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.
All great ideas! Another thought I had was sewing it with double sides so there is a slot in the center where a piece of plastic cut to size could be inserted for added protection, then disposed of after use while the mask can be washed.
I was wondering about these masks and if you would be breathing in your own carbon dioxide? i passed out yeas ago in a play where i wore a paper bag over my head for 1 hour. Any medical people have an answer?
There are many variables to any individual use of any mask, but people have been wearing masks for decades without any health consequences. Your paper bag incident probably included a degree of stress that (being onstage in a play) that contributed to not getting enough oxygen. I would not be concerned myself about passing out, and I am a wimp as far as stress related situations. Give a mask a try and wear around the house often before leaving home with one.
I read that gauze is the best fabric for masks.!!
Could I use 7″ rubber bands instead of elastic or will it melt when cleaned in autoclave??
Anything that uses heat to disinfect will get hot enough to either melt a rubber band or damage the rubber in it, but also the latex in elastic as well. Wash the mask in the laundry with a small amount of chlorine bleach (Clorox). Make multiple masks so you always have a clean one on hand.
TIP: If you don’t have elastic, cut thin strips from t-shirts and pull each end. they will curl up and make remarkable ties
You can also use unscented dryer sheets. They are completely washable too. I just cut it out and sew it along with the front part of the mask… they make great filters….
dryer sheets are not recommended
dryer sheets are not recommended.
Ties have been the part that takes so long to make. I’m going to try t shirt ties
best plan for the tie, in place of elastic – to use 1 in strips cut from t shirts and pulled tight so they curl. Made dozens of masks this way and they fit any size head
WELL, READ THIS! While looking at the pattern tonight with the formidable task ahead to make 4 or 5 masks, and not good at sewing, and not looking forward to it – I realized how much the picture looks like a bra cup! I have 3 old underwire bras that are too small now :), got them out and what do you know?? Perfect fit, and the wire bends! Now all I need to do is cut them out, make a fabric cover to slip them into so it doesn’t look like a bra cup is on my face, and the straps are elastic too! THERE YOU GO! BRA manufacturers get busy or bust!
Joy, please send a picture when you finish. My daughter and I were thinking the same thing.
I think the bra manufacturers was a great idea
Thank you from Texas
Where are you located? I’m in Georgia. I am making some for our hospitals. It would be simple enough to change the elastic with twill tape. Contact me and we will see what we can do about getting you some.
Thank you Beverly, but we have others here making masks, so just keep supporting your local hospitals. We all appreciate all who are helping in this unbelievable situation!
sorry for so stupid question but have to sew a mask for kids
thank you for your input CBS1 I have been making masks with the elastic I will shift to a tie. Any one know of a good long sleeve surgical gown pattern? My mother’s nursing home wants washable gear as they will need close to 9k gown changes a month with the throw always. The magnitude of the impact with this virus is mind boggling.
Why dont you look for an older poster that a long shirt come dressing gown and tweak it, turn the front to the back, keep it loose and put ties on the opening where a zipper or buttons would go to close the front which woul now be at the back
AnnieO, I don’r know if this is what you’re looking for or not. It looks simple and pretty fast to make but I haven’t tried one, yet. https://www.peekaboopatternshop.com/isolation-gown/
I have med experience, though no longer practicing, and agree with you. I had my mom and her friend start using cloth ribbon with the masks that they are sewing. Wish I could mail some to you; I hope you find some.
I did ties with the elastic over the back of the head instead of the ears. So comfortable!
What length did you cut the elastic pieces for behind the head?
Good to know from someone who will be using them!
I am planning on using batik, the weave is tight, and for the lining a double layer of flannel. Hoping that will not be too hot or restrictive. I have elastic on order since joanns didn’t have any. Also as a hearing aid user, consider making the elastic go around the head rather than behind the ears, behind the ears makes the hearing aids fall off.
I was gonna use flannel too but they said it holds too much moisture!
It all depends on who the “they” is, as to whether to listen to their objections. Some of the objections here are just opinions, not facts. If you read all the comments here, you will see that a new study in the USA, (done by a major medical university?), says that two layers of old tee shirt fabric works best after it was worn for 2 – 3 hours. That sounds like the moisture was not a problem. Anyway, even if moisture collects and is uncomfortable, one can change multiple masks daily, bagging them in paper and taking home and launder with detergent and bleach. Bleach kills Covid-19 and a lot of other pathogens on contact.
old tee shirt fabric is different than flannel.
Flannel might be better at keeping germs out, but the lint from the fabric is not good for lungs, in addition to being harder to breathe….
