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 
All I have to say is… I’ve watched a handful of diy mask videos and found everything being so complicated. Then I told myself one more search and found your AMAZING step by step photos & captions. it’s a game changer for me. With all that rambling… Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
Thank you so much for making your detailed photo tutorial available to us. You are so kind! It is the best tutorial I have seen.
I have a rare life-threatening disease & am on oxygen. I’m sure that, with the addition of a filter, masks from your pattern will be very beneficial to me & to my elderly mother during this COVID-19 pandemic.
I’m glad you mentioned it was created for use during allergy season – how clever!
Praying for all of us.
Even better than your tutorial (very clear and precise) are your comments with your EDIT from Mar24/20. Very witty and succinct. God bless you for sharing your time, dedication, and good humour.
Dear Monica. Thanks a lot for your tutorial. I’m portuguese and I’m writing to ask you permission to create a document with your content but translated to portuguese. My intention is to offer the translation to the public domain, crediting your text content and pictures, in order people can share and use the tutorial. I can send you the document for approval. Let me know what do you say about this. Best, Diogo
It is definitely okay to translate. All is well, as long as you give credit to me and a link. I already have one person in Russia who is using my images, then taking full credit for the pattern. I fully encourage my tutorial to be used for free, so I have zero problems with the translation process that you will use, as long as you credit me and provide a link so that your audience can reference back to the original post. Thank you so much and Bless you.
I will do that (credits and link) for sure. Again, thank you so much 🙂 I’ve made another comment by mistake, but I don’t know how to delete it. Don’t pay any attention to it.
Hi – just wanted to applaud you on your additional comments made on March 24, 2020 – very eloquent in your writing and position of why the tutorial was written in the first place. Thank you for excellent instructions and may you and your family be safe.
Thank you so much for creating this tutorial I apologize on behalf of the rude people who wanted a pdf version of your tutorial. One can easily cut and paste the tutorial into a Word document. I’ll never understand why people feel so entitled and why they are so mean. You are an inspiration to share your projects.
Yes I agree!!! Thank you for sharing! At this time in our life’s we can use all the help and support we can get! Thanks again🤗
And for those people that can’t say anything positive… 🤐 shut up!
Did anyone else struggle with getting the pleats right because 14″ wasn’t quite big enough? The picture shows a piece of fabric that is 15″ and I think that would have made a difference.
Or maybe I just can’t get it right. 😦
I actually just measured the first one and then freestyled with the pleat placement and it works fine.
The picture shows the fabric starting on the one inch line, so the fabric is, in fact, 14 inches. I am sorry for the confusion. You may try doing the three pleat steps with a piece of paper first until you get that part down without ruining any fabric. I hope this helps. Thank you.
Thank you so much fo your easy to follow instructions!
Thank you! I haven’t tried it yet but feel confident your excellent instructions will make it a successful project. Hope to use some remnant fabrics up for a good cause!
this is the best, most comprehensive pattern on the internet! nice work! Since elastic is in short supply I am modifying now with ties but I have made 15+ with elastic to date. Thank you once again, Wishing you health and happiness!
Yes, I have been making mine with ties, as elastic is disappearing. Really, both versions are needed anyway. Doctors and nurses prefer ties, generally speaking, and many elderly have trouble with ties, so elastic/t-shirt string ear ‘hooks’ is preferable. Neither design option is a bust.
Thank you for a clear and simple explanation of how to make a standard mask. It worked perfectly for me and now I will feel a little safer if I have to go out to buy food right now. Much appreciated!
I mean, it can’t be worse than not wearing one in my humble opinion…and it is a very humble opinion.
I would be happy to create the PDF if you haven’t had time. Your instructions are wonderful and very helpful. I work in a lab performing Covid-19 testing and we are very grateful for everyone’s help.
Lauren, Thank you. I have about 30 emails of PDF files that were made for me, but I have not yet decided to even attach a PDF file to my tutorial. I have patterns and tutorials in the future that I will have PDF pages for, but not for this one. (yet?)
Could you create a pdf file for me
Thank you so much for your tutorial. It was very easy to follow!
