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 
Thank you for the instructions. It’s a trying time and these are needed. I did copy your complete tutorial onto word. If you want a copy, please let me know.
I have been thinking about a mask like this since the last one I tried was a bomb! I couldn’t figure out the pleats. You have done it for me!! Now, if I can locate some elastic without having to stand in a line anywhere, I will give it another try with your excellent instructions. Thank you!
Thank you for taking the time away from your family and all this crazyness going on to provide us with the pattern, It is so helpful. Thank you again!!!
Thank you for such detailed instructions. I appreciate you sharing.
Thank you so much for your tutorial I just ran into looking for a pattern. I loved all the photos-very helpful-I have allergies too and never thought to use a mask-good tip. Kathy
This mask is comfortable, and I found the directions easy to follow. I have made 32 masks over the past few weeks. Thanks for making the tutorial available! Kathy
As a lifelong asthma sufferer, I have always had to wear a face mask to do housework or during bad air seasons and air travel. I usually wear the disposable “surgery masks” which are expensive, not very pretty and people would give me odd looks. So a big thank you for taking time to write out a very informative tutorial with photography so we can make a washable reusable more fashionable face mask. I am going to try it out and hope to make masks for others too. I appreciate you, stay safe!
Thank very, very much for your free instructions for mask making.
I made a cardboard template which I use for the pleats so much easier and quicker. Great little pattern, I made the bias a bit wider as it was easier to sew, thanks for the pattern
I am a seamstress and joined a group of gals making masks for hospitals and everybody. I looked at several tutorials and it took them forever to chat and get to the basics. I found yours and said, this gal knows how to do an easy, precise directions on how to do a sewing tutorial. I like the end pieces, as they cover up the bulk of the pleats and make it more professional. Thank you for your hard work, as not everyone can tell their story like you. I am always looking for new ideas, as I make a large variety of sewing items that sell in many stores. Keep me posted…Yours is the best!
I made a pdf of the directions for myself. If you’d like it to post here for printing, just let me know and I’ll send to you.
Thank you for posting your tutorial. Great job on the step-by-step instructions and attached close-up pics ! Gonna make one soon and probably many more !! : )
Thank you so much for putting your time into this tutorial. I’m sure you never though it would come into play like it is now. Our neighbor was using your pattern to make masks for the whole street and now we are using it to make some more. Thanks again. I hope you are safe and healthy.
This worked very well, I now have face mask for the whole family! THANK YOU!
Thank you for your tutorial. At least I have a place to start & boo Hoo to all those nay sayers. God Bless you!
Thank you so much for the instructions – I like this one the best out of all I tried.
I could not get elastic but have hair elastics that are 6” when cut – they have a different elasticity than regular elastic so I updated pattern to 9×14 to accommodate – sharing in case others have similar issues. Stay healthy!
Thank you so much for this tutorial on how to make a mask I am 72 years old I never through that people would every have to used something like this thank you so much
I’ve been waiting to find a tailored mask to make then I found your tutorial. I appreciate the many photos and the written detail. Many, many thanks!
Thank you for taking time to make the mask tutorial- your efforts are appreciated by the majority I’m sure – stay safe & healthy x
Thank you so much for your tutorial on the face mask! I have tried four other patterns, with success, but yours is much nicer and really easy to follow. I am truly grateful.
Linda, I am glad that my tutorial stood to the test. I appreciate you trying it out, and for your valuable feedback. Thank you for visiting me. Happy sewing.
PS: I make quilts, too. Just noticed your quilting page….buying fabric, cutting it up and sewing it back together….this is an art. Love it!
I don’t know where I would be without quilting…or how rich. 😀
Thank you for this lovely pattern. I am anxious to try it! Stay safe and healthy!
Stacy, you are very welcome. I hope that you were able to get one of these made okay. Thank you so much for visiting.
Thank you for sharing a great tutorial. Very straightforward and well-presented.
Cheryl, I appreciate your kind feedback. I hope that you were able to successfully make this. Happy sewing.
Excellent tutorial. For those with little or butt loads of sewing experience. Easily adapted using 1/4 inch bias tape for elastic (out of stock in stores and online) in different lengths.
Keep up the good work and the faith.
Katherine, you are correct. Another good option is T-shirt strips, since they don’t need to be sewn, but they sure like to tangle in the wash. Maybe my next tutorial will be ‘Mesh laundry bags: A picture tutorial’ lol. Thank you so much for your kind advice.
Awesome tutorial! Im using this to make masks for my family. Im a nurse and truly appreciate people like you sharing your knowledge and outstanding skills in an effort to help keep our nation safe. Thanks so much!!
