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 
Terrific directions. Thanks for sharing with us all!
Thanks for a very thorough tutorial. I personally like that you add the elastic near the end. I made a few other masks that came out fine but found adding elastic in the beginning slowed down the mask construction. However, I feel your method will be quicker when making multiple masks for donation.
Ties can be used as well.
Thank you for your tutorial. Easy to follow and so helpful during this time.
It would be nice to have a pattern that you could just print without all those pages.
I created this free tutorial fully intending not to provide a printable version.
What kind of fabric do you recommend because as I understand it masks used in medical facilities are very specialized? Could you be more specific as to specifications? Thank you.
I found this summary of a study (Cambridge University) of various materials for homemade masks and how well they capture bacteria and virus particles compared to surgical masks. They concluded that t-shirt and pillowcase material are the best materials both from the standpoint of particle capture and breath-ability.
https://smartairfilters.com/en/blog/best-materials-make-diy-face-mask-virus/
I did read the article, and I am not disagreeing here, but that test was done with single layer. Keep this in mind, but obviously use your own judgement or recommendations as I am not suggesting one over the other.
On a neighborhood website someone recommended they saw about making masks on Joanna’s website. How this or any other mask you guide, function in place of the N95 masks.
The response was to someone looking for protection from the Coronavirus. Please guide and if needed warn regarding the safety of these masks against the Corinavirus.
@Michael Cousin: This is not an N95 mask. It provides limited protection from a virus, but is better than not having a face mask at all.
Button counter I spent a long while looking through the tutorials for the face mask.
Yours is the winner!!! I will post it to Facebook and Pintrest. I easily followed your instructions. Some people criticized, but it was their error not yours. I applaud your desire to share your design without looking for “hit” compensation. This has been a blessing to many of us for the virus cause. Thank you for sharing. God bless you!
Amen Sister! I am not a seamstress but own a sewing machine that I keep saying I’m going to learn how to use. I was looking for a pattern and tutorial to make masks for my co-workers if needed. This tutorial is easy to read and follow. I especially enjoyed that there were not a bunch of pop-up advertisements. The instructions provide measurements so those complaining that there isn’t a pattern – Use your tape measure!
Thank you for the tutorial looks very easy to make. Now stuck in the house with lots of material.
Do you still need masks?
I do not. There are health care providers that certainly do. You will have to do a little research to find which ones that collecting in your area.
You can also offer your masks to first responders, homeless shelters, food banks, and even to grocery store workers and delivery drivers. These people are almost as likely to be exposed.
I have several scraps of flannel leftover from making things for the grandkids. Is flannel an acceptable material to use for face masks?
Loreen, I have family who work in hospice and nursing homes and they have run out of masks. If you’d like to donate some, please contact me.
I am a beginner at sewing and am going to try my best to help them and their co-workers to have some masks as soon as possible!
Thank you for doing this.
I want to make masks for the hospital and understand you have material to donate. Please advise. Thank you.
I am sorry. Whoever mentioned that was mistaken. This tutorial, however, is being used by many for donations, so maybe that is the misunderstanding.
Is there a way to add an insert for a filter of some sort?
Thank you. I have 2 nurses in the family!
Thank you so much for your tutorial. Simple and easy to follow. My Crafting for a Cause group has been asked by a local senior facility to make masks for people who come to visit. Instead of going down the Pinterest Rabbit Hole, I saw yours right away and have decided it would be our pattern of choice. I hope that you and yours are safe and well. Thank you for sharing your talent.
This is awesome, thank you!
Thank you for posting this especially for free, I know it took a great deal of time.
It literally took an entire day, at least. Thank you, Debbie. Enjoy.
Thank you for your time and energy to put this together. What type of fabric would we use if we want to donate these to a medical professional? Would you preshrunk the fabric?
It is my understanding that while this face mask may help you with pollen, it is not coronavirus compliant. There needs to be a non-woven fabric inside the two pieces of woven. The virus gets through woven fabric.
Would a piece of interfacing between the layers work?
I must be missing something… When adding the accent piece and it says to stitch it to one side, then fold it over to encase the raw edges, shouldn’t there be some of the accent piece on the back side as well? Your picture of the back after the accent piece has been added doesn’t show any accent piece. Where did it go?? I’ve read the directions like 10 times and I can’t see where it goes lol. Help!
I just updated the tutorial to clarify. I hope this helps. To answer your question, accent strip only shows on one side. It gets turned completely to the other side.
