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 
A great tutorial. thanks for posting it and making it available to all. Making them for family and friends during this scary time. Easy to follow fun to make!
Thank you for your tutorial. I’m making this for my Pastor. He used a scarf today when we did communion only (the rest was live online). I appreciate you.
Thank you for being so giving amd your knowledge! Stay safe!!
Thank you so much for sharing this information.
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Oh, this one is just perfect for my family and friends! I also know that if they are donated to the medical field, they certainly WILL find a use for them! All are appreciated, so THANK YOU so much for this ‘ very easy to follow tutorial’ ..stay well 😷❤️
Thank you so much for this tutorial. I love all your detail instructions for novices, like me. A friend of mine linked me to your website. She is making many masks for local care facilities. Thank you for sharing with all of us to keep us safe!!! Bless you!
Great tutorial! Thank you!!
I can’t thank you enough yeah I have to make the elastic longer no big deal. I spent a long time looking for surgical caps for my ICU nurse wife. The patterns out there are confusing and the directions are terrible. Your pictorial made things so nice and easy. Thanks again!!!
Thank you for your tutorial. The pictures helped me visualize what I wanted to do. Although mine are not exactly like yours, they are similar. I made 10 today for my daughter’s family and mine. Tomorrow I will make more to share. Thank you for making it very clear.
Thank you, How amazing that you created these directions a year ago. The best hopes for taking care of your family.
Thank you for such an awesome tutorial! Particularly the PHOTOS of what you are doing! I love sewing and quilting as I find things on the internet I say “hey, I bet I can make that.”. Then I read the instructions and get confused. The photos attached may or may not be useful. I sometimes have a hard time interpreting craft/sewing/quilting instructions. Your photos FANTASTIC!! I am looking forward to learning more from you! Thank you so much for offering this pattern. Continue being blessed creating great tutorials for the “instruction challenged” like me.
Thank you very much for going to all the trouble of making this tutorial. It is a lot of work and I appreciate it. I have a drawer full of leftover scraps of material from quilts I have made. This is really going to be the best project to make use of those scraps. I want to make a couple for myself and then make some for my daughter, daughter-in-law, and granddaughters.
I am making masks for my family of 6 and some of my employees. Thank you for this tutorial. It’s clear and simple and very helpful. I’m sorry for the hate comments you received. Some people forgot how to behave when face challenges in life. Stay safe and stay close to your loved ones.
Thank you for supplying this info for us all to use!! I’ve looked at many mask patterns. This was pretty easy, I must say!! I used my son’s button up shirt from days past– it was cotton. Worked very well!! I tried the bandanna fold up with rubber bands, but it was so thick, I could hardly breathe. I can’t wait to make more!!
Thank you. Your instructions make it sound so easy I believe I will be able to do it easily so long as I can remember how to thread my machine.
Thank you so much for this tutorial! I haven’t sewn for many years (even had to read the directions on how to thread my old, old Singer!) but your directions were easy to follow. The photos helped a lot! Will be making more for family & friends. Thank you again. : )
Thank you for your tutorial! I really appreciate your time and effort in doing so. Yours is the nicest I’ve seen and will be making masks for my family and friends off your pattern.
Thank you again. I hope you and your family stay safe.
Deanna
Thank you!
Thank you for this tutorial! I found it very easy to follow, and I really appreciate the photos and detailed instructions. I used it to make a couple for my friend, who is a nurse.
This was a WONDERFUL tutorial – thank you so much for the step by step and pictures! I know you put alot of work into this and we are ALL grateful.
I made a pdf of this (for my own use) – I would be happy to send it to you if you would like to post it on your site for people to download and use? If so, please feel free to email me and I can email it to you to post on your site 🙂
Kind regards,
Jenna
Thanks! Made another pattern using handmade ties, as I have no elastic on hand, but wish I’d looked at your instructions first. Loved having the photos and a few more of the steps elaborated. Take Care!
ok, i feel like a dummy! i’m hung up on the accent piece. how is it seen on only one side and not seen on the other side?!
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Thanks! and I love the fabrics that you used! 😉
Thank you for sharing this great tutorial! Truly appreciate the pictures and step by step instructions!! I can do this and will post a picture on Instagram and tag you or mention you!!
I am not a strong sewing gal but feel confident I can make this happen!!!’ Thanks again and stay safe and healthy!
Kim
Love this! Very simple and easy to follow. Nice instructions. Thank you! I never use patterns, I prefer instructions so this was perfect.
This was the first thing I have ever sewn, and I have to admit, I did a pretty good job! Thank you so much for making this an easy thing to do. Its rare that I’m happy with how one of my projects turns out; I like not being frustrated for once lol
Thank you for your very easy to understand things tutorial. I am sad that people are being so mean. You would think we’d be more understanding at this time.
Thank you for preparing and sharing this wonderful tutorial!
God bless you and your family!
‘ty so much for this post!
I am a visual learner, so if I need to have a pattern, I can cut one your size –wait, I would anyway! Lol
Thank you so very much. I made them for my family and co-workers. Easy to follow directions, were the best help ever👍🏻, thank you again….
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.