. Data needed has accumulated since then r/t COVID19 etc. PLEASE note this.
She has actually updated the pattern if you read from the beginning. There’s updates with dates noted.
Thank you so much for sharing the pattern, instructions and making a video. Just finished my first mask today!
No offense to Craft Passion ….
I am a retired FP who’s been in touch with many medical researchers, reading JAMA articles … For all of our frontline personnel (EMS, nursing homes, nurses in facilities that will use them, grocery store people – anyone whose work puts them in regular contact daily with people): A pattern that has a pocket that allows for pleating to “Pooch” over the nose and mouth is better for the person to breathe through. The filter material needs to be HEVAC (3M Filtrete1900, Honeywell FPR9, Aprilaire Merv13). This material was used during the Sudden Acute Respiratory Syndrome Epidemic some years back. The fabric has to be a tight weave quilting type 100% cotton. Various ways of attaching ties are suggested. THe only thing that matters is that the mask fit TIGHTLY across the bridge of the nose and along the cheek sides, go under the chin and hopefully be snug there. A pipe cleaner can be sewn into a “rod pocket” over the bridge of the nose and a bit out to snug the mask down further. Easier patterns are out there than this (for speed and still very good or I’d not use it!).
This is all FYI – Surgical masks do not filter out particles just repel fluids AND typically allow air to get between the face and mask along the sides.
All us regular folds: lockdown, 5 steps, lots and lots and lots (10 layers) of 100% cotton over the nose and mouth tightly suffices. Get in the store, post office.. get out go home
10 layers of cotton? I just read something that says the CDC now recommends EVERYONE wear a mask so I’m trying to figure out the best way to make a mask and as a non-sewer, I’m having to do a lot of research on materials and such.
By placing the center curve on a fold, and just seaming the corners of that seam with no topstitching you can make this mask much safer as it eliminates holes and openings right over the nose and mouth. I will email the link to the design shared by Beebe health
Hi,
I’m confused on if I need to use the pattern with seam allowances or without seam allowances? What is the normal, standard option? I’ve used dress patterns before and that it what I am used to. What do normal dress patterns have?
Thanks
Normal dress patterns have the seam allowance (usually 5/8″) built in.
What a great detailed pattern and video. The video is especially helpful, very well done!
I am a nurse and do appreciate that a filter can be placed in the masks with the pockets. Your site is beautiful! Thank you again so much for your contribution!
As have made a few of theses masks to donate, have been following up to see new comments and am wondering re a possibility for a disposable filter so will be experimenting if Freezer Paper would be feasible as: a) it can be found in many grocery or even $-stores b) is reasonably priced c) easy to cut/prepare d) the type I have is white and plastic coated on one side e) liquid repellent to an extent as used for wrapping raw meat, f) lightweight yet g) durable and is easy to slip into a pocket type mask. To conclude; drawbacks might be equivalent to when using a N-95 mask which takes practice to use re breathing or maybe too noisy. Just an idea with no guaranty it is a solution, but thought I’d share it with your readers.
Footnote: I use it for doing transfer craft projects. It comes in a roll just like other household wraps do. i.e.: Tin Foil/Waxed Paper etc. The brand I have is by Reynolds.
You have to be able to breathe through any material used as a filter.
Thank you for updating your pattern and providing so many variations for the different ways we are all comfortable working with patterns. I personally prefer to include seam allowances in my patterns so I can print on cardstock and easily trace around edges onto fabric.
Would fleece fabric be an acceptable lining?
Hi … Thank you for the pattern and the photos. My one request is this: You have so many PDFs available, and yet the photos and instructions shown in the tutorial appear to refer only to the version of the pattern that does not have the seam allowances drawn. Since I have chosen to print out version #2, the outer fabric does have seam allowances drawn in but the lining fabric doesn’t. It took me a while before I realized that on the lining I need to add 1/2 inch at the sides. Just wanted to suggest that you modify the PDF by adding that 1/2 inch to the drawing, or else say something up front so that people will know that your photos all assume that people are working from the PDF that has no seam allowances. Again, thank you for your design and efforts to update based on readers’ comments.
You don’t need a seam allowance on the interior side of the lining for the style without a pocket. The main (outer) fabric gets folded over and stitched over the lining fabric. I have made several this way without issue.
Thanks for leaving this comment. Which size were you making? (of the mask pattern #2 with seam allowance)
I want to thank you for your outstanding pattern and instructions. I am making my second mask right now to bring to my daughter and granddaughter. I have tried several other patterns with mixed results – the curved design of your mask is so much easier to wear. Thank you.
In case you are looking for FDA approved face mask, please visit:
External Link
they have a complete range of face masks and n95 respirators.
NEVER click an external link posted by someone in the comments like Zakoota’s above. Well intentioned or not, you can’t uninstall what is accidentally maliciously installed once you hit that click. Be ESPECIALLY aware of any offer that may prey on your current situation, i.e. the shortage of masks available to purchase.
Don’t do it! Go google it somewhere else.
PS this pattern is fantastic.
Hello. Thank you for such an amazing article. I hope this will help everyone who is looking for ppes in these dark times of covid19 pandemic.
Hi. I want to make the most effective face mask possible for my family, our postmistress, the staff of our pharmacy, & the staff of our local nursing home. After thorough research, I found Craft Passion’s pattern is best. I just spent 3 full days reading all the comments here. I thought I’d save the rest of you some time in reprinting what I learned. 1) “CDC Design Principles for Homemade Masks (March 27, 2020): 1. Build a mask that tightly encloses the area around the nose and mouth, from the bridge of the nose down to the chin, and extending onto the cheek beyond the corners of the mouth, so no gaps occur when talking or moving. 2. Use mask material that is tightly woven but breathable. Double-layer the fabric. Use an inner layer of a microfiber to wick away moisture, and an inner cloth layer. Masks must be made from washable material such as fabric. Choose a fabric that can handle high temperatures and bleach without shrinking or otherwise deforming. 3. The mask should be tolerant of expected amounts of moisture from breathing. 4. Wash dirty masks between each use. Wash in hot water with regular detergent. Dry completely on hot setting.” 2) So what are the BEST MATERIALS to use? Yes, microfiber or dishtowel material is highly effective at trapping the virus, but it is too heavy to be comfortable. You want a mask that you can wear for many hrs at a time without discomfort. The best material to use is high thread count 100% cotton. 3) What to use as a FILTER? The CDC recommends a microfiber material & a tightly woven but breathable cloth. People on this site have suggested several things: Swiffer unscented floor pads, Hammock Merv 8 air furnace filters, polypropylene nonwoven material, melt-blown non-woven fabric, vacuum cleaner bags, coffee filters, Brillo reusable microfiber wipes, charcoal carbon activated floor register, felt, nonwoven fusible interfacing, & flannel. It is not safe to breathe through filters designed for machinery, not humans. You don’t know what chemicals or particles you may breathe in. Felt is too heavy, & can melt in the dryer. Nonwoven interfacing is lightweight & washable. But why would you use a fusible version? That will make 1 thicker layer, not 2 separate layers, plus you’d be trying to breathe through glue. So my filter choice is a layer of lightweight flannel & a layer of nonwoven nonfusible sew-in interfacing. A lot of people are sewing in a pocket to hold a disposable filter. That’s fine, but since the mask will need to be washed between each use, I think it’s easier & more economical to use a washable filter. 4) NOSE CLIPS: To fit the mask closely to your face, sew a simple pocket between 2 layers of your mask over the nose & insert 3 to 5 inches of any of the following: flat plastic coated twist tie, garden tie wire, cut disposable aluminum cookie sheets or soda cans, folded aluminum foil, pipe cleaners, soft coated floral stem wire, soft coated electrical wire, or Soft Tie. Whatever you use, bend any sharp edges in so they don’t poke your nose. Make sure it is washable, or leave the pocket partly open so you can remove the nose clip each time the mask is washed. 5) How to ATTACH it? You can use flat 1/4″ elastic or 1/8″ round cord elastic, seam binding, grosgrain ribbon, shoelaces, stretchy headbands, or homemade T shirt yarn; & you can make loops over the ears, or loops or ties around the head. 6) Lots of people are asking about WATERPROOFING. If you waterproof it, you won’t be able to breathe through it! 7) A note on KIDS: Do not use 4 layers for a child’s mask. It will be too uncomfortable for them to keep it on. Use 2 layers of high thread count 100% cotton with only 1 filter layer: either flannel or a 3rd layer of cotton. Do not use a mask on babies or anyone that is incapable of removing it. 8) A lot of people are concerned about SEAM ALLOWANCE. Someone suggested wrapping 2 pencils with a rubber band so you can easily add the seam allowance to the pattern. Craft Passion’s design is easily adaptable to different face shapes. You can adjust the length or width of the pattern to fit your face, and add small darts on either side of the nose to make it fit better (especially helpful for people with glasses, as it reduces expelled breath fogging up the glasses. 9) Wearing a mask is not going to keep you from getting Covid-19 if you don’t follow all of the CDC’S RECOMMENDATIONS: “the best way to prevent getting Covid-19 is to avoid being exposed. Stay home as much as possible. Keep a distance of 6 ft from other people. Cover coughs and sneezes. Wash your hands or use a hand sanitizer after you have been in a public place, before preparing food or eating, & after using the toilet, blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Clean & disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.” 10) Although we are trying to make as effective a mask as possible, we cannot duplicate medical masks, which are 95% effective against Covid-19. “DISCLAIMER: this face mask is not meant to replace the surgical face mask, it is a contingency plan for those who have no avail to surgical mask in the market. Proper use of a surgical mask is still the best way to prevent virus infection.” – Craft Passion. THANK YOU Craft Passion for creating this mask design & making it free to the public! You are a true hero. I hope everyone who is able to sew will make enough masks for their family (at least 2 per person, wear 1, wash 1) & then continue making as many masks as you can to donate to those in your community who are most at risk. Stay Safe! -Jeanne
Great tips Jeanne. I have been looking at videos all day and am combining 2. thanks for the Tips!! stay safe Susan
CORRECTION: CDC recommends microfleece, not microfiber for the inner layer. My apologies! Thanks Susan. I knew if I spent 2 days watching videos & 3 days reading all the comments to figure out the best fabrics to use, etc, then other people were probably doing the same research. If I can save other mask makers some time, they can get those masks made sooner & put them to good use now. = J
Great information! thank you for the research and saving me time.
I sa a great idea for solving the problem with sore ears when using maska for long period of times. Use a headbacn (or sew one!) and put a button on each side for the elastic to be fastened to. Here is a link to pics.
While I love the pattern, I have found that the large is incredibly small. As a sewist, I know I have not made the seams to large as I followed the instructions. I am 5’6, average weight. I have a larger nose so maybe thats part of it. However the allotted amount of elastic makes it difficult to go around my ears as well. I guess I will extend the shape to make it so that anyone that is say 6ft tall can wear the mask. I also found it does not really stay on. If you open your mouth to talk it slides down. Even with wire. So though it looks great and the pattern is lovely, its not really a great mask. Im very sad. I compared the size to a mask I wear for protection against my particle dust and found it is very very small indeed in comparrison. I have just finished making 6 masks that will not fit anyone I have made them for. So heads up on the sizing. I wonder if including a measurement from the top of the nose to the underside of the chin would be a good way to understand wither the mask is a good fit
Wow! Thanks for the warning!
You probably used the pattern that did not include the seam allowances. There are several patterns on the site.
By the way, please contact me. We would love to have you this adaptation on your site so people who sew can help health professionals extend the life of their N95.
A friend, my sister (a PA at a hospital with Ear Nose and Throat) and I adapted your pattern to make it work as a cover for N95 masks. We enlarged it, added to the side, and created a long fabric tie (like your adapted elastic to avoid the ears)so a health professional can make the mask fit in many ways (on the top of the head in a bow for easy release, behind the head, and to tighten or losen as needed). We are making masks for medical professionals. The nice thing is the mask can also still fit quite well as a plain face mask. The only exception is for smaller faces, air leaks out of the top some. But our goal was to have it protect the N95. We also want to add a repellent but not with chemicals.
Thank you for this extra advice.
Hello Rachel
Can you share your pattern? I am making these for the first time for my niece.
She in Lousiana, I am in Ark. I want to get it right the first time.
[email protected]
Thank you
Donna
Reading your comment for a moisture repellent. I am wondering if spray starch would be a consideration for the mask. Just thinking out-loud.
If using ribbon, shoelace, etc… to make a tie mask, how long should the ties be?
Rachel, I’ve seen a video where the hospital staff is making the protective covers for the N95 mask. All made in green scrub fabric. If you could share your pattern with me I would be very appreciative. This mask cover seems to be the best idea out there for those on the front line. Thank you. [email protected]
Amy
There is a pattern for a mask that is meant to be used over an N95 mask here:
External Link
@Rachel and for those interested and may wish to make a cover for N-95 masks ; please note that can come in different designs. For example I have two types that I’m hoping to make covers for (and donate) and suspect there may be other ones. i.e.: One is V-Flex (3-M/Health Care Particulate Respirator & Surgical Masks issued to Police/Fire Personnel and were also used during the Sars epidemic, single pleated similar dimensions to a clinical mask) whereas the other is the more common oval/roundish type by Niosh, Particulate Respirator often used for industrial use.
I also found that ties were better for making the mask fit tightly. I have used shoelaces and my extra Roman shade cord for ties. For the masks I have made with elastic, I pulled the two loops behind my head and tied them together with cord to snug up the mask.
Rachel, would you be so kind as to share your pattern with me. I have a niece and and son-in-law on the front lines and would love to make some of these masks to help protect their N95’s and hope the rest of us can use them for regular face masks as well. Thank you so much for your advice and work on this!
[email protected]
Karen
I am new to sewing. Like just bought a sewing machine so I could make masks new. When I cut out the adult pattern on my silhouette- do I then add 1/4 inch to all sides but the ear side and then add an inch to that side for my main fabric? Or is that already included in the pattern?
I can’t open the file as I do not have a Silhouette machine, so here is my best understanding from Marlene who contributed them for free. I believe the Studio files have already included the seam allowance but they are only for the non-pocket type.
Use the pattern with the seam allowances.
Those of you who have used these masks: which would you say is the more comfortable to wear? Between the accordion style and the fitted one? Thank you!
I bought some light weight interface to use as a filter !
I’m trying to help out in using this pattern for a substitute N95. If you can obtain Sterilization wrap – esp Halyard 600 – and use Swiffer floor pad, unscented, as the electrostatic /water repellant insert I think we can get pretty close.
Thank you so much for this pattern, thanks for the update with the nose wire which has been in great demand around here. I’m using a pipe cleaner and stitching the ends to keep it in (these guys want it simple!) I’m also using flannel for the lining. My neighbors are all over 65 and really appreciate your pattern! Thanks again
I used panty hose for the ears. It is easy to tie and untie to adjust and doesn’t irritate. Thank you for the different sizes!
I am impressed! I had your pattern from a french hospital who added a fleece layer inside. I have 2 of these a week ago and now, one hospital from Baltimore, MD is recommending your pattern again! That’s great for you as you have done an incredible job here. The video is just perfect, especially for the ones who nether sewed in their life and want to make one. I am definitely putting the masks I’ve done on my blog and share your work so more people will have access to it. Thank you so much!
Thank you for letting us know. We are glad to be able to help here.
