Face Mask Pattern - DIY Mask in 2 Styles {FREE Printable}

Learn how to make a DIY mask with this easy tutorial that includes a face mask pattern printable. You can use your sewing machine or a hand stitch. Here you will learn to make 2 styles of face mask pattern so you can choose which suits your needs and sewing skill level. Both styles include adult and kids sizes.

DIY Face Mask Pattern Tutorial

This tutorial has 2 styles of face mask pattern and now has extra alternatives for filter pockets and people who cannot get elastic and interfacing.

• Style #1 is a single or double layered pleated style of face mask pattern.
• Style #2 is a double layer shaped style of face mask pattern.

This face mask pattern also gives you instructions for adding a nose wire which is particularly useful if you are wearing glasses.

DISCLAIMER - DIY Masks

I am not a health professional and am providing these patterns free, as a lot of people are asking. Even when wearing mine to the supermarket yesterday, I got stopped a couple of times and asked where it was from. Perhaps I just stood out in my bright floral mask.

In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, surgical masks for the general public were in short supply in many countries. A fabric DIY mask will not completely stop a virus but can certainly help limit transmission.

Only viral surgical masks can possibly protect you from COVID-19. Some governments are currently recommending fabric and DIY mask patterns as an alternative that they consider to be better than no mask, while other governments say you are better with no mask of any kind. A fabric DIY mask or face mask pattern will not protect you from the COVID-19 virus.

Why I Wear a DIY Mask

My daughter and I wear this fabric face mask pattern if we need to go out during the current coronavirus quarantine period just to reduce us accidentally touching our mouth or nose with dirty hands since we cannot access surgical masks of any kind.

Depending on the source, it is commonly accepted that the average person touches their face 16-23 times per hour. That's a lot. No wonder my makeup always slides off!

When wearing the fabric DIY mask, my face touching went down to zero as I would know the second I did it and stop myself. I know that my mask will not stop airborne virus particles but I feel more comfortable with it than wearing nothing.

Make an Informed Decision on Face Mask Patterns

In order to make an informed decision on wearing a DIY face mask, go to the following sites -

• World Health Organization
• CDC
• Your local government website will have information specific to your country

There is a lot of contradictory information on the internet on face masks. Read everything you can about the face mask pattern and DIY masks from reputable health and government sources and then make your own informed decision for yourself and your family. Also, keep up to date with any changes as new information comes to light.

Face Mask Pattern - Supplies

Style #1 - Pleated Face Mask Pattern

• Cotton Fabric
• ¼ inch (6mm) wide elastic. Alternatives include ribbon, bias tape or string

Style #2 - Shaped and Lined Face Mask Pattern

• Cotton Fabric
• One-sided fusible interfacing. Alternatives include using an extra later of fabric
• ¼ inch (6mm) wide elastic. Alternatives include ribbon, bias tape or string
• Pattern (this is the printable piece) or paper to make your own pattern

What is the Best Fabric for a Face Mask Pattern

Choose a cotton fabric that is tightly woven. The reason that cotton fabric is best is that it can withstand hotter washes. Quilting cotton is popular as it is medium weight and has a tight weave.

If you can't get to a fabric store, think about recycling some shirts, pillowcases, or old sheets. Many of the items in your cupboard that you don't wear anymore will be cotton.

Consider fat quarters which are 18" x22" instead of buying larger fabric pieces.

Elastic and Face Mask Patterns

While ¼ inch (6mm) elastic is the easiest for a face mask pattern, some customers have left messages saying that they prefer bias tape or fabric ties rather than elastic as it also can take hotter washes.

Due to the popularity of making face masks, elastic is selling out in many stores. Some resourceful commenters on my YouTube video have suggested elastic from old sheets and one commenter said she used old bra elastic. Use what you have access to.

If you want to make your own bias tape read - How to Make Bias Tape

Alternatives to Using Elastic - Fabric Ties or Binding

If you have no string, elastic or bias, use strips of fabric for your face mask pattern. These can be raw or you could fold them in quarters and sew along the edge.

Here are some instructions if you wish to make your own ties for the face mask pattern.

• Cut fabric four straps 18 inch long (46cm) x 1 inch (2.5cm). If your fabric is stiff cut it a little longer as it can be harder to tie up. You can always trim it at the end. If you are a beginner sewer you may find it a bit easier to make the ties a little wider. Try 1.5 -2 inches (3.5 - 5 cm)
• Press the raw edges towards the center
• Fold in half again
• Stitch along edge

Best Sewing Machines for Sewing Face Mask Pattern

Most of you will already have a sewing machine and if you don't you can make this face mask pattern with hand sewing using a simple needle and thread.

Just in case you are looking at buying a sewing machine to keep you busy during this period we are all home, here are a few suggestions.

When looking at Amazon, I was amazed that many of the cheaper brands were currently sold out. Singer and Janome make great machines that will handle lots of sewing.

If you can get a Brother machine, they can be a bit cheaper but aren't quite as good for daily sewing. Most of the Brother machines seem to be sold out currently. I use a Janome.

