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DIY Face Mask Tutorial and Pattern

March 31, 2020 /

**SEE UPDATED FACE MASK TUTORIAL: (more options and an updated video) http://eatpraycreate.com/2020/06/updated-diy-fitted-face-mask-tutorial-pattern.html

I’ve been working for weeks to perfect a DIY Face Mask that will fit snug on the face (without gaps) and help protect against germs. You can print the PDF pattern HERE:

Printable FACE MASK PATTERNDownload

Printer settings for different sizes: (click printer options – print size and adjust the percentage based on the chart below).

  • 100% for Regular Adult Size
  • 110% for X-Large Adult Size
  • 93% for Teen Size
  • 88% for 10-14 year olds
  • 83% for 6-9 year olds
  • 78% for 3-5 year olds

Here’s what you’ll need:

Supplies:

  • 100% Cotton Fabric Scraps (Pre-washed and dried)
  • Wire Cutters
  • Scissors
  • Sewing Machine and Thread

NOTE: Cut Behind the Ears Elastic as follows: (these are approximate measurements, you can adjust to fit to your face by measuring before you cut)

  • Large Adult – 6″ each
  • Regular Adult – 5″ each
  • Teen – 4-1/2″ each – (if your teen is the size of a regular adult do 5″)
  • 10-14 year olds – 4-1/2″each
  • 6-9 year olds – 4″ each
  • 3-5 year olds – 4″ each

Here is a step-by-step tutorial on how to sew your masks:

If video doesn’t appear click youtube link to watch: https://youtu.be/5FCvj-7vlf0

How to add a Filter Pocket and Head Elastic:

https://youtu.be/-VOaPe1pWd0

NOTE: For Behind the Head Elastic – cut measurements as follows: (these are approximate measurements)

  • Large Adult Men’s – 15″ and 11″
  • Regular Adult – 14″ and 10″
  • Teen – 13-1/2″ and 9-1/2″
  • 10-14 year olds – 13″ and 9″
  • 6-9 year olds – 12-1/2″ and 8-1/2″
  • 3-5 year olds – 12″ and 8″
  • Masks are not recommended for children 2 and younger!

Instructions:

*Print Pattern – See link above.

*Cut pattern out.

*Trace pattern onto fabric. Cut 2 lining pieces and 2 outside pieces, opposite each other. You can also cut Non-woven interfacing to include in the pattern for more filtration.

*Cut Fabric out.

*Put right sides together of each set and sew along the front curved edge.

*Cut notches along the seam so it will lay flat when turned. Be careful not to clip the thread you just sewed.

(OPTIONAL) *FOR A FILTER POCKET: fold bottom section under twice (about 1/8”) and iron, then stitch in place from one end to the other. Repeat for both layers.

*Put the 2 pieces right sides together.

*Cut Elastic (see guide above for how long to cut elastic) – ear and head elastic options.

*Put elastic in between fabric layers. Clip or pin into place.

*Sew along outside edge of mask. Be sure to backstitch over elastic to secure. (Leave about a 3” gap for turning at the bottom.

*Cut pointy corners off and any excess elastic. Don’t clip any seam threads.

*Turn right side out. Push corners out.

*Iron Edges Flat.

* Clip or pin pleats in place along the sides of the mask (about ½” each side for regular size mask, smaller for other masks)

*Cut a 2” piece of wire for nose. I prefer the garden tie flexible wire. (See supplies for details)

*Using the wire as your guide…at the top of your mask sew to the left and right of where the wire will go.

*Place your wire inside the mask, pushing it all the way to the top, in between the 2 lines you just sewed.

*Begin sewing to the left of your wire and then continue along the edge of your mask until you get to the bottom. Leave about a 3” gap if you are adding a filter pocket, and then continue sewing around the mask until you get back to the nose area, where you started.

Congrats!! Your mask is complete!!

**Recommended washing after each use. Wash on warm and hang to dry (mask will last longer) or dry on low setting in dryer.

**It is NOT RECOMMENDED for children 2 and under to wear masks.

FAQs:

  • Kid sizes now listed above
  • Printable instructions are coming soon!
  • Seam Allowance is about 3/8″ I try to do as small as my machine will allow.
  • The pleat on the side is about 1″ total – 1/2″ on each side then laid down to sew. For larger size make it a little smaller, for kids sizes make it a little smaller as well.
  • Ignore the 1″ square on the pattern, that was for sizing purposes but print according to the percentage you need for the size mask you wish to make.
  • If you don’t have a printer try opening the pattern on your computer screen, brighten your screen and trace the pattern on a thin piece of paper. These are about how much distance is between each section of the pattern (for regular size):
    Top 5″ (including swoop)
    Top nose to chin 9″
    Chin to Jaw 3-1/2″
    Jaw to upper ear 4″
  • Removable Nose Wire Instructions are coming soon as well!!
  • 1 Adult mask takes about 1/4 yard of fabric.