Hi
Where should I put the Non-Woven Polypropylene (NWPP)?
Outside? Inside? In the middle?
Can I use non woven cut away (used for embroideries)?
Thanks
Please visit Filti.com for filtration material. I came across this bit of info while looking up face mask tutorials on YouTube last night.
This company has started manufacturing face mask material to help address the shortage of masks. Anyone can purchase it to use in constructing their own masks.
Hi Jodi! Thanks for the link. Do you know if this is reusable as well? TIA!
Easily sewn masks w/ least cutting & sewing best.
Mask functional Usability = Filtration + Breath ability.
We’re all trying to figure out how to best contribute. I share the following in hopes that as many sewn masks as possible, can be used as safely as possible, by as many as possible, including health care workers in the worst case scenario.
Links listed @ bottom for scientifically sourced info that explains what to use & NOT use and why…. Why doubling fabric does NOT ‘improve’ mask… Updated info for a Yale Hosp system requested nose wire mask and info from a textile scientist.
Masks need:
FIT – flush fit to face to ensure air is only filtered thru mask, not around sides of mask.
FILTRATION – keeping virus out is way harder than it sounds. Covid19 virus particle size is 0.1 microns or 750 times SMALLER than a human hair @ 75 microns (bacteria is often .2 to 3 microns). Mask usability is achieved w/ the right type & amount of material, like Tee shirt material.
BREATHABLE – as easy as possible to get air through.
You can NOT comfortably breath thru a thick layer(s), a vac bag or fusible interfacing, let alone do so for many, many continuous hours.
Links @ bottom for research indicating that depending on fit & particle size, a sewn mask can ‘potentially’ filter an impressive 70% . Surgical masks can filter 89 to 97% depending on particle size and layers.
Manufactured masks are effective b/c they made from fused interlaced layers of polypropylene fibers and NOT a woven material like fabric. SUGGESTION – do not ‘top stitch’ center seam b/c as the needle passes thru & stitches fabric, it can create a space between fibers where microscopic virus particles could pass thru.
Link
Textile scientist post
Updated info w/ Nose Wire -Yale Hospital system requests this pocket mask in 4 sizes, pattern.
Link
Could you please remind people to treat these like a 1 time use and handle accordingly, by washing or sanitizing after each use. So important, as the virus can stay on the outside for 3 days.
Have you ordered from them? If so, how? There seems to be no link from which to place an order. Thank you.
Chris, Are you talking about the filti.com website? The ordering tab is at the very top of the home page….the “Learn more” button.
Hi. I’ve been making these masks for my 4 family members and their staff all in health care. I extended the chin by 1” per request by the doctors and dentist for deeper coverage that matched their hospital masks. They wear mine over the top to extend the life of their masks. Pipe cleaners from the smoke shop are perfect. I top stitch them in when I turn the Mask right side out. I back stitch at the end of the wire to prevent it from moving.
I make strings by using my roiled hem foot and cutting off the hem. A continuous tie for the entire mask Get it from the width of your fabric 40-44 inches is perfect.
General consensus ties are more comfortable than elastic. I’d add a picture but don’t know how
Great pattern thanks for sharing
I watched you on CNN with Don Lemon and I would like to thank you for supplying a pattern to make these masks. I have a friend who is a nurse and if I can make some up to protect even one person I would be more than happy. Bless your heart for doing something so worth while. I am in my 70s and I sure appreciate your help.
Thank you very much for this pattern and tutorial. I ordered speciality fabric today and will make mask as soon as it arrives.
Thank you so much for taking so much time to continuously update and refine this tutorial/video. I think it is great and I appreciate it. This will help so many people. Bless you.
Thank you for your pattern. I made one with a nose wire including a filter pocket. The fit is perfect. I will be making these for a cause!
I absolutely love this pattern. I have made in excess of 200 of these masks as we have no disposable masks available in the rural area where we live. The pattern is perfect and fits very comfortably on male, female and children’s faces. If the man is very big, I just add a bit on the bottom. I used a good quality cotton for the outside and light weight calico for the lining which still allows for comfortable breathing. Thank you so much for making it available, you are a star.
Muslin 100% cotton okay for mask making?
We were looking for a video tutorial and saw that others were too, so we made one:
Thank you.
My neighbor works at our local hospital. The Corono virus has caused a great shortageof protective devices for the smaller hospitals. They are in dire need of face mask for the staff there. I will make as many of these as possible to help or local medical and first responders.
I have an idea to share!! I used “iron on Interfacing” on the back of the outer fabric. It made the shape stand & kept it from easily coming towards by nose & mouth when I inhaled. The most important thing is that “Interfacing” is a non-woven material. I tested it by running water over it appears water repellent (but of course I have no way to medically test it). I figure it can’t hurt having it in there. Just a suggestion!
do you know what kind, name of interfacing???
I was wondering if the fusible interfacing won’t work because of the glue that fuses the interfacing to the material on the inside. I think regular non woven interfacing will work better for that reason. Look for a Pellon chart online to see which interfacing is non woven. There is one and can guide us to which ones we can use. Also, I’ve used Oly Fun Play fabric found in the fabric/craft department at Walmart. It’s breathable, washable, and non woven material.
Pellon makes it but someone above said not to use it. So many ifs, ands and buts these days.
What exactly did you choose to use for the iron on interfacing? I bought some but it was impossible to breath through it. I am having trouble finding it in JoAnn’s. They are sold out of most of their iron on interfacing. But any help you can provide would be great.
Jean Allen in Fairbanks AK
Suggestion: Would Batik fabric be a candidate to repel water droplets? Some residual wax remains on the Batik after production. You’ve provided a wonderful service. Thank you.
Hello, I am having trouble printing the patterns. It comes out too small. Please help. Thank you
I just hit control p & it comes out the right size.
On my printer I have a spot where there is a space to put the size/percentage you want to print. Say you want it half the size of the original, put 50%. Change it to 100% and the size was exactly right.
@Craft Passion: Just wish to thank you for this pattern as sincerely appreciated. Have a assembled a few of the pocket accordian/pleated type but find the amount of fabric for this design is less plus like the option of contrast color to distinguish the front from the back (as hospitals are requesting such.) I did add a (nose contour) wire by just extending the seam allowances a tad and tucked it in prior to top stitching which provided a channel for it. *Note: I’ve experimented with various types of wire and have found the following all worked well — coated twist tie that can be purchased on a reel and cut to length (white) and indoor/outdoor wire that is similar (green) and often used for attaching Xmas decorations (like garland to a staircase). Also strips of aluminum cut from soda pop cans have proven functional as well.
P.S: For the coated twist tie reel, check your grocery store aisle(s). It will be mounted on a card.
When I looked up what fabric would be most beneficial after a carbon insert and regular high grade masks it said terry cloth like tea towels so I’ve been making these with a layer of cotton, two layers or terry cloth and a layer of flannel for me and my children. They are comfortable and easy to breathe through, kind of bulky but don’t look bad. Just thought I’d share if this helps anyone out who can’t get their hands on carbon filters 🙂
Hi, Bridget–
I think you may have misunderstood the conclusion that the researchers came to. (Link) It’s totally easy to do–after 2 days of reading up on this, I had to switch to a different subject just to clear my brain!
1. The “tea towel” that Brits refer to is called a “dish cloth” in the U.S. It is a tightly woven cotton, but it’s NOT terrycloth (or toweling), which adds loops, bulk, and heat, and provides NO extra protection. Look for your basic checked dish cloth.
2. By the same token, using flannel *seems* as if it would add more protection, because of the extra layer of fuzz, but alas, it does not. All it adds is heat and bulk. Stick to plain, flat cotton. If you’re *really* feeling worried about germs getting IN (and remember, for most of us these masks are to prevent our own germs from getting OUT), use one of the recommended nonwoven interfacings for your middle layer.
3. Doubling the dish towel *did* provide more protection, as you saw on the graph—unfortunately, it also added greatly to the difficulty of breathing through the mask. (As do vacuum bags and various other high-filtering materials.) Anyone who has respiratory and/or coronary conditions is at risk of putting extra strain on both their lungs AND THEIR HEART. It’s not worth it. Healthcare workers get special training in how to use N95 masks because (A) getting a good fit is important, and (B) breathing through them takes getting used to.
4. Good on you for getting your kids to wear them too! And for thinking of older neighbors and relatives. Getting the materials right will make it easier for you to construct the masks, and will make it more pleasant for wearers to keep them on, which is the end result we all want. Keep up the good work!
This site is wonderful. I will download the pattern and start making masks for our local hospital and nursing home. In my area in the USA there is no elastic to be found anywhere. I then remembered that a couple of months ago I bought a package of 12 hair bands for $1 at the Dollar Tree. When you cut the crimper off, they are 13″ long and about 3/16″ wide. One hair band will make 2 -6 1/2″ long pieces of elastic with a colorful satin-like finish.
I have yards of felt; can it be used as a liner or would it be too thick and hard to breath through?
Amazon has elastic.
I found those exact hair bands at Dollar Tree. I’ve been telling everyone about them because elastic is nonexistent. They work perfectly.
Brightest Blessings Craft Passion! Thank you so much for the pattern … I currently have 80+ cutout … using fat quarters (cute quilting fabrics) for outer and cotton muslin for inside. I can get 3 medium masks out of 1 fat quarter!! Also I found zig zagging the 6″ pipe cleaner to the top of the inner piece works well and stays in place! I am making mainly the medium size … I prewash ALL fabrics without chemicals. My personal preference is this mask over the pleated one … the coverage is tighter and to me much more secure! Being we are homebound … it is only me doing the “assembly line” work … which I dedicate so much time to each step … Saturday was prewashing all fabrics, Sunday was cut out day, today was assembly of inner mask with top stitching and sewn in pipe cleaner…. tomorrow is outer (front side) mask assembly and Thursday will be final assembly inclusive of elastic …. Friday… it is my intention to have at least 50 masks ready for distribution!! 😉 YAY! THANK YOU TO EVERYONE FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION!! We will get thru this … and be a much stronger nation …
Heart♡Hugs!! courtland
Greater protection from wet droplet secretion: What about using the beautiful African wax cotton prints? It would be great to see if that fabric would be breathable enough but also give added protection. Another thing I am going to try is using one of the nasal strips for snoring to place into the nose piece. Hoping that will give some additional fit to that area. If it is sewn in and the adhesive backing not taken off, it might work well.
Like a Breathe-Right strip? They are perfectly flat before you apply them. They rely on the adhesive to provide the shape or “lift.”
You are right, Karen. Nasal strip does not work. I am going the pipe cleaner route.
I have made these masks all week.. and they fit , except my son.. go figure. He and his wife have different faces. He said the nose bridge did not come up far enough , the cheek pieces should be wider and the length of the whole thing should be longer
When he has it on and opens his mouth his chin falls out of the tuck.. so is there something I can do to change for fat faces… I am so disappointed , that it didn’t work The pattern isn’t fitting a large man.
Through some research, non woven poly interfacing works well as an extra barrier. Not sure of the micron count, but alot better than just cotton (no matter how many layers). Plus still breathable.
I’m wondering if these masks are reusable?
@Lai: Yes particularly if you are using a tight-woven cotton weave as can be washed. (Do not use a scented detergent or fabric softener.) In fact one time, they were used in the medical profession before disposables were invented … ☺ … reason why there is shout-out for them now, as can also be sterilized.
Footnote: Hand wash in a sink. Add a few Tbsps. of white vinegar to the hottest water possible. Rinse thoroughly. Air or hot dry. If using a filter insert remove prior to doing so. (FYI, white vinegar at one time was used as a disinfectant cleanser in hospitals as well.)
Your pattern needs a note for the SVG files. After downloading the SVG and cutting out enough fabric for 24 masks …. It hit me you need to save 2 SVG files – 1 for the pattern to be one direction and then save another SVG flipping the pattern around so the other side prints the other direction so when you put PRINTED material together your sides come together to sew them together!! So i have 48 pieces all in one direction 🙁 So it would have been nice if you would have provided 2 SVG’s with the patterns providing a right side and a left side for those using printed material. I’d be ok if i was using a solid color. Now my local store is out of the material I bought so bought a solid color that coordinates with my patterned material… my mask will be unique for sure 🙁 Maybe the expert sewer would have realized this but I’m not an expert at sewer. Epic fail #1
Sounds perfect–hospitals want to be able to distinquish inside from outside!!!
Sit down, Betty,
You clearly failed Reading Comprehension 101.
That’s the epic fail, here.
Just fold your fabric with right sides facing. Trace pattern piece on wrong side and cut out. 2 pieces different direction. She also mentions to flip the pattern in directions.
Betty …. sweetie, we NEED unique … there is NO FAILURE … when you create from your Heart, that is the greatest gift!! I love that you did what we all would have done … you made “lemonade”!! .. just remember
***THE HANDS CREATE WHAT THE HE♡RT FEELS***
Brightest Blessings!!
How about inserting a cone coffee filter in the mask before putting it on? Filter could be cut to fit. It could be tossed as needed but might provide another layer of protection. Mask would still need to be washed daily. Having worn N-95s for work as a hospital SLP, I prefer the ties to the elastic. They’re easier to get a good fit when dealing with something cloth.
Where is the pdf to download? I’ve printed this, and it’s not to scale.
I wonder if anyone has tried to use curtain liner made of cotton and treated against water and (?mold). I have some of this kind of fabric left over and wonder about using it as as filter.
Thanks for the printable mask with pocket pattern. Several places in our area still needing them.
Does anyone have a printable pattern for a surgical hat with small ponytail section?
I found a pic that is supposed to have pattern, but it’s missing.
I made a bunch of surgical caps for children a couple of years ago. Very simple. You might Google children’s surgical cap and see if it comes up; just make it a little bigger for an adult. If you don’t find help, please feel free to send me an email at [email protected] and I will find it and email it to you. I am not a seamstress and they were very easy for me AND can be made quickly. Good luck.
adesignbyangie on Etsy has a good one to download $4.00 unless it’s still on sale for 1.20!
@Charlinda: Web search: DIY Scrub Cap as quite a few tutorials/patterns on the internet. ie: YouTube/K. Renee/March 12/2020/Ponytail Scrub Cap.
God bless you for posting this pattern and tutorial. This is a great pattern, given the inner pocket lining and extended coverage of the face, and is easy enough to sew. It’s truly wonderful you shared this. In our location, my husband and I could only get our hands on a handful of surgical masks. Having sewn a few of these, we’re happy to wear them for our brief weekly trip to the grocery store, and for receiving home deliveries. With the outside edge fairly near the ear, I find any type of ribbon works to hold the mask in place, it’s just a matter of personal sizing. I find ribbon is more comfortable than elastic. I’m even cutting out those small ribbons sewn inside sweaters, pants, tops, etc. to re-purpose, any little ribbon seems to work fine. I’ve even used the ties from surgical masks, they hold up with some hand-washing.
I have been taping coffee filters to my face until I can make my masks. Good luck to everyone. ConnecticutHousewife
Thanks for the pattern.
I have sewn in a middle layer of non woven sew in interfacing as extra filter and a pipe cleaner fitted in-between layers close to seam edge before topstitching the top.
Thank you so much! <3
Has anyone tried making a lining with charcoal filter fabric. It’s kind of hard to find, but I have some and was going to try making a liner with it.
