Back in March, I started making masks to donate and sell. I was observant in public to see what kinds of masks people were wearing and made several designs before finding one that was both effective and comfortable. The big debate, for me, was to employ head straps or ear loops. This design accommodates either!
This design fits well on the face and around the nose without wires or other stiff materials. The lack of a seam at the nose bridge is less irritating than other patterns. The best part about this patter is that is can be for ear loops (as shown) or laced with ribbon to use as head straps instead. The small size of this pattern works well for children.
Make sure this part of the pattern is on the fold of the fabric. When the pattern is cut, it should unfold like a butterfly..
When you unfold your cut mask, it will fold out like a butterfly. The pattern requires two layers, be sure to cut them both at the same time, as shown here.“The good stuff is on the inside” Place your fabric with the pretty sides, AKA “Right” sides together and pin along the top of the mask. Sew using a straight stitch, making sure to begin and end with a few back stitches to anchor.Open the mask at your newly made seam and use a finger to press it open along the stitching line. Fold over, matching seam ends together. Pin and sew the rounded ends.
Fold the rounded edges into one another and smooth out the mask with the good stuff on the inside. Sew along the bottom of the mask using a straight stitch and turn the mask inside out. Use an iron to press the edges of the mask before continuing with the next step.
Fold over about 1/4″ on the end of each unfinished edge and press. Sew along the edge of the fold, leaving room for elastic.
You may want to start with 9-10″ of elastic if you are making a larger size mask. It is better to begin with too much elastic than not enough. The elastic will be tied in a knot to secure, so make sure there is a little extra to accommodate that.
Use a safety pin to help guide the elastic through the sewn down fold. Tie a knot in the elastic ends to fit. Another way to “string” the mask would be to put in long ribbons on each side and using them as head straps instead of ear loops.
The finished mask meets safety standards with two layers of cotton. Masks require such little fabric, they can be made from old clothing. A great way to repurpose some of those clothes that are probably sitting in a trash bag in your trunk, waiting to be dropped off at the Thrift Store.
Do you like saving money and learning new skills? Less is More Lifestyle focuses on crafting projects and recipes that save money!
View more posts
3 thoughts on “Sew a Facemask”
Great post! Nice illustration of the steps. I will have to try this pattern. I copy/pasted a pattern of a commercial one. It turned out well. But this one looks so much more stylish.
Hopefully you will also find this pattern super easy and comfortable. I really like that they can be used with ear loops, or head straps! Sometimes those ear loops hurt… Have fun!
The Home Ec Lady 
Great post! Nice illustration of the steps. I will have to try this pattern. I copy/pasted a pattern of a commercial one. It turned out well. But this one looks so much more stylish.
LikeLike
Hopefully you will also find this pattern super easy and comfortable. I really like that they can be used with ear loops, or head straps! Sometimes those ear loops hurt… Have fun!
LikeLiked by 1 person