Thank you for providing the tutorial. You are fantastic. I’m grateful and at the same time proud to see people coming together to help one another. We planned to use your tutorial to make some masks for our local hospitals. God bless you and your family.
Riley
Thank you for creating an easy to follow tutorial (and it wasn’t a 20 minute video! Thank you!!!). The pictures were great and easy to see, too. Thank you!
Marie
Thank you, I have just made 8 masks using another tutorial for us and our neighbors. I decided to look at other tutorials, and will do your mask this afternoon. Thanks again.
Hello, thank you for taking the time to document this as a useful and really well crafted tutorial. You obviously care a lot about doing your best for others, and I applaud you. May I offer a suggestion? That would be that in the step that says, “This is what your main piece should look like at this point”, that you provide approximate dimensions of the piece. That would help validate that the pleats were sized and positioned correctly. At this point, my piece is 8″ x 4″ (just under), for reference. I hope that’s correct — we’ll find out! Thank you again for your kindness.
She actually does say later that the finished mask is about 4″ x 7″. Each mask will be slightly different probably which should be okay since not everyone’s face/head is the same size.
Thank you so very much. I made them for my family and my relatives in Texas. Easy to follow directions 😷, thank you.
Thank you so very much for the pattern–I’ve made 15 and will switch to fabric ties when the elastic is used up. Some of the masks are being used at our Veterinarian Hospital where all the staff is wearing them. I so much appreciate your instructions for the masks. Thank you so much again! Heard about you on MSNBC.
Thank you for making this tutorial! It was very easy to follow and I made enough from scraps for my co-workers and myself, all of whom are essential personnel. I didn’t have elastic, so I used (slightly larger) pony tail hair bands and they worked perfectly! I found that attaching a very thin elastic thread around the back from one side to the other (looped through the bands, which doubled it) was also good for us. With the thread attached, the mask goes over the head, can be lowered when not in use, and rests under your chin without having to take it off, completely. This kept us from having to put it down somewhere. Also, some of our larger head males needed me to make theirs about 1-1/2 inches wider on each side, and that worked well for them. Great pattern!!!
Your tutorial is so clear, step by step. Thank you!
Thanks so much for tutorial for these masks!! I’m having a hard time with getting the accent piece on the masks. I cut a 1 3/4 strip, but it’s so skinny I can’t make it work very well. So I’m going to cut a piece that’s 2 1/2 instead. Am I doing something wrong??
I think maybe you are trying to sew the accent piece so that it shows on the front and back of the mask. It should only show on one side, not both. I am thinking that you are not folding it far enough over to the other side. Let me know if you are still having trouble.
I’m a special education teacher who has sewn for many years. Your tutorial is clear, easy to follow and beneficial to so very many people. Thank you for your kindness in preparing it.
Thank you for your awesome tutorial. Have used it quite a lot.
Thank you so much for this tutorial. Most people are pulling together during this time. I am so sorry every time I hear of the pandemic bringing out the worst in people and especially when it is directed at those like you who are working to make the world more beautiful. God bless you and your family, keep you safe and protect you from the anger of others.
Thankyou so much for putting this tutorial together and helping so many xx
I found this tutorial so easy to understand and have made a couple for my husband to wear to work.
I thank you for so much information. As for the sour apples some people have to turn everything negative. I will definitely post a picture when I finish my first good one lol.
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Monica-
I made a simple pdf version of your tutorial because that’s how I prefer to save patterns, and was wondering if you wanted a copy. I left all of the instructions exactly as they are, with the exception of clarifying the direction of a few pictures’ locations. Let me know how I can get it to you! Thanks for all your hard work!
Thank you, James. I have a few versions sent to me that I will take a look at in the near future. I appreciate your kindness in preparing one. I am grateful for your feedback.
Your fabric choices are adorable! Many thanks!
Can anyone who has modified this to be made with ties advise me on how to do that? How do you make the ties, and where do you attach them? Thanks!
Just substitute 2 ties in each side (4 total) -14 to 18 inches long where the elastic is. I really like that the side “binding” only shows on one side–less bulk to sew through
Thanks for sharing this pattern. It appears to be easy to follow and meets my particular neM ed.