Lisa, Thank you right back for being not just essential, but being a nurse. There is nothing stronger on this earth than anyone holding this job title. My knowledge and skills pale in comparison, and I am completely thankful to be able to help in any small way possible. Huge blessings to you and yours.
Fabulous pictures and wonderful descriptions. Thank you!!!
Thank you, Pam. Very much appreciated.
Thank you!! Finally I get how to do the pleats!
Carol, You’re welcome! Were you able to get through to a successful end? Thank you so much for visiting, and giving this a go. Happy sewing.
Love the easy instructions. I am not at sewing anything but I am going to give a try. I usually don’t understand some directions but you made it easy to understand. Thank you
Ruth, I hope that you were able to make one of these without any difficulty. I am so glad that you wanted to give this a go. Thank you so much for stopping by.
Thank you so much for the great tutorial. Easy to see and follow. I’ve got a sewing room full of unused fabrics, some need washing first, but no big deal on that. I’ve got a washing machine just waiting for them, lol. I want to print off this whole tute but I recently ran out of ink on my printer, so I’ve ordered some more, but won’t receive it til next week. So until then, I’ll wash, dry and cut what I need til it arrives. Hope you and yours stay safe and healthy!
Your tutorial is the easiest one for me to understand. I am guessing it’s because you are a quilter/sewer. I get how to make noe and will be making some for my family. Thank you!
Ellen, I quilt and sew, but I also teach quilting, so I think that I have learned over time, the best ways to keep things simple and less confusing. I am still learning things myself though, and probably always will, because, who likes a know-it-all anyway? 🙂 Thank you for coming to this tutorial. Happy sewing.
I just made my first mask using this tutorial and it went very smooth. Directions were clear and easy to follow. I have another 23 to go and the only change I will make is to do all the pleat markings with fabric pencil at one time instead of marking at separate steps(time saver). The top edge of the pleats are at 1.5″, 3.0″, and 4.5″. I think after that first fold it will be easier to just pull up the first pleat to the 3″ mark and then pull up the second pleat to the 4.5″ mark. The pleats took me the longest amount of time because I screwed up my measurement on the last pleat. My fault completely. 🙂 Thank you so much for sharing this tutorial. It is well put together with fantastic pictures and simple to follow! You are a blessing. 🙂
Paula, YES! I really make all of my marks in one step as well. I just know that if I did that in the tutorial, I would have lost half the flock. 🙂 Thank you so very much for your feedback. It is certainly appreciated. I hope you were able to bust through those other 23. Happy sewing.
Thank you for this thorough and thoughtful tutorial. Its actually one of the easiest to follow I have found.
To anyone complaining and/or demanding this nice lady provide a PDF, get over it, make your own PDF or as the rule in my house goes: “The first person to complain about how something is being done, gets to do it next”.
Thanks again.
Bless you, Amanda. I learned that very thing very early in life, not to complain about mom’s cooking. Boy, oh boy, did I learn to cook a lot of things! lol!
Thank you for sharing your pattern. your tutorial is so nicely done. Instead of the elastic , i used t shirt strips as ties, and when stretched they form a soft cord shape. Worked very well!
Thank you for the tutorial. This mask is so cute. Nice gift for a relative or friend especially in light of the necessity . Found it yesterday and am on my third one. Excellent tutorial. Thanks again.
Eleanot, Wonderful! I am so thankful for your feedback. I am glad that you were able to use this. Happy sewing.
Thank you for this, im a visual learner & have a hard time following written directions!! Thank you again, stay safe 💜
Melissa, I hope that you were able to make one of these without any hitches. Thank you so much for stopping by, and for your kind feedback.
Thank you for providing this tutorial, it is the best I have seen, using a tube method. I like the extra piece that shows the front of the mask.
Thank you for this wonderful tutorial! You have taken pains to explain each step well and have captured the essentials with great pics. Thank you for the service you provide to us who in turn provide masks to those who provide service! What goes around comes around. The masks I made come out beautifully, and with practice look almost flawless. Hope your family and you stay well.
This is such wonderful feedback. It makes me happy knowing that there are people such as yourself that can use this, and that I did all of that work for a very good cause, not knowing that two years later it would finally be useful for more than 12 people. ha, ha. Thank you for visiting and stay safe.
Thank you for this tutorial and pattern. This is perfect and much appreciated.
Kimberly,
Thank you for stopping in. I hope that you ended up with a beautifully made mask. I am so glad you found me. Happy sewing.
Thank you! I Well written instructions! I’m excited to get started.