For the replaceable filter inserts I suggest some:
Active Carbon Filter Sheets (Any brand/type will work will work)
Along with some replacement HEPA Vacuum Filter Bags (Again any brand/type of hepa bags)
Should be way better than nothing regular fabric!!!
My friend is using an air conditioner filter to insert in between outer and inner layer. Also as can’t fine elastic instead of elastic using elastic pony tail holders to go over the ears.
Hi! Regarding elastic, another mask-maker said that her medical connections don’t want elastic, as it disintegrates when they sterilize the masks. They prefer cloth ties, about 1/4-1/2″ wide and long enough to tie around the head (16″ for each of the 2 top and 2 bottom ties). Seam binding, self fabric strips, sturdy ribbon – all are good.
Elastic is great for the general public, as general protection, for sure.
Hi Stacie,
I watched a video on Youtube from a hospital that did micron filter science research.
They are using a .03 micron filter ( Merv3 , home air with the wire removed ) or a vacuum cleaner filter, they are micron 3 also
Here is the video link.
Take Care
can you do a video on making the pocket mask for people that are better seeing and being hands on than reading that would be great
She has a video. It’s in the description.
Thank you for this pattern and to all who have made suggestions. I am just making some for my family at this point but have no hepa filter materials on hand. So I added one more cloth layer and sprayed the inside with Colloidal Silver in the hopes that it will give an added degree of protection
DOES THE PINNING COMPROMISE THE FABRIC/MASK? I’M USING THE SMALLEST PINS I HAVE BUT STILL CONCERNED. WOULDN’T THE EDGES NEED TO BE FINISHED TO MAKE IT WASHABLE?
I was also worried about the topstitching compromising the Polypropylene I am using. so rather than topstitching down the center, I skipped that step. I did top stitch around the outside about 1/4″. Given that stitching is really outside the breathing area, I felt comfortable with it. I’m using a 75/11 needle to minimize the holes as well.
Thank you for offering this to everyone. This is going to help a lot of people. Your an angel. thank you
Try using pipe cleaners folded in half .
This will probably work try using a Hepa filter vacuum bag (new), cut to fit mask
Nothing was mentioned about how to put a nose wire in with the pattern. Does anyone know how to do that! Thank you! Trying to make some
For nurses at my hospital
I saw on another site you can use pipe cleaners, which I think you can buy at Spotlight
Hope this helps. After folding two twist ties together, I curved them slightly and then zigzagged them about 1/2 inch below the cut edge on the lining. Worked for me!
I used a piece of pipe cleaner, bent ends so no sharp edges and then took a piece of bias tape and made a place to slide it in works great
I sewed in 22 gauge florist wire, I took 3 strains of 4″ long and twisted together. Hope this helps.
No nose wire is really included, due to the shape of this mask naturally forming to the face and nose shape. However, if you wanna put in a nose wire, i guess you could sew one in before you turn it inside out. Or you can insert a pipe cleaner at the top one you turn it inside out, right before you sew the last seam at the top! I heard it’s quite effective as a nose wire.
The nurse at our Dr’s office had made one of these and gave us this site. She did not have a wire in it. It WAS naturally forming as Janet said. Fit very nice.
You can use twistie ties from your vegetable bags from the market. Insert in seam & stitch in place
Hello everyone, i have some natural 100% cotton batting (those use in quilting), and im wondering if i can use it as a filter? and is it breathable?
I used 1/2 large paper clip…..curled edges w beading tool so won’t poke through fabric………..I also saw u-tube using pipe cleaners and glue gun
I don’t think the pattern includes a nose wire. I see mention of putting the nose wire from a surgical mask in place if you’re inserting one into the sewn mask, but don’t think the sewn mask has it’s own nose wire. I’m going to experiment with sewing in some welding wire which tends to be flexible but not easily snapped.
YES! Try using pipe cleaners, either the regular ones or the craft ones.
I used floral wire. 30 gauge. You can get it at Walmart, 30 gauge 10 yards for around $2.32. Add the wire (4 to 5 inches) before turning, you slide the wire between 1/4 inch seam allowance and zigzag edge at nose point, bend slightly around the curve. It worked real well. I work at a hospital.
Just sew a channel – basically creating a space between 2 rows of stitching. Can stitch both ends shut or can leave one open, to allow wire to be removed if desired ( may lend better fit if worn over an N95)
——————————— row of stitching
________________ Wire
——————————— row of stitching
Hi Khristina,
After I make my mask with a filter pocket, I take light tie wire ( Aluminum is what I use ). Measure from one side of Your nose up over your nose to the other side. ( for length )
laid out straight I place it on one side of double stick tape, place another piece of double side tape over it. Take one side off and place it inside your mask. Then I peel the other side off and press your mask. This works great for Your nose bridge.
For this type of pattern you would need to put the wire in before you see it together, because there is no pocket for a liner. We sew about 2” along the top but 1/2” down. It just makes a line to hold the wire in place. What we use is 19 gauge stainless steel wire/NOT ALUMINUM WIRE. We purchased at the local hardware store. It’s stronger but still flexible.
I’d like to know the same…how to insert nose piece/clamp. Thank you. Dianne
I have been placing the wire in fold of fleece and zig zagging the whole length then stitching both ends. This will get sewn at the top and bottom of the fleece strip at the top of the mask where the nose will be. The fleece is giving a nice comfortable area for the nose and it is pushing the fabric closer to the skin when the wire is molded to the nose to give a better seal to the face.
You could leave a small gap when sewing the nose bridge area to allow for the wire to be slipped into the area. Once wire (or pipe cleaner) is in place, top stitch to close the gap. Also, if making one with a pocket, I read that HEPA vacuum bags can be cut down and used.
I’ve seen a pattern where they sew a piece of a pipe cleaner (inside) for the purpose of pinching the mask along the nose.
Look for a video from sweet red poppy on YouTube. She shows how to use floral wire
They do not need a wire, I have made about 70 of them and once you do the topstitch they work fine without a wire
If you watch the video by Fabric Patch it shows how to add a metal strip to the mask. They use cut up foil pan strips. It’s quite ingenious. Hope this helps…
I saw this on youtube
Hi My sister is a nurse in need of masks in their hospital so I have been making some for her. On the outside fabric I added a 6” piece of twill tape across the bridge of the nose right below the seam line and I left a small opening on the bottom of the tape. Then I took floral wire and cut two 4” pieces and twisted them together. With a round nose jewelry plier I formed a loop on each side and slipped it under the twill tape. That will allow her to remove the wire for washing. I also purchased #4 coffee cone filters and cut them as best as possible to fit the lining pattern and sewed that between the main and lining pieces. This puts a permanent filter in the mask. There are #2 cone filters a bit smaller. My next hope is to figure a way to form an interior pocket that will hold them so she can change them as needed. Hope this is explained well and it is helpful. Stay safe.
I’ve seen you can cut strips from an aluminum pie plate. Apparently a machine will sew through it. Just see to front fabric 1” below top seam
I sewed a couple differently and think it may be what you need. Sew your middle seam (nose seam) on print and then liner. Press. Turn under each short end of the liner fabric twice neatly. (This will help create a pocket, so you may add a breathable layer later.) With right sides of those pieces together, sew across the top seam. Stop & cut threads. Now sew across the bottom seam, stop & cut threads. Turn right sides out now. Press. You can now make a little pocket 1/4″ wide for your wire by starting sewing 2” to the left of your nose seam across, continuing 2” to the right of your nose seam, backing up. Slide your wire in the pocket. You may now remove for laundering. Turn under your print ends and insert elastic or ribbon as desired.
Hi, for the new method of elastic around the back of the head you didn’t mention how long the elastic should be. I’m trying to make these at home and your response would be incredibly helpful. Thank you for making this pattern. I am going to shares these with the apartment complex since i have plenty of flannel to go around and a almost a whole roll of elastic. I knew hoarding sewing supplies would come in handy one day.
Good morning! I used 9-10″ pieces and pinned them together with small gold safety pins and slid them inside the side hem. That way, anyone can tighten the elastic to fit.
LOL – I too have more sewing supplies than I could ever use. Win, win helping and purging!
You need the same amount of elastic regardless of whether you are planning to wear it around the ears or around the back of the head. You just don’t cut it in half to go around the head.
Ex. If you were using two 6-inch pieces of elastic to fit around the ears, you would use one 12-inch piece to go around the head. Instead of two 7-inch pieces, you would have one 14-inch piece. Hope that helps!
Use the same amount you were gonna use on both ears but not cut. Like if you’re using 6in on each ear use a 12in piece.
I am a quilter and have tried to write a short version of pattern including filter and back fastening option. My sister has made 100+. Here is link to cloud read only document. Feedback welcome
Look at this which has elastic lengths
Thank you for the link. I am making masks for four little children, age 3-4 and I did not understand the term don’t cut elastic in half. I understand now from reading the info on the link.
Jessica, She listed 6-8″ per cord if using the method behind the head – depending on size of head.
11″ is usually what I use on mine
You can use heap vacuum bags as the material. It can be cut into any shape you want. You can sew it or use duct tape around the edges and to attach rubber bands or material to tie the mask to your face. Tin foil from the aluminum cooking pans can be used to form the material to the nose( again taped on or sew to the mask material. All these supplies can be gotten from a grocer store (ShopRite,
Sorry, it’s HEPA (not heap)……..I used to transcribe so my brain sees those things…it has to do with the size particles it keeps out
Can someone share what length each elastic strip behind the head should be? We’re making these for some nurses and they mentioned it’s more comfortable behind the head than ears especially if the elastic is thicker. The elastic we have is thicker.
@Cindy: If it assists; the masks I have are the N-95 type but to give you an idea as to elastic length — Large mask measures in width = 24.5 cm / elastic = 23 cm unstretched
Small/Medium mask measure in width = 23 cm / elastic = 21.5 cm unstretched
*Note: the elastic appears more like a rubberized type / is .5 cm wide plus there are two pieces of it which overlap one another. Both dimensions given are the position where the elastic is attached. The mask themselves are adult sizes.
Our hospital said 10 – 11 inches for elastic
One of the u tube videos said 22”
I’ve only used the 1/4″ elastic which as a lot of stretch and the length for behind the head is 15 1/2″. You may need to use a little longer with the thicker elastic because it may be a little stiffer and not have as much stretch. Hope this helps!
Take a measuring tape and go from right behind your ear to the next one so that when put on the elastic goes taught but not painful. I would imagine 6ish inches maybe a little more.
Its in her directions, 16 inch
Materials
Material:
Main Fabric (cotton), 13″ x 7″, prewash
Lining Fabric (cotton or flannel), 12″ x 7″, prewash
Elastic cord for ear loops 16″, or, shoe lace/ribbon/cord with at least 44″ length for head tie
22inches should work perfectly depending on how tight you want it. But for my family 22in fits fine I did adjust to a smaller fit for my smaller grand babies.
You can cut elastic in half lengthwise and it will not free. Many people are getting the half inch and cutting it in half to quarter inch. I have made masks with 7 inch strips to 9 inch strips. Hope that helps.
Thank you! Your sewing boss circulates in France almost everywhere and listed on social networks. Too bad some people attribute it to the Grenoble hospital instead of your site. 😉
Link
There are some options for filter materials. hepa filter vacuum bags are probably the most effective and cheap to use as you can get loads out of one henry bag! The professional option is to use Melt-Blown non-woven fabric, which is used in facemasks. You can get this from Ebay and it costs about £8.00 or $10 for a 5m roll about 7″ wide. You will get a fair amount of filters from a piece this size.
Thanks a lot for the very fine resources and explanations. A small improvement could be made by sewing a small pouch about 3″ / 8cm long across the central stitching at the top of the mask where a clipband could be inserted. This way, the user can “mold” the mask onto his/her nose and prevent air leaks when breathing.
I am so thankful for your update. I made the first pattern and forgot to add the one inch for the main fabric plus seam allowances. It still turned out great though. Thanks!
Hi ~ The pattern looks like a good one–very simple, however breathing may be difficult. Please see the attached fabric analysis from SmartAir at the link. They suggest one layer of fabric and using a cotton T shirt or pillowcase as the best option for DIY masks. Scientific proof. Remembering these masks are not meant to be a substitute for the proper masks, but are great at keeping your hands off your face and the transmission of bodily fluids at bay.
Just tried out your pattern over the last two days and it worked great. I did add aSmall pocket over the nose area before closing the end and threaded a twist tie into this pocket and it works excellent as he knows pinch. Also everyone has a different shape face so I found by adding a tiny tuck on each side it made it fits snug or around my face. Will continue to experiment but thank you so much for the pattern.
The pattern is very good and easy to make. However, it would be so nice if a pattern for each size was done separately so the seam allowances could be included.
We have updated the pattern with seam allowances added in.
Thank you so much for your newest pattern with seam allowances. I have made nose pieces with disposable aluminum cookie sheets. First, cut the edge off the cookie sheet, then cut the cookie sheet into long strips that are 1/2″ wide. Next cut the strips into 4 1/2″ length for large pattern, 3 1/2″ long for med. pattern, and 2 1/2″ long for kids and babies. Then fold each strip in half long ways. Next use a the side of a hard plastic balloon holder, or the back of a metal spoon and smooth out the folded aluminum foil strip. This is easy and makes nice flexible nose pieces, that can be sewed into the mask. B. Allison
@B Allison: Another option is the use of a soda pop (aluminum) can which can be cut with ordinary scissors (which will also help sharpen them btw). Once cut; to flatten (the curved piece) rub it along the edge of a counter in an up ‘n down motion positioning it, opposite its curve/cylinder shape. (It is a method used to create soda pop projects.) Cut into desired single layer strips as no need to double it.
Do you sew over the metal
@Carolyn: You can add a bias fabric pocket to the mask (as Craft Passion has supplied in her instructions) however in event you have accurate sewing skills after top-stitching the outer and inner portions together, you can position the aluminum strip between the two layers of fabric then apply more stitching ‘around it’ to form a pocket/secure it in place.
Cool! Iʻve seen things like twist ties, vegetable ties, etc. But this is a good one. The only thing is to not. get cut.
Mahalo!
I use non-woven interfacing, like pellon, between the lining and outer layer of fabric. It adds stability and may provide additional protection. Thank you, B. Allison
I used iron on interfacing and it works really good. It also lets the mask stand away from my nose and mouth – more comfortable. Great minds think alike!
Hospitals are asking for the liner to be a lighter color than the outer fabric. Elastic is becoming hard to find, so you can sew in ties that are at least 8″long each. Please don’t use yarn for ties, as it stretches to easily. You can use 1/4″ gross-grain ribbon or make your own ties from material. Thank you. B. Allison
Can you tell me which pattern has the seam allowance? The pattern I printed is on 3/26 but your comment shows 3/27. It looks like it’s the same. Can you advise?
I don’t have a tracing wheel and the only open Joann is an hour drive from me. So I can’t figure out how to cut the pattern and add the seam allowance.
Any help you can give is greatly appreciated.
Click the link, item 3 is the pattern with filter pocket and with seam allowance added to the template. Choose the size you want to sew to download the pdf pattern.
Rubber band two pencils together and trace the original pattern, that will give you a consistent seam allowance guide.
When I was growing up, we didn’t use a tracing wheel. When made loose “tacks” with a needle and thread, then cut the thread between the two pieces. We marked all darts this way.
