Wow, the world is now crazy with fear of the novel coronavirus, and as far as I know, in many places around the world, people are rushing to buy face masks. I have heard that Chinese people are stocking up on face masks in many countries – Korea, Japan, etc., and many pharmacies are out of stock!
I personally am against using the 1-time disposable face masks – you know the environment does not love it either. And although fabric face masks cannot guarantee 100% protection against airborne virus (even N95 masks can’t), the normal face masks can partly protect you and people around you from the tiny droplets that coronavirus bearers spread out when they cough or sneeze. And because coronavirus are larger ones that cannot float in the air by themselves, they must travel with the droplets, so if they are blocked from touching your nose, mouth and eyes, the possibility of catching this virus is lower.
That is why today I am posting the pattern for face masks. I make a lot of fabric face masks for my family – my husband, my son, and me. We are happy with them, and as long as you keep them clean (wash right after use, or if you are more careful, boil them for 5 minutes to kill all the hateful viruses), and keep your hands clean (not touching your eyes, mouth or nose and wash your hands frequently with soap), you are not likely to catch the virus.
If you are not sure how to use your DIY fabric mask for best protection, check out my post “How to use fabric mask the right way”.
And if you are looking for materials to make face mask, visit our little store here: https://fayrie.com/
P/s: If you are looking for a face mask to still feel beautiful and elegant while protected, I have a series of hand embroidered face masks – carefully made in Canada by my mom, my sister and me. We have a small Etsy store here:
https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/FayrieCrafts
We have plastic nose wire, elastic, non-woven fabric for filters, anti-microbial fabric masks, hand made fabric masks to meet your needs. All items are ready in stock and will be shipped from Toronto, Canada. Same day shipping for orders before 3:00 PM. Free standard shipping for orders from US$75.00.
Now, let’s start sewing to protect our family with my face mask pattern. I make it in three sizes: for adult male, female and for kids, so you can sew for any one you care about. The face mask is made with the shape and form of the 3D mask that fit the face perfectly.
As usual, print this pattern in full size on A4/Letter paper. Test with the test square before sewing to ensure best fit.
You can download a 2-page PDF file here: Fitted face mask (kids and adults)
UPDATE May 8, 2020: I have been asked about this face mask pattern with filter pocket, so I create a new pattern file for it. It comes in 4 sizes (babies 0-2y, children 3-10y, women/teens and men). You can download the pattern and sew with or without the filter pocket (I recommend you to take some more time with the pocket for extra protection). I will soon add a photo tutorial on how to make this face mask soon. The 5-page PDF file is here: Fitted face mask with filter pocket (4 sizes)
Here are some images about this mask. If you don’t want to spend time sewing, we have it on sale here, along with other mask making materials: https://fayrie.com/
You can see the filter pocket here. Just put into it a piece of paper and discard after use.
Below is a video tutorial for this face mask. Hope you enjoy making this item!
Update March 3.2020: Many asked me for the instruction to sew this pattern, so I made a simple photo tutorial for those who do not know where to begin with this pattern.
This tutorial only demonstrates the steps of making basic masks, so please add more steps that you feel neccesary (for example, iron one or two layers of fusible interfacing on the fabric for more protection).
First, cut 4 pieces from your fabric of choice. In this tutorial I used my original pattern piece (without seam allowance) so I have to add seam allowance. If you use my pattern, you don’t need to add seam allowance.
After cutting, you’ll have two pairs of fabric like this (sorry the stretchy fabric curled up. I did not have much time to iron it.) You can always add a layer of filter for better face mask. Don’t know which material to use as filter? Check out this post: Materials for DIY face mask filters.
Pick two pieces, align them right side facing each other. Sew along the pink dashed line (0.5cm from the edge).
Clip the curved edge.
Open the sewn piece and sew a flat felled seam.
This is how it looks after being sewn.
Repeat the steps above with the other pair of fabric. I sewed them wrong side together so you can distinguish the difference.
Now put the two pieces right side facing together and sew along the long edges, leaving the short edges open. Turn the fabric inside out like this.
Sew along the edge to make it sharper and more secure.
It will be like this after sewing.
Fold the short edge two times to hide the raw edge.
Sew it and make a tube to thread the elastic band.
Thread the elastic band (about 25cm/10in long) through the tube and tie it. You can adjust the length after trying the mask on. Pull the knot inside the tube to hide it.
And here it is on my face. Sorry I made a quick one so it does not look very neat. But it really works.
Happy sewing!
Tiana
See my other posts in the DIY masks series here:
How to use your face mask the right way
Face mask filter materials – what can we use for DIY face masks?
Thanks Tien,
I have very nice masks from your pattern. Hopefully you have tool to upload products made from your patterns.
Thanks for your comment! I am happy to know that. I am using WordPress theme so it’s not possible to upload photos to comments. But you can send me a pic via email tiana@tianascloset.com. I will put it in the post 😀
would this work if I used felt for the filter so it can be wash
Your pattern is good but your direction are terrible. It’s like trying to do something with a mirror. Instead of sewing them with the wrong sides together, it would have been more helpful to use a different fabric for the lining so we could follow along knowing which side was which.