I am going to use bamboo rayon. It is supposed to wick away moisture
I think it would be difficult to breathe through two layers of Flannel. But I like your idea on the batik. that’s what I am using two layers of batik and insert of vacuum cleaner bag for filter.
Right my friend post a head band with a button on each side. wear headband and mask, elastic bands around the buttons.
Hi, thank you for making this post, but please note that the part of the post that says that the part that says a DIY mask will not help stop aerosolized virus particles is not true. There have been studies done that show that even homemade masks help filter viruses and prevent their spread. This is why many Asian countries highly recommend (and some even require people) to wear masks when they go out of the house. Can you please consider updating your post to reflect that making and wearing masks will help stop the spread of coronavirus? Of course, we should save the most effective manufactured masks and n95 respirators for our health care workers and make DIY ones to use in our everyday lives.
Here is a post with a link to a Cambridge University study about the effectiveness of homemade masks:
https://smartairfilters.com/en/blog/diy-homemade-mask-protect-virus-coronavirus/
Here is a post that discusses different material that can be used:
https://smartairfilters.com/en/blog/best-materials-make-diy-face-mask-virus/
I hope this is helpful to you and your subscribers!
I think that was meant more as a “disclaimer” on their part re liability of the post on their part. Quite common. 🙂
Very helpful thank you
Yes. You’re right. DIY masks will stop virus-sized particles, but according to the research you linked, ONLY 50%. (Double folded, most comfortable-that you can wear 2+ hours straight)
I just don’t want some people read this article headline and have a misconception that by wearing diy mask they are invulnerable to virus. Mask is good to filter owner’s breath to decrease amount of virus flying into the air. That stops spreading the virus. Keep title, keep distance and stay well!
In my search fir masks and patterns I found a disclaimer from a group of doctors in Thailand that indicated that 4 layers of the Thai loin cloth fabric had tested closely to the N95 masks. I’m making masks for an endoscopy center and some home health nurses using 4 layers of white muslin that can be washed and bleached!!
Can you post your source? I’d like to read this.
Great article and kudos for “shout out” in NY Post! We are living in troubled times, so any sharing of knowledge, skills, inspiration is always appreciated. Thank you
Why do show so hard mask . Some days ago I founded how to sew a simple mask with filter
Hi Joi, have a look at this one: https://so-sew-easy.com/super-simple-face-mask/
Will you please share the pattern with us?
Thank you.
For elastic, also check thrift stores. They usually have bags of “notions” that might include elastic, buttons, interfacing, etc.
I use a cpap machine at night. I’m thinking if I have to leave my house to go to grocery store, I’ll put on my cpap face mask with material under it. It fits tight
I have not read any information about using non-woven interfacing (brand name Pelon). Interfacing comes in many weights from very thin and soft to thick and stiff. It is easy to work with and washable. I make prototypes and sew garments. I have scraps of everything.
I was wondering the same thing – would a flexible lining help with filtration or not. I would think so, as long as they don’t shed fibers that the user could potentially breathe into their lungs.
Fabric patch.net
Check out Fabricpatch.net
Does anyone have a long sleeve tie in back gown pattern? I have over 100 yards of vinyl sheeting that I could make disposable gowns for my mothers nursing home but can not find a long sleeve pattern
make a pattern with tissue paper, like the kind you put in a gift pkg. you could use a raglan sleeve shirt pattern that’s the basic body etc. lengthen the sleeves by laying an oversize shirt ? in place. draw the sleeve on the tissue. then make the back to lap over it. make some ties by using bias tape. it can allow some extra room in the back. or you could use snap fasteners. finish the hems and you,ve got a gown.
Shouldn’t you be able to lengthen the sleeve on the patter you already have?
Take a Long sleeve Shirt Turn it in side out use Brown Paper shopping bags and trace around it. Just add a couple of inches or use a Mans Large or XtraLarge Dress Shirt. Do the same thing once you’ve made one and it works you can use it as a Pattern.
A commercial night gown pattern will work , you would just need to make the back in two sections slightly larger in order to sew the vertical hems.
What about Embroidery machine stabilizer as a filter? I would think Cut-Away would be best. Is there an actual pattern available anywhere?
what about coffee filters, maybe 2 per mask.
Did you ever get an answer to this question? I was thinking about possibly Heavy Cutaway Embroidery Stabilizer today. I began searching for micron levels and ran up on this page. There are no answers out there still. This would be extremely useful info. Thanks.
I came here by googling this question too and just read through all the comments above only to finally find this and realise there is no answer ?
I got here by asking about stabilizer too.
Thanks to the blogger who posted these pattern links!
Need elastic?
