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 
I am so glad to find your tutorial. I am a 77 year old lady who has not done any sewing for about 40 years, BUT I am going to try this and see what comes out…
Thanks again for making this for old eyes…
Thanks so much for this. Very easy to follow with a nice result.
Monica,
Thanks so much for your tutorial. I used to machine sew as a teen & maybe early twenties, but that was 30 years ago, and mainly with Simplicity patterns. I searched the internet for *days* to find a mask to sew, and everything seemed so complicated. Plus I knew I wanted pleats, I felt it would make a more comfortable mask. Then I came across your tutorial. I knew it would be the one to use. I ran into a little confusion with laying out the first pleat right (I still had the raw edge folded and pinned under). But I sat and studied the photos (which are spot on, gotta say), and realized where I went wrong. The rest of it was smooth sailing. Just look at the photos and follow the steps, one at a time.
Thanks again. I’ve got enough fabric here from an old shirt for 2 more masks, and I’ll start on them tomorrow. 🙂
Thanks so much for posting this! I wonder if I measured the elastic correctly. It’s too short for me. It’s so tight that it pulls my ears forward and the mask falls off. Has anyone else had this problem?
I feel blessed to find your site. This mask was just what I was looking for to make for my community. Buttoncounter.com is now at the up of my favorites. You are awesome!
Thanks so much
Thanks so much for the tutorial!.
I actually made a PDF from your instructions and pics. If you’d like it I can send it to you. It was easier for me cause there were a few less pages.
Email me if you’d like me to send it to you. Feel free to put it on your site if you’d like.
Thank you SO much for this tutorial. My neighbor, who has made many masks for our neighborhood, showed me this. Now, I’m making some for my family. We had purchased a few, but the masks using your tutorial come out so much better and fit very well. So easy to follow!
Thank you very much for taking the time to create this tutorial. Very easy to follow. God’s blessings to you 🙏
Thank you! This is helpful. No need for a pattern when you can simply use a ruler. I think this is fabulous!
I also say THANK YOU for your wonderful tutorial; it is very clear and descriptive. Thank you for posting it! Wonderful work. Stay well, and take good care.
I’ve made a few mask and your pattern looks to be the best going to be making a lot of these next few days, thank you 🙏
This tutorial with pictures of each step and instructions in my opinion is by far the greatest pleated mask that I have found. Thank you so much buttoncounter.com for sharing this awesome mask project. Sincerely M. Stuart
I think u did a good thing! Good step by step. U r helping a lot of folks! 😁 God bless you! 🤗
I am going to attempt your pattern but with cloth for ties instead of elastic. I wear glasses as well as hearing aids so I will try ties but with velcro fasteners. I also do not do well with youtube videos or written instructions. I am very thankful for your tutorial. You are a blessing to have had this posted for allergies. Thank you.
I need help with the accent piece. I am not understanding how to do it. The rest of the mask turned out wonderful but I am so confused on adding the accent piece. I don’t understand how the elastic is on the backside and the turning out of the accent piece. I cannot get it to work. Please help me! Thank you so much
Melissa, did you figure this out? The elastic is not on any side, but comes out of the edge of the mask. in order for that to happen, you have to sandwich it between the main body of the mask and that accent strip. Then the accent strip gets tacked down to one side of the mask to enclose the raw edge.
I want to say Thank You for providing this tutorial. You provided me with helpful information. Jane
This is wonderful, you are wonderful for doing this. My allergies have been so bad this spring.
But the beautiful flowers all over my yard are so worth it!
I am a big huge sewer, but I love to see what everyone else is doing and their techniques.
There is always time to learn something new.
Thank you
Thanks again! I’ve now made 10 masks and people keep asking!
Thank you for this helpful tutorial! I added a nose piece to help the mask stay closer to my nose and face and reduce the steaming up of glasses. I used a flat twistie-tie that was on a bag of coffee. It is 5.25” long. After I make the first seam but before making the creases, I put a stitch half an inch from the creased 8” edge. Then I run the twistie inside and proceed. I tried a piece of metal removed from a disposable face mask, but it isn’t as pliable and does not prevent glasses from steaming up as well as the twisty.