I know it’s difficult to see for some, that was a really quick tutorial made in just 15 minutes, and I will make a better one (maybe video) in a few days. Just follow the steps with fabrics in your hands, you will see that it’s much easier. You know many people think that this tutorial is good enough.
It is great! Thank you!!!
Very clear instructions, thank you. I have just made three…
I had no problem with directions. You clearly explained what you were doing and this is a beginner project. Also, I’ve made 3 styles of masks and this is my favorite. I’ll be making more for me and my 87 year old mother. Thanks so much!!!
I think your pattern and directions are terrific! Thank you so much! My sister suggested using twisty ties for the nose metal piece. I wonder what you think? Any directions on how to add this and where to put it would be helpful. I think we have been wearing them upside down 🙃
Hello Susan! I have used twisty ties and pipe cleaners and other forms of soft metal to hold that piece to the bridge of our nose. All you need to do is sew about an 1/8 to a 1/4 inch seam, after you pull the pattern inside out, insert the pipe cleaner or twit ties and sew another 1/4 inseam to hold it in place.
I hope that made sense.
Your pattern is excellent and the directions all made sense. The photos were extremely helpful. I’m not a very experienced sewist, but thanks to your directions, our masks came out great. Thanks especially for the kid sizes! There are plenty of patterns out there, including the ones you have provided, for people who can’t make sense of these directions. You are doing us all a huge service-thank you!
I don’t think your directions are terrible! I agree that it would be easier to follow with two different fabrics. But thanks so much for all the great photos and explanations!
How long is the elastic for the kid pattern? Also do you think it would fit about any 4-8 yr old?
thankful for this instructions. We need to refrain from the negativities. Tiana was nice enough to share this pattern and maybe difficult to some to follow but she took the effort. Let’s try not to criticize. Peace!
Thank you kindly for sharing the patterns and the “how to” in order for me to make a mask, greatly appreciated.
Take Care,
Terry
You are very rude. This lady is trying to do something nice and all you can do is write something nasty? Shame on you!
Thank you so much for these great patterns! I just finished my first round (40 of about 200 I’m making). Very kind of you to share. Be well!
I think almost everyone would be able to follow the directions.i found them very easy and straight forward.
Thanks For the patterns! However I think closer to the truth is that women all over the world are making masks, making them beautiful, ecologically responsible, weaving us into a world run by women, the Divine Feminine, the Mother is here. There are some great Facebook mask posts!
It’s not only women that are making these masks. Males are also sewing them including myself !
I beg your pardon, I a man and I am making masks too! Don’t toot your horn to loud. Gees look around.
Thank you for making your post easy to upload and print the pattern! Stay safe and thank you again!
What kind of material do we use for these masks? I have pieces of polyester/cotton, cotton….I don’t even know what kinds I have. I have been m a.c king kuspaks for years. I know I have a heavier material I have used for men,’s kuspaks. I have flannel pieces.
Actually fabric face mask can be made with almost any kind of fabric you can get your hands on. However, it is recommended that you use antimicrobial fabrics, or tightly woven fabrics (for example quilting fabrics) for better protection.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful pattern! It is much faster than the rectangular ones and fits better too! See a few of the masks I made for friends and family on my Instagram @klkestrel
Did you all know that to make them more effective you can spray them with citric acid or lemon juice? It kills the virus on contact . It is the active ingredient in the Glaxo-klein S. N-95 masks. That is why they have an expiration date. THanks for the pattern. I am excited to make some.
Betty, GSK uses more than citric acid! Please! Spraying with that won’t do much people, but as Tiana said, wearing a mask is better than none. Thanks for your patterns Tiana, I’ll be making some too.
I’ve tried many masks, this is THE best one!!! Fits well and it’s easy to breath through!!
Thank you for uploading this pattern…was nice and easy and I think effective too!!
I’m travelling soon…hopefully…and this could be very handy as masks are impossible to get at the moment! Thanks again 👌👌
is there a specific fabric we need to use
Normally masks are made up from 2, 3 or 4 layers. If you want your masks to be more affective, you should look for non woven antibacterial fabric and make it the middle layer for the mask.
Where would I find Antibacterial fabric at? Is it easy to purchase at a local store such as Micheals/Joanne Fabric or Walmart?
Someone mentioned in previous comments that Wazoodle fabrics has antimicrobial fabric for sale. You need to check it out because I do not live in the US.
You can use a HEPA vacum cleaner bag as an insert to help filter out the bad jujus. I have used 3M air filters for your house from walmart. They have different filters the MERCK 13 is what you want because it filters viruses. But anything is better than nothing.
There are new concerns about using vacuum bags due to reduced breath ability and possible chemicals in the bags that would be harmful to breathe for long periods
Vacuum cleaner bag material is not recommended as you can’t breathe through it.
don’t the 3M air filters have fibreglass in them . Are these the ones for furnaces?
Just wondering thanks
I found this:
Peter Tsai, the materials scientist who invented the electrostatic charging technology that N95 masks — the highest-quality medical masks on the market — rely on, also believes that homemade masks are an important part of the United States’ battle against the coronavirus. He offered another material for DIY mask makers to consider: nonwoven fabrics. Not all nonwoven fabrics are ideal for masks. Wet wipes are made of nonwoven fabric but are too porous, Tsai said. Vacuum bags are also generally made of nonwoven fabric but are not breathable.