I have used softshell fleece for the outer layer. It is both breathable and water resistant and droplets bead on the outside and roll off
Not sure if anyone has suggested this, but you could use lanolin to make the fabric water resistant/repellent, like people who use wool diaper covers. You can use Lansinoh brand that is found in the baby section of a supermarket (look in the formula/breastfeeding/bottle section or in the pharmacy). You’d make a solution with warm water and soak the mask in the solution, then let it dry. Unfortunately, you’d have to do this process each time you washed the mask, but it’s probably the most eco-friendly and natural way to accomplish the task.
Although it works for a diaper cover, I dont know if it would be very breathable, or may have stuff not good for you to breath in.
If you treat the fabric with lanolin or petrolatum, the mask might be warmer and be difficult to breath through (not good). I think both of these products are flammable. Where I have worked, we do not put anything flammable on a patient’s face. We don’t have a standard like that for staff, but it is probably not prudent to put either of these products into a face mask.The pores in iron interfacing are smaller. Some of the patterns are placing this on both fabric side. If you really need the filter for active virus, get the N95 mask.
People also cut up vaccum hepa filter bags (I don’t know if there is any study data).
Is there anyone in Lubbock making these masks? I do not know how to sew, but I saw a post of a caregiver of elderly patients ages 87, 89, and 95 who need masks and they can’t find any. If anyone can help make them masks, I will get in contact with them to help with pick up or delivery.
You can help by cutting and ironing as well! Sewing them takes the least amount of time. Thank you and a million thanks to the most popular woman in the United States right now for providing this free pattern!
I am not in Lubbock area, but I am current making masks for my family. If she responds to my question about the elastic I would be able to mail you a few. If you pay shipping and handling I would donate them to you.
Did you find someone to make masks?
I just found your pattern. Thank you. I want you to know that another company came out with pretty much the same that I also saw today. under their free section. It’s pretty much identical to yours.
Who cares! Its all the help
As I do not have a printer I am unable to get the pattern
It would be a good idea to give the measurement of the depth from the tip of the nose to the bottom and The width and the measurement from tip long the curved line to the side. This would help me a lot. I thought I would use a non woven material for insert like vileen used to stiffen waistband and collars etc. thanking you kindly
Theresa
My printer wasn’t working, so I taped a sheet of paper on the monitor’s screen and softly copied the lines with a magic marker – including the 2″ line.
Thanks for the superb pattern I’ve also added 2 tucks so it fits neater either side of the nose, there’s been a lot of talk of the fabrics to use. So here’s what I’ve been making with , there’s 4 layers,,I’ve used cotton for outer layer, then non woven blue mask fabric (which is used in multiple layers on disposable hospital masks, bought 7metres x15cm roll ebay) i only used 1 layer, the next layer is non woven bamboo (Amazon bamboo kitchen towels 20 sheets per roll) each sheet can make 2 masks, these 2 layers (bamboo and blue fabric) i sew onto inside of the cotton outer layer before I’ve joined them together, then the inside layer(next to face) i use a 1 way wicking fabric, this fabric is droplet resistant , so you can’t breathe in any droplets, this needs to be on the right way round though, smooth side in mesh side against your face, it’s really soft comfortable fabric, though the mask has 4 layers it’s not thick and clumsy, also completely washable, I’ve done a couple of days researching the best and most suitable fabrics. It should be washed everyday that you use it.
Hello Joanne, great fabric ideas, but where did you find “1-way wicking
fabrics”? Also need to capture the non-woven blue mask fabric.
Your combo makes really great sense. Many thanks.
Hiya Elaine,
I got both fabrics on eBay , blue mask fabric title :- waterproof non-woven fabric craft breathable dust proof
and :-1 way wicking jersey pro cool Jersey mesh fabric.
As a rough guide i made 30 masks from 1 metre pro cool, and I ordered 7 metres of the blue, and that’s enough for about 40 ish masks, happy sewing hun , and stay safe
I
@JoAnn M: Excellent ideas! Myself I am using tightly woven cotton fabrics for both the inner and outer layer however am testing the use of ‘freezer paper’ to use as a disposable ‘filter’ insert as not sure how difficult it is to breath through. (Am comparing it to a N-95 mask that I have that does take practice wearing.) Brand is by Reynolds, one side is plastic coated so is *liquid repellent* (as is used for wrapping of raw poultry & meat), can be cut to any design, light weight, durable, and can be purchased in most grocery stores etc. (Found it slips into the cloth mask very easily.)
Footnote: As I have used it in craft projects to transfer inkjet images, I tested it under running water and was impressed just how ‘liquid repellent’ it is.
She also includes a design where if you do not have a printer and wish to draw the design out on paper. As long as your measurements are correct this would be a viable solution.
In the second half of the tutorial, the part for the mask with the pocket for a filter, I think an instruction is missing. After you join the inner an outer layers and turn it right side out, the instructions just say: “Turn the face mask right side out. Press seam flat.” However the picture shows it has also been topstitched on the top and bottom. In the first tutorial, this step reads: “Turn the face mask right side out. Press seam neatly and topstitch near the edge.” Just wanted to point out that the instruction to topstitch is missing from the second tutorial. Not at all trying to nit pick, just thought it might make it a tad more clear. Thank you for the tutorial and pattern!
I used a Hepa filter from vacuum cleaner bags for inside Filter
You are a godsend. Thank you very much. My 91 year old mother lives alone and independently from me in Bundaberg, Queensland, Australia. I live in Adelaide which is over 2000km away. With state borders closed, and 14 day isolation rules in place till who knows when, I cant get to her quickly if she needs me. She asked for a face mask (2 actually) to help protect her when she visits the doctor and goes shopping. As a sewer they were super easy to make for her, and with lots of offcuts of fabric on hand, I had 2 made in a jiffy. Again, a heartfelt thank you for your pattern. You’re worth your weight in gold! Cheers, Judy. :))
[email protected].
Look up otter wax used to water proof coats.
Nice article!!
Thank you for sharing! A local nursing home is so short on masks for the residents and staff. My husband is going to help me sew some of these to give to help them out.
Thanks so much for the pattern!!
Still perfecting as impossible to get surgical masks at the moment. I added a small pocket and used folded aluminium foil to create a nose pinch. I’m struggling to make the opening large enough to add the filter insert but otherwise it’s great. I read that tea towel fabric is good so used that with pillow case cotton for the lining.
Take care everyone.
Be careful using woven fabric/material for filter. One thing I saw mentioned virus is 1 micron and that it can get in between the woven fibers of cottons and regular fabric, even several layers of it. It said to use a non-woven substance (material) that water would bead up but not go through. Make sure that mask is: washable, wearable AND breathable. Some filter/lining type ‘material’ may get wearer hot and sweaty. Take Care. Be Safe.
Perhaps a sanitary pad (thin) for padding. ship it self wrapped with each mask so they know which to buy
I spent the whole day yesterday trying to make a pocket mask. The pattern I printed out on adobe was too big for the size fabric you said. I measured the line at the bottom and it measured 2″. I tried just tracing the pattern on the grid paper and that came out too small even though I added the proper seam allowances. What am I doing wrong? I’m not very good at this but want to make some masks for my niece who is an er nurse at Boston hospital.
Make sure when you print the pattern you are not printing it to fill the page but the actual size of image. Look at your settings.
i did the same. i traced the pattern on the grid, sewed with seam allowance and the 3-6 yo mask barely fit my petite 3 yo
Where do you find the nose wire? Does it have another name for it?
I’m going to try a soft-coated floral wire, such as Soft Tie. I think it will work well. Regarding the discussion about using water-repellant substances, it seems to me this may block water, but it would also block the air coming through the mask, forcing the air you breathe to come in around the edges.
I have made 70 of them and they are working great without wires, once you topstitch them they stay in place. I am in mine at least 8 – 10 hours a day and have found it very comfortable, I prefer using the elastic around the head for all day comfort
I saw using bread ties
You can waterproof it with beeswax. People make homemade cloth sandwich bags that way. Google it.
I read where you could use disposable aluminum pans … cut needed amt and crease for the nose piece….
Pipe cleaners too.
I used them and it works perfectly
Saw somewhere they were using a hair clip. A triangle shaped one but the ‘base’ of the triangle maybe 1/2″ – 3/4″ and clips 2″ long. They tore out – cut out the center part of the clip that is made with a bend/dent in it that actually fits into the outside of the triangle with hair to keep it in the hair on the head. The clip ‘clicks’ when placed properly in hair. Others have mentioned aluminum strips sewn in but not sure where they got the aluminum? from ‘foil’ throw away pizza or pie pans???
You can order elastic on eBay, just ordered 5 yards 1/4″ yesterday, cost me $8.50 that includes shipping. Also, you can use thin headbands from the Dollarstore or Walmart. I used white Oly for my liner, just make sure your iron doesn’t hit it LOL… I have a bunch of HEPA Vacum bags coming this week that I’ll be making for the hospital. I’ve got all my cloth ones cut and have made 2, but you have to figure out the length of the elastic for around the ears???? I used myself and my hubby for sizing, but if anyone has any suggestions let me know. Thank you Kimba
you can use a bread twist tye for the nose wire
You can use paper clips, fold ends in, or twist ties, or floral wire
Use twisty ties from plastic bags!
I have been using the flexible pieces you can find at the top of a bag of (Melitta) coffee beans – for example. Works great!
The sturdy wired closure tabs from a bag of Starbucks or Peets bagged coffee work better than the skimpy twist ties from the grocery store.
You could even use a coated paper clip as a nose wire. Just an idea.
I saw another post where they used twist ties that had come with baggies.
You can use pipe cleaners for the nose wire – works great and gives a tiny bit of cushion!
You can use floral wire, or garden wire. If that is not available do what I did; I used a disposable aluminum cookie sheet! Here’s how: First cut off the edge of the cookie sheet, next cut it into long 1/2″ strips, then cut these strips down, to 4 1/2″ for large pattern, 3 1/2″ for med., and 2 1/2″ for small size. Next fold each strip in half long ways. I put these on top of a paper towel which helps with the next step. Then take the back of a spoon and flatten out all the ridges. You can sew over this on your machine. It takes me about 1 hour to make an entire cookie sheet into nose pieces.
Good Luck and GOD Bless
very creative on using cookie sheets. So many good ideas, pipe cleaners, bread ties, floral wire, etc. fixing to make my first one using “man size” Thanks for all the ideas.
I just ordered a double garden wire that you can cut to different lengths and it is like a twist tie, which you could also use.
Pipe cleaner
Do I need to make the pattern bigger ? I am confused . Or just add a 1/4 in to it
Yesterday, I just made two masks of the pattern not realizing that I had printed the mask from my browser. Well today I went to the downloads on my computer and there were 4 mask patterns different sizes and with the seam allowances. So I printed the Man pattern out and it was slightly bigger than the first pattern from yesterday. Now I cannot wait to make more with the right size pattern. Connie
I just finished these for my family and my brother’s who works in the healthcare field. They are wonderful! Thank you so much!!! After sewing 20 masks in various sizes, I found that they fit very snug on everyone including children. For my brother, I sewed a sleeve 1/4″ down from the top stitching line about 2 3/4″ from each side of center seam. I left one side open to insert an 18 gauge wire found at Home Depot. At first I cut the wire 3 1/2″ long, but found this too short so I am suggesting my brother cut them 5″ long, curl the ends so they don’t poke through the lining, and adjust as necessary. The sleeve should hold up to 5″ of wire. In addition, I am sending him 1/4″ elastic and seam binding tape so that he can choose how to attach the mask. The most comfortable elastic on the ears is 1/8″, but that is hard to find. I think it depends on how one is wearing the mask as to whether they might want to insert the wire or not: wearing it over an N95, inserting a surgical mask which has a wire, or wearing it by itself. And, until I have feedback from my brother, I’m not sure whether this gauge wire is the right gauge.
Great idea with the nose wire! The hospitals here are asking the lining be a lighter color of material than the outside. Thank you, B. Allison
It’s cool but how to sew a kids mask ? I found a video where shows how to sew a kids mask step by step .
WATER PROOF OUTER: A re-useable bag like we have in NZ at supermarkets, Kmart and Target . They are made of polyprop I think, definately waterproof. worth trying. I made one similar to this and put a dart in either side to make it more air tight. I will be trying this one next. I use light/med weight interfacing as a ‘non woven’ lining.
If you put a waterproof liner on it, then you will be unable to breathe through it.
Anyone having luck finding elastic to purchase ?
I bought skinny “scunci” brand headbands at the grocery, 12 for $4
Try Joann’s online. They are doing curbside pick up
No luck here. So here’s what I did, first I used up all my binding tape and gross-grain ribbon. Next, I made my own straps that are at least 8″ long each. I sewed this three times into place onto the mask. I have also used a 26″long material strap and then sewed it onto the mask as one piece on each side. This way seems to be stronger, as the seam goes down the side of the entire mask and you don’t have to cut it.
To make straps take 1 inch wide material and make long strips about 26″ long. Next fold in the long edges and iron in place, then fold over the middle the long way and iron down. When you attach it to your mask center your mask in between the strip in the middle of the strip, use clips to hold in place. Finally start at the top of the strap and sew all the way down to the mask and continue until you have sewed the strip all the way to the end. Do this for both sides of the mask.
Good Luck, B. Allison
I found elastic head bands at Dollar tree store, 12 for $1.00. They work fantastic.
Did u use 1 headband per mask , to go around the back of the head?
Thank you,
Ilda
[email protected]
amazon has it but takes for ever to get it. It is called mask elastic.
I made these for everyone in my family! Gray and white cotton ticking outside, white flannel inside. The elastic makes them super tight. Fit the face perfectly! Thanks so much!
I found how to make a mask with filter . its good step by step tutorial. Also after watching this video you can sew youre own mask and pattern in description will help you
Thank you so much for this pattern. I work in the healthcare field and this is being used widely in our area to help protect our heroes. You’re awesome girl and bless you and your family. Big hugs and you stay safe.
Hey!
Long ago (about 5 years now) I found a very similar pattern for making face masks for high-particulate events (like the blowing dust of the dry lake bed at Burning Man festival). My solution to the adding carbon filters was to up the number of layers to 3, with a finer weave inner layer fabric acting as a “lining” with wrong-side seams together, serging the ends of those two (outer and middle) layers together, then folding them down and hemming them on the ear end, as well as hemming the other “ear end” lining separately to create a pocket between the layers—this also helped funnel moisture away from glasses/goggles and toward the ear (with the inner tighter weave fabric as a barrier). I usually always use cottons because they are easier to wash with hot water and dishsoap, and dry quickly for repeated wears. I make them with fun fabric on both sides for maximum wearability, and a carbon filtery thing can be slid into the mask if desired. However, the three layer filter construction is definitely more comfortable and filters extremely well (as tested by fellow Burning Man giftees). I also create channels along the top and bottom edges of the mask and run the elastic round cording through those to eliminate the uncomfortable pulling on the ears. I also tend to make the elastic adjustable by just tying a square knot or bow where it sticks out of the mask. So far, this is still the most comfortable mask I have made, and it is the best at sticking to the contours of a variety of faces!
Best of luck to all, and happy mask making! (Use up your fabric stashes! Experiment with matching your outfits!) Be safe and I’m thinking kind thoughts at all of you!