Monica,
Thank you so much! I’m a beginner and it came out looking… better than acceptable! 🙂
I’ve made over 600 of your masks, mostly for the Northern Navajo Medical Center in Shiprock, NM. My daughter is an ER nurse there. Thanks for sharing your pattern. They look so much nicer than most masks.
600!!! oh my, that is fantastic. I would have been exhausted by the 200th one. Bravo!
You are an absolute doll! This great-grandmother is making masks for my children and my grandchildren. Yours is, by far, the best and most attractive mask that I have found to make. It is easy to understand, even for an 80 year old!! Thank you so much for your gracious sharing of your knowledge.
Please ignore the people who always want more for free. God bless and keep you and your family safe.
A couple things: First I love the ease in which it was to use this format for making masks. This was my 3rd iteration and the best so far. It was easy to follow and I LOVED the fact that there were not any ads popping up just where I wanted to look or read. Thank you for that! And I made 3 masks in 3 hrs and was very satisfied with the results. I plan on making some more now that I have the hang of it! Thank you Monica!
Lindy, I know that there are different viewing formats that make ads more or less cumbersome. When a certain blog format found out that there were a bunch of views on my blog, they really turned up the ads, which I have very little control over. Blerg. I am happy to hear that your mask was a success. Thank you.
I bought a pretty plaid mask at the farmers’ market. It had ribbon ties. I found that you can do an overhand knot in the ribbopns about 2″ from the mask and this makes ‘loops’ for the ears with pretty hanging ribbons. This leaves the ties for a time when you may want to tie it instead and the hanging blue ribbons add to the decorative effect.
I love your tutorial!! Agree that it’s so nice without ads. This took a lot of your time to create, and many people are grateful for that. I”ve used maybe 3 tutorials and tweaked them for me needs or the supplies I had. Each one provides more ideas. I love the way you attached the accent piece and will be doing that today! Love, love, love your #7 comment above.Thank you for this, and Good bless.
This is a great tutorial, clear instructions and the pictures really help. Thanks so much!!
Thank you. Great tutorial. Easy to follow and none of the annoying pop up ads.
Thank you for this. I like the finished edge here because it makes the mask look so much neater and cuter. Be well!
This was such a super easy tutorial to follow. I’m a sewing novice and really appreciated the step by step pictures. I made two of these today. The first one I followed the directions exactly. The finished mask was way too small for anyone in my family (all average size adults). When I made the next mask, I added an inch and a half making it 9 1/2 x 14. The best part is that it doesn’t change anything within the instructions except for cutting the material at the beginning. It turned out perfect. It gives full coverage in all directions. Thanks again for the great tutorial!
Thank you for this tutorial. I am very new to seeing and the mask I just finished based on your instructions came out beautifully. This was the fourth different pattern I used. The process of making it went very smoothly due to your very clear instructions, including the photos. I am using a very basic Japanese Singer knockoff that had not been used for decades. It works amazingly well. Thank you!
Thanks so much for this very detailed and well done tutorial!
Thank you for this tutorial. I love the mask. It fits great. I have a large extended family and made quite a few. For myself, I have small ears and wear glasses so I am going to try 1/8 in elastic. Ignore those negative people. You did a great job. You can make a paper pattern easily. I found I could make 2 or 3 in an hour. Easy to sew and stylish mask. Bravo. Great job. All the best from Canada. Stay safe. Cheers
Thank you for taking the time to post the tutorial for others. I’ve made 7 masks with your directions and they are the best I’ve seen out there.
Awesome! Thank u so much!! Have a wonderful day!!
Hey, I love this! I’ve tried a few patterns, as I have a serious sewing obsession, and despite our government still not recommending masks, I feel to have one is better than not. This is one I keep coming back to. The main reason I like it so much is the aesthetic. The contrasting fabrics and pleats are really attractive, and I finally have a use for my huge pile of fat quarters!
I have made a few of these now, some for myself and hubby, for shopping runs, and for my sister in law who is running a busy food bank and has had asthma so feels vulnerable. I chose a vivid yellow paisley which she loves! It’s now becoming a fashion accessory, so I’m making more to match different outfits.