Tsai recommended using car shop towels as mask material. The towels, available in rolls and often blue in color, would do a better job of filtering droplets than cloth, he said. The material is “very strong,” he said. “And it can be washed with soap and water and reused.” There are YouTube videos that offer tutorials on using this material.
I used a featherweight interfacing [interfacing is nonwoven] as the middle of 3 layers [woven cute cotton for outside, middle interfacing, lining t-shirt material] and I think it is just fine. From what I have read, this is a great combo as far as the handmade masks go. If covid gets through the woven, the nonwoven may stop it and the interlocking knit will get even more. You are awesome for providing us these patterns!!!
This meets the CDC N95 requirement? Where did you get the protective middle fabric?
This is only a pattern for you to sew the masks in case you cannot find one in pharmacies or supermarkets, you know people are stocking up on masks. I am from Vietnam, there are companies manufacturing the non-woven antibacterial fabrics for the masks. I don’t know where you can find this kind of fabric in the US.
Thank you kindly for sharing the patterns and the “how to” in order for me to make a mask, greatly appreciated.
Take Care,
Terry
I just bought some fabric from a company called wazoodle fabrics. They have the middle layer fabric. I bought Zorb3D Bamboo Dimple Heavy Duty Antimicrobial Silver Fabric with Silvadur.
They have temporarily stopped taking retail orders 🙁
“”A surgical mask is a loose-fitting, disposable device that creates a physical barrier between the mouth and nose of the wearer””
Basically virus’s spread by touching your hands around your face and nose.
They shouldnt be loose.
Vacuum cleaner bag materials work well.
For a inside liner?
I read that vacuum bags may have ground glass particles in them – not to use them…
You may request a Material Safety Data Sheet on vacuum cleaner bags and furnace filters. The better, name brand filters do not have Fiberglas. This is revealed in the MSDS.
I use the 3M elite furnace filters, which although not tested in a face mask, is fairly safe to use, especially When covered with w close woven, non toxic fabric. I am a chemical engineer with decades of experience working on air filtration. Just sharing in case it helps.
Merv 13 is not necessary used for the entire fitted mask. Merv 8 is easier to breath thru and less stressful to the user.
Thank you for your comment. Can I put it in the post so that everyone can see this?
Hoover will not acknowledge what materials they use in their vacuum bags, nor recommend you use their products for face masks. They say there’s no SDS forms available on them, and yes, many vacuum and furnace filters contain fiberglass.
I’m not sure how to sew it.
Hello, please see the post again. I added sewing tutorial for you.
Love,
Tiana
Thank you Tina, I’ll make mask with felt as inner fabric until i can find the antibacterial fabric. I am a nurse making mask for other nurses.
You’re wonderful.
Sandy
sewing tutorial?
I added the tutorial in the post. Hope that will help you and other nurses. You are very brave fighting this pandemic.
Hello! Can you please share the pdf file with me? I do not have a Facebook account to open the pdf linked above. Thank you!
The file is uploaded directly to my website so it’s not linked to Facebook. You can find the download link in the post. All the best!
I didn’t think felt could be washed over and over without falling apart. How has the felt worked out?
What’s the elastic measure at
It’s about 25cm/10in, and you can adjust as you go.
Flannel makes a decent filter and can be removed and replaced easily.
Hi Tiana, thank you for posting this fabulous pattern, can you also suggest at a guess what length of elastic do you use for your masks. I’ll be making and sending to family interstate so it would be a guess using my face. 🙂
I cut 22cm/9.5in of elastic bands. You can adjust when tying them. They are elastic so you don’t need to be too specific.
What length of elastic do you suggest for a child’s mask? Thank you so much
You can always adjust the length ò elastic because it is inserted through the tube. I often cut 18cm for my 3 years old
Hi Tiana, Thank you so much for these patterns I will start making this afternoon, just noticed the comment for the length of elastic. Great. it is going to be a long winter here in
Australia. Take care.
Lynne
hi, thank you so much for your time to work on the pattern and instructions.
may I share the link with people in my country Japan? there are lots of people in need
as masks have been in short for long time.
Yes, I am happy to be able to help. All the best!
Hello,
We export 3 layer corona virus masks to the whole world.
Our masks are certified and guaranteed.
We can ship to many countries of the world. Especially
the People’s Republic of China and all other countries.
Iran, Arabia, Russia, America, İtaly, Greece, Ukraine,
Japan, Germany and the whole world.
Please contact us and indicate how many products you would like to buy.
http://www.maskcoronavirus.net
Thank You
Thank you!
I asked my seamstress to make a bunch of these for my family.
I translated the whole tutorial into Italian (I live in northern Italy) and printed it out with the photos. She got it done in one day, and they’re great!!
Wish I could add a photo of our finished face masks for you but… 🤷🏻♀️
I’ve shared the link to your tutorial with my friends in the US. ❤️
Thank you!
I am happy to know that I can help. God bless you all!
This pattern is to small for the average American male. I suggest enlarging the pattern by 120% to get it to fit.
Thank you for your suggestion. I added your comment to the post and will update the pattern soon.
Thank you https://tianascloset.com for informing us!
The world is having a hard time with this pandemic.