Have any other questions please leave them in the comments. Happy Sewing!

*This is not a sponsored post. However, some links may be affiliate links where I earn a small commission if you purchase through my links at no added cost to you. Thanks for supporting my channel.

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Taya

Hi I'm Taya! A stay-at-home mother to 5 cuties. I love to craft, sew, blog and make fun things. I'm the creator of the 'Eat-Pray-Create' blog and I'm so glad you're here!

Latest posts by Taya (see all)

Hi I'm Taya! A stay-at-home mother to 5 cuties. I love to craft, sew, blog and make fun things. I'm the creator of the 'Eat-Pray-Create' blog and I'm so glad you're here!

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124 Comments

  • Elie

    April 12, 2020 at 9:38 am Reply

    Hi Tanya. Thanks so much for sharing the pattern for the face mask. Do you have one for kids too? I am looking at making a face mask for a 3 and 5 yr olds. Thanks.

    • Steph

      April 18, 2020 at 10:19 am Reply

      Hey Ellie,

      I am making masks for a 3 and 5 year old as well. I just reduced the size on my printer to 78% and made a copy of the original. It worked perfect!

      Thank you SO much Taya for this tutorial! I made some from another source but had the gap issue. I love your version! I also left a 2-3 inch gap at the bottom to insert a filter.
      This is awesome! Thank you again.
      Steph

      • Elle

        April 22, 2020 at 5:59 pm Reply

        This is the best fitting mask I’ve tested. Thank you so much for all your hard work creating this pattern and thank you even more for posting it! I have been making masks for all of my loved ones in need. Thank you thank you! ❤️❤️❤️

  • Brenda Swanger

    April 13, 2020 at 10:44 pm Reply

    I viewed your tutorial on Youtube. When I went back to Youtube to review there were no instruction . No instructions on your website either.

    • Taya

      April 15, 2020 at 6:02 pm Reply

      it is about 1 total inch, half inch on each side. If your making it for a man you can make it a little smaller and not as tight on the face.

      • JoAnn

        April 16, 2020 at 10:31 am Reply

        How much material needed for each mask ? Do you have the child’s mask size ready ? Are the step by step instructions ready ? Sorry to bum bard you with questions ♥️ Thank You 😊

  • Melinda LeBlanc

    April 16, 2020 at 12:20 pm Reply

    I made 2 masks and previous to this that were similar, they all moved when I tried to talk. This one stayed snug and left room for my jaw to move without moving the mask on my face. EXCELLENT! THANK YOU!

      • Sharon

        April 22, 2020 at 1:48 pm Reply

        Hi Taya
        I didnt see in my printer options where I can change te size to get the different sizes, is there any other way that I vout get the XL, and the different children sizes since my printer don’t have that option?
        Thank you soo much, I made the regular size and it firs perfect but want the XL for hubby and the different children sizes.
        ~Blessings~

  • Sharon

    April 16, 2020 at 7:23 pm Reply

    Hi Taya, Thank you soo much for blessing us with this video and copy of your mask,, I am looking forward to the one for children ages 5-15yrs old if possible.. I love your page Thanks again

  • Tania

    April 16, 2020 at 10:13 pm Reply

    Hi Taya,
    I just wanted to thank you for the pattern. I’m making two different types of masks, and this is the one my family prefers, for its comfort and snug fit. I appreciate your sharing it.
    Tania

  • Judy Snow

    April 17, 2020 at 5:31 am Reply

    I too would appreciate written instructions…..size of pleat and seam width etc. Thank you for your hard work. I want to try this. Looks like it should fit closely and think I will try putting a non-woven interfacing layer in it to help block pass through of the virus.

    • Taya

      April 19, 2020 at 8:14 am Reply

      Written instructions are in the works. The video should help. Pleat is about 1″ total (1/2″ on each side, and a little smaller for mens) SA about 3/8″ and interfacing does help!

  • jacqueline

    April 17, 2020 at 8:25 am Reply

    @ BARB
    I was a bit confused as well about the one inch or one foot? measurement. There is a little square drawn on the pattern. After you print out the template, measure that little square on the pattern. It should be just over an inch in size and then you know that you have printed the pattern in the right size. On the print screen there is usually a place to choose fill page or 100% depending on your printer.

