Hi friends! Many of you have reached out and asked me for a homemade face mask tutorial, so here it it! I was hesitant to post about this because there was some debate about the effectiveness of these masks, but last night our mayor recommended that every person heading out for essential errands use masks. So here we are 😉
These use a small amount of fabric and only take 10 minutes to make. If you make a lot, assembly-line fashion I bet you could make them quicker.
Homemade Face Mask
Best Materials for Face Masks
There has been a lot of debate about the effectiveness of these masks. Here is a great link that has more info about materials to use. These will mostly keep your own germs to yourself and keep you from touching your nose and mouth while you are out.
There are many variations to these masks. If you would like to make masks to donate, find a local facility that is asking for them and make what they request. Many of these place have a preference on style 😉
Many medical professionals are also asking for these to wear over their n95 masks to prolong their use or to use because they are out of masks and it’s a last resort.
These don’t replace good hand washing and social distancing, but I hope you will utilize these to help stop the spread we are currently facing.
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More Simple Sewing Tutorials
Kids Size Face Masks
Many of you have asked about optimal sizes for kids. My daughter is 8 and I made her a mask that was 8 x 5.5 with 6 inch elastic. I only did 2 pleats for hers and that worked well.
Homemade Face Mask with Elastic
Learn how to make this homemade face mask in 10 minutes with this simple tutorial. This mask features elastic to go over the ears.
Materials
- (1) 9 x 6 inch Color A
- (1) 9 x 6 inch Color B
- 2 pieces of elastic 6.5-7 inches each.
- Polyester coordinating thread
Tools
- Iron and Ironing board
- seam ripper
- clover clips
- Cutting tools
Instructions
- Place fabric pieces right sides together and clip elastic into the corners on the short side.
- Sew all the way around the rectangles using a 1/2 inch seam allowance leaving a whole to flip right side out. note: backstitch well over elastic in corners.
- Trim corners to reduce bulk, flip right side out and press.
- Create 3 pleats and clip into place by eyeballing the measurement OR make 3 marks and use the seam to create pleat as you sew down. Back stitch over pleats to make sure they are strong.
- Sew around the rest of the mask, trim threads and you're done!
Notes
It is helpful to prewash fabric, but you can wash it at the end as well.
Use polyester thread
Make front and lining 2 different fabrics so you know which fabric has been exposed to potential contaminates.
6.5 elastic works better for women or those with a more narrow face. 7 inches each for men or those with a more broad face.
I did 3 pleats, or if you do smaller pleats you can do 5.
If you have floral wire, you can insert that in the nose section to make a tighter fit. I used pipe cleaners in some of my test, but they did not hold up in the wash.
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Can you tell me the size for toddler masks?
I need a sewing machine. I am looking for a machine that has a case that lays flat and winds in place. What is the name of yours?
I mainly use the juki dx 7 😉
you were the best yet for making the mask and instuctions, NO one elsenwas that. great bless you!!!!
Can you wear the mask either way is that why you use 2 colors? Thanks!
you can wear it either way, but you will want to know which side has been “exposed” and then washed before you wear it the other way. Nurses who are receiving these as donations need to know so they don’t put them back on the other way before they’ve been cleaned 😉
What is the dimensions of the mask that is made with the seam ripper. I got that one done in no time but when I compare it to the pleated ones I had someone else make it is double that size..in comparison. Any help would be appreciated. I have trouble making the pleated ones. 😩😩😩😩
What size elastic do your recomend? 1/4 inch or 1/8 inch?
Hi Melanie
Your video is great!
Can you tell me what the length should be for Young kids ages 7-12, teenagers and women, and men?
Thank you kindly
What if you do not have elastic? Do you have a different video you can share?
Was very nice easy and I can’t wait to give it a try . Will you have any using filters ?
Thanks a lot for this easy to follow instructions for sewing face mask, I love it and have made several already. I love your blog and you inspire me a lot and I find ideas and tips and are learning more about sewing. Keep up the good work, and be sure its appreciated 🙂 Hugs from Norway!
Thanks for these videos and the printable patterns!
How much of the elastic are you sewing on each corner?
I made a mask for my daughter, I used two different fabrics and left an opening to turn right side out, but somehow the elastic was on the inside, so I had to leave the mask with the wrong sides out. So I know you put the elastic on the short side, but are they left inside or out when you sew the sides.
You should put your fabrics right sides together and put your elastic between the two pieces of fabric, in the corners of the shorter end. Hope that makes sense.
Thank you for the tutorial! It was very easy to follow.
What’s the finished dimensions?
THank you for this video. It is by far the easiest one I have seen. Can you show a picture of how you would use a hair tie? I really dont know how to do that. Thank you!