However, there is hope, a guide that will be useful: http://bit.ly/coronavirus-survival-guide
Good health to all!
Hi Tiana,
I have downloaded the mask patterns.
Thank you so very much for sharing the pattern with us.
Best regards,
Maria S.
Tina,
Thank you so much for posting this mask. I have tried a few others. I like yours the best. I don’t have a printer to print out the templates. It would be helpful to post the inches of the pattern. I saw that you had some written on your template. Didn’t quite understand that. It doesn’t come out right on a measuring tape. I have eye balled your pattern hopefully it comes out right. Thanks again.
Hi Marcia,
All numbers are in centimeters. You can divide them by 2.5 to get the measurements in inches.
Multiply by 2.5; not divide.
I guess you are mixing conversion between centimeter to inches with conversion between inches to centimeters. If you multiply 16 centimeters by 2.5, then you will get 40 – and 40 inches cannot be the size of a mask.
I don’t have a printer either, I zoomed the pattern on my screen to make sure the test Square was the right size then just put paper over the screen and traced to out.
I found a tutorial on how to make a pattern for this type of mask. Draw a 14 cm vertical line down the left side of a piece of pattern paper (any sturdy paper will work.) Now find the center of the 14 cm vertical line and mark it in the center of this line. Now go up 3.5 cm place a mark from the center and down 3.5 cm and make a mark from the center. Now go up another 2.5 cm from the 3.5 cm mark and make a mark and go down 2.5 cm from the bottom 3.5 cm mark there. Next, draw a 10.5 cm horizontal line starting at the center of the vertical line. Next, draw a horizontal 9 cm line from the top mark you made when you added the 2.5 cm mark. Draw a 7 cm horizontal from the lowest mark you made on the vertical line when you went down 2.5 cm. Now you are ready to draw a curved line from the end of the 9 cm horizontal line back toward the vertical line at the 3.5 cm mark at the top. Now draw a curved line from the end of 7 cm line up to the bottom 3.5 marks on the vertical line. Now draw a line from the 9 cm horizontal endpoint to the 10.5 cm horizontal end to the 7 cm line at the bottom. Slightly curve this line. Now cut the pattern out 5mm away from the line for the sewing edge. Use a triangular ruler. Hope this helps. jf
Wazoodle is a company that I originally looked at to make incontinence products. they have antimicrobial fabrics and pul (waterproof) fabrics. They have a large selection and some colors. They are also giving preference for people making masks.
Thank you.
I have saved these instructions in case I need them. I don’t intend to leave the house for awhile, but, you never know…
Thank you for posting this pattern. You are helping the world.
Thank you for the pattern. Do you just use knit fabric to make these or just cotton. Wondering what kind of fabric people are finding have the best results.
This mask can be made with many kinds of fabric. My friends made it with non woven, cotton, knit, even jeans and suede.
Hi Tiana! I just wanted to say thank you so so much for making your pattern available for free! I am a healthcare worker and I am told our hospital will very likely be running out of surgical masks in the next few weeks. I have reached out to my community and so many people have volunteered to make masks for my hospital with your pattern! It is so great to see the community come together to help protect our front-line healthcare providers. Anyway, I just wanted to say that all of this started with you by making your pattern available for free. Thank you again!
Thank you Joy. I am really happy to know I can help!
Stay safe!
Marvelous, what a weblog it is! This blog gives helpful
data to us, keep it up.
CALLING ALL SEWERS!
MAKE THIS BY THE DOZENS AND EVEN HUNDREDS AND DROP OFF AT YOUR LOCAL HOSPITAL. It’s NOT AS GOOD AS THE SAFETY FACEMASKS BUT IT IS SO MUCH BETTER THAN NOTHING.
Thank you for this! My brother is always overly cautious, and since he is working retail, I am going to make these for him. What kind of fabric did you use? Do you think quilting cotton would work?
You can make it with almost any kind of fabric, and if you can, find a piece of antimicrobial fabric for better protection. I saw someone mentioned the company manufacturing this kind of fabric in previous comments.
How long do you cut the two elastic pieces? Thank you!
Great minds…I was about to ask the same. 🙂
I just found in…about 9.5 in and adjust as you go. Thanks!
Thank you and stay safe.
Would the kids mask fit a 3 year old? If I need to downsize the kids pattern , do you mind telling me the easiest way to do that? Please! And thank you!
Hi Tiana,
Thank you so much for posting this, it is very kind of you to share.
Stay safe x
Would a dryer sheet work for the filter layer?
I have the exact same question. Only a used dryer sheet. It is like interfacing, right?
PLEASE DO NOT USE DRYER SHEETS AS A FILTER!!! Even if they are dry, they may contain up to 9 toxic chemicals such as ammonia that can actually be more dangerous than the virus. As a nurse I am very greatfull for all the help, but please do not use any material that could contain toxic materials. If in doubt, look up the ingredients listed by the manufacturer.
Thank you so much for this pattern!! I love the fact that I can use knit fabric–thinking of putting some wire in the nose section of the mask.
I was wondering if warm and natural cotton batting would be okay to use as filter?
Thank you so much for this pattern!! I love the fact that I can use knit fabric–thinking of putting some wire in the nose section of the mask, and I’ll be using iron in non-woven interfacing.