Quarter inch elastic is easily available online, whether you want it in bulk or just a meter or a few yards. Use Google search. Here are the first few links I found with it in stock, at known retailers:
https://www.overstock.com/Crafts-Sewing/Elastic/19199/subcat.html?featuredproduct=11066201&featuredoption=17081678&kid=9553000357392&track=pspla&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=18076229-000-000&cnc=US&cid=248953&type=pla&targetid=pla-92767668746&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_OfatvWr6AIVpf7jBx2t_QxHEAQYASABEgLjv_D_BwE
https://www.wish.com/product/5982d21a2f46ab796d32ab9b?hide_login_modal=true&from_ad=goog_shopping&_display_country_code=US&_force_currency_code=USD&pid=googleadwords_int&c=%7BcampaignId%7D&ad_cid=5982d21a2f46ab796d32ab9b&ad_cc=US&ad_curr=USD&ad_price=0.99&campaign_id=7203534630&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_OfatvWr6AIVpf7jBx2t_QxHEAQYByABEgLQevD_BwE&share=web
Here is just one of the many listings on Etsy for a reasonable price:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/567109379/14-white-knitted-elastic-14-x-288-yd?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=1%2F4%26quot%3B+elastic&ref=sr_gallery-1-5&organic_search_click=1&frs=1
Etsy has many lositoing for smaller amounts too.
Walmart still has it online too.
for the people who can’t find elastic you could cut the elastic off a fitted sheet. if the sheet is 100% cotton use the material for lining the masks also? just a thought to pass along.
Absolutely awesome idea.
Thank you!! I have brand new flannel sheets that don’t fit any of our beds. Use an allergen vacuum cleaner bag material as Added protection!
Saw where they said flannel holds too much moisture and makes it harder to breath. I was gonna use flannel till I read that.
Also, cut thin strips of cotton t-shirts, ‘pull’ on each end. They will curl up and make remarkably great ties!
You can use the elastic from a pair of women’s underwear. It works great.
I want to make masks for hospital employees. What do I need to make them?
I read an article from a doctor in France, collaborating with a doctor in China (and verified these were actual doctors) who said to use two layers of cloth with an anti-bacterial, non-woven fabric between as a filter. Many of the flimsier totes you can find in grocery stores are made of this material. So, I’m making double-sided masks with a slit to insert replaceable filters.
I read somewhere to use (burp cloth) which is a light weight felt material. not the felt squares. they suggest was all material in hot water before even starting. I have everything. just need to wash the material.
Please edit this post to tell people to donate their N95’s, not “stock up” on them. How can healthcare workers care for you if they get sick as they don’t have the protection they need.
Our health minister here in Ontario Canada doesn’t recommend face masks. There is too much touching of the face and that it doesn’t help with this type of virus. Sooo many conflicting stories. We have to do what we feel is best and I think if wearing a mask makes us feel safer then do it. I personally can’t wear one because of sinus issues and hinders my breathing.
Thank you for offering this mask. I will make them available to family and friends that wish to have one.
Keep safe!!
Diane
Diane, it is so hard to know what is the right thing to do. I asked my sister in law who is a doctor in Vancouver about homemade masks. She said her small hospital still has the proper ones, but if they run short, she would like some homemade ones as a back up. I will make her a variety using some of the patterns posted here.
I thought it interesting that t-shirt knits are better than sheeting for reducing the spread of viruses, according to this article.
https://smartairfilters.com/en/blog/best-materials-make-diy-face-mask-virus/
where is the pattern for the face mask
I wonder if you could use coffee filters as replaceable filters. they are rather inexpensive
I added a pipe cleaner at the top so you could pinch at nose. I zigzagged it to the lining wrong side just below to the seam allowance when the mask was turned and top stitched I made sure I trapped the pipe cleaner between the seam and top stitch. I tried using PUL but felt it was too hot after it was on for a few min you could breath ok just retained heat.
Awesome idea! Thanks for sharing
That’s clever! What’s PUL?
PUL is fabric used to make baby diapers, burb cloths, etc. it is waterproof fabric.
I ordered a bunch of PUL fabric. I couldn’t breathe through it, so I sent it back.
I am getting first-line information and the latest is to use thin fabric like Stitch Witchery which will keep the batting inside-layer attached to the outer fabric, with the lining being comfortable, and the entire thing being breathable. If not, it won’t be use, and is thus useless.
Note: batting must be attached. I’m sure simple quilting will also work.
Once I make these masks where do I send them.
Check in this facebook group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/234189987979412/
google DaysForGirls, they are currently taking items
You call a hospital or nursing home. Tell them you made the masks but need someone to sterize them before they distribute. Tell them you will meet them in the parking lot!