EXCELLENT advise. Thanks for sharing. Dawn in Nevada
Elaine I love the sound of this but am having problems following your instructions. I do think have a serger either how could I make this?
Hi! Thank you so much for the mask tutorial! We are making them here for essential workers who cannot obtain them anywhere. There is no elastic available. To use fabric ties, is your recommendation to slip a length of (finished) bias tape through each side slot, so that it ties in 2 places at back? If so, could you please tell me length of each tie? Thank you again — you were ahead of your time and we are all so grateful! 🙂 Be well!
I’ve been putting a piece of parchment paper in the pocket of my masks to help repel water droplets. It can be taken out before washing and a fresh piece inserted.
I do not think you can breathe through parchment paper.
Great idea….just wondering though if they are CDC approved…do they need to be ?? The only reason I ask is is that the CDC has a pattern as well that I am using. But then again, something is better than nothing I guess. Just wondering??
Un grand merci pour ce tuto très explicite, (les photos aident beaucoup) afin de réaliser ces masques.
Nous manquons de masques en France, grâce à vous j’ai pu en coudre plusieurs et les offrir.
En espérant que cette pandémie se termine très prochainement.
Merci encore
Translation (by Google):
A big thank you for this very explicit tutorial (the photos help a lot) in order to make these masks. We lack masks in France, thanks to you I was able to sew several and offer them. Hoping that this pandemic will end very soon. thanks again
would the fabric they use for an umbrella work? water is not supposed to seep through it. 🙂
Watched several videos.
Use tightly woven cotton for mask AND lining.
Use only NON-WOVEN interfacing for LINER. All washable.
This means cutting out 6 total pieces for each. (2 mask/2 lining/2 liner).
If you try to use water repelling fabric it won’t be BREATHABLE, causing the wearer to keep removing it due to heat & suffocated breath. THINK, people.
Hi,
Can you tell me how to download the mask pattern please, I don’t seem to be able to do it, thank you
I believe that is not breathable
I haven’t been able to buy elastic is there a tie pattern? I’m having trouble adapting this pattern to a tie method. please advise
Thank you for very good pattern and tutorial <3
I’m currently trying my hands at making the masks for family members who work in the health field, my fabric of choice is outdoor waterproof fabric and percale sheet as the lining.
Wouldnt that make it hard for them to breathe?
This pattern is absolutely perfect. Thank you so much for kindly sharing it for free and also doing such a wonderful tutorial! You are helping many people stay protected! God bless you!
I was wondering if using spray starch will make the outside less porus. I make home made starch with boiled water and cornstarch. there are lots of recipes on the internet how to make it
Spray starch will wash out once it is washed and most providers are washing these prior to use.
Thank’s a lot and God bless you.
So interesting that you first made these in 2013 for a personal purpose, and now they are helping so many people! Thank you.
Yes, ironic, isn’t it! I am glad that it is proofed to be a good design and fits perfectly on our face.
These masks a probably better than surgical masks as the get a better seal to the side of the face. The surgical masks have pleats on each side that do not contact the side of the face letting corona virus get it. They are not n-95 masks so they are not to be used by medical personnel for virus protection. They are good for dust protection and walking around shopping. Make them by the bunches
A quick way of getting the pattern is to download it and display it on the computer screen. You can then check the scale by measuring the 2 in. scale at the bottom with a ruler and enlarging or shrinking the drawing until it is 2 inches. Then get a piece of tracing paper and a sharpie and use the computer screen like a light box and trace the curves right off the screen.
Thank you for the pattern, I already made 4 masks for my family and they fit perfectly!
God bless you!
This is how I’ve always copied patterns! lol
Genius
Hiya,
I haven’t cut fabric on my maker… do i take the svg file–>duplicate and flip for the left and right sides of the patter? Otherwise I don’t know how to use the maker to cut folded material! Has quarantine fried my brain????
Thanks for the advice.
Megan
I am not a Cricut Maker user, if you can flip the image then please do so, or, you may just flip and lay the fabric with the wrong-side up to cut it.
I will add this piece of info in the note of the pattern above. Thanks for asking.
Hi! You don’t cut two layers of material on the Cricut Maker. You just duplicate and flip the pattern for the two pieces to cut correctly for the mask. I wish they had put that in. Make sure that you use something to make sure that the material is on the mat securely. Something like the scraper or a brayer. Your rotary blade is the only thing that cuts it well. And it does it beautifully!
We could also add the seam allowance too, right?
I made one today using the Cricut Maker & they have the pattern on their site with proper layouts.
I’ve searched and searched the app. What’s the title and does it include seam allowance?
Thanks for the pattern, we found that when wearing glasses, they would fog up due to exhaling leaking out around the top of the nose. Thought about a nose wire as many others have, but ended up putting in a couple darts along the top of the nose. Tried a few different options, only needed 2 small ellipse shaped darts in the liner, made a fold from top of the nose 1″ from center seam, the bottom fold 1 1/2″ down, 1 1/2″ from center, then sew in a 1″ quarter moon shape about 1/2″ from top of the nose. This did the trick without needing a wire.
can you make a quick sketch of that for us to see?
Would you have a picture of the darts that you could share with me? I’m not much of a sewer and I cannot visualize this dart. thank you
Could you show a photo of this adjustment?
Pictures, please. TIA!
A life-saving idea during COVID, thank you so much! We need to make a bunch for local nursing homes. It appears that for elastic band we can use headbands that Dollar Tree sells in packs of 5-12, and Brillo Reusable Microfiber Wipes sold there in packs of 9 are perfect for cutting out filters.
Fabric does not protect you from the nano sized particles of the virus or flu for that matter. All these will protect you from is dust. False sense of security is not safe.
What about using those pillow protectors for mask fabric? They have some of the qualities needed and they are breathable, cooling, and some are moisture protected.
Thank you so much for this pattern and tutorial. God bless you. I have four grand kids and no masks for them. The surgical masks we have are too large for them. With this pattern I can make them masks to use on their walks, runs and jumps outside. Now that they can not use the playgrounds these small outing are a most. I plan on using the pattern with the pocket. I have Tyvek protective sheets and coverall suits that I use for mixed media. it is made of PP (Polypropylene) non woven and breathable material. Since these will be for children and I want the masks to stay in place I think it will be better to use your update on the two elastics going back around the head. I have been breathing through the fabrics I have and found the perfect ones. After I make these I will make for the whole family and for anyone who might need them. Thanks again. Stay safe. Hugs
Please make a video. I suck at following instructions
Amanda this video might be helpful he made a video from her pattern
Can someone do a step by step sew a long video with version two. I saw 2 videos and they were rushed and not very clear on how to cut the inside pocket Because two different tutorials were used in one.
Is anyone else having trouble with the elastic hair bands? My ears fold forward with the weight and the mask falls off. It’s difficult to find string elastic these days. And when we use string elastic that goes around the back of the head, it works-ish for the top elastic, but the elastic on the bottom bottom to be shorter and then it’s too short to get over the head to get the mask on.
try elastic for top and a ribbon tie for the bottom, that is the route I’m going with. About ready to make it now. Researched the internet for hours last night to get the best input.
Im using 1/4 inch flat elastic I just happened to have on hand. It’s much stronger and lays flat (!) . I am struggling with the lengths but used the wrap around the head method (not the ears) and that holds up.
I read somewhere that 7” for each side is recommended. Hope this helps.
Hey Debbie, I think if you used one long piece of elastic, basically a huge circle, it will stretch enough to get over the head, but the wearer can adjust it until it’s tighter at the neck but still fits the back of the head.
I just threaded it through both casings and then tacked it so it’s completely adjustable, (one big circle) thus solving the over-the-head problem. Hope that helps!
you can get the elastic headbands from places like dollar tree and cut in half. I hear good things about using them
I found that if I extended the pattern to the edge of the paper (on the ear sides) it gave me enough extra fabric to be able to use hair elastics for the ears. Add one inch to the “pocket main fabric” pattern and 3/4” to the “pocket lining fabric” on the side where the ear elastics are going to go. Then follow the original directions but sew the hairband in before closing the pocket where the elastic should go. Not easy to do the first time, use straight pins to hold fabric closed.
This sweet lady uses knit fabric strips taken from old t-shirts: video
Thank you so much for this wonderful pattern and tutorial. I was able to complete 17 this morning to donate locally. I’m waiting on a shipment of elastic and I’ll be able to make more. Thank you again! 🙂
May I please post this entire post to my FaceBook page?
Great article!!!!
Carol
Can someone explain how you press the seam allowance and top stitch? I’m really confused at that step.
Right!! I’m so lost on this part. Please someone help me.
Me too!
Happened to be researching N95 masks and saw that 3M advertises that theirs are elecrtrostatically charged. Looked around the net and saw that those flat duster papers are electrostatically charged as well as some kind of micro fiber. Maybe it would make a good filter. Like this one on Amazon (I am not pushing this particular one but only as a sample of what I am talking about).
Thank you so much for your mask pattern and instructions. My granddaughter and all of her sewing friends will be making these masks to donate for coronavirus. I will do a Zoom tutorial and we can all work together. Looking forward to helping the world!
Very helpful! I’m sharing your pattern and link.
I really want to make these and in a photo I see you have nose wire but I don’t see it in the list of materials. Can you tell me what weight wire and what type you used. Thank you
I believe the nose wire she was referring to is part of the surgical mask that is inserted into the handmade mask.
I also thought the designer left out the nose wire in materials list. I re-read and understood that the nose wire she refers to is a part of the surgical mask that is used as insert. I have quite a few plastic-covered wire
twist ties that are 6 inches long, and will try capturing one of these between fabric layers, and adding a second row of topstitching across top of nose.
Thank you so much for this patter ❤️ Can someone please clarify how to top stitch the center seam? I sewed the two pieces together and turned right side out but I’m not sure what to do next…Thank you!
Press the center seam to one side before sewing. Then, topstitch very close to the center seam line on top of the seams underneath. It is about 1/8″ seam allowance on my machine presser foot.
I use “otter wax” for water proofing things. Where would you Do the waterproofing for droplets? On the outside or the inside?
Maybe, re: otter wax
However some one mentioned that it would then not be breathable, wearer would get too hot. There is a suggestion to use microfiber fabric as they lining.
Thank you very for your pattern
Thank you for this pattern. I am a pharmacist at a small community hospital, so even if the government decided to give US hospitals some of the stockpiles of PPE we would get very little. The tension at the hospital is palpable. We all feel like there is a huge cloud of doom over us. I heard someone crying on the phone about being scared to not have PPE today. I’m going to make these for our department as we are not going to receive masks. I am also making for family members with MS, asthma, etc. The only material I have is superhero related (I have a superhero obsessed child), so our hospital will all be wearing superheroes!
THANK YOU!
Have you tried using Bee’s wax to make it water repelant?
I love the pocket idea. I use waterproof silver line PUL on the outer layer and microfiber inner layer for a more robust mask. This could be used both ways. The PUL can be pricey when paying out of pocket and making hundreds but it’s more a level 2 protection. Thank you for the templates!
Re the PUL fabric, I actually contacted the supplier of the storefront where I shop for fabrics and they recommended it, however listed additional layers of fabrics to be used with it which IMO might be not be all that plausible when laundering since one was actually felt (which to me doesn’t perform all that well when wet).
I have been making filters from interfacing which is a none woven fabric like face masks. I can cut them out on a fold and inserted in the mask that allows it. Interfacing is a very cheap item to get. I hope this helps. I am currently making a ton of these so I can donate to the local clinic and older people I see walking around with out one.
great idea, I was just thinking that I did not want a seam in my interfacing. Thanks for posting. I am experimenting with different layers of interfacing to get optimal protection without compromising breathability. Tea towels are highly rated for making one of the outer layers of the mask itself. (no both as it does cut air flow.
Thank you so much. These instructions are excellent.
Also, I’ve been told that LAPD officers are receiving only 1 mask.
The more masks we can make the better.
I’ll try to include this link for research on the best material to make a mask out of. The recommendation is cotton t-shirt or pillow-case, so I’m guessing that sheets should work as well.
Best Material: Pillowcase and cotton T-shirt. So sheets should be good too.
MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL
STAY SAFE. MANY PEOPLE I SEEN ARE MAKING POCKETS IN THEIR MASK THEY MAKE AND PLACING COFFEE FILTERS INSIDE FOR A LITTLE EXTRA PROTECTION. THANKS FOR ALL WHAT YOU DO IN HELPING PEOPLE THROUGH YOUR PHARMACY.
How can I print this out??
Almost 20 pages of instructions with pictures printed out – can you add this information by the click to print button?
I have made this pattern into a file useable on the Silhouette Cameo die cutter. I have included all of your information in the pattern including your copy write information. I did this so I could cut the pattern pieces quickly and in multiples. I will gladly send you the silhouette and svg files. I hope this is okay. I am not selling. I wouldn’t dream of doing that.
Thank you Marlene, I received your files and shared them here. I do not have the machine hence I can’t know for sure if the files are for normal or pocket version. If we can have both versions it will be perfect! Thank you again for the time to make them.
Where is it? I don’t seem to be able to print. I’ve screen shot everything so that will wrk, sort of, but it’s awkward!
Hello, can you tell me if we have to add seam allowances or did you create this to actually cut fabric on our silhouettes?
Would love the pattern file if possible!
Thank you for this great pattern! Has anyone tried using Oly-fun fabric as a liner? It is made from polypropylene which (as far as I can tell) is the same material used for surgical masks. It’s non woven and waterproof.
I have some Oly on hand and wondering the same thing. Just read that one material that surgical masks are made from is polypropylene, but those are disposable. The end of the bolt I have says to “spot clean”. I am curious if it would survive repeated washings in the washer if it is used as a liner sewn into a mask. Another option I thought of doing is making the mask with the opening for a disposable liner and cutting the polypropylene (Oly) to fit and then handwashing the Oly cloth while the fabric mask runs through the washer. The question I have is would handwashing the Oly liner be sufficient to kill viruses and bacteria?
Try testing 2 squares, one that you wash with hot water and laundry or dish washing liquid detergent and the other with hot water and soap – like Ivory, Kirk’s (or any other Castile) soap or Fels Napth (possibly Zote is also a soap) You want soap, NOT the detergent bars like Zest, Dove, etc.
Then rinse them well – and let soak in a mixture of 1/3 white vinegar and 2/3 hot water for 15 mins. Then squeeze out and rinse with boiling water. DO NOT HANG to dry. Because….while drying in house or outside, it will pick up bacteria – ask anyone that makes cheeses and uses muslin. If not properly washed and ironed dry, their next batch of cheese will not do right as it’s picked up spores they don’t want in the cheese.
If it can’t be ironed then maybe try hot oven or microwave oven – what to see that they don’t overdry and either catch fire or mess up microwave. Don’t know if a dryer – that hasn’t had fabric softeners used in it, would work or not.
After doing this, look at both pieces and see if there’s any damage to the fabric. With Cotton or Cotton/Poly there should not be any. I know this because I make my own laundry washing powder and part of it is either Fels Naptha or Zote soap OR Dawn dish detergent and then a cup of vinegar in the rinse and I’ve never had a problem with them. But I have no idea about things like PUL – that’s why I suggested 2 swatches to test. Some things don’t do well in detergent and some don’t do well in regular soap. And then the vinegar rinse/sanitation rinse and then Ironing dry may also do damage to other fabrics.