Hi Melanie,
Thank so much for the great instructions. My elastic is too wide. Do you know how to cut it length wise so it won’t fray? Maybe use a zigzag stitch? Thanks for all great tutorials.
Melanie from NC
you could try that, I haven’t tested that out. It does fray with cut. You could also make it longer and have it go around the whole head 😉
I love this! Ive been looking for other patterns so this is helpful! I found one that I am going to incorporate a part of it into this, it’s a pocket to put an air filter into it. Hong Kong University(think that’s the name) found putting a paper towel in is one of the best ways to help filter!
I love that ideas! There are many different ways to make these and to utilize the features that are important to you! I haven’t heard the paper towel idea, yet – that’s a good one!
I have also heard about putting a coffee filter into the mask instead of the paper towel for extra filtering. I feel comforted knowing that I can do this protective measure at home!
Thanks, Melanie, I am horrible at sewing but your tutorial looked so much easier than the others I read. It took me a LOT longer than 10 minutes but I was able to put together 2 masks for me and my husband. Thanks, again.
Thank you for posting this. Do you have any measurement recommendations for child sized masks?? Thanks.
I did 8 x 5.5 with 6 inch elastic for my 8 year old 😉
Thank you for doing this. Hearing the explanation as well as seeing how you did it really helps! I’m off to my sewing machine!!!!
Yes, please post size requirements for young children/toddlers and adolescents (9-11 yr old).
Thank you for the tutorial very easy to follow along
Loved the quick, easy pattern. The nose area left a larger gap than what I prefer. My husband cut out a thin 2 1/2 inch piece of aluminum from the bottom of my cappuccino 3 pound container. He Pounded out three very small holes and hand sewn that for the nose piece. It took a little maneuvering but it tightens nice.
Melanie,
I’ve got some fabric cut from a bolt a friend brought back from Hawaii. How can I tell if it’s a cotton or cotton/poly blend? I was hoping there’s another way then just the burn test. What do the little colored circled numbers on the selvage mean? Thanks in advance!
Yah a pattern that is simple, easy and quick. Thank you for sharing. There are so many patterns out there right now, its overwhelming so to have your simple pattern helps tremendously. Many thanks.
what is the distance for the elastic marking for the pleats?
I found a good source of Elastic, They are now selling inexpensive Bikini tops at Walmart – for $7 or so you get enough elastic to do at least 10 masks, Thank you so MUCH Melanie, the other tutorials made it look too hard, I am working on my first batch now!
Hi, Just wanted to leave a quick thank you. I bought a sewing machine 14 years ago (eek!) and gave up in the first few months I had it. We found it in the garage, along with a bin FULL of stuff that I apparently bought thinking that if I had every single gadget I could actually sew LOL. Anyway we have your video playing on our TV in the living room and I think by about midnight tonight we will have a mask!
How did it go? I hope you figured it out – and are making a bunch of them. This is a very simple pattern. Good luck!
I’m from WA and also work as an essential staff, we are now making masks for coworker’s. The only elastic we can find in stores is round, what is the best way to make an ear flap to this pattern so these elastic doesn’t have to be stritched in?
Hi Melanie! My name is Tara. My sister works at Home Depot and just sent me your video requesting me to make some for her and co-workers and hospital. Thank you for doing this video despite your hesitation. You make it look doable and your suggestion for hair bands to use if you don’t have elastic is what I needed to know!
Hi! My name is Tara. My sister works at Home Depot and just sent me your video requesting me to make some for her and co-workers and hospital. Thank you for doing this video despite your hesitation. You make it look doable and your suggestion for hair bands to use if you don’t have elastic is what I needed to know!
great job, I love to sew and am making bunches for friends and family and am in health care so this is great to go over N95 masks. I am doing ties. Im a Melanie too!
Hi Melanie!!! You rock!
You’re an angel for showing an easy mask to make. You can use shoestring or ribbon instead of elastic.
Yes! Thank you for mentioning those ideas!
hi melanie, can i purchase 2 home made face mask , one for her and one for him and how much,please know.thank you.
Hi Melanie
Wondering if you are selling your home mask on a website & if so what website can we use to purchase ! Great job Mel 🙂
Thank you for thinking of me, but I have lots of orders from my family and local community so I cant sell them at this point 😉
After you turn the mask, what seam width are using for the topstitching?
about 1/8 inch ;). I want to make sure I catch that opening 😉
Thank you so much for posting this! I was successful following your video! First time doing pleats. Never thought I would be doing it for a face mask.
great job! I know right, we are in strange times ;). Stay safe!
Hello, I have 100% organic cotton I could use for this, but I also have PUL, do you think that could be a good idea since it’s waterproof? Thank you!
test that pul up to your face and make sure the breathability is still good, I’m not sure about that part. I think it’s a good option to think about though!