I made my version and also linked this to my FB page. Also, I used non-woven interfacing as a filter on my lining.
I wish I could post a picture of it.
Great. But vacuum cleaner bags are the best filters to use.
NO! some. are made from (or contains) fiberglass… dangerous for lungs.!!
If you lack elastic, look around the house for old clothes and underwear with elastic you can re-purpose. Leg elastic from one pair of panties should work for two masks. Look for heavy elastic cord. Even big rubber bands should work in a pinch.
Pony tail elastics
what fabric is used for the replaceable filter inserted into some of the masks?
If you look for the chart in older comments, two layers of terrycloth dishtowel provide one of the highest rates of filtering.
I didn’t see anything about “terrycloth” dishtowels on that chart. I saw what I believe was reference to smooth type dishtowels. I also saw a chart about the doubling of the towels making it 100% harder to breath through than an n95 mask. Please correct and excuse me if I am wrong.
Al, yes your are right. I misread “tea towel”, assuming they meant terrycloth and cannot edit my comment. Many folks I know call different types of small towels “tea towels”, so it could mean muslin, diaper cloth/flour sack, or other fabric. I’ve seen many people calling whatever they use a “tea towel” in their homes.
I am going try one using a “glass cleaning bar cloth”. It’s a small smooth (but thicker than muslin) tightly woven cotton towel especially made to not give off lint when drying drinking glasses. They are typically white with multiple thin red stripes, or sometimes one wider stripe of any down the middle. They and very smooth and super soft, unlike most “bar cloths” you see for sale.
I checked Amazon and there are a number of different textures of fabrics show for tea towels, though they are all cotton.
Vacuum ceaner bag material is tested as the best and sanme as professional masks
I’m wondering if you can help readers locate medical grade fabric to use in these masks?
Thank you for the post.
A big factor that masks bring to all of us is it limits us from touching our face as often. As we know, not touching our faces is one of the best things we can do.
Good Thought Something to keep in mind
Yes, , don’t touch face. Maybe we need a hood made of netting. so we could see out fine and keep us from touching face…..
The challenge now is finding 1/4″ elastic. Amazon shipping not until May 1. Many of us have plenty of material just no elastic.
yes, no elastic to be found. I called a sewing shop and they suggested anything that could be tied behind the head, twine, shoelaces…
I bought 100 feet of paracord. It’s a little stiff, but inexpensive and you can sew over it.
Examples at http://www.paracordplanet.com tho you can buy it cheaper at Home Depot – I’ve even seen it at Dollar Tree, $1 for about 25 feet.
I bought 100 feet of paracord. You can buy it at Amazon but it’s cheaper at Home Depot if one is willing to go out. Have even seen it $1 for 25 feet at Dollar Tree.
It’s a little stiff but you can sew over it at least.
Try Walmart or I have seen some using ties instead of elastic.
Etsy shops have elastic!
My mom has made several styles of masks for medical trips to Ethiopia; the pleated style was everyone’s favorite. They also liked when she put a twisty tie along the top edge so they could be pinched over the bridge if their nose.
try rubber band
Just use any kind of tie if you don’t have elastic, you could use shoelaces, piping, home made straps, anything that keeps it on.
where are you located? I can still get hair ties larger ones in packs of 15 here in NJ. Picked up 4 packs yesterday. I can get them shipped to you for my cost if you are interested. We may go on lock down after today in NJ, but I will do what I can to help. I will buy any elastic that I see today!
Hi Laurie – shout-out from CA. The link on this site is great for mask patterns. I have loads of fabric scraps for masks and am going to produce as many as I can for this area (Santa Cruz). There are so many homeless people here now and I don’t see any COVID-19 efforts supporting them.
Sometimes you can find elastic in supermarkets (crafts section or similar).
Old bra straps might work.
One doctor recommended fold over elastic. She said it was more comfortable. Amazon still has this https://amzn.to/3bvYgHO
Please consider donating those N-95s you bought to a hospital or nursing home. They are sorely needed. Nurses, doctors, therapists, techs, and housekeepers have to treat infected patients; most of us on the outside can simply use social distancing. Unless you are at very high risk, healthcare workers need those N-95s much more than us. I’m a respiratory therapy student and our clinicals were cancelled in part because the hospitals couldn’t spare the PPE.
As the mother of a healthcare worker in northern California, I applaud that suggestion. Having access to these masks mean more healthy doctors and nurses when you need them.
I Think Sew has some filter fabric that you can order. It is in Canada so international shipping is pricey, but cheaper than getting this nasty bug.