Next runways will have models wearing your masks lol!
Thank you for posting.
Thank you for this easy-to-understand tutorial for a face mask. You are very kind to take your time and effort to make this mask and volunteer your skills!
This is one of the most complemented patterns. People love how they fit. I have adapted to children’s sizes. I am wondering if you’ve ever done ties? Ties last longer than elastic in a medical facility. Where would you suggest placing them, I was thinking on the sides.
I’ve used shoestrings, i made a non-bias tape from matching fabric, I’ve used commercial bias tape. My favorite is the homemade non-bias tape, but it is time coonsuming.
I place it in the same spots as the elastic.
Made a bunch of these with ties and it’s my favorite mask of all time!
Beautifully done and said 😬 tyvm
Thank you so much for sharing this FREE tutorial with everyone. Who would’ve thought when you originally shared it that it would be needed by so many people. I hope it helped your allergies and that they aren’t so bad this year.
I’m so sorry you have had a few people that aren’t so pleasant, leaving comments but glad you have deleted them. There is no room for people like that in our lives. Thank you 💜 Stay safe.
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Thank you so much! I had made some for me and my daughters after watching a basic YouTube video, but then I got asked to make some by a friend. I wanted a neater finish and came across your tutorial. This is just perfect!!
Thank you for this tutorial! I have been using it and have made over 50 masks for friends and family that need them. I had never sewn a pleat before in my life and thanks to you I am now a pro! Many have requested the pattern I using and I have directed them to your site! I know your tutorial was originally for allergies, but it is so much better than any other pattern I’ve found. Thank you!!
Thank you for the very easy to follow tutorial. I stumbled thru making a mask without instructions yesterday. Now that I found your instructions, I can make one in half the time and it will look much nicer. Thanks again. And just ignore the haters. There are many that appreciate the time you took to make this for us to use.
Personally I love this mask! I think it’s great that you took the time to share it and even took step by step pictures which are SO helpful! For those entitled people out there that can’t appreciate ones time, effort and generosity all I can say is please don’t spoil it for the rest of us who CAN and DO appreciate those who share!
Thank you very much
Marcelle
Thank you for this tutorial. This was so easy to follow and the best I have found. You are very kind and unselfish to share this with us. God Bless you..
Thank you very much for the excellent and informative tutorial, your efforts are very much appreciated.
Monica J! (I am Monica J as well…middle name Jean) You are welcome. It makes my day to know that the mask tutorial is being used and appreciated by people like yourself. Have fun with it, and sew on.
Thank you SO much for this easy-to-follow tutorial! I am a fairly novice seamstress, so this has been SO very helpful!! Truly appreciate your sharing!
Debbie,
I am so dang happy to read so many comments like your own of novice sewers that have taken this on with not only success, but little fear. It certainly helps motivate a new sewer to try other patterns. I can’t wait to see where this takes you.
Very helpful and well explained! Thank you for sharing!
Diane, You are ever so welcome. Thank you for visiting. I appreciate it. I was so glad to share.
Thank you so much for this tutorial! I much prefer picture tutorials over video ones. It was very easy to follow, and I have made many masks using your pattern for friends and family members. I tested some other mask patterns that had filter pockets or 3 layers of material, but some were hard to follow, or they did not look as nice or fit as well as your pattern. I kept returning to your pattern, and ended up modifying it to have these additional features for my masks. Again–thank you for posting this, and for helping me keep my community safe!
Cally,
I have always been a picture person too, maybe because I could sit and study a picture like a sudoku puzzle, which always ends up making sense, even if it does take a few hours. 😀
I am so glad that you were able to modify it easily enough for your preferences and needs. Thank you for your feedback.
I love your tutorial and your wonderfulmy honest spunk. Thank you for the tutorial. Margaret
Margaret,
Thank you! Although, I need to keep my spunkiness in check on a regular basis, so that I don’t frighten people off. Happy sewing.