I just wanted to thank-you so much for the pattern.
May God bless you and keep you and your family safe.
Proud of you baby
Thank you so much. I am going to start making these today and gift them to as many people as possible.Starting with the care home my son with special needs lives in, where the staff are giving 150% above and beyond to ensure the security, health and safety of the residents.
At the same time I wil share your link and ask others to do the same. Your kind sharing has reached people all over the world and gives us a way of focusing on showing love for others by making something pretty and practical .As comment above I am adding some wire for people to be able to adjust the nose and will make the inner with a pocket so they can add a filter if they wish. Bless you and stay safe xxx
Marie,
It’s very kind of you to make and give. Stay safe!
Hi! This tutorial is wonderful, thank you! Is ok if I post this and link to it in Instagram?
Thanks, Erin
Yes, you can. I made it to share to as many people as possible.
Thank you so much Tiana for taking the time to share your pattern. I have been experimenting with different patterns I have found online and yours is the best. I specially appreciate that there are different sizes.
Good luck and good health to you,
Jenny
Thank you so much for being so generous to give this. I have tried a few different patterns found online, but this one fits like a glove on the face. I’ve made about 6 or 8 so far. I am adding an extra layer of my sew-in lightweight embroidery stabilizer in hopes of providing extra protection (I am just using what I have on hand).
This pattern makes a comfortable mask with great coverage.
Thanks, again!
Hi there,
I like your pattern, haven’t made it yet- but I think I will very soon. Lots of people have been asking about the best fabric to make them with. I found this link helpful.
Thanks for your great pattern.
https://smartairfilters.com/en/blog/best-materials-make-diy-face-mask-virus/
The Cambridge study in the link https://smartairfilters.com/en/blog/best-materials-make-diy-face-mask-virus/?rel=1 concluded that making masks from cotton t-shirts or pillowcase material was the best. This takes into consideration not only the filtration effectiveness but also the breath ability, which is a very important factor. Spend time to review this link to convince yourself. This is indeed the best pattern design I have found for comfort and fit. I made some out of pre-washed T-shirts and they are really comfortable yet fits snug all around the face. Thank you Tiana for sharing!
Hello, Thank you for making this sewing project for Face masks for so may of us that need them and to help those that can’t sew! I am making them for the health care workers in an Elderly living facility. May I use your PDF for the use of my Blog for others to be able to use your pattern? It is much needed for others to make these for so many that cannot get face masks.
Thanks so much!
Blessings, Roxy
Yes, you can share my post on your blog. I am happy that more and more people are sewing and sharing the masks from my pattern.
Stay safe!
Nice job, good tutorial! However, there’s no need to sew down the middle after joining the front and back sections, it creates a possible air leak through the needle holes. And it adds one more step, important if you’re making a bunch of these.
Add a layer of highest quality furnace filter material in the middle, Filtrete 2800 for example, and it’ll be almost as good as a surgical mask.
Good morning, Tiana.
We would like to use your face mask pattern for our youth STEM program: http://www.AlienCSI.com. Please let us know if this is okay with you, obviously we will provide an acknowledgement and a link to your website.
Yes, you definitely can. All the best!
I truly appreciate your kind contribution to fighting this virus. Now I can make the masks for my entire family. It also looks like a great fit! 👍🏽❤️👍🏽
Thanks for posting.
Would iron on interfacing work as an effective barrier?
Thanks a lot for posting the pattern , can i ask for the link of the male face mask pattern ,am planning to sew face mask using the new pattern, i am planning to make for the other front liners, i tried sewing the adult size it fits just right i want to try the updated pattern before i will do the final sewing for giveaways.God Bless..
Hello, I updated the file in the post. It now has one more page with pattern for larger male face. You can download the file again. The original two patterns for female and kids are the same.
Thanks a lot … i was able to download it…Keep Safe…God Bless😀
Thank you so much for the pattern, it fits really well and is easy to make. We made a bunch for the nursing home employees we work in.
Thank you for sharing!
I DOWNLOADED THE PDF FORM BUT IM NOT ABLE TO PRINT IT OUT.
Thank you so much for sharing your pattern. The time and effort you put into this post is really appreciated. I’m grateful for your kindness!
Stay safe.
If you have no access to buy materials a really good option is using either canvas or jean material for the outside as the weave is very tight with a cotton lining inside, its best if you boil them for ten minutes to sterilize vs the five.
Tiana,
I don’t know where you are located, but I am writing to you from Boston Massachusetts, USA. Thank you so much for your face mask pattern. I made my first one this morning, and it was quick and easy! What a great pattern! I plan to make more for my family, and hopefully I can give some to my friends who are doctors and health care workers – there are not enough masks at hospitals here right now, which is shameful. Many, many thanks. You are making the world a better place.
Kathy
Tiana,
Thanks so much for this pattern. I had tried several other patterns but yours is the first that would fit my husband, an American physician. He and I are very grateful!
Deborah
Thank you Tiana,
Stay safe.
The man’s size is the great, and this is the *best* pattern (I’ve tried a few). Thank you! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZtEX2-n2Hc
Thanks for your pattern. I hv been sampling quite a few. I like your for coverage and fit. I made a couple modifications like leaving one side open to insert a filter. Also adding a nose wire for a tighter nose bridge. I am making these for my friends and Seniors here in SCV
Tried many times to print form the pdf but was never successful. Printer otherwise printing fine.