I haven’t tried this, but I know from cheesemaking about getting it dried quickly and then put in plastic bag to keep it from getting spores on them. But I’m using 100% cotton muslin for that. I also know from being a former medic/paramedic and cleaning my CPAP machine, that the 1/3-2/3 vinegar to water works as a disinfectant very well. Boiling will kill any remaining germs on it.
Also remember, if you should ever need it, that a medical autoclave, which is used to sterilize items, is nothing more than a pressure cooker or pressure canner on it’s side. Yep, your STOVETOP (not electric) Pressure cooker at 15lbs (by gauge or weight gauge) per pressure for 25 mins should do the trick quite well. Same as pressure canner with same times and temps. Use a rack so things aren’t in the water – follow manufacturer’s instructions on how much water to use – probably about 3 cups in the PC and probably about 6 in the canner (enough so the water doesn’t get boiled out on you). Get your items on a rack above the water so it’s steamed.
Reason electric PC won’t work is that you can’t control the temp/pressure. Most are only getting to 12lbs, if that, as they are doing a fast cook and not trying to kill all bacteria that could breed in a sealed jar or allow lingering virus to live.
Oly fun is recommended by several people who are doing tutorials and recommending this pattern , use 2 layers not 1
Hi, I was wondering the same thing about fiber safety….however I would strongly recommend that only natural fibers should be used….some interesting links attached, NO endorsements implied.
Link 1
Link 2
Link 3
Link 4
I have not done reading yet on using furnace filter material, my concern here would be when breathing thru a mask (as opposed to house filtration) does the filter release fibers, chemicals? If any one has done reading on the above concerns, please share so that we all can not only help with sewing masks, but do it safely for ourselves, and others using the masks.
Thanks to all!!!!
Hi I contacted 3M this morning about using Advanced Allergen Filtrete furnace filters for a filter in cloth masks. They did not advise cutting these filters apart for mask use. The reason was you would be breathing in the fibers that had been cut and wouldn’t be healthy. So much for that idea. i do work in a hospital so I’m looking for something for my co-workers.
If someone has other ideas please post.
You are absoluetly correct, the condensation created by breathing through these masks will most likely release substances in the filters that were not meant to be pressed up against your nose. Waterproof fabrics will be difficult to breath though, so you will be drawing in air from around your mask anyway. Woven fabric is only good for stopping large dust particles. These homemade masks are false safety and some of the ideas proposed are possibly harmful.
Mike, please keep in mind, if you properly educate yourself you will find that masks are made to protect others from YOU, not YOU from others. If we all were to wear masks, not knowing who is carrying the virus prior to manifestation of symptoms, we would be protecting the population as a whole. Poopooing the entire idea is just silly. FYI, I work in a doctor’s clinic and due to the lack of PPE, we are all being encouraged to make or find cloth masks, as they are better than the NOTHING we will have on our shelves in a week.
I agree with you Jana. I wouldn’t want to be inhaling fibers from cleaning wipes or even interfacing. Yes, interfacing is made for sewing, but is it safe to breathe through for hours, day after day? I don’t know the answer, but wouldn’t use them without testing by a reputable entity. I also wonder about waterproofing products. Besides the chemicals, wouldn’t it clog the fabric making it harder to breathe? Wouldn’t it trap exhaled moisture reducing the effectiveness of the fabric’s filtering effect? This is a worthy effort and I applaud all who participate – safely! Carry on, y’all!
Same question that I have. Is it safe to have as an inner lining and breath it in for an extended period of time?
I would like to know the same. I have about 20 bolts of oly-fun that I bought for various projects for my middle school students. It just got delivered the day before we closed down so I brought it all home!
We’re experimenting with it right now. It is easy to breath through and I would say water repellent (not waterproof). I don’t know if it will hold up to being washed. I’m thinking it may be a fantastic filter layer to be used inside a breathable cotton mask.
These patterns are great, however, they nurses doctors rt’s etc need to also have their head forehead ears and necks covered. They do not have the coverage like China does, ie white suits let alone other coverage as above. They have goggles but they are risking their lives without other coverage!
Amanda- Oly-fun fiber was what one of the videos I watched use as the liner. Yes, I would say use it. Good Luck and Thank You.
I just finished making four. Not hard, just a little time consuming. But since we’re all hunkered down because of the virus, was a good way to use my time.
Thank you for the info presented here. Many lives will be spared thanks to you. I wrote this letter to a Candian Member of Parliament and a city Councillor: (partial quote)
“I’m disturbed by official misleading information regarding masks. Experts are also expounding misinformation discouraging wearing masks–for the purpose of leaving masks for healthcare workers. The advice to wear mask only when one is sick implies that only sick people wear masks, and thus, promoting discrimination against mask-wearing people—who, so far, are primarily of Asian origin. and are therefore subject to discrimination.
One disingenuous argument is that virus-laden droplets fall to the ground within a 6-ft radius and, therefore, harmless. Long exposure to intense UV-from sunlight may kill the viruses. However, in the absence of intense sunlight such as at night, cloudy days, or indoor, viruses will surely be stirred up by traffic or people’s walking. They will float in the air for hours like microscopic dust particles waiting for people to inhale as shown here.
Another pathetic argument is that some people misuse the masks–and hence dangerous–as if direct inhaling of viruses is safer. They shouldn’t assume people so stupid!
So far, it’s not too bad thanks to the relatively low number of infected people, but once the situation worsens, it’s wise to wear masks outdoor or in crowded places and to disinfect indoor air and surfaces ASAP after returning from outside. In China and Korea, they disinfect entire cities, and trace and test potential transmitters, and that’s how they did such a good job. We can see everyone in Asia wearing masks, and they have lower fatalities thanks to the limited spreading of viruses. I shudder to think of the stupidity of our health care experts and politicians.
While I understand the motivation behind this dangerous “official” propaganda—which actually only discredits the authority in the mind of thinking people, and prolong the COVID-19 crisis—it makes more sense to encourage home-made DIY masks like the Chinese and Koreans have been doing as seen in numerous Youtube videos.
The authority can save a lot of lives by encouraging people to make DIY masks. It takes little skill to sew masks using a template such as this.
Double layer of such masks to allow for a pocket for insert of salt-coated filter material would provide an effective barrier to viruses: Link
For filter material, a double layer of standard Hammock MERV-8 Air-furnace filter would do.
In our household, everyone has such a mask, which is reusable, washable, economical, and more comfortable and equally breathable as standard surgeon masks–I’d suspect even more effective than N95 masks–which don’t kill viruses.
Until most people wear masks, we’re reluctant to wear it because of the concerns of discrimination.
Thank you for your well written letter. It voices my concerns exactly! Appreciate the link to the salt-coated filter study, too.
Have you found a good source for the MERV-8 filter? I see some Hammock filer fabric, but they don’t show the rating…
Dear TT:
I am so sorry you are experiencing discrimination as a result of following good health practices! As an American, I apologize for everything that our country is still doing to destroy trust between citizens and prevent scientists from working for the common good. I hope that your situation changes very soon, and that people all over the world quickly take steps to ensure that we are *all* safe from this awful virus.
Wishing you good health and all good things,
kd
Thank you for your kindness and generosity! I think you will save a lot of lives in this pandemic. Blessing for you and your beautiful family.
So many great comments! I was wondering if anyone thought about using fleece as the top layer since it’s pretty water repellent naturally. It’s density might make it a good filter material as well.
Thank you so much for this. I have made a bunch of these for a doctor’s office that can’t find masks. If your looking for tie instead of elastic you can cheat and use a pair of shoe laces if you don’t want to make straps.
I have loads of fleece great idea.
Hi Jessica,
I made my masks with 100% quilters cotton and a brushed cotton or sateen cotton for the lining which was very soft. Just happened to have it on hand. I wore the mask for a couple of hours the other day and I had to get used to the heat within the mask. I don’t’ think flannel for lining or fleece would be a good idea for those having to wear these 8-12 hours. Some may even be wearing these over their N95 masks which would be even more layers.
For those who are donating these to hospitals, it is my understanding from some medical professionals that they do not want them made with elastic because it melts when they sanitize the mask. They’d prefer ties.
wonder if ribbon would be a better alternative?
Hair ties or sting ties?
Urgent: For all the experienced sewers out there – how many masks would a yard of fabric yield on average for the adult masks, including the seam allowance?
18 masks per yard
Would you give the actual measurements of the face masks you have for Man, Woman, Young Kid, Small child. I am confused, when looking at the pattern what is the measurement along the bottom, right side and from the bottom line to the top point on each mask. Thank you,
Thank you for sharing this!!!
Thank you for the pattern. I printed out eight copies of the pattern using card stock. For my template, I cut out each size with the added the seam allowance so there is no guessing on how much larger to cut the pattern. I also added the extra one inch to the ear side of the fabric pattern. This will make it easy for me to quickly cut and get sewing. Stay safe and wash your hands.
Another way is to print pattern is on one of the cutting mats from Dollar Tree you can lay it over the printed pattern and take a sharpie to trace and print on all information to the mat sharpie works very well, then cut out your pattern with kitchen scissors. I have made all my doll patterns from this and it is cheap at Dollar Tree in the kitchen supplies
Great idea!
Thank you so much for this pattern and tutorial. We have shared your information with a group of over 500 volunteers that are donating their own materials and time to make these masks and sending them in to our local assisted living facilities. We are grateful for the resource!
Thank you so much for this pattern. I am making some for a family with a disabled adult which I hope will help with their care. Sharing is caring.
Thank you so much for the pattern. I hope you and your family are well during these times. Given that I am in self-isolation & unable to go to the store to purchase elastic. I wanted to add that you can make your own stretchable cord out of t-shirts with a polyester/cotton blend, or sew a wider band to the back that will stretch still over the back of your head. If you don’t know what ‘type’ of fabric will work google it as it’s quicker than me explaining fabric compositions – google “diy t-shirt cord”. Thanks to all the commenters too, so very helpful with many points taken into consideration. Take care everyone…
Here is a link to the T-shirt cording tutorial. (copy and paste into your new open browser tab) The video is posted in another language but it is subtitled. Also it is pretty self-explanatory if you just watch how he does it. Great way to get another tie for your face masks and from something you already have at home. I know I have tons of t-shirts that will be used to up-cycle into this project. Thanks Annabel for letting us know about this Great idea!!!
I have been asked by our local hospital to make some face masks but, I need a pattern.
Yesterday I have gone through all pharmacy and I can’t find any mask . I had to sew by myself . Found video at YouTube with step by step instruction. Sew mask is very easy with mask pattern , that you can find in description under video . Saw mask can even beginner . But unfortunately mask will not protect from viruses
What is a nose wire???????
That is my question as well. It is not listed in the materials list or the instructions. Maybe she means the one that is already in the filter she inserted. I’m not sure, though.
Barb Collins,
It’s the wire above the nose that is attached on a surgical mask. I think she meant when a surgical mask is inserted inside the homemade mask, it can be manipulated inside it to fit the contours of your nose and face.
I wonder if pipe cleaner would work
We are using “stem wire” floral wire.
On that particular one she inserted a disposable mask that already had a nose wire.
could someone make a youtube video? It would really help. [email protected]
hi, may I know where can I download your SGV files for the patterns pls? thank you
Hello, this is the easiest template I have found. Do you mind that I do a video tutorial. I will refer people to this site to get the template for the mask. Thank you!
Can you share a video tutorial please? I am having a hard time following directions
Good morning, i dont have access to a printer could you please tell me the dimensions of the pattern. Bottom length, top length, side height and measurement from bottom to peak of mask top. From that info i should be able to figure out how to make a mask. Thank you.
For anyone who doesn’t have a printer, another option is to directly trace the pattern over the monitor. Just max out the brightness setting in a dark room, grab some graph paper, double check size with the 2in line reference and trace it over with a soft tip marker. Tracing from scratch was taking too long for me, so that’s what I did in case it might be helpful for someone else!
I would greatly appreciate a video tutorial – that’s how I learn best! If you do one, can you please post the link in the comments? Thank you so much!!!
Hi there! Will you send me the video tutorial? I’m really struggling with her instructions for doing the inside pocket… also if you have the svg I would love them! [email protected]
Have you made one?
A video tutorial would be soooo helpful!!! I stumbled my way through and it was slightly painful lol.
I would love a video tutorial for this pattern. It seems easy enough but it’s been awhile since I’ve sewn. Would love to see a tutorial video for the face mask with a filter pocket. Please let me know if you have created one. Much appreciated.
Please share it with us once it is done. Thank you.
Have you made a video tutorial for this especially with the option for a liner? Or if anyone has made one please share. Thanks
For the liner, I just made the same cut out as per the instructions printed on the template but trimmed the height of it off a little from the bridge of the nose down. You still need to have the contour of the nose otherwise a rectangular piece just won’t sit right. For my removable liner, I am going with those re-usable non woven bags you get here in Canada from the dollar store.
Hello! 🙂 Thank you so much for your wonderful pattern and tutorial! I just wanted to let you know, I created four SVG files with the help of your pattern to make it possible to cut the fabric with a cutting machine like a Cricut. I was sharing them today on FB (free of course! I don’t have a business or any gain from this) with a link to your website and tutorial. Thank you so much for helping others! If you would like to have the files to share it on your website (also free of course), I will gladly send them to you! Stay safe and well! 🙂
That is a great idea. I assumed that you have included the seam allowance to your file for inner and outer pieces respectively. Please forward the files to [email protected], I will share it here. Thank you so much for your generosity.
I just sent you an email about asking you to do a video tutorial. I am really having a hard time knowing when to sew the outer top seams
Thank you!!! I’m going to send you an email right now! Yes, I included the seam allowance in the SVGs. I hope you don’t mind that I also just made files for you that include your pattern with the seam allowance already included. Please feel free to use them! Thank you so much again!!! 🙂
Got it, Tanya, thank you. Please do the pocket version for us too.
Has the SVG file been shared?
Where can I find the svg files?
Thank you!
I didn’t see where the SVG files were posted. I would love to have this to cut out the pattern on my cricut. Thanks for sharing the pattern at no charge!
I want to make these for the nursing homes, would love the SVG file.
I would love a copy so I can share it in my Facebook groups please [email protected] or look me up on Facebook Brenda Bateman thanks
Can you please share the cricut file!
Can you tell us where we can find the svg?
It is available now within the above instruction.
I am going to make these for my family and friends in medical fields!! Thank you!! Would live to have the SVG file so I could use Cricut!
CAn you please make the circuit files public so we can all use?
Is there a link for the svg cut file for use with Cricut ?
Tanya – where did you share the SVG file? I’d love to use it if you don’t mind. Cary2crafty at gmail.
Hi – how do we find the Cricut file? Thank you both!
What a wonderful idea! We have an opportunity to make some masks for our local hospital, Wise Health in Decatur, Texas – and one of our ladies group has a Cricut. If we could get a copy of those SVG files, that would save us so much time. In the past we’ve made quilts for a boys home and still have quilting material on hand. I think we could put together an assembly line to help the hospital with your files. My e-mail is: [email protected]. If you’d let me know, it would be much appreciated.
