I’ll Start This One With a Disclaimer
The following list of masks will not replace an N-95 mask but may help you if you have nothing else to wear.
So many readers have asked me about this that I felt I had to pull something together. This is not a recommendation on our part, only a list for our reader’s convenience and at their request. Please make your own decisions about your health and seek the advice of the experts in your community.
Given the recent outbreak, many have realized the benefits of using face masks when going out in public. This has even been mandated in many countries already and it seems like it may only be a matter of time before that comes to the US.
Here is some very recent information from the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommending the use of homemade masks if nothing else is available. Click the link for the full details on the CDC website.
Unfortunately, many people have now discovered that all the major stores including the likes of Amazon are currently out of N95 mask or that the prices have been jacked up so much that they are simply not affordable.
It’s unclear what value a fabric face mask would have but it seems to me it is probably better than nothing. It will not stop truly aerosolized virus particles but it definitely seems like it would help if someone coughed or sneezed directly on you. You’ll have to make your own call.
As a filtration material, lots of readers have been recommending Scott Shop Towels. I’ve ordered some but have yet to receive them. It looks like a good option to me. This has been an often-asked question so I’ll put a source below.
In any case, here’s a list of a bunch of different styles of face mask sewing patterns. Please enjoy and stay well.
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Face Mask Sewing Pattern Roundup
Here’s a list of some of the best face mask sewing patterns that I could find on the internet. I hope they are of value to you. Hover over the picture to show the title, click to open, or right-click and open in a new tab to keep this page open too. And don’t forget to pin it.
Super Simple Face Mask Pattern
Easy Sew, No Elastic Face Mask
Fabric Face Masks
Face Mask Free Sewing Pattern
Fabric Face Mask
Quick Knit Face Mask
Lace Face Mask
Dust Mask out of a Tee Shirt
Face Mask Tutorial
Face mask against the coronavirus
DIY Ski Mask
Halloween Face Mask
Reusable DIY Mask
Cloth face mask with air filter
DIY Surgical Mask
Star Wars Face Mask
Simple Fabric Face Mask
Medical Face Mask
DIY Neoprene Mask
DIY Face Mask
Face Mask DIY
DIY Dust Face Mask
Custom Dust Mask
DIY Dust Mask
Easy to make Cozy Face Mask Cover
Filter Replaceable Mask
DIY Face Mask
Refashioned Shirt to Mask
Face Mask
DIY Reusable Face Mask
Easy DIY Face Mask
Face Mask 2 Styles
3D Face Mask Replaceable Filter
Breathable Pleated Cloth Mask
DIY Mouth Mask
DIY Cloth Face Mask
High Quality Face Mask
Looking After Someone Sick?
This unisex scrubs pants pattern will come very handy if you need to look after a sick person suffering from a contagious illness.
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Hi Myra the designs for the face masks look superb they appear much more better, I like the designs very much could you please send me the link, i would like to try them out, print , cut and stitch them myself.
Thanks
Hi Cary, please click on the pictures it will take you to the pattern and instructions.
Cut thread wrapped hair ties for the ear loops. Also 3D printed -/-/-/-O-\-\-\- objects can be made that make the mask tighter and eliminates pressure on ears from loops.
How lucky am I to live in a country (Norway) that not only still supplies face maskes in the shops, but the price has come down!
I still make my own as that seems to be the best way for the environment. Thank you for this pattern.
You are very lucky to live in Norway, never been but it is high on my list.
I wear glasses and I am looking for a mask high enough on my nose so my glasses don’t fog up. I found the Hayhem mask. On the girl wearing it, it looks like it’s the height I’m looking for. Is this the correct pattern?
Hi, you can use a folded tissue paper inside the mask at the area of the nose bridge, that will allow you to solve the fogging problem.
I had the same problem with fogging up. I unpicked the seam at the nose area of all my masks (I have several kinds) and flattened out a bunch of bread ties (so they’re not all twisty). Inserted the bread ties as close to the seam as possible and sewed all the way around them to keep them in place. Then molded them around my nose. The fogging issue was very much reduced.
Hi, Melody. I wear glasses too and I am a biker, so you could imagine the problem :p The only solution that I have found that works every time is fold a litle paper napkin and place it over my nose under the mask, where my glasses press the mask. So, no wires, any mask, no problems and is descartable.
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I’ve used pipe cleaners (ends folded over), the tops of the coffee bags (ran out) & am now using an office supply…it’s a flexible clasp, meant to hold papers in place after using a 2-hole punch. Since mine are old, the newer ones maybe lighter weight & more flexible but they seem to work well. I over wrap them in fabric before inserting them. Keep reading conflicting information on what the best material is. The most recent recommendation was denim, canvas & chiffon. I’ve seen non-woven interfacing suggested, fusible suggested & then seen fusible not recommended. As a quilter, I have a lot of cotton scraps. I’ve made masks w/elastic & ties. Suspect the ties may hold up better after repeated washing/drying.
I’ve read articles saying not to put them in the washing machine because most people use cold water to wash nowadays and the masks don’t get washed in hot enough water to kill germs.
They should be washed in hot water, the hotter the better, using dishwashing liquid to remove any sweat/skin grease/makeup that gets deposited on the masks (over time these can build up making it more difficult to breathe through the mask).
Putting them in the dryer can help get it hot enough but hang drying helps the fabric and elastic last longer. And if you can hang dry in the sun then UV rays can help kill pathogens too.
Research shows quilting or other tight weave cotton is best. Hubby runs a immunology lab and he tested them for me.
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I have bought Paracord from Hobby Lobby for strings for masks. I make the masks reversible for style, using paperclips stretched out sewn in with a zigzag stitch, and strings for masks so they are more comfortable. I do work in the medical professions. They may not give you protection but think of the protection for the kids and elderly. I never want to be the cause of someone else losing a loved one.
where did you find a Hobby Lobby which is open?
Most likely they were purchased online.
In my face masks, I use air vent filters that I bought at Home Depot for $4.65. There’s 12 in the pack, cutting each in half. They fit perfectly between the layers of the mask without any additional cutting.
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Another idea for a nose piece is to use the closure piece from a pound coffee bag. This is nice and wide and can be cut to the size you require. Also, if you snip just at the corners, it will slide into the holder more easily. I have also seen that it is suggested you use bias tape as the holder. Ribbon works well also .
I would like to see mask measurements or patterns on here. Please.
Hi Fran, you you checked out this free pattern? https://so-sew-easy.com/super-simple-face-mask/