I searched for info on incorporating cotton batting into masks.
And here I see the question brushed aside twice.
Makes me wonder if anyone knows what a mask is supposed to accomplish.
Well, except for asked the question.
Hi Tiana, thank you sew much for your face mask patterns. Right now I have 14 masks complete or partially complete. Most are different, different strokes for different folks.
I am a pretty good seamstress but sometimes/often I need a prompt on what goes next. Would it be possible to write up the instructions without all the pics. The pics make the instructions so many pages a can’t afford to print them, but I like to keep instructions with the pattern. Please. It is so frustrating to have to look up the tutorial after I have completed each step. Thanks again
Thank you, what measurement do you cut the elastic?
25cm/10in elastic or just strip cut from an old T shirt, and you can adjust as you go.
Is light weight pellon a good filter to use in the masks?
Great and an informative article!
Best regards,
Abildgaard Schneider
Hi Tiana, I don’t have a sewing machine so I hand stitched one for my husband and it’s a hit! I used a patterned bandanna, a lightweight inner fabric & white fabric and used black elastic hair ties to wrap around the ear. I will hand stitch one for myself today. Thank you for providing the pattern and instructions to your face mask.
Thanks tina the free pattern it was easy to follow. Thank you
I am having serious difficulty and find the directions confusing. the pattern is great but the directions???? Help please
Sorry I posted on the wrong mask pattern. This is the pattern I used for my frontline daughter (ARNP in urgent care). Modified with darts and twisty ties for nose because her face is so small. Thank you
Sincere thanks for this pattern. I am grateful for your having kept all the ads to one side instead of letting them put them all throughout the main article.
I emailed you the pictures of the ones I made, super easy
I really likek that you are offering this mask pattern and I know your heart is in the right place. But please consider altering how you describe the benefit of a mask. The title above is misleading and I am sure you did not intend it to be. A home-made fabric mask does not protect ME from breathing in the tiny tiny coronavirus. What the mask does is protect YOU. Because I wear a mask, you will not get droplets from my breathing, coughing or sneezing. Now, if you wear a mask – you are protecting me from your droplets. So if we all wear masks, we are protecting each other. Win-win! Thank you.
Thank you so much for this pattern. I have been making for our senior population. They are so grateful.😊
Thanks for sharing your pattern, I like your tutorial, it is very easy to follow.
You may wish to add how long the elastic loop should be cut
Thank you for dong this up, I’m making up some from what supplies I have to help out family and friends that need them
I’ve used 4 different patterns and this is my favorite by far! It’s the simplest to follow and best fitting. Also, it is easily made reversible if you tuck the ends inside and top stitch, rather than folding over. I wish I could post a picture here. Thank you, Tiana!
Hi Kay Bee can you please tell me, did she sew a flat felled seam also for the inside piece of material, to me it looks as tho she hasn’t. Thank you in advance Christine DiCarlo
No, I did not think it’s neccesary to sew flat felled seam for either the inside or the outside. The flat felled seam is just for better look.
Thanks honey for the fabulous pattern and instructions! Wish I could send you a picture. I’ve made only 3, but will do more!
We made about 30 of these today for family, friends and coworkers. We used a cotton batting, the same we used in our microwave potato bags and microwave bowls. They are still easy to breath through and offer a bit more filtering. Just sew it inside and it’s washable with the rest of the mask. We also ran out of elastic’s and couldn’t find it ANYWHERE. People began hoarding it the minute the CDC made the recommendation. So, we bought 45 inch shoe laces. One shoe lace per mask is perfect and easily replaceable if need be.
I’m sure you have heard this plenty of times, but THANK YOU SO MUCH! You put in the effort to making this available and give us a visual step through. So many people want to charge for this and I am grateful to have stumbled upon your site!
THANK YOU!!!
Thank you so much for the information. It was helpful as far as my not having to make a pattern on my own. I am curious though as to why there are two different lines. Is it for two different sizes? You are truly appreciated. Thank you so very much.
Just want express my appreciation for your contribution in helping your fellow beings, clearly this world pandemic is taking its toll on everyone. Thank you for your willingness to sharing your pattern and tutorial with us all my god bless your sweet efforts be safe and healthy
Thank you! I’m a beginner sewer so a video tutorial would b so helpful!!! Xo
Tiana,
Thank you for sharing your talent and the mask pattern. Please know that many are so thankful that you so willingly shared so that we can sew these masks to help flatten the Covid 19 curve. I guess there are people who are classless, rude, and perhaps selfish. Thankfully there’s more people like you Tiana, and together we will make the world a healthier, happier and peaceful place.
Can you please tell me, did you also do a flat felled seam on the inside piece of material ?
Thank you for your tutorials & patterns.
Just wanted to say thank you for this pattern! It is the best by far! I made some for my grandparents and myself and they fit perfect. Thanks again 🙂
Hi there
Thank you for the template. Appreciated!
South Africa
Hi Tiana!
Thank you so much for sharing your face mask pattern!