Really great pattern, worked perfectly first time. Thanks for all the effort you put in, it is appreciated.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful pattern. Your instructions were easy to follow and the final result is perfect. I made up a bunch of them to give to family and friends. I appreciated your updated comments for those “You need to” sort of folk and got quite a chuckle out of it as I have encountered a fair few folk of the same ilk. I gave them what for and informed them I was NOT there crafty brood mare, and that if they wanted a pattern in a different format, then to make it themselves. LOL
I made some masks for our local hospital the other day with a different pattern and wish I had seen your’s first! This is great, much more simple and well explained. The pictures are perfect. You have done a great service to many people and I really appreciate your thoughtfulness and generosity of your time.
Love your instructions. I’m a visual learner so your video was wonderful. Thank you ever so much.
Thank you so much! Those with mean or negative comments are just those who always try to bring down the good in true world.
Thank you for your tutorial. My mother who is 77 pulled out all her old material and gave me the job of finding some instructions. Yours seems to be self explanatory and very easy to understand. Now from here we begin our endeavor of creating face masks! Thank you again and stay safe!!
Love your tutorial. I used a piece of one of my husband t shirts sandwiched between the front and back pieces to provide an additional layer. I also used a strip of Velcro se an to one of the side pieces to make it adjustable.
So do you first put the elastic onto the back or front of the mask? You don’t say which, and both sides are the same fabric. I tried the front and the accent pieces are not working out.
The mask is reversible so there isn’t really a front or back (just be sure to wear it one way and stick to it). One side will have the accent fabric showing, the other side won’t. So, if you want to call the accent side ‘the front’, to answer your question, you would be sewing the elastic or ties to the back. This eventually gets flipped to the front when it is encased.
Excellent tutorial. I am making masks for all of my family members and I’m doing it by hand because I don’t know how to use my sewing machine. I looked all around the ‘net’ to find ‘easy to follow’ instructions and this did it for me! Thank you so much for sharing this. I hope you and your family are safe and healthy!
Thank you, just made one for myself and DH. Very easy and quick.
Thank you for this excellent picture tutorial. I’m a visual learner and a beginning sewer and have begun to make masks verses jewelry (my favorite hobby). The additional notes made are extremely helpful. Do you have an Insagram account? I’ve posted and I’d like to tag you. Thank you so much!
thanks for sharing. beautiful work.
I don’t know why I am having so much trouble, I would LOVE if someone could help me. I am doing as shown with the elastic facing in toward the main side, and trying to add the edge, the elastic shows in the inside layer once complete and the cut edge is not exposed in the picture. When we are to “fold the entire accent piece down encasing the raw seam” is where I cant go any further, because the elastic is there, I have tried everything to figure this out, but the pictures for me does not add up for me, what am I doing wrong? I have 50 of these cut out ready to sew and I can not seem to get the edge correct.
I figured it out now, it is because I didn’t do the fold version as I wanted a flannel inside so when I fold the piece back it is to the inside of the fleece vs a nice edge on the outside. Just need to figure out how to do it opposite maybe!
I am trying to figure out which step you are on. Did you already sew the accent fabric down on top of the elastic strips?
Thank you so much for sharing your tutorial video! Thank you for sharing and your kindness! Mary Haynie
Thank you for this adorable pattern, Monica! May I ask if you washed and dried the fabric before cutting and sewing?
I recommend washing cotton always before sewing with it. That being said, washing anything smaller than a fat quarter can be a nightmare to untangle unless you hand wash it.
Great
Thanks so much for your step-by-step instructions! I haven’t sewed in over 10 years and when I saw this tutorial I decided to give it a try. I had so much fun making these masks! I made 4 today and will probably make more later this week. Thanks!
Thank you for the guidance! You are a jewel.
Thank you so much for your tutorial! Your design is beautiful… You did not have to share this to those sour grapes who commented negatively. Let them make their own if they can do any better. But in regards to your kind heart Thank You again… Bless You and stay safe.