My allergies have been incredible this year, and by that I mean that they have been worse than they have ever been. (Please, please, please do not suggest medical advice here. Much appreciated.) I see an allergy specialist who gives me 2 shots, 2-3 times a week to help with my symptoms. They have helped a lot; however, Juniper Ash (Cedar Fever!) here in Austin is 6 times worse than average this year, and boy oh boy, do I feel it. She suggested that I wear a face mask when I go outside to help reduce the amount of pollen that is going into my lungs and sinuses. After going to a few different stores to purchase some, I found that many other Austinites had already bought them out. No worries, right? I know how to sew. I will just make one. When I finished, I had many requests for a tutorial, so here you go:
Materials needed:
- 1 piece of fabric measuring 8” x 14”. Until you get familiar with this tutorial, I would suggest a non-directional print. One that has a scattered image printed on the surface such as the one shown.
- 2 strips of fabric measuring 1.75” (1 3/4”) x 6”. This will be the accent edge piece. It can be the same fabric as the main piece or a small-scale print or solid.
- Two pieces of 1/4” width elastic. These will be about 6 1/2” long.
- Ruler
- Fabric marking tool.
- Pins
- Scissors
- Sewing machine, threaded.
Fold the main piece of fabric in half, right sides together. Sew along the 8 inch width edge, using a 1/4 inch seam allowance.
Turn this tube shape inside out, so that the right side of the fabric is now on the outside. Press this flat, keeping the seam to one end of the flattened tube.
Place the tube of fabric so that the raw edges are on each side and the seam edge is at the bottom. Using a ruler, measure and mark a line 1 1/2 inches from the bottom edge. Make another line 1 inch above this line, or 2 1/2 inches from the seam edge. Don’t use a pencil as you see in the picture, use a fabric pen, or fabric chalk. I used a pencil for illustration purposes.
Fold the seam edge up (or down in this picture, as I turned it upside down…sorry) making the crease on the first line that you just marked. You should have 1 1/2 inch edge here.
Flip the tube piece over. Match the crease edge to the second line that you made earlier. Press. The pleat that you just created will be 1/2 inch deep. Pin the pleat down on each raw edge end.
Now you will mark the lines for the second pleat. Mark a line measuring 1/2” from the top crease of the last pleat, (or 2″ from the bottom seam edge). It was difficult to see the top of the crease in this picture, so look at the finger indicator above.
Now mark another line one inch above the last line that you made (or 3 inches above the seam edge). Using these lines as your guide, repeat the steps that you followed to make the first pleat.
You should now have two pleats, each one being 1/2 inch deep. Repeat the steps you used to make the second pleat, so that you end up with three pleats total. Press.
This is what your main piece should look like at this point.
Using a 1/8” seam allowance, baste stitch the raw edges.
Repeat this step so that both raw edges are basted as shown in the picture above.
Pin one elastic piece to the raw edge, making sure not to twist it before baste stitching it to the edge at both ends. I placed mine 1/8” from the top and bottom edge of the main pleated piece. Baste elastic in place 1/8” inch from raw edge. Repeat, to attach remaining elastic piece to the other raw edge.
Your pleated piece should now resemble the picture above.
Fold each accent strip of fabric lengthwise in half, matching raw edges, as shown in the picture above. Press.
Place the strip on top of the elastic. Make sure the raw edge is facing outward, and the creased edge is facing the main body of the pleated piece. It will be a little longer on the top and bottom and that is okay, as we are going to fold some of that to the back.
Tuck about 1/2” of the top edge to the back as shown in the picture above.
Pin all layers in place.
Trim the other end of the accent strip, so that it is about 1/2” longer than the bottom edge of the main pleated piece.
Fold the bottom edge of the accent fabric strip to the back, just as you did with the top edge.
Pin both ends in place.
Using a 1/4 inch seam allowance, stitch the length of the entire edge, making sure to back stitch at the beginning and end.
Open the the accent fabric strip seam by flipping it outward away from the main pleated piece, then press.
This is what the mask should look like if you flip it over.
fold the ENTIRE accent piece down toward the main pleated piece, encasing the raw seam. You will now see the accent piece on this side, but not at all on the flip side. Press. Pin edge down.
If you are a good sewist, you will change out your presser foot to a straight stitch foot. If you are lazy, like me, you will keep that 1/4″ presser foot on your machine and struggle your way through this next step. 😀 Stitch this accent strip down to the main body of the mask, sewing along the edge, making sure to back stitch at the beginning and end.