Grammy Blick,
Does Wise Health have any restrictions on how they are wanting the Masks Done? I am in Colleyville,Texas and had seen the news report on channel 11 about hospitals needed people to sew the Masks but did not catch who it was for. Are we meeting to add labels like it was mentioned in the comments and or about adding some sort of filter. I have a daughter and son n law who live in Decatur as well they are off 287 down from the rail road track or county road 407.odd
You can reach me here as well
[email protected]
I would love to have the svg file. How do I get it. And thank you very much. The file will make making these so much easier.
Can you send the files to youenjoymygoods at gmail
I have seen water resistant or repellant fabric to use for outdoor furniture, but not sure if is breathable.
I am planning on making these in all 4 sizes to donate. Shouldn’t the length of the elastic change with the sizes? Any suggestions?
It is not breathable.
What an inspiring pattern! Just a note for those planning to donate masks to hospitals, charities, etc.: please use hypoallergenic laundry products to pre-wash the fabric and make a label (stapled to strap?) with fiber content, number of layers, and any other additions. Some people are allergic to lanolin, perfumes, etc., or may have problems with fabrics soaked in any of the anti-microbe solutions mentioned in the comments stream.
Also, please check on safety of things such as furnace filters for breathing directly at mouth opening – that may be hazardous – even though the filter is safe when installed in the furnace. May we all be kind and caring, and safe.
Hi, I will sew for family and then for the medical profession. Was thinking of using a decorative cotton lined with T-shirt material and a pocket to slide a coffee filter into for a one/each time use.
We have 2 kinds of filters – one a noname thinner filter and one a Melita natural(green I hope).
Interested in knowing:
Which filter is the best to use – single or double.
Or yet another brand.
Also think that one should have more than one mask.
Every one should wear a mask, it will hopefully cover those who are infectious, but show no symptons of it, and are not aware.
And looking for a way to handle/take off the used ones. ie put on a clean mask to dismantle the used ones and throw all of them including the new one in the washing machine.
This site helped me chose materials.
You mentioned waxing the fabric to make it repel moisture. Wouldn’t that make it unbreathable? If not, beeswax would be my choice for waxing fabric like beeswax wraps. But, I don’t think waxing the fabric would be a good practice for breathability.
Breathability is one of my concerns too and I can’t prove that it works with only 1 layer of bee wax application.
I think waxed fabric would be problematic during washing due to the high heat? I had some that was for food storage, the wax completely broke down with just a simple hand washing in the sink with hot water.
For using as the outermost layer in Face Masks, ProCool 1-way Wicking Fabric in which one side is hydrophobic will work best. (Based on the N95 respirators in which the outermost layer is hydrophobic, i.e. repels water). Use the plain side facing out and the mesh pattern side facing in.
That fabric is STRETCH. Any kind suggestions for something similar that does not stretch?
Would really like your patterns for the mask..
My daughter is a nurse..
And would like to share with her and her staff.. by making these masks for her team…
For using as the outermost layer in Face Masks, ProCool 1-way Wicking Fabric in which one side is hydrophobic will work best. (Based on the N95 respirators in which the outermost layer is hydrophobic, i.e. repels water). Use the plain side facing out and the mesh pattern side facing in.
ProCool® Stretch-FIT Dri-QWick™ Sports Jersey Fabric with 1-Way-Wicking™ & COOLMAX®
Beeswax cannot be washed so don’t do this. The purpose of these masks is to be reusable and sanitized with hot water by the medical facility, so they have to be 100% cotton. Don’t use fleece either. Also, synthetics are hot and would build up moisture, so not good.
Thank you for this pattern. I have been making them and sharing this pattern on facebook. One modification I made was the top stitch from the top of the mask about a half inch channel that is open at either end. This allows you to slip a piece of wire into the channel which allows you to fit the mask closely to your face by bending the wire to fit over your nose. The wire can be removed from the channel before washing.
Great idea. I heard many said it will be great to add a nose wire, so I am going to add this part as an update to the tutorial. Thank you.
I have added a piece of extra wide bias tape to the top seam (nose part). Iif you iron the folded in pieces of the bias tape flat it is wide enough to sew as part of the pattern including top stitching, and still have a space big enough to add a wire. By leaving the ends open , the wire can be removed when washing the mask.
Yes, I did this too, and added a line of stitching at the end of the channel to stop the wire at one end, then sealed the other end with more stitching after I had put the wire in. I bent the ends of the wire tightly back to avoid the possibility of the inner sharp wire coming out and poking the wearer as suggested by another poster. I used cut-to-length green garden tie wire for plants, which is covered with soft plastic making it very smooth and it is very moldable as well as washable without removing the wire. (Mark’s Choice tie wire, available at Home Hardware here in Canada – I have no financial interest in either company!)
I am confused about the inner piece. I allow 3/8, and 1/2″ (second mask with filter) got that.
I don’t understand the 1/4″ from the original seam part. Which direction, which seam?
This is the part I’m having a difficult time understanding too.
So many things to say… firstly you can buy a roll of garden wire and cut to size for the nose wires. I reccomend dipping the end in wax/hot glue or something else to make the not pokey if they are one use. If you plan to wash them you could roll the ends of the wire to do the same thing, your preference. Second… What about scotchgard or something similar for water repellent properties? Do you have a printable version of the directions so I can pass them to older people that don’t use the computer. Thank you
Could you use a pipe cleaner to help contour to face shapes? Remove before washing your mask.
Water repellant sprays have chemicals in them including scotch guard. They are okay as protection for furniture surfaces but not for the lungs. Fabric stores may have pellon available for masks. These are not medical masks but they may be more effective than nothing..
I copied patterns to study cardstock & added seam allowances to the seams that will be sewn to other pieces–basically top & bottom, ears. I plan to place pattern on a folded strip of fabric & will draw around it. CF will get stitched on that line, then trimmed. No sense going any more cutting that I need to.
I’ve also been playing around with non-woven interfacing (Pellon) , which is similar to what’s used in inexpensive masks, and cornstarch, etc. While very breathable, it does a surprising job of containing dust (I’m gluten-free & have all kinds of ‘dust’!), making it a good option for the middle. And since it’s a synthetic, it won’t wick liquid between front & back of mask or add to drying time when washed. Suspect that the iron-on wouldn’t be as breathable.
I had thought of using the garden twist/tie wire and even electrical wire for the nose in a flat pattern, but could melt in a hot dryer. An alternative would be to sandwich appropriate weight wire in a strip of fusible interfacing (good way to use scraps). Without the plastic, heat — oven or iron, could be used to kill germs. Of course, no metal in microwaves.
I love the continuous elastic strap–If mask gets pulled off, it won’t be dropped/’germy” or lost.
I’m very excited about putting my stash to good use!
“If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem!”
Another type of wire that can be used is: indoor/outdoor, plastic coated, usually comes in a reel/roll that many use for tying their garland to a staircase at Xmas time. Also there are twist tie rolls sold the same way but is slightly flatter. Both can be easily cut with scissors, water/rust proof and conforms well when bended.
thank you thank you! this is so helpful at this time!
So question. If you put a surgical mask inside can you reuse that after you wash the outer part or do you need to throw that away each time as well?
The condensation from your braething breaks down the non woven fibers in a aurgical mask. Whether you dis infect it or not, it will no longer perform its job of stopping nano sized virus particles. That is why they are disposable. The n95 is effective also because it makes a perfect seal around your breathing area. These fabric masks will protect you from dust, period.
This looks great, thanks for sharing the pattern. However, for anyone now stuck at home without access to a printer, I think it could be very useful to see a version that gives the main dimensions and angles of the pattern for each of the sizes, so if needed people could reconstruct the pattern for themselves with just a paper, ruler, pencil etc. If you are able to do that I would be glad to help promote it on social media etc, as long as the patterns are free of charge. I think this could be a useful public service to help reduce anxiety as well as risk of infection.
Yes give us a printable version of the directions. Also have you ever used a pattern like Simplicity or Butterick. These seam allowance issues would be much easier if you followed a standard pattern technique
Is there a reason to use two pieces instead of cutting on the fold and omitting the middle seam?
Thanks!
Chris
I hope this is helpful for you. I took a photo of the pattern with my Omnigrid ruler on it. Thanks Joanne for creating this beautiful masks.
Here’s what I do without a printer…
Using my computer, click on the pdf file link. Find the 2″ inch square. Measure it with a standard ruler, measuring tape, etc. Adjust the screen size until the square is 2″ as it should be. Get a sheet of blank paper and trace the pattern from the screen. It works.
IF you are using a touch screen, locate the settings to turn off the touch capabilities. Some have the functionality, some don’t. Can’t help you there.
Thank you for the pattern. I have one suggestion though. I have been sewing for 6 decades and never understand why any pattern is drafted where you have to add the seam allowance to the pattern it is cut out. Please consider redesigning the pattern with the seam allowance included. It is so much easier for the sewist to just cut it out correctly and not have to guess at how accurate the “added” mount is. Personally I will be adding it to the pattern before my scissors touches the fabric.
I can’t download the pattern. Does anyone know the inches used so maybe I can make my own pattern. The adult size. Thank you. I work in a pharmacy and need to make these for myself and coworkers.
I hope this helps.
wrap an elastic around 2 pencils and it will give you the perfect tool for tracing your pattern and including your seam allowance.
Urgent: For all the experienced sewers out there – how many masks would a yard of fabric yield on average for the adult masks, including the seam allowance?
17
Hi! Just to pipe in. I sew for decades while living in Europe and our European patterns never included seam allowance. I was very confused when I moved to the US to find out that patterns here did. I prefer the European standard, but I guess its what you used too.
Most cotton fabrics yield 40 to 42″ of usable width after allowing for shrinkage and cutting off the selvedges. Of course, the length is 36″.
Thank you for sharing pattern!
Thank you so much for pattern I have made one for my husband and I. I was able to do the nose wire using cloth stem wire 18 gauge found at Wal-Mart in the craft and flower dept. It was green. I sewed a 3/8″ Seam at top of mask, after I was finished sewing the mask. Then Cut the wire 8″ long and ran the wire through that small opening at top. When I put the mask on I shaped it to my face. It works great at holding mask next to skin. Thanks again for the pattern! God Bless you.
Thank you for a wonderful, easy-to-use pattern! i am sanding wood trim in my house, and no face masks are available anywhere. This will work perfectly and allow me to use my extra time at home to get some projects done. Stay safe!
Thank you very much! Great pattern.
According to this You only need one layer of cotton from a cotton t-shirt to sufficiently protect you from the particle size of the COVID-19 virus. As mentioned in the opening of this article, it isn’t necessary to add in another layer of filter between the layers of cotton. Also remember to wear protective eyewear.
Sorry this is simply not true. I did a literature review. Generally his blog is useful but this was not the interpretation that I got from it. While Anything is better than Nothing, one or 2 layers of cotton doesn’t protect from airborne viruses or most bacteria. I’m making filters from hepa vacuum bags. Still not great. –MD who sews.
Except that COVID-19 is not an airborne virus… so if that’s the case, the research actually does make sense.
Yes, from what I understand, the covid19 virus particles are 1 micron and the N95 masks have openings of 3 microns, so even with the high effectiveness (approx 95%) of the best masks that our medical personnel have to use, they are still at high risk for infection. The cotton we are using for homemade masks reduces the risk but they are only 60-70% effective. Better than nothing but I would hate to create a false sense of security in the users. I know these could be of great use for patients or visitors or chemo patients who don’t have access to masks.
Thank you so much for posting this pattern. I just searched for home made face masks and this came up. We are two octogenarians in Southern Spain hoping to return to the UK tomorrow and worrying about airport and flight conditions. I have used triple layer table napkins as a filter layer . I realise that these masks won’t be washable but I will make some more with non woven interfacing when I get home. Impossible to get supplies here as Spain is on lockdown and all the shops are closed. A very big thank you
Instead of sewing the napkin in, why not make a mask with a pocket so you can remove and replace the paper towel when you need to wash the mask?
Thank you for this pattern! I like the snug fit and the option to add a nose band and filter. I am still undecided about best materials to use. I wonder if it would be best to model it after a surgical mask … with a water resistant outer layer (shower curtain material or polyester or Lycra fabric), filter (if Polypropylene is used for surgical masks, how about using the polypropylene non woven fabric that builders use to hold in insulation? I wonder how different this is than that used for surgical masks? Maybe soaked in sea salt water and dried per the article another participant posted), and than an absorbent inner layer (cotton). I am using a 3/8” cotton swimwear elastic you can buy in bulk for the straps. These can be washed in hot water without a problem. Thanks again!
Dear Craft Passion,
I am Beau Herder and live in the Netherlands. I would like to use and translate your pattern to dutch so i can spread it here. Is that ok?
Thank you very much for giving me a great start.
Greetings,
Beau
Usually, I don’t allow but this is a special case. Please link back to the original post for English.
Merci pour ce patron, j’ai choisi l’option avec filtre interchangeable.
Coton à l’extérieur et tissu de rideau de douche 100% polyester à l’intérieur + couche intérieur en molleton ou non tissé.
Mon seul problème c’est que je n’ai plus d’élastiques! Alors j’ai cousu des rubans que j’avais en stock…
Translation (by Google):
Thank you for this pattern, I chose the option with interchangeable filter.
Cotton on the outside and 100% polyester shower curtain fabric on the inside + fleece or non-woven inner layer.
My only problem is that I have run out of rubber bands! So I sewed ribbons that I had in stock …
Hi, Just wanted to add that the recommendation in Belgian hospitals for home made pattern is cotton on the INSIDE because it needs to be breathable there, and polyester or a poly cotton mix as the outside layer. Needs to be washable at 60 degrees Celsius.
Hello – a very clear guide, but when the pattern is printed, it is tiny on A4 paper. Can you issue a pattern that prints out as actual size for cutting?
The template is in actual size, kindly check your printer setting, it should set to “Do Not Scale”. After printing it out, you may counter check if you have printed the full size by using a ruler to measure the 2″ marking on the paper pattern.
The pattern is in letter size (8.5″ x 11″), but this is not a standard size in Europe, where A4 (measuring 210 × 297 millimeters or 8.27 × 11.69 inches) is the norm. This may account for the reported issue with sizing.
I have no problem printing it out, just make sure to set the printer to “Not To Scale”. You may also check your printing with the 2″ scale I have it on the paper pattern.
What happens if the rubber band breaks? You have to resew a new rubber band in?
Make sure you are printing the separate pattern piece. The piece that is shown in the pattern instructions is way to tiny. I added the seam allowances to the paper pattern before I cut it out.
Please DO NOT use elastics!! Docters tell that the virus will nestle in de cracks of the elastics. And you cannot wash elastics at high temperature.
Just made ribbons of fabric instead.
They can be washed at high temperature!
Thanks for the warning, can you tell me how to make ribbons of fabric
do you have a picture of it
I bet you could use bias tape, or make your own.
You can find many videos on making bias tape from fabric which can be sewn along the edges of the mask to make ties attached to the mask, just extend it out long enough from the mask and see it closed. Otherwise basic ties can be made by cutting a wide strip of fabric, folding right sides together, turning the tube after and pressing, and stitching the ends shut with a portion turned in to neaten it up. You can top stitch the seam after turning if you like. I’ve even used strips of t-shirt fabric as ties for fashion items unsewn and cut so the stretch is lengthwise down the strip. When you pull on each end it will stretch and form something like a cord. For a visual example, see how to make t-shirt yarn.
hello. are you just threading bias tape thru the channels instead of elastic or sewing the ties on?