Thanks a million! I made 6 today for my family. We live in The Bahamas and like the rest of the world, we’re on lock down without access to purchase masks. Much appreciated. May God bless you
This is the third pattern I have tried, and it is the best. Thank you!
Thank you so much for this pattern. Even though it won’t stop something as small as the virus, it does stop the hand to face touching that we do so often without even knowing it. I just made 3 for my sons and daughter in law and they absolutely love them.
Love your face mask pattern. What age range does your “Kid” size face mask fit? I need to make one for a 3 year old.
Thank you so much for a wonderful pattern & instructions!!!
It’s for kids about 4-8 years old. If you want to sew for smaller kids, consider removing the seam allowance. I think you should try making one first.
Hey there! This is an amazing tutorial and bang on pattern that is ready to use without having to fuss about the measurements. I hardly know sewing but I tried anyways and it came out perfect. Perfectly fits like a glove!! I used a sports bra foam pad in the inside as a filter and it’s since it’s breathable, it was suffocating. Better caution than nothing inside. Thank you very much. I wanted to know if you are on Instagram, I would love to tag you on my recreation.
Thanks,
Sush.
Thank you for the patterns! I have made two so far. I didn’t have anything elastic, so I substituted a pair of athletic shoestrings. I sewed the shoestrings into the sides of the mask so they’d stay in place. With the shoestrings, the most comfortable place to tie the knot of the upper tie is not behind your head, but on top of it. Makes my dad look like he’s got a bow in his hair, which my mom finds adorable.
Thank you for this wonderful pattern & instructions. My daughter and I have been raiding my fabric stash to make masks for days now. We’ve found the topstitching to be unnecessary – they look and function great without it. Very appreciative of your efforts!
Thank you so much for your pattern!!! I added a nose wire and lengthened the sides a little to make it easier to slip an inner filter in. Your design fit my family the best (me, husband, and 2 little girls) after going through several other patterns that either slid off or pressed up against our mouths or had big gaps. I really appreciate it! You have helped my peace of mind getting through this, and my family is a bit safer.
Thank you so much for this! I’ve been looking for a comfortable face mask that is easy to sew and this is it! I tried a different kind and it was really confusing and fussy to make. Thanks to you I’m well on my way to sewing masks for my whole family!
Hi! On the pattern, the kid’s and women’s mask are the same size, is that done on purpose?
No, the pattern for kid’s mask is smaller than women’s. I don’t know why you see it same size with women’s.
This is great!!! I’m actually using your patterns to make masks for my roomates and people at hospitals! Since I have little experience using a sweing machine, I find you video very easy to follow, because the instructions are pretty clear. Thank you so much for helping others to help others too!!!
Thank you, Tiana, for sharing this pattern and the various tips! I’m not much of a seamstress, but these are working out very well for me! I made a couple of adjustments that might serve other people well — I wear glasses, so I really need to mold the nose to my face so I don’t fog up my glasses all the time. I found that I could sew in 1/2 of the tin tie used to close coffee bags and that really helped! Also, there’s no elastic to be found now, so I lengthened the side pieces so that they get closer to the ear and use whatever I can find to wrap around the ear (ribbon, shoelaces, whatever). I then use a safety pin to create the “pocket” for the ear piece – that way, they can custom fit the mask by just lengthening or shortening the side pieces of the mask. Yay! Thanks so much for your patterns and tutorial!
Thank you for your kind words, Kim. If you still need elastic, cou can find some here: https://youcansewit.com/product/2-5mm-wide-soft-round-elastic/
My son and I have made and given over 300 of these masks to people in at least 6 states. Thank you so much for the very simple design and excellent instructions. I used thin hair ties for elastic and it’s been perfect. Your kindness is felt throughout the world. Thank you from my home to yours!!
Thank you for your pattern!
I’m adding a small piece of soft wire over the nose. While the mask is inside out with the front and back sewn together, I put the wire between the seam, zigzagging it into place. When the mask is right side out I sew a topstitch under the nose area to keep the wire from shifting. The soft wire is a nose band that can be pressed close to the skin for a snug fit. (These masks have gone through the washer and dryer over and over again. The wire is easy to bend back into shape.)
I don’t have any elastic so I’ve cut 1-inch strips of t-shirt material, pulled the strip to curl the material and then cut the curled strip into 6.5-inch lengths for ear loops. Instead of folding the sides, I’m inserting the loop ends inside the mask before topstitching the sides shut.
Thanks again!
I have been making these non-stop for a while now and everyone comments on how comfortable they are and that they prefer mine to every other kind out there. Thank you so much for posting this wonderful pattern!
Great directions. Making my first one tonight.
Thank you so much for sharing your pattern. I started by making masks from this pattern for relatives and friends. They all tell me how comfortable the mask is and are so appreciative. Now I have turned to making masks to donate to the Senior Care Volunteer Network in our area. They match seniors with volunteers who can drive them to doctor appointments, help with home maintenance, etc. As masks are now required to be worn in Illinois there is a real need among our vulnerable seniors who don’t know where to get masks (I doubt the majority use Etsy or such). So grateful that you chose to share your pattern at no charge. This is a time to rally together and work for the common good. Your posting this free pattern is a shining example of that. Blessings to you.
Dear Tina,
Thank you so much for your kind words. I am happy to know that I can help!
Stay safe.