This step isn’t necessary. It just gives it a nice finished look, and helps to give that elastic a little extra stability. Stitch down the edge of the mask close to the elastic side.
The front of your mask should now resemble the above picture.
The back of your mask should look like this. Following the previous steps, attach the remaining accent fabric piece to the other end of the mask.
You should now have a reusable, washable mask that measures approximately 4″ x 7″ (unopened).
It took a few hours to put this free tutorial together for you. For this reason, I am greatly appreciative for any mentions that you can give me if you should use this tutorial. If you post a picture on social media, you can use the hashtag: #buttoncountermask. Feel free to share this page, and please tag me in your pictures so that I can see your beautiful creations. Last, I appreciate constructive criticism, so if you notice something that doesn’t look right, or does not make sense, bring it to my attention. I am happy to clarify any steps where you may have questions.
Enjoy!
P.S. Obviously, the elastic length can be adjusted to your facial measurements.
EDIT (March 24 2020): Because this tutorial has recently been used on a large scale, I will be adding a few things here as frequently asked and answered questions, suggestions, and reminders.
- This tutorial was happily shared by me over a year ago. This is not a new tutorial created in light of the current virus pandemic. I am not in charge, nor affiliated with any organization or entity requesting masks to be made. There are multiple organizations that are using this tutorial for their requests. If you have any question regarding what their requirements are, you really, really, really need to ask them. Please understand that I cannot and will not tell you what you should use, or how you should make your mask different from my tutorial.
- Keep in mind also that there are multiple entities that are using this tutorial for their requests. One entity may have completely different requests regarding features than another entity. (for example one organization is requesting a 4 layer mask, while another is fine with the two layer, as their thoughts are that they can be doubled up or used as a cover or liner to another kind of mask.) So, there is no correct or incorrect mask. Who are you making your mask for? Those are the people to whom you direct your questions.
- CHILD OR BABY MASK: After much thought, I have decided that it is in my best interest to NOT supply a mask tutorial for anyone other than an adult. One of my reasons for this is that I feel that a mask could pose as a choking hazard, and I do not want to have any part of that scenario. My suggestion is that you really should ask each individual child’s doctor or provider what their guidelines are, and go from there.
- I will not be held responsible for any mask misuse or malfunction.
- ELASTIC OR TIES? The main reason why my tutorial uses elastic is so I don’t have to tie it behind my head and mess up my hair. That’s it. So, if you are making the tutorial, and you don’t like the elastic, or if the person who you are making your mask for, requests ties; by all means put ties in yours. My pattern is very easily adapted to your preferences. There are organizations specifically asking for elastic, and some that are asking for ties only.
- ELASTIC LENGTH: I have read that a few of you recommend longer elastic; however, mine ended up being slightly loose. Therefore, I will not alter my pattern. I have stated in the tutorial that elastic length will need to vary due to the fact that human heads are not uniform (Thank goodness).
- I don’t have a PDF or printable version of my tutorial. If I decide to do that, I will; but it will be in my own time. I have received many hateful comments (that I deleted) demanding that I provide this. I need to remind those few sour apples that I am under zero obligation to do so. If my absolutely free visual tutorial isn’t to your liking, I invite you to go find one that makes you happy. If you are a person who often finds themselves using the words ”I need you to…”, you might fall into this category.
- I am completely honored that many of you are using my tutorial, or even certain aspects of it to help people in need. Even if you are using a completely different tutorial or pattern and just stopped by to check this one out, I applaud you for being a maker during this time. I cannot express enough how happy it makes me feel to see so many humans getting together to do something for the greater good. Please continue being that human. Those are the best ones.
I am signing off now to take care of my family, who needs me now more than ever. Thank you all for your kindness and understanding. God Bless.
Button Counter 
Has anyone been including care instructions with the masks you make? What are you saying about making them sanitary again after use?
If they are cotton, they can be washed, washed with bleach, or boiled.
Hi, my mom and twin sister both work in places that have few masks. I just wanted to say THANK YOU for the tutorial! I was asked to make 21 so my fingers are crossed that they turn out likes yours did! To the people who are leaving nasty comments about a printable version. I have a solution for you that involves being a nice person and not demanding something. Just copy and paste into a word document. It might take ads with it and if that’s true, just copy in sections.