I made some re-usable food wrap cloths using a recipe of pine-pitch/beeswax/jojoba oil. It is quite waterproof…wonder if that would work for making droplet resistant masks…though perhaps have too strong an odor.
They are asking the public for assistance, to make masks for the health care systems.
Got confused do I need to add the seam allowance or is it part of the patterns measurements?
You need to add seam allowances.
Dear Joanne,
I am so grateful for this pattern and clear instructions. Making masks for my family has been my project since we were asked to stay home, and it has made me feel useful and happy. Thank you!
Thank you so much for this pattern! As a nurse, I would like to mention a few concerns:
1.) Homemade fabric masks have been shown to block about 50 to 60% of pathogens. So continue to be cautious and practice precautions even with masks on.
2.) Remember that whatever you place on or in the mask will be breathed directly into the lungs! Please do not put any oils, waxes, bleach, ammonia, other disinfectants or anything that should not go into your lungs on or in the masks.
2.) Be careful that the “non-woven fabric” is not going to disintegrate with washing the mask. Test it first by washing it by itself to see what happens to it. When in doubt, don’t!
Wishing you all the best! God bless.
4.) The most important thing is that the person can breathe well enough through the mask that they will agree to wear it! Especially think about this with children. One layer of mask made from a tea towel, (see the pictures) or two layers of fabric, one 100% cotton, and one cotton poly mix, were judged a good balance between filtering and breathe-ability. Link
5.) Make several masks, and WASH AFTER ONE WEARING.
-MamaJoSews
Thank you for addressing the efficacy of homemade masks. I’ve been trying to decide whether to make some but could only find blanket statements. 50% effective is effective enough to motivate me to make and wear them in addition to all the other precautions.
Absolutely!! a mask not worn does nothing.
Thanks for the pattern and thank you Kathy for the medical notes. I am a retired RN and was thinking along the same lines. I am going to make a bunch for family and friends. Even though they won’t be 100% effective they will offer some protection and maybe even more important, they will remind the wearer to be cautious.
absolutely!! We can’t do the floor nursing anymore but a nurse is always a nurse. This way we are giving preventative medicine. These may not be professional grade but will work for our family and friends making a fashion statement at the same time. Love the bell wire use as a nose pincer. Love the hair bands from the hair accessory dept for the ears. love the cotton tshirt for the middle padding. Have lots of tshirts. Hope mine look as good as yours.
I want to make some of these, but was also worried about elastic. Thinking of using thin strips of cotton t-shirt material. Thanks for the tutorial and pattern.
Just fixed a sewing machine somebody was going to throw away because it was broken – it needed cleaning, oiling and the bobbin winder wouldn’t work!
Needed a project to test it on and found this!
Didn’t get it right first time – mind you I’ve never used a sewing machine before – but the next one will be perfect!
Thank you for your pattern and the clear explanation of how to make the mask.
Thank you. I’m using furnace filters that have virus filtering capabilities as the insert in my masks. Just a suggestion as it may be better than some other inserts. I’ve purchased large sized filters so I can cut out many inserts as replacements.
How did that work? I was planning to do the same but have not gotten the merv13 filters yet. Is the filter material very thick? Did you cut and sew into the shape of this mask? In the interim, before I get the furnace filter, I am planning to use wool felt.
Two layers of Merv 8 should be sufficient if you soak them in a heavily-salted solution which can even kill viruses as shown here.
I’ve made masks of 4 layers (2 cotton layers for the outside envelope and two inner salt-coated filter layers), and they are as breathable as surgeon masks while being more comfortable to wear thanks to the larger air space in front of the nose and mouth.
Merv 13 is more expensive, difficult to find, and may not be so breathable.
Do you know what the material in the filters is made of? I ask because if it is fiberglass you do not want to be breathing that into your lungs.
re: the use of furnace filters … i read one of the comments here not to use furnace filters because they were not intended to be cut … fibers w/b released and enter the lungs of the wearer … please double-check comments for exact wording for NOT USING FURNACE FILTERS. be safe, stay healthy!
Consider soaking the mask in a saltwater brine and letting it air dry. There’s some preliminary research being done on facemasks and the use of salt. The moisture from exhaling will moisten the salt, inhaling will dry it. The theory is the formation of microscopic salt crystals will trap or impale the virus molecule. This was discovered by a researcher trying to make a sweetened, hard candy immunization (by mouth) and the sugar crystals kept getting in the way. This isn’t proven yet – it’s in clinical trials now.
I have translated this sewing guide for face masks very carefully into Danish, and according to the metric number system, and would like to publish it, on my own private, non-commecial web space, with a visible and clear link to: https://www.craftpassion.com/face-mask-sewing-pattern/
as a printable Word document in Danish, because of the current Corona disaster.
Will Craft Passion allow this?
With best regards
Emil Eiberg-Jensen
I modified it so that it has a nose wire (twist tie!) for a better fit. Also added bottom gap, so I can insert a folded piece of tissue paper as disposable filter
Picture of the mods are here.
Hello! I’m Erika and I’m writing from Bergamo one of the cities most affected by COVID19 in Italy. I am worried about my immunosuppressed young son, but thanks to your tutorial I sewed him an extra mask, in addition to the only surgical one left. better than nothing right? thanks and blessings
ps: I was also thinking about the PUL I used for his washable diapers years ago. I’ll try
I’ve read not to us PUL since its too hard to breath through and can lead to more stress on your system. There are Stay Dri Wicking Fabrics and breathable water repellent fabrics that might be better but not sure how safe they are to breath through. These materials are used in certain sports shirts and rain jackets I believe.
Isn’t PUL plastic? A mask made out of plastic won’t be breathable. Here is an article that talks about the types of materials best used for DIY masks.
Link …. I think PUL might actually be doable. I have some from cloth diapers too. It’s thinner, not like a waterproof covers for outdoors. It’s thin and flexible
I haven’t read all the comments but I was wondering if anyone suggested inserting a paper towel, coffee filter or anything like that sprayed (and allowed to dry) with a mixture of some antiviral essential oils (tea tree, eucalyptus?), colloidal silver, etc. Or even at least a cotton round with some of such oils?
Hi. Essential oils have been proven to be useless against covid19. Please, please, do not rely on them.
I am not saying essential oils diagnose, treat or cure any disease or illness but am curious where you get your information that they haven been proven ineffective against Coronavirus. I can’t find that anyplace and would like to read the research study you talk of.
Hi Rosalind,
External Link
In science, things have to be proven effective, there is no need to prove things ineffective. Essential oils are a MASSIVE area of pseudoscience and are claimed to treat all sorts of things that they have never been scientifically proven to be effective against. As stated in this research article, “aromatherapy may be useful to induce relaxation, but there is not sufficient evidence that essential oils can effectively treat any condition”.
Unfortunately the only things proven effective against COVID-19 transmission thus far are 1) Keeping 2 m away from people, 2) Washing hands, 3) Wearing masks, 4) Not touching your face, and 4) coughing or sneezing into your elbows and not on your hands. Please keep safe and do not rely on essential oils to treat any condition whatsoever.
I am not saying essential oils diagnose, treat or cure any disease. I am curious though where you got your information that they have been shown ineffective against Coronavirus. I can’t fin the research article you talk of and would like to read it.
Hi. With essential oils people must be very careful: mucosal burn is not very good.
Hi, thanks for the pattern. I’m about to make it and I found the link: What are the Best Materials for DIY Face Mask
Thank you so much for posting this! I’m probably going to make some up and sell them in my boutique. I’m thinking $12 each or 2/$20. That is a fair price for my time and materials, and a price that doesn’t gouge anyone.
You can dip the liner fabric in colloidal silver and let it dry, or as you suggested, use a microbial wipe and let that dry before putting it in.
I will also probably offer an essential oil spray designed to work with this mask, low concentration so it doesn’t drive ya crazy with overly strong fragrance. Something along the classic Four Thieves blend.
A simple way to detox the mask is just to give it a run over with a hot iron. It won’t get dust and pollen out, you will still need to wash it, but for disinfecting, just give it a swipe with your iron.
What does it say in the little copyright box on the pattern?
She made this pattern and tutorial for FREE and You’re planning to sell this and make a personal profit? unbelievable! Maybe you want to considere this and donate it to people who need it and a hospital.
Please donate them to a locate hospital or nursing home!! The heart felt reward will be greater than money
If you sell these, I think you should give 50% of every $1 you make to Craft Passion since it is Her design, not yours! She made this available for free in this time of crisis and you are trying to cash-in. Shame on you.
I think if there are no copyright infringements it’s an outstanding idea and your price seems very fair. I think the economic crisis is as scary as the health one and encourage anyone who can make some extra money from sewing needed things from home is outstanding. Find a need and fill it, I say. No one is expecting the face mask manufacturers to donate their products. Seems like a win-win. Just read/know the best practices info and pass along with your masks. I’m all in on donating as well, just know it’s not the worse thing ever, possibly even a great thing to be a resource for something needed.
You’re very nervy to steal someone else’s idea for your own profit. Especially at this time. Why don’t you be a decent person and donate them to those who could really use them.
I don’t see why people can’t make these and sell. There are job shortages right now and a real need for masks everywhere, whether they are donated or sold. I think it’s a smart idea to supply the public with a well sought after item that you can easily make. Whether you are donating or selling, you are helping people regardless (Also, being a smart business entrepreneur!) and doing your job to prevent this virus from spreading. Plus, This pattern is free online. If craftspassion REALLY didn’t want these to be sold, the best business idea for them would be to patent their pattern to enforce the given rights of it. But, there are pages of patented surgical masks on Google Patents anyway and this one just another form of those. So, really, who is the one taking someone else’s idea? (: If someone is really unsure about selling this pattern, change it up for yourself! Elongate the sides, Shorten the chin portion, etc. That is part of the business world!
I am saddened that you would begin to attempt to monetize this when the intension is to be an act of charity.
Really? You are making a profit on your masks. Really? That’s U.S. Greed for you. We are here to MAKE masks … and many of us are making them FREE for health care workers and the elderly. Take your greed and really look at it. Look real hard.
Actually, she says in the post that you may not sell them and that it is for personal use only. So, no. Do not sell them.
not recommended (find comment from a nurse’s view) or a good idea to add a fragrance … people are allergic.
I wonder if heavier interfacing would work as a non-woven? I may try one with that and another with food grade PUL (Polyurethane Laminate). If anyone knows of any reason NOT to use either, let me know. Good health to all.
Please check whether those materials would be easy for you to breathe through. Here is an article that addresses the best materials to make DIY masks out of.
Thank you for your pattern. I am doing it on behalf of my sister who is a nurse and this is the pattern the hospital told them to use (Hospital of Grenoble in France).
Craft Passion: I saw a video on YouTube where someone was taking apart air conditioner hepa filers and making them into masks.??? Do you think a filter like this could be used to insert inside the mask? I have surgical masks but not the “professional” kind they are referring to. I also wondered about using felt or pellon interfacing along with the air filter paper. In US they have suggested we not wear masks for now. (I think this is because the spreading is slow for now. – In my city of 1 million, they have 1 case.) Thank you!
In the meantime, I will make some with fabric only as our pollen season has me sneezing anyway since in Florida everything blooms out all year round.
Amanda K Hannah, I think they only want healthcare workers to wear these as there are not enough to go around, and they want to keep them healthy and at their jobs.
Taking apart a merv13 furnace filter, which filters out virus particles. Someone above mentioned using this as a filter in the mask that she made. I’m going to try it, too!
Merci from France ! Thank’s
Thailand Medical chief recommends Muslin cloth for masks. Thoughts?
I saw someone use twist ties from bead loafs and they used them to make the top of the nose part bend. They used only one, but I think that I’ll try two of them. Thank you so much for the pattern. I pray that God blesses you greatly.
Margaret
One person suggested using hardware coated wire for the bridge of the nose. Light guage should do the trick. not sure what color that is.
Seems like thorough instructions. I am still not sure about the efficiency of facemasks at all, but maybe better than nothing. I’ll give it a try 🙂
Funny little mistake in the text: “Always keep good hygiene by washing your hands thoroughly with soup, don’t forget the fingernails and up till the elbows.”
…. I am not so sure soup is super-useful — I think I’ll stick to soap 😉
Hahaha, thanks for pointing it out, I have got the spelling corrected. Have some laughs during this stressful time make us feel relax.
Many thanks for the facemask pattern!
A request: Can you post a message at the very top of the DIY Facemask page, not to apply essential oils or anything else to the masks? I see many comments about doing that, and I feel it’s important for folks to see it right at the start of the tutorial.
Why would you want a message not to apply essential oils or anything else to the masks? Essential oils aren’t incompatable with the material she suggests. If you don’t want to use them that’s fine but people should be able to make that decision for themselves without being suggested or recommended not to without a valid reason.
“without a valid reason”? How about the valid reason that idiots pushing their MLM “essential” snake oils will keep implying there is any actual health benefit to them– while forgetting the actual health dangers of drenching a face mask with anything of the sort?
Un grand merci pour ta générosité on ne trouve plus de masques nul part ils sont requisizione; toutes les stocks des pharmacies pour les hôpitaux.Avec votre initiative je poudre faire des masques pour mes petits enfants et le reste de la famille.
Translation (by Google):
A big thank you for your generosity there are no more masks anywhere they are required; all the stocks of pharmacies for hospitals. With your initiative I can make masks for my grandchildren and the rest of the family.
I have found that woven shower curtain material is a great outer fabric for the masks. It repels aerosol and droplets. As an effective removable filter, bamboo material soaked in purified or distilled water with activated charcoal powder should work well. Dried before use of course.
You could also try soaking coffee filters in the same mix to give it a go.
All my prayers, thoughts and blessings to all.
From Queensland, Australia.
Cherie, I wonder if ripstop can be used as an outer as well.
Prayers also,
Adelaide, Australia.
Unless it is uncoated and maybe a cotton, nylon ripstop is generally very air tight, it would be difficult to breathe.
Thanks for sharing ! It will be useful 🙂
Thanks for this!
Thanks to all who commented – so much wonderful info! Here’s info I found on Non-woven fabric:
Nonwovens may be a limited-life, single-use fabric or a very durable fabric. Nonwoven fabrics provide specific functions such as absorbency, liquid repellency, resilience, stretch, softness, strength, flame retardancy, washability, cushioning, filtering, bacterial barriers and sterility.
INDA.org › about-nonwovens
About Nonwovens – INDA.org
What about lanolin soak to make it water repellant some thing they use on wool pants for babies and toddlers to repel leaks
wire insert idea: I am going to try the wire that is attached to coffee bags. I often save these anyways before throwing empty bag away. they are about 1/4 inch wide and coated against moisture. very pliable too. I would estimate one wire could go on bridge of two child-sized masks or one adult.
Great pattern & instructions!!
Thanks for the info on interfacing (nonwoven). I was thinking about using it and wondered if it were effective. I will check the label for my brand/type and see it is helps or might hurt.
Bless you for the free pattern! I searched for non-woven fabric and found this:
Felt is a dense, non-woven fabric and without any warp or weft. Instead, felted fabric is made from matted and compressed fibers or fur with no apparent system of threads. Felt is produced as these fibers and/or fur are pressed together using heat, moisture, and pressure.
Felt and felt making explained – Swicofil
Hello, can you use 3-layer polyester microfiber fabric?
Thank You!