    Taya, thank you for the mask pattern and great tutorial. It is one of the best I have seen so far and I am gonna give it a try today!

  • Jordan

    April 17, 2020 at 6:38 pm Reply

    Hello, any suggestions how to adapt the pattern for children? I have a two year old, four year old, and eight year old. Any guidance is greatly appreciated, including guidance on how to get a two year old to keep it on her face. 😛

  • Linda Tusler

    April 18, 2020 at 4:30 am Reply

    I am also having trouble downloading the pattern I’ve looked at so many and it figures this is the 1 I want and I can’t get it printed at the moment

  • Pam

    April 18, 2020 at 8:06 am Reply

    I’m not seeing the step by step tutorial for the face mask that is printable. Only able to print the pattern. How much smaller should this be for children. I need to make some for children that are not in my home so I don’t know sizes. Thanks

  • Susan

    April 18, 2020 at 11:18 am Reply

    Would love written instructions for your face mask! Also suggestions on how to add a pocket for HEPA filter to be inserted.

    Thanks So much

  • Joy McElroy

    April 18, 2020 at 12:03 pm Reply

    Hi, Taya! Thanks for the amazing pattern! I may have missed it, but what seam allowance do you sew these with? 1/4″? 1/2″? Thank you!! 🙂

  • Nancy

    April 18, 2020 at 12:54 pm Reply

    I made your adult mask. Loved your tutorial and pattern. Now I want to make some kid’s mask. I have a 7 year old, 6 year old and 3 year old. Do you have a pattern for them.
    Thank you!
    Nancy

  • Diane

    April 18, 2020 at 3:14 pm Reply

    Hi

    I’m just starting the mask. How much seam allowance is there? You seem to be going by the edge of your sewing machine foot but it’s larger than our old Singer sewing machine foot. 1/4 inch? 1/2 inch?

    Thank you!

  • BONNIE

    April 19, 2020 at 7:40 am Reply

    Hi Taya. Love the pattern want to make some face masks for my family. Waiting for the instructions to be finished. Thanks a lot.

  • Bubi

    April 22, 2020 at 8:06 am Reply

    This is the first mask I have made and it fits perfectly and is very comfortable. I am on my way to making more masks and want to thank you for the easy to follow pattern and instructions!

  • Donna

    April 23, 2020 at 9:55 am Reply

    Thank you for this pattern! I have been in mask production for 3 weeks. I have made 5 other patterns and this one is by far the absolute best for fit. I will soon be out of elastic so will adapt it for ties. One trick I wanted to share with you. When you start sewing the actual mask together, start at the raw edge of the fabric, sew into the seam line at a 45 degree angle then start sewing your seam. End the seam in the same manner a couple inches from the start and you will find the seam opening will naturally fold itself when you turn the mask.

  • Cheryl Vander Pol

    April 23, 2020 at 8:01 pm Reply

    I have made masks from at least 5 patterns and tried your mask pattern a few days ago when it popped up on YouTube. My husband absolutely loves the fit and comfort of yours best of any. AND it is the easiest also! 🙌 I used t shirt yarn since I can’t find elastic or hair ties anywhere. Held the 2 ends of yard together with a pony bead to tighten or loosen around the ears. Works so well. Thank you for sharing!

  • Carolyn

    April 23, 2020 at 11:19 pm Reply

    Thanks for the pattern. I have tried 3 other patterns and this is the best by far. I like the fit and it does not slide down my nose. I added a 6″ by 2″ pocket at the top of the lining so I can use a removable nose wire. Next I will try to use bias ties because I’m short on elastic. I can sew anything if I have a pattern but I’m lost when it comes to trying to design. Thanks for your knowledge and for sharing with those of us who do not have that gift. God bless you.

    • Angela

      May 27, 2020 at 12:20 pm Reply

      To print the instructions, all you have to do is highlight them, right click on your mouse, and in the box that appears one of the options should be print as long as your mouse cursor is pointed to the highlighted area. I did it and it worked like a charm.

  • LEH

    April 24, 2020 at 11:11 am Reply

    I have been making masks for friends and family for at least a month, and have tried at least 5 different mask patterns. This is the best fitting mask I have tried by far! Your tutorial is great, too. This will be my go-to mask pattern from now on. Thanks for the additional sizes, too.

  • Natalie Kenda

    April 24, 2020 at 12:11 pm Reply

    This pattern is AMAZING! I got so many compliments and people asking for the pattern. Nice Job, Taya! And THANK YOU!