Thank you for taking the time to make and share this awesome tutorial. God Bless 💕
I am overwhelmed with your generosity. My daughter stopped and got material and thread (they were out if interface and elastic) to make a mask. She works at Frederdt hospital in milwaukee wisconsin. We will definatley tell everyone hie great your personel was to her in Fond du lac wisconsin. Wish we could have gotten more to make more mask for the childrens hospital. We will keep making masks as ling as we need to. Thank you again from the bottom of our hearts. Stay safeand healthy
I found 1/4″ elastic in a cheap WalMart (or maybe it was Dollar General) fitted bed sheet! I’m making for a veterinary clinic to use while interacting with the public (totally understand “last resort”, but we are running out of masks. Since 1/4″ is hard to find right now, you can sacrifice a fitted bed sheet! (If this was already on comments, I apologize.)
If the bed sheet is cotton, bonus! Cut it up, too, and make masks.
Why not just use the bed sheet material to cut the masks out? A sheet would make a lot of masks. We are making them for the local hospital. Also bias tape works for the edges and ties.
What a good suggestion to make use of the bedsheet itself! A big “Duh!” to me.
Thank you for creating a wonder pattern that is so easy to follow. Making these for family members and instead of wearing a flowered Easter bonnet, I will be wearing a flowered mask.
Thank you so much.
Thank you so much for the terrific tutorial for the medical masks. I used up my bit of fabric and created 61 masks. I am sending them to my daughter-in-law who will begin administering the covid19 tests on Monday. Her job at Emory in Atlanta was PA in the surgical unit, but now she is reassigned as many in her hospital have. She said she will give them to her coworkers.
I used some colorful, playful fabrics, and because of the shortage of 1/4” elastic, I used colorful headbands I found in the Dollar Tree. They looked great with the fabrics, so I hope they make the recipients smile. I attached a note that read “you are our heroes. Thank you and stay well”.
I wanted to help in some way through this crisis, so I appreciated the instructions SO much.
Thanks for your effort, much appreciated.
Thank you for this pretty much idiot proof (for me!) tutorial! I got one of the kits from JoAnns, and, to say the least, the written instructions were very lacking! Yours are very clear, so thank you! I’ll have to drag my sewing machine out of the closet for this. I’ve been hand sewing a few other designs, but now I have to step up my game!
Thank you so much for the pictures!!! I have watched videos so I can attempt making some for the local nursing home. since I am new at this, the pictures serve as great reminders and visuals as to what I need to do. Again, thank you for your tutorial!!!
Thank you so much for posting this. Blessings to you for helping us all.
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Thank you so much for sharing Your mask tutorial. I have 3 daughters that are in the medical, child care & retail fields. I have adapted the mask to include layer of mid-weight interfacing for extra barrier. Also elastic has been hard to get, I cut & attached wide rubber bands in place of ties. Appreciate opinions.
I adore your pattern and thank you sincerely for putting it out there. I have been using another one that I found and used an iron on batting in it. I like them but can not wait to try yours. For people being negative – stop already or come up with your own.
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What a beautifully illustrated way you did this &it’s quite useful for even accomplished tailors in the pleat manner-I also-horrid virus aside-have my hay fever season rolling up&once my family of ER docs&nurse are fully covered-I’ll have this for my yardwork&vaccuming&won’t ask them for one as I have ea. Season
I think that tutorial is simply magnificent. Clear, concise and more importantly, quite accurate.
Thank you! The tutorial is very good. Stay safe!
This is so wonderful of you to create this and then give it to us. So needed – My question is – what is the measurement of the body after the pleats? Wondering if I did it correctly. Thank you and blessings to you.
This can vary slightly, but it’s about 4 x 7 inched (unopened).
Thank you SO much for taking the time and effort involved in producing this tutorial. You are so appreciated!
Thank you, so much time and your thoughtfulness. I have made to several to the elderly in my area and family. Thanks again
Thanks so Much for this pattern and all your terrific photos and iInstructions. I was using a different one which was more time consuming.
Your pattern has been a breath of fresh air. i was beginning to get overwhelmed.
Another pattern I found suggested mid-weight t-shirt material, because of its ease to breathe through.
Also, trash bag twist ties work well to use for the moldable nose piece.
One more thing, if you lay the trim piece open to stitch one side first, then fold over & to the back, tucking the raw edges in before stitching on back, you now have a completely reversible mask!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR WONDERFUL PATTERN!!
I’m sending several to my son who’s a trauma nurse at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City.
