How to Make Your Own Face Mask

by Nina Chats

In this step-by-step guide, I'm going to walk you through how you can make your own face mask using my high-quality, 100% cotton fabrics.

Face Mask Materials Needed:

- 100% cotton fabric (4 template-sized pieces for a two-layer mask, 6 pieces for a three-layer mask) 
- Scissors (and rotary cutter/self-healing mat if desired) 
- Sewing machine 
- Matching or complementary thread (spool and bobbin for machine)  - Iron and ironing board 
- Fabric pins or clips 
- Elastic or adjustable ear loop bands 
- Filter liner (optional) 
- Nose wire (optional)

Step-By-Step Guide:

  1. Download and print out the mask template PDF and cut out the one which is your desired size.
Note: If you're not familiar with printing PDFs, here's the step-by-step, along with a few tips:
      1. Click on the link above which reads, "mask template PDF."
      2. This will open the PDF in a new browser window. Hover over the PDF and click the download icon.

        Tip: Make sure you know the location of your download. If you have a location set up, it will be in the Download settings of your browser. If not, you will select the location when downloading the page.
      3. Find and open the PDF(s).
      4. Click the "Print File" button, choose the printer, choose how many copies you want, make any additional adjustments needed for personal preference (see the additional tips below for scale and similar options), and click the "Print" button.
      5. Cut out your templates and get started!
  1. Using the template of choice, cut out two pieces of fabric for one side of the mask. Cut out two more pieces of fabric for the other side of the mask. If you would like the mask to have three layers, cut another two pieces (this set of fabric will not show).
    Browse some of my favorite Halloween fabrics, great for making spooky face masks:

  2. Place two cut fabric mask pieces right sides together (if applicable) and pin or clip. Sew along the curved edge with a 1/4" to 3/8" seam allowance. Lock the stitches at the start and end.
  3. Cut excess thread and clip the curves along the sewn edge. Be careful not to cut the seams. Repeat for all pairs.
  4. Open the sewn mask piece and press the seams to one side for all pieces.
  5. Add a filter pocket or nose wire (optional). Put the sewn mask pieces right sides together and pin or clip to secure, making sure that the middle seams are aligned. Sew along the top and bottom to attach (again with a 1/4" to 3/8" seam allowance). Lock stitches at the start and end.
  6. Cut excess thread and clip curves along the sewn edges. Again, do not clip through the seams.
  7. Turn out the mask so that the right sides are out. Be sure to push out along the sewn edges to push the fabric out all the way.
  8. Press both sides of the mask to flatten seams and remove wrinkles. Pay extra attention to the edges.
  9. To make the mask reversible, push in the raw edges on both sides about 1/2-inch. Press if needed to keep in place.
  10. Cut elastic if needed (should be about 7" for adults and 5" for children) or grab your ear loops. Carefully place the elastic/ear loops inside the mask, leaving at least 1/2" inside the mask to be sewn and attached. Pin or clip if desired.
  11. Sew on elastic/ear loops. Lock stitches at the beginning and end where going over the elastic/ear loops.

And that's it! You've just created your very own DIY face mask!

You may need to make one mask first in order to truly determine the best fit for you or the person who will be wearing the mask.
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