  • Janet Tracy

    April 26, 2020 at 5:57 am Reply

    I have made several different types masks for myself and my family. Yours has fit the best. I really appreciate the better coverage. I increased the seam allowances just a tad to get a snugger fit. I will be making more.

    Thank You!!!!

    Janet

  • Louise Booth

    April 26, 2020 at 9:36 am Reply

    Bless you and thank you for doing these instructions! They mesh beautifully with the screen shots and video, and most of all, they make a perfect guide to use as a quick check list. Great mask. I’ve had to make the nose wire longer to keep my glasses from fogging up, but that’s the only change. And with the multi sized patterns I can make a great mask for my 3 year old grandson as well as his parents.

  • Rosalinda A Lopez

    May 16, 2020 at 9:10 am Reply

    My printer broke so i am wondering how you came of this pattern? Do you have the exact measurements i could have , i love this tutorial ? Please help !!!!

  • JD

    May 21, 2020 at 2:52 pm Reply

    Family loves these masks..into the 30’s on them. Still having perfected the filter pocket..hemming is not my strong suit for sure. Thank you again for the post.

  • Peggy Williams

    May 24, 2020 at 9:25 pm Reply

    I have made many different masks using different patterns. This is by far the best fitting mask! Thank you so much for sharing your talent…and pattern!

  • Joan A Pekrul

    May 25, 2020 at 4:01 pm Reply

    Hi Taya,
    I made the large size mask today and it is awesome. Great fit!! I’m wanting to make 2 smaller sizes, however on my printer options, I can not size up or down. I tried to use paint, but it is not compatible with a pdf. Do you have any suggestions? Thank you for any help you can give me. Thank you for sharing this wonderful pattern.

    Joan

  • CasSandra D Edinbyrd

    June 9, 2020 at 10:59 pm Reply

    This pattern is awesome. I made the first one and it was perfect. Thank you for remembering that one size mask does not fit all faces. Thank you so much for taking the time to share a variety of masks to make it easy to create a mask for all. May God continue to bless you and your family through these difficult times.

  • Robin White-Underwood

    June 17, 2020 at 3:50 pm Reply

    Hello. Your pattern looks great, and I like all the different sizes. Fortunately, my printer was able to print all the different sizes, so I will be able to make different sizes. Thank you for that.
    A suggestion for the nose wire: if we leave it in place for washing, a couple of things: wash on delicate in a lingerie (bra) bag to minimize bending and twisting the wire. I haven’t made one of your masks yet, so I don’t know if that will work.
    In an earlier comment, you said your wire will probably rust. What if you sealed the cut ends with something like Crazy Glue or hot glue? Again, I don’t know if that will work, but when I get started with your pattern, that is what I will do. I have made over 55 masks with a different pattern, and I think yours will fit better than the pattern I have been using, so my next batch of masks will be with your pattern.
    Final comment, or question, really: you asked that we don’t sell your pattern, and I totally agree with that! Would you mind if I sell masks made from your pattern? I would like to sell my masks to raise money to donate to a particular cause. If you do not want me to sell masks made for your pattern (I will give your website as the source of the pattern), I will honor that, and use another pattern to make masks to sell.
    Thank you for taking the time to read this.
    Robin

  • Barbara Nolan

    June 17, 2020 at 3:57 pm Reply

    Thanks for taking the time to prepare the written instructions. It was good to see I am not the only one who asked for them!

  • Birdy

    June 30, 2020 at 2:28 am Reply

    Hi, love this pattern, can’t wait to make some masks!
    If I’m making the mask at 100%, should the 1 inch square measure up at 1 inch? I’m just getting different sizes when trying to trace off of my computer screen!
    The distance I’m getting between each section of the pattern on 100% zoom is different to your measurements above for an adult mask too, so not sure what I’m doing wrong!
    Thanks! X

  • Robin White-Underwood

    July 17, 2020 at 11:04 am Reply

    Hello Taya,
    Thank you for your kind response. I would never sell your pattern! That is your work, and it would be terribly dishonest to sell your pattern as it it were mine. (Yes, I was a Girl Scout back in the 60s and 70s.)
    My plan was to use my small stash of silk fabric to make masks to sell for a particular reason (not for me), but silk is exceedingly difficult to work with, so that plan is out the window. I may still make cotton masks to sell, AFTER I make masks for my family, friends, distant relatives, neighbors, etc…. But always, always, I will tell folks that I got the pattern from your site.
    May you stay safe and healthy during these difficult times.
    Robin

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