You rock. I felt like I won the lottery when I found oodles of tiny elastic in my stash. I decided it was my duty as a sewer to put it to good use. Your instructions are idiot proof!! I have probably read every mask tutorial out there, and yours is my favorite. Be proud!!
You are absolutely wonderful. Thank you! I hope you and your family are safe and healthy
My local hospital in the PNW just shared this post in a call for donations. I’m a 33 year old man and I’m renting a sewing machine from the local tool library and teaching myself to sew this week. Thanks so much. Your tutorial is helping keep our nurses safe. Really. You should feel a swell of self congratulations. Thank you.
we’re on lockdown here in UK, and am about to make some washable masks after ordering some from eBay which were rubbish! Anyway thanks you for your generosity in providing these instructions. Please stay safe.
Add to my comments. At the top I will put a piece of pipe cleaner so it hugs the top of the nose.
Thanks again for your tutorial. The first mask I made using the pattern is VERY rough because I didn’t understand about flipping the accent pieces out and back to cover the sides. I think I’ve got it now, and the rest will look better. Thank you so much. Lita in Colorado.
I’m happy to be starting this project today. Thank you for these clear instuctions. My slightly anxious mind doesn’t seem to absorb information as well these days. Your step by step instructions with photos are a lovely support!
Thank you this is very easy to follow going to make some for friends and family members god bless you and be safe
Beautiful! I am in awe of this. I am 63 years old and was told by allergist to wear face mask when dusting and when outside. Now, with your pattern, I can do so, without people thinking I am sick.
Thank you so much for this fantastic pattern and tutorial!
Thank you for this. I am one of those looking at multiple sites for something that best suits me. Thank you for your tutorial. But mainly I want to apologize for the many people who in their rudeness have demanded more then what you have freely given. It seems like common sense to me that this is a pattern and it can be altered for your personal need. But demanding you make all those adjustments for someone else’s needs is really inappropriate. I am sorry you have had to deal with such negativity. Take care of your family. Thank you for your time to make and then post such helpful tutorials as this. Pleasant day to you.
Hi, I think your tutorial is excellent, I am having trouble to find the right fabric to do it. Even joann is in sold out or not available situation right now, so please recommend me a fabric I can use, thank you 🙂
Thank you so much for the tutorial!! Was able to easily make this!
Thank you for this tutorial. I found it very easy to follow. I adjusted mine to suit my needs installing a pocket for added filter, and straps as I ran out of elastic. I have made many for my family and friends, some whom are elderly and others who work in law enforcement, one of them being my daughter. In a time when there are shortages of PPE this is better than nothing. There are many people who are in the front lines helping during this pandemic. I consider you one of the heroes for providing this helpful tutorial, so thank you and stay safe 🙂
Thank you for making and sharing this! ! I made a pdf of your tutorial (tutorial portion only, no comments.) If you’d like to post the pdf on your site, email me and I’ll send it right over.
Thank you for the pattern/tutorial. This made a good project for my granddaughter and I to do one Sunday afternoon. It was her first project using a sewing machine.
Thank you for your free guide/tutorial! It’s hard to believe that anyone would dare criticize it or you, but I believe most people are simply grateful. Thanks again!
Thank you so much for providing this tutorial to anyone who wants to use it. It’s pathetic that there are people who have demanded you do something more. You are appreciated!
Thank you for easy tutorial.
This is so through it’s not so overwhelming.
i think i can give a shot.
i personally think you don’t have to do .pdf…
People who needs pattern for this don’t need to be making this.. it’s just a 8×14 rectangle and some bias.(i might be in trouble saying that..🙊)
i just wanted to tell you thank you and hope have a nice day!!
Thank you very much for your help in designing a washable mask. I will share this with other friends who are also allergy suffers and seamstresses. Tracy in DC.
Great detailed instructions! Going to string ribbon through for ties. Thank you for sharing, truly appreciate this!!!
Thank you for this wonderful tutorial!
I love the tutorial. I made 24 of these for our Health Center. Now friends want them. Thanks so much!
Thank you so much for this tutorial, I haven’t made it yet but you make it look very easy. Much needed at this time.
I’ve made several masks in the last few days, and tried numerous patterns. Yours by far is my favorite!!! I love that it’s tailors and will be comfortable for the wearer. I have one question – I’m thinking I’m attaching the elastic incorrectly since it’s coming out between the trim and the main piece. Could you suggest what I am doing wrong? I will continue making them wrong, since I’m loving this method. Lol! Thank you so much for taking the time to make this pattern easy to follow. You are so appreciated!!