How To Make A Face Mask With Fabric

If we’ll be using masks for an extended period of time, I’ll make a bunch more to have on hand so we can simply wash and rotate them, as well as extras to distribute to relatives and friends. It was also interesting to experiment with different fabric combinations because we might as well look beautiful while wearing them. (Plus, wearing a mask with style or personality is always a little more inspiring.)

I’ve been loving a couple of Riley Blake’s latest collections, and because I don’t have time to construct a large project with any of them right now, I decided to make masks out of a few of my favorites. It gave me the strange gratification of both finishing something and scratching the need to play with these new fabric collections at the same time. I’ll include each collection and its sources at the bottom of this page.

There are numerous mask patterns and variations available. This version by Dana from Made Everyday is the one that I’ve found to be the most straightforward. It’s easy to cut and sew, which I enjoy. It’s also very easy to adjust to any size face or necessity because to its simple form.

When I originally started producing masks, I rapidly ran out of elastic, so I modified the pattern somewhat to use less – adding simple loops on the sides that go around the ears instead of behind back of the head.

Elastic that is comfortable to use for your DIY Fabric Face Mask

I eventually tracked out a supplier with softer, thinner elastic that is far more pleasant and less annoying. It makes a significant effect and is rather inexpensive. I prefer 1/8′′ circular elastic cording, such as the one found here. Thank glad it’s back in stock. (If that source is no longer available, it can be found at a number of Etsy stores here.) Simply select the rounded 1/8′′ option.)

You can find masks-with-ties options here if you’re seeking for an alternative to utilizing elastic.

On both sides of my fabric, I’m using quilters cotton. (Obviously, they aren’t medical masks.) Cotton is breathable (particularly in the summer), but it still helps limit the spread of infection for us non-medical people.

Here’s how to make a pleated face mask quickly and easily.

Requirement For Medium Size Adult Facemask
Fabric in two pieces 8″ in width and 812″ in length. (I like to use two different fabrics so that I can remember which side is facing out when I wear it numerous times.) Because I have a small head, I cut my parts a little smaller than Dana’s template. (I don’t usually pre-wash cloth for other projects, but I did for the face masks.)
Two 6″ long strips of soft elastic (this may be too lengthy at times). One thing I’ve discovered is that everyone’s face, ear placement, cheekbones, and nose size are distinct. I believe it is preferable to work with elastic that is little too long since it is easier to clip down excess elastic once the mask is finished than it is to work with elastic that is too short.

You can construct a simple face mask with only a little sewing experience and a straight line. It’s a terrific pattern for beginners or those who need a refresher in sewing, and it only takes 30 minutes to complete. You may make one for yourself and each member of your family with this free basic mask pattern, which comes in three sizes.

Instructions

Fabric should be cut
This mask is available in a variety of sizes. Depending on the size you’re making, you’ll need to cut the following cloth pieces:

9″ x 6″ Adult Size (Fits Most) (cut 2)
Size for children: 7″ x 5″ (cut 2)
9″ x 7″ (cut 2)

Elastic Should Be Cut
Cut two 7-foot lengths of elastic “No matter what size mask you’re making, it’ll take a long time.
Elastic is pinned to the fabric.
Place one of your fabric pieces right side up on a table. Take one of your elastics and pin it to the fabric’s short ends approximately 1/2 inch apart “both at the top and bottom Rep with the opposite side.
Prepare to Sew
Place the other piece of cloth, right side down, on top of the one with the elastic already pinned to it. The right sides of the two pieces of fabric should be facing each other. To keep it secure, use a pin.

Sew the Mask together

Sew a 1/4-inch seam all the way around the rectangle “allowance for seams Because you’ll be making a loop with the elastic, you must only stitch the elastic’s edges into the rectangles edges and not the entire seam allowance on the sides. Make sure you Leave a 2 in the box One of the long sides has a space for turning.
Turn the Fabric Right Side Out Reach inside the rectangle of fabric and turn it right side out. You’ll end up with a cloth rectangle with two elastic loops protruding from the sides. To make your rectangle even, tuck in the seam allowance from the gap. With your iron, press the fabric rectangle.

Pleats can be added if desired.
It’s not required to add pleats to each side of the face mask, but it will make it suit your face better. Here’s how it’s done:

Grab some fabric and fold it accordion style about an inch down from the top of your mask, as if you’re forming a pleat. Pin.
Make two more pleats in the same manner, pinning them to keep them in place.
Sew the pleats into place on the sides of the masks with a sewing machine or needle and thread.

Complete the Mask
Stitch all the way around the face mask, making sure to close the gap as you go. Your mask is now complete! Wrap the elastic over your ears and use the mask to cover your nose and mouth.