DIY Mask - Face Mask Pattern Stitching

Because face shapes and especially noses and chins, vary immensely between us all, I recommend making a test mask first and then making adjustments before sewing your final mask.

A fabric face mask can be stitched with a sewing machine or by hand. Style #1 has a little less sewing, but both are fairly easy to hand stitch.

Face Mask Pattern - Sewing by Machine

If you have a sewing machine, you will be able to whip this face mask pattern up in no time. For the straight stitching, choose a small length stitch.

Face Mask Pattern - Sewing by Hand

I now have a detailed video showing you how to sew Style #1 by hand. See the video a little further down.

Threading a Needle for the Face Mask Pattern

Thread the needle with double thread and a knot at the end. This will give you the strongest results. You would only use a single thread if you have a really thick thread. For my hand-stitched sample in the video, I used upholstery thread doubled. This meant I could pull the thread really tight and make the sewing strong so the elastic wouldn't pull out.

Hand Stitching for The Face Mask Pattern

The strongest hand stitch for a face mask pattern is a backstitch. Try to get the stitches as small as possible. The smaller the stitches, the stronger your seam will be. Full Article - How to Backstitch

The other stitch you can use if you think a backstitch looks too tricky is a running stitch. This is simply an up-and-down stitch. Once again, make the stitches as small as possible. Full Article - How to do Running Stitch

DIY Face Mask Pattern - The Video Tutorials

Watch this Youtube video I made for you showing you how to use this face mask pattern. I post weekly sewing and craft videos, so please subscribe.

This is the main video, and below I have just filmed a hand-stitched version of Style#1

DIY Face Mask Pattern Video - With Sewing Machine

DIY Face Mask Pattern - No Sewing Machine

Here I have used a running stitch for Style #1. This simple up and down stitch is suitable for even first sewers.

Face Mask Pattern - Free PDF Printable Mask Sewing Pattern

This DIY mask pattern tutorial is now available as a PDF download in my sewing pattern shop. It is free to download, but the site will ask you for an email (no credit details will be asked for this pattern)

• DOWNLOAD ENTIRE TUTORIAL AS A PDF
• or download SHAPED PATTERN PIECE ONLY (no instructions)

If you are new to PDF printing, read my article How to Print PDF Patterns

Style #1 - Pleated Face Mask Pattern

This is a single-layered DIY face mask pattern and is easiest if you are hand sewing since there are fewer seams. If you wanted it double fabric, just cut 2 layers and put them together.

Step 1 - Cut a Square

Cut a square of fabric in one of the following sizes.

UPDATED - For people wanting to make this mask double layered - Cut 2 squares, put them on top of each other with wrong sides together and then treat them as one for the rest of the tutorial. I recommend using different colored fabrics so you can tell the front from the back.

If you wish to make this Style #1 with a double layer and filter pocket see step 2 A for cutting.

What Are the Fabric Measurements for a Face Mask?

Cut rectangles in the following sizes:

SIZE	INCHES	CM
ADULT	9.5x9.5"	24x24cm
CHILD 8+	9x9"	22.5x22.5cm
CHILD 3-7	8x8"	20x20cm

Step 2 - Hem the Top and Bottom Sides of the Mask

On the WRONG side of the fabric, press over the raw edges by ⅜ inch (1cm) and then ⅜ inch (1cm) again to form a double hem.

Stitch the hems along the inside fold.

SKIP TO STEP 3 (Step 2A is an alternative for a filter pocket)

Step 3 - Pleats for the Face Mask Pattern

Fold 3 pleats into the fabric with the hems still being top and bottom. The finished height at the sides should be the following -

SIZE	INCHES	CM
ADULT	3.5x3.5"	9x9cm
CHILD 8+ /SML ADULT	3x3"	7.5x7.5cm
CHILD 3-7	2.5x2.5"	6.5x6.5cm

It is easiest just to lightly fold, measure and then press last. Don't obsess over them all being perfectly even. I did that for the first mask I sampled and it took forever and really didn't look that different in the end.

If you made the style of face mask pattern with the filter pocket, it is a little harder to get the pleats right due to the thickness in the middle but just persevere. Don't forget to check the side measurements.

Baste the edges to hold the pleats in place.

Step 4 - Fold the Ends

Finish the ends with a serger or zig-zag.

If you are hand stitching, then just neaten the ends with a pair of scissors. Pinking shears, if you have them, can stop fraying as they cut in a little zig-zag pattern.

On the wrong side, fold the ends over by ⅜ inch (1cm and stitch.

Step 5 - Add String or Elastic

All face shapes and elastics are different, so you may need to make some alterations, but here are some cutting guides. Elastic especially varies enormously, so I suggest you sew one side, test and adjust and then sew the next side.

ELASTIC BEHIND EARS (EAR LOOPS) - Cut 2 pieces. Sew the elastic at the sides.

• ADULT - 7 inches (17.5cm)
• CHILD 8-TEEN/SMALL ADULT - 6 inches (15cm)
• CHILD 3-7 - 5-6 inches (13-15cm)

STRING OR RIBBON - Cut 4 pieces. Sew at each corner.