Hi, Monica,
First, let me tell you that your words touched me to the core. I was so upset by the demanding comments and general ugly messages you had received from some negative people, that I had to share aloud with my husband. I scrolled through your beautiful tutorial, showing him photo-by-photo what must have taken HOURS of painstaking work to share with all of us so selflessly. My husband shook his head in utter dismay at the fact that you should have ever felt the need to defend your methodology and said, “This just proves my point [a discussion we have been having for some years now] that people will find a reason to leave negative/nasty comments in response to absolutely ANY topic!” In response to the free pattern for face masks?
Anyway, please allow me to thank you for taking the time to share your skill and expertise in mask-making; breaking the steps down into bite-sized, understandable chunks; and then availing the entire kit and caboodle free of charge to anyone who dares to try! I appreciate it more than you can possibly know, and MANY will benefit from my learning from you:
I am an American Sign Language interpreter (and teacher) in the medical field—interpreting medical information between deaf and hard of hearing patients and their healthcare workers. I am not a skilled seamstress, but I’m about to try your pattern because I don’t want to have to endlessly purchase disposable masks for work (plus, I have a bunch of clients and several octogenarian family members who need them). I only use masks for a few minutes in conjunction with a clear face shield. When I get to the patient’s room, I have to pull down my mask to expose my mouth for lip reading purposes, but the shield is still in place, and everyone else is masked. We are all protected. Crazy times.
The last of my components arrived today (pliable metal pieces for the nose), so I’ll be getting busy tomorrow at the sewing machine. Thank you again. Please know you have helped many people. As for those who who have been hyper-critical, they clearly have too much time on their hands and have nothing better to do. Don’t let THEIR negativity alter the kind person YOU clearly are. Keep up the great work. May G-d bless you and your family with good health, happiness, and prosperity for many years to come.
-Laura-
Laura,
We have a large population of hearing impaired people here in Austin, due to the School for the Deaf (I am not even sure they call it that anymore, but it has been here since the 1800s) One of the first alterations that I saw of these mask patterns, and not only of my own, but other designs as well, was a clear window sewn in so that hearing impaired could read lips. I thought that was such a kind thing to do. I hope that this pattern is able to help you with your masks, and I applaud you for being an interpreter. Thank you for your kind comment, and for taking your time to write. I appreciate folks like you, as you are the fire that keeps me going. Many blessings to you and yours.
Monica
Monica, thank you for your kind words of encouragement. I had seen a design with a clear window as you describe, but I’ve not been able to find it since. I’ve come up with my own, but the problem is fogging. Cleaning with shampoo (No More Tears formula) helps, but long-term hot breath against a tiny piece of plastic is still hot breath against a tiny piece of plastic. I’m sure over time, as a community, we will come up with something more adaptable. I just received a welder’s-type helmet (not quite as heavy as a welder’s helmet, but not as flimsy as the little face shield). This will be a start for me long-term.
And yeah, we don’t use hearing-impaired anymore because that implies a condition of something broken that requires fixing; most Deaf people are very comfortable with who they are and feel there is nothing about them that is “impaired.” But it is most definitely still called Texas School for the Deaf. Given your proximity to the school, do you have access to the pattern you mentioned? I have not seen it again since February, and OUR school for the Deaf is hundreds of miles away. We do have a Deaf population down here, but not nearly as strong as yours. (I’ll explain capital [D]eaf at another time if you’re interested.)
Many thanks in advance!
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Thanks! Great, clear directions! I have a suggestion you might like.
Mark off your pleat measurements on a piece of cardboard or the back of a notepad. I made little notches at each mark. Then, I just lay it on top of my mask and mark off the location for the folds. Helps when making many masks. Thanks again!
Nancy, yes. In fact, I just make my marks on the mask all at once. 🙂
Thank you so much for this clear and easy to understand tutorial…I was prompted to comment simply because I read that you had received some negativity…I can only say how sad I am that anyone could behave this way and I am sure they must be in an absolute minority….you have taken time out to provide a fabulous tutorial, at no cost to the user, only sharing something which you yourself found helpful….thank you very much
Alicia, Thank you. I promise that it won’t stop me from sharing in the future. Enjoy.