Lynn, I hope that this worked out well for you, Thank you so much for visiting.
I haven’t sewn since jr. high home ec., and since so many people are in need of masks, and since my mom sent my daughter this mini sewing machine, I HAD to dust it off and see if there was something I could do to try and make some. I have to admit, it brought out a new hobby in me.. sewing again is just like riding a bike. I was amazed at how many sewing notions I had already around my house over the years, and was even more amazed at how easy these masks really were to make. Don’t get me wrong… I am up at 4am the last couple nights, and this is truly a labor of love, but it is so worth it seeing what I created with these remarkable patterns. I just have one concern about the pics in the tutorial. The part at the fold over, I get. But what I visualized beforehand, and sure enough, puzzled me when I paused at the fold was, I have stitching showing and your pic (and I tried to tell myself this is just the other end that hadn’t been done yet), but your next pic that actually does show the folded part with the elastic has no stitching. You placed two lines of stitching in ( and may I add some of the neatest stitching ever…lol) to complete. My question is, where should I place my stitch seeing that I already have a line which really is not at the edge and not along the top? I don’t want to place 3 lines of stitching. Thanks again for this right on time tutorial!
I hope my question didn’t confuse you. I keep checking back for a little help. Thanks
I will reply again tonight. For some reason, my long response didn’t show up from yesterday. Ugh! Sorry.
Reply test.
Thank you for this tutorial! I tried a different one yesterday and it was a total mess! Yours is so easily explained. Thank you again!
Thank you for sharing. I really appreciate it.
One additional comment – I made this according to your pattern, but made the end accent piece an open channel (instead of folding the accent piece over the edge of the mask to make it a closed piece sewn shut over the elastic in instruction photo 17) and did not sew any elastic into the mask. I made a 2″ wide piece for each end, measured the accent piece to fit the mask plus 1/2″, folded short ends over 1/4″ and ironed them to fit each specific end (I measured the accent piece against each specific end when I ironed down the 1/4″ so they fit that specific end). I then folded the piece lengthwise and ironed it flat. I pinned this piece to the mask. Then I sewed the all raw edges together (end piece and mask piece). I then folded the accent over the raw ends and sewed down the inside edge (the edge that was earlier ironed flat and is away from the seam that was just sewed holding the two pieces together) of the accent to make a channel for the elastic or tie. I use either 1/4″ flat elastic or 3mm round elastic (which is more soft for sensitive skin) to make a loop, typing it off to fit the wearer’s head. The tied ends can be slipped back into the channel so it doesn’t show. It was an easy adjustment, allowing for an elastic loop that could be adjusted to fit any specific head as needed. I also have 44″ shoelaces, specifically ordered for this, that can go behind the head, over the ears, through the channels and then tied behind the head. It just adds some flexibility when production-lining several masks for various sized heads and various attachment method requests. Just my two cents for adding some flexibility for head fit of the mask.
Rebecca, thank you for your alteration ideas. I am glad that you were able to use this as a vaulting point for your creation.
Rebecca, Thank you so much for visiting. I hope that you were able to put this to good use.
Pingback: How I made homemade masks with old leggings: | Madilyn Jake
Thank u JoAnns for the mask tutorial
I needed this incentive to get up and do my part
I intend to donate them to m neighbors here at my retirement community The Amsterdam in Port Washington NY
VioletAjamian
Thank you so much for your instructions…fits perfect. I have added a channel for a piece of pipe cleaner, to shape over the bridge of the nose. Before I put it in…I took my pointed wire cutters and curled each end, in order to make a smooth tip. This pattern is very much appreciated…stay healthy.
Tresia, Thank you for your feedback. I am glad to hear that the fit is good for you, and that you were able to use this. Take care.
Thank you so much for your help! I had started with another pattern but was having problems with the fit. After watching your suggestions, I have worked out my issues and saved a lot of time and fabric! Thank you again for taking the time to share!
Roberta, That is so good to hear. I am glad that you had success with this. It makes me happy to know that my humble tutorial is helping people. Thank you so much.
Thank for the pattern, very kind of you
You are welcome, Nancy. Thank you for visiting me.
I’m a visual learner.. and YOU are a Great visual teacher!
Thank You
Hi Pro, Thank you so much! This makes my day to hear. I am so glad you were able to use this.
I am just happy to have a pattern that seems very easy to follow.Tomorrow I will start using your instructions Thank you.
Barbara, I hope that you were able to get one of these babies made without too much trouble. Thank you for visiting.
Thank you so much for sharing this with us! I learned a lot! I am so sorry that people have been rude to you. Do your best to ignore them
Stay well.