Is your elastic 1/4 inch and where did you purchase it? I tried using elastic cord but it seems to be tearing off when putting the face mask on. Thank you!
Hi Lexi! yes, this is 1/4 inch and I had a roll in my notions box. I had 3/8 too which I started using when I ran out of 1/4. You can try elastic hair bands or sew in shoe laces, or other string in the corners and make it a ties mask 😉
You are an angel for doing this video. I love to sew and want to make some for family and neighbors. However, with stores closed, I’m wondering where to find material?
elastic is hard to find anywhere right now if you don’t have some. Hair ties can be used, or you can use ties instead. Cotton material can be ordered online. My favorite stores are Superbuzzy, Fat Quarter Shop, Missouri Start Quilt Co and Etsy shops 😉
I found a good source of Elastic, They are now selling inexpensive Bikini tops at Walmart – for $7 or so you get enough elastic to do at least 10 masks, Thank you so MUCH Melanie, the other tutorials made it look too hard, I am working on my first batch now!
Hi Melanie
I bought elastic on eBay. Did you leave the measurement for kids masks? Thanks for the easy way to make masks.
I made a bunch today using headbands from Dollar Tree – they came in packs of 7, and each individual headband was good for one mask.
I’m late to the party on this, but… if you have/can find some fitted baby crib sheets, that’ll give you fabric and elastic in one go! My stash is packed in boxes – who knows which one? – but luckily, I was able to find a bag of my toddler’s old crib sheets. When I was cutting them up to make masks, I realized I could use the elastic, too!
Etsy has fabric. Also, since I had fabric at home, but not elastic, I used a jersey flat sheet and cut strips to make ties. Pull the knit fabric and it curls. Works great.
I made some of these today, your tip for the clips in the corners to hold the elastic was great. Also, the seam ripper roll – game changer. Tomorrows batch will be better. Thanks for the tips, video and tutorial. Much appreciation. ~ Abby
Hi I work in HEALTHCARE AND WIULD LOVE TO MAKE BAIR COVERINGS FOR MY COLLEAGUES. WITH BUTTONS ABOVE THE EARS TO LOOP OUR MASKS O. SO IUR EARS don’t GET SO RAW FROM THW ELASTICE. DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING LIKE THAT?
I don’t have anything like that at this point. Thank you for what you are doing!
All you need is a headband with buttons sewn on over ear area
Hi! Love the pattern. What size material would you recommend for a toddler size mask?
I don’t have toddlers to test on, but I did 8 x 5.5 with 6 inch elastic for my 8 year old 😉
Check out the scrub cap at the following link. It might work.
https://sweetredpoppy.com/scrub-cap-free-sewing-pattern/
Hi! I’m having trouble with stitching over the elastic….the thread bunches up terribly when I go over the elastic…any suggestions? Help!
Try a jeans needle.
Hi, I really enjoyed the tutorial and u-tube presentation on the Face Mask with Elastic.
Could you tell me please where you put the markings for the pleats?
Thank You!
half way in between the short side… and the 1 inch or so on either side of that 😉
Thanks! I’ve watched three times to see if I can “guesstimate”. Ha!
Thank you so much for sharing these instructions with the world! God bless you!
Happy to share!
What size elastic please? Thank you so much for the great video and details. (just need to the size of the elastic :)). Thanks!
6.5 for women and 7 for men 😉
What size would you recommend for a child size mask?
I have the same question, I would love to know the dimensions you use for a childs mask. Thanks!
What size of elastic please?
Same question.
6.5 for women and 7 for men 😉
I think they are asking what is the width of the elastic, not the length. Thanks.
6.5 for women and 7 for men 😉
She’s asking for the width of the elastic, not the length. Elastic is hard to find in my area; FL (south)
Can I please purchase homemade face masks, looking for some for my family and my work. We have truck drivers delivering goods everyday that need masks as well
Love your nails. Acrylic or gel? What brand of polyester thread did you use? Thanks!
my nails are gel 😉 my nail tech uses a 5 free product called luminary (i think that’s the name)
Hi! I’m having trouble with stitching over the elastic….the thread bunches up terribly when I go over the elastic…any suggestions? Help!
Try pulling everything very taunt and stitching very slowly. If it’s still bunching check your bobbin, thread, gauge and try again!
Thank you so much for posting this! I was successful following your video! First time doing pleats. Never thought I would be doing it for a face mask.
I’m from WA and also work as an essential staff, we are now making masks for coworker’s. The only elastic we can find in stores is round, what is the best way to make an ear flap to this pattern so these elastic doesn’t have to be stritched in?