Thanks! 😊
I called my local hospital today to see if they would accept masks and they said yes, so just call around and I’m sure you will find places that will be happy to have them.
your final pictures I believe are labeled wrong. Top one appears to be the back, and the bottom picture appears to be the front
The mask is reversible, so maybe I should have said “the flip side of the mask…” Happy sewing.
Perhaps I am wrong about front and backs of the masks. Sorry.
Thank you very much for this tutorial. It’s easy to follow and a pleated version is exactly what I was looking for.
Thank you for this. If you can offer any clarity around the accent pieces, specifically how it folds over to encase the raw seam, that would be great. The only way I can encase the seam seems to be if I fold over the accent all the way to the back, thereby losing the accent all together on the front, if that makes sense. I just got stuck on that last part… appreciate your help and sharing this.
That is exactly what you are going to do. Fold it completely over to the other side so that the accent strip only shows on one side when it is finished. To be honest, I only made the accent piece a different color, to make the visual instructions a bit easier to follow, so you can just use the same fabric too.
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Thank you for your face mask pattern. Did it help with your allergies ? I have heard that a batik fabric is preferable now for Coronavirus? X
It definitely helps with my allergies, but my issues are with dust, pollen, and cleaning chemicals. I can’t promise any particular results for another person, and I am not providing medical advice. I simply wear these because masks have a habit of disappearing off shelves here during cedar fever every year.
Best tutorial I’ve seen; thank you for sharing!
going to make some for my family ,friends and hospitals ,dr. office if they want them !!
I made some for a friend and used ties but I noticed in another site that the ties are sewed to the top and bottom going up and down. I made mine going to the sides on top and bottom. Do you know what is best? I may make more for a hospital in my area. Can’t find elastic but have plenty of material for ties
Thank you for making such an easy to digest tutorial! I’ve been helping my mom who is making masks for hospital workers and as I’m telling her how I know it should be made, I look to your tutorial and your pictures are what I’m describing to her. Wonderful job!
I am a healthcare provider with experience in acute care ICUs. I plan to make masks for my pregnant daughter in law to protect her from community exposure. The fact that fabric can be washed for repeat use, makes this functional, safe. This is for scrubs, to remove, wash bacteria away. I plan to make multiple to allow at least daily washing.
The double layers should provide barrier for all to use in the community. Nylon fabrics that were popular for decorative flags, may be repellant also, but may not allow air exchange. Soft flannel or cotton will create barrier, and can be more fun using patterns. I think kids would love love cute animals or other flannels and prints from Joann.
If you can’t find 1/4 elastic use ribbon and tie it around your head. I got 10 yards of ribbon for 50 cents.
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Wonderful tutorial, very easy to follow!
Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for posting your tutorial on making a face mask. It is easy to understand and very thorough! A friend of mine works at a nursing home and the nursing home was only able to provide their employees with bandanas. I am able to make these for them for free. Again, thank you for sharing your pattern. You are helping a lot of people!!!
Thank you for taking the time to post this tutorial. It is very friendly and easy to follow. God Bless you.
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If you can’t find elastic, stretchy headbands work great.
Thank you for providing this pattern free of charge during these trying times. We will use your pattern to make alternative masks for our local healthcare providers and first responders until the real thing is available to them! Thanks again!
When making the masks, what is used for the filter in the mask to make them COVD-19 safe?
Bobbi, please know that this is a question that I am completely unable to answer. My mask was created for myself and my needs. I just happened to show people how I did it.
First thanks for the tutorial. I didn’t understand what you did with the top part when you sewed with the right sides together. You sew the side seams, but what did you do with the top seam ? I didn’t see where you mentioned it at all in the tutorial.
Thank you so much for posting/reposting the pattern and instructions.
Thank you for this wonderful tutorial. It will be well used.
Thank you. A nice tutorial
How about using 1/2″-1″ wide Velcro instead of elastic or ties/ makes the mask more adjustable. Also making face sheilds from clear marine grade vinyl w/ velcro straps ?
Thank you for sharing this! Your tutorial is the best explained!
Thank you for you FREE TUTORIAL. Your so awesome for have token the time to put this together way before the this pandemic. Thank you. I will be trying to make for some elder church members. Thank you once again
I think you are very kind to do this.
Thank you so much for sharing this. My Mom is an assisted living faculty. She has her sewing machine and loves projects like this where she is helping the community. Blessings to you.
Could these be reusable? Of course after sanitizing.