• ADULT - 18 inches (46cm)
• CHILD 8-TEEN/SMALL ADULT - 17 inches (43cm)
• CHILD 3-7 -15-17 inches (38-43cm)

ELASTIC TO GO AROUND HEAD - Cut 2 pieces. Sew the elastic at the top and bottom.

• ADULT - 14 inches (35.5cm)
• CHILD 8-TEEN/SMALL ADULT - 13 inches (33cm)
• CHILD 3-7 - 11-13 inches (28-3cm)

For a neat finish, you can stitch the elastic over the side seam so it blends in.

Style #2 - Lined & Shaped Face Mask Pattern Printable

For my DIY mask, I purposely used a different fabric for the front and back. That way, if I accidentally pulled it off, I could put it back on the same way.

Face Mask Pattern {Printable Mask Sewing Pattern}

You can print my free sewing pattern or if you don't have access to a printer you can draw up your own using the dimensions in my photo below.

Here is a printable pattern

• DOWNLOAD THE PATTERN (pattern piece only)
• DOWNLOAD ENTIRE TUTORIAL AS A PDF (free PDF from my pattern shop)

The link will open in a new window. If you are new to printing a PDF read my article on how to print PDF patterns. Make sure you measure the test square to make sure your pattern has been printed to scale.

The best way to print the PDF is to download it to your computer and then open it in Adobe Reader. Some internet PDF readers are not great and can cause issues. Adobe Reader is a free program that most of you will have already.

PRINT ISSUES for face mask pattern - Most print issues can be solved by downloading the pattern and opening it in Adobe Reader rather than your internet PDF reader.

What are the Dimensions of a Face Mask Pattern

Here are the measurements if you want to draw your own pattern. There is a bit of rounding so I could give you imperial and metric measurements.

Step 1 - Cut the Fabric

FABRIC - Cut around the solid line of the template. Make sure you have the following pieces cut. See how they are all mirror images. The easiest way to cut mirror images is to fold your fabric in half and cut through 2 layers at once.

INTERFACING - For the interfacing, cut the face mask pattern template on the dotted line. That way, the interfacing is a bit smaller than the fabric pieces, and it will reduce the bulk in the seams. Like the fabric, make sure you fold the interfacing before cutting to produce mirror images. The glue will only be on one side, so this is important.

UPDATED - For those of you using fabric as a substitution for the extra layer, cut it on the solid line the same size as the other fabric pieces. That way it will be caught up in the seam. The purpose of the interfacing is to add some stiffness to this style and has the benefit of a third layer. If you made your own pattern, this dotted line is ⅜ inch (1cm) smaller around the curved edges.

Step 2 - Fuse the Interfacing

On the WRONG side of the backs, press the interfacing glue side down. The interfacing should be even at the short straight side of the backs and have a gap around the curved edges.

Step 3 - Stitch the Curve

Put the fronts and backs RIGHT sides together and stitch around the curved edge as shown. with a ⅜ inch (1cm) seam allowance.

If you used interfacing, you will be sewing along the edge of the interacting. This makes it easy to get a nice shaped seam allowance.

Step 4 - Press

Press open the seams.

If you hand-stitched the center seam, press the seam to one side and then do another row of stitches over the seam. This will add strength and stop the seam from splitting.

Step 5 - Stitch the Top and Bottom

Put the front and back together with RIGHT sides together and stitch and top and bottom edges with a ⅜ inch (1cm) seam allowance. Once again, you will just be sewing along the edge of the interfacing.

Make sure you leave the ends open.

Step 6 - Turn

Turn the face mask pattern to the right side through one of the open ends. Press the edges well making sure they are fully poked out.

Step 7 - Finish Ends

Finish the raw ends with a zig-zag or serger. If you are hand stitching and don't have a machine, just neatly trim the ends. Pinking shears if you have them can also stop fraying.

Turn the ends over to the wrong side by ⅜ inch (1cm) and stitch them in place.

Step 8 - Add Elastic or String

Add elastic or string to the corners. Overlap underneath by ⅜ inch (1cm) and stitch well.

All face shapes and elastics are different so you may need to make some alterations but here are some cutting guides. Elastic can also vary a lot in quality and the amount they stretch so sew one side first, check the fit and then sew the second side.

ELASTIC BEHIND EARS - Cut 2 pieces. Sew the ear loops elastic at the sides.

• ADULT - 7 inches (17.5cm)
• CHILD - 5-6 inches (13-15cm)

STRING OR RIBBON - Cut 4 pieces. Sew at each corner.

• ADULT - 18 inches (46cm)
• CHILD -15-17 inches (38-43cm)

ELASTIC TO GO AROUND HEAD - Cut 2 pieces. Sew the elastic at the top and bottom.

• ADULT - 14 inches (35.5cm)
• CHILD - 11-13 inches (28-3cm)

For a neat finish, you can stitch the elastic over the side seam so it blends in.

Face Mask Pattern - DIY Mask - In Conclusion

As I mentioned previously, if your first mask needs a little more shaping for the nose or chin, you can adjust your pattern and make another. We are all shaped differently and have different-sized heads. The tighter the fit of the mask, the better it is.

Good luck with your DIY mask. Stay safe and healthy, and appreciate your family.