Thank you for the pattern and instructions! I just made two of the women’s size pocket mask. I did make a slight adjustment, which you may want to consider as an alternate plan. The elastic I used was hair ties, so I made the elastic seam area extend basically to the edge of the page (I just did it on the fly, but I’m going to reprint now to cut out like that so I can make more in other patterns). That way the fabric goes basically to the ear, and then the hair ties just sit around the ear, and don’t pull at all. This way I made it all from scrap fabric I had from previous attempt to learn how to sew, and hair ties I had just sitting around because I recently bought a couple packs of them and then cut off pretty much all my hair. The pocket size pattern I cut as-is, so I had 3 extended length and one pocket length, so then I had a nice space of pocket past where I folded around the hair tie.
Thanks for the YouTube video:
How to make the best Fitted face mask with pocket – Tiana’s Closet!!!
[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UdZ_AYJiaw&w=640&h=360]
Thank you so much for the pattern all my family love them I have made 30 thus far we are a big family and that is just my spouse and I and our grown children and their families.
I am a beginner at first it was hard and learned my lesson fast with a seam ripper. But now I am able to lay out, cut and sew with ease.
I am very grateful for you sharing your skills and patterns.
Warmest of regards, Keep safe and God Bless you!
Thank you for your heartwarming comment. I am so happy that I can help
Hi, thanks for the printable patterns and your will of sharing with the public your sewing knowledge.
Thank you I think your pages on masks are the best I have seen on the internet 🙂
Hello Tiana, Thank you for making your patterns for masks available to all and for spending your time to make a video as well. Simply brilliant! I stink at sewing and I was able to make these masks for my family. Thank you for all that you do. Be well and be safe. Gratitude and love, Bonnie
P.S. The pattern sizing for our face shape was spot on.
I love you pattern….but I found that the women’s is the same size as the kids so they fit snug
Thanks for the pattern, the large is perfect for men, the child size fits my 4 year old perfect, but the adult size is too small, so I used the inside lines for the large, to make medium size ones. I don’t do any of the extra cuts, or outside sewing, I just sew the insides, turn it inside out and iron it. I line mine with t-shirt material, because it’s softer on the face, and use t-shirt stripes as elastic, as they are stretchy, but a lot softer then elastic, also cheaper, and I leave then tied in a loop so people can adjust them to their own face/comfort.
Thank you so much for sharing. These are great patterns and the photo tutorial excellent and very easy to follow.
hello. i”m trying to open the file on photoshop but it’s asking for a password. may I know the password pls? thanks and keep safe!!! <3
Hi, because of copyright reason, I am sorry I cannot share with you the password to open the file in pdf editing softwares. Please use pdf readers to open it. Thank you!
Is there any way to make this mask without a center seam?
Thank you thank you- I’ve made well over 200 with your patterns–and love the filter pocket. You have shared your GIFT so that we can (“pass it on”) SHARE too.
With Grateful appreciation,
Patt
Hi there, this pattern was shared by a friend who has made close to 1000 of them! One question- how much fabric is needed to make one mask? 1/4 yd? 1/3 yd? I didn’t see any indication in the tutorial and want to know before I purchase fabric. Thanks!
Thank you for the free pattern. It would be great if you also had a pdf type instructions to go with it. I like to have written directions to go back to in case I have questions.
Today 8/27/2020 I saw an employee at JoAnn’s Fabrics; Annapolis, Maryland US wearing yours mask pattern. I like the extra breathing room of her mask, so I asked where she got her pattern. She was sent me to your site.
I was looking for a pattern with more fabric in the front near the nose, Pattern with smaller sides, that will not gap away from the face on the sides.
I make my mask reversible with no casting, Two pieces of cotton fabric and a layer of Polypropylene for a filter.
I need a pattern with less fabric on the sides. I will try your pattern tomorrow.
I use a longer piece of elastic and add a Cord Lock to the end of the elastic loop.
JoAnn’s fabrics have a pattern for a Mask Lanyard that I attached to the elastic loop, the mask hangs around my neck while I am driving.
Dollar Tree have an Eyeglass Lanyard that I added a Lanyard hook to both ends ,M
much easier and cheaper than stringing beads.
Lanyard Hooks can be purchased from( United Art and Education Site, in USA.
Thank You for the pattern
Thank you so much for this pattern! It was the fourth different pattern I’ve tried and the first one that my very particular teenager actually proclaimed acceptable for fit and comfort.
Some N-95 mask is ban in India, but the cotton mask is very good for health and also reuse.
I also think to sell Mask in the market. will keep the idea from your blog, and show these images and articles to my tailor.
Thanks,
Thank you so much Tiana. I have been sewing your mask pattern for 14 months now, and probably have provided 2000 free masks to anyone who needed one. I am sure that your pattern has saved at least one life, if not many, in the past year. Your generosity is amazing.
Thank you so much Tiana. I’ve tried many patterns, but yours is the best: it fits well, looks great, and most importantly, it’s very comfortable to wear and breath. I have made so many masks for friends and relatives, and they all have complimented me on how comfortable they are. You rock!
Thank you for such a great pattern and such clear instructions. This is my family’s face mask of choice. It fits so well and keeps us safe. Thank you Tiana ….. from Australia 🙂