Fastest, easiest fitted face mask pattern tutorial

Incredibly easy to follow, thank you. I did one prototype today, and I’m going to production line more at the weekend for myself and my family.


I’m just holding the elastic in place as I wanted to tie it when I’m a bit more awake. The stitching round the nose wire is a bit wonky, but I’ll get better with practice.

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Here are my masks. It’s a great pattern, thank you for creating it. I found that the zipper foot was good for topstitching.

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Excellent work @LittleCogs! I have sewn so many of these masks by now, it’s really fast once you get into a groove.
My only 2 suggestions are that stitching a bit closer to the sides will work to keep the seam allowances folded under and the elastic firmly in place, I am sewing ab out 1/2" away from the side folds myself. Also, it is so worth it to take the time to include the edge stitching on the front as I’ve found it helps people identify front from back more easily, particularly after laundering. Also, it helps create a nice stiff “spine” that keeps the mask fabric from collapsing inwards on the inhale. Including fusible interfacing also really helps with that. I have a breathing condition that is exacerbated by fabric touching my mouth, not only does it hinder breath, it also causes me a bit of panic that creates shortness of breath in and of itself. Not everybody is that sensitive but this mask is quite good for those who are.

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Thank you for taking the time to give me this really useful feedback. I can see now that the elastic channel can be smaller, so I’ll do that next time :slight_smile:
I’m struggling with your second point. I can see on the green and yellow tie-dye mask that you have an additional stitching line down the front seam. Is this through one layer only? I’m sure it’s me being daft, but I couldn’t work that bit out.

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I interface the outside fabric and then sew down the center, pushing the seam to one side. On the lining, I also sew down the center, pushing the seam to the opposite side. It does help to keep the mask away from the lips…like a little front pocket of air. This is what everyone that I give these to loves the best…they can not feel so claustrophobic when breathing.

I also sew on nose pieces so that people can remove them if they don’t like them.

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Yes, I sew the front seam and then push the seam allowance to one side and edge stitch to hold it in place. I only do that on the front piece with this pattern.
The example looks like this alternate pattern that uses different fabric for the front and the back. In that case, you could easily edge stitch both as well as choose to only interface either front or lining (I recommend trying the lining fabric Linda, I have found that decreases fabric moving during the inhale). For this pattern though, the interfacing ends up on the entire piece which when folded includes both front and lining so you end up with 2 layers of fabric and 2 layers of interfacing.
I’ve used the other pattern when I haven’t got enough of the fabric to use it for both sides but I do prefer this one for both fit and speed of assembly.

@AIMR, this note is for the other pattern with different fabrics used for front and lining and doesn’t apply to this one. I notice you are edge stitching at the sides and then again about 3/4" in. If it’s because the seam allowance gets fiddly inside the mask and makes either turning or inserting the elastic tricky, I have been cutting the seam allowance a bit larger and the ironing it open flat before sewing the top and bottom curve. Alternately, if you trim about 1/2" from the lining fabric only, it moves the seam allowance to the inside of the mask so the fold is only comprised of the front fabric and that seam allowance doesn’t interfere at all. I will make a video for both patterns and link them in the original post. We’ve just been so busy here with other things lately…

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It is the pattern that is done on the fold, yes. I leave one edge of the ear part undone so I can turn it easier and then iron and fold back and top stitch. I have been topstitching past the openings to secure the folded edges from flipping out. The reason I leave a larger tube is so that people can use ties made of knits if they want. I generally sew down a bit closer to make it half inch opening.

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That’s really useful, thank you. I am making more for my sister and her children, so I will try it out. Thank you so much for all your effort with this detailed tutorial. I am directing friends to it too.

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I said that I wouldn’t make any more of these things, but I’m finding the surgical-style masks often get caught under my nose and make me feel like I can’t breathe. My poor DS1 has the same issue. So, I gave this pattern a try - thank you for sharing! - and made a few more for my family.

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I really love the cupped shape…it creates a little pocket of air…

What cute fabric you picked! I need to buy some children prints to start making kids’ masks!

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This is my latest batch, for when I go back to work next week. I didn’t realise when I bought it, the planets one glows in the dark.


These two for my friend, with a case for her handbag.

And some from dragon fabric for my partner.

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Cute prints!

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This is great!
Thanks for the pattern. I wonder how I missed it.

BTW is there an option to attach a pdf file here or do you need an external site like google docs?

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very good tutorial!

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Great job everybody! Remember, the pattern is available for anybody to make even if they choose to sell their masks. I have no attachment to it, just happy to get a good fitting easy to construct version out there. I see a LOT of people with terrible masks out in public and I fear they aren’t very effective, especially if they have to touch it to adjust it. Once this one is on, it’s a pretty decent and comfortable seal.

@tendstowardschaos I like that you’ve paired the Minions with banana fabric, lol! I found some great fruit and veg fabric recently and cut out so many more masks. It’s a struggle for me to sew the same thing over and over again so I’ve been doing it in stages. I will have 60-70 when I finally complete them all. They are nearly all spoken for, once people know you make them the requests just come flooding in!

@Silky_Bee I don’t think that is an option but you’d be a more definitive answer posting your query in one of the moderator frequented site-specific threads.

@LittleCogs that spacey glow fabric is pretty great.

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@Magpie my coworker has struggled to find a mask that fits well. I made him one with your pattern and he says it is a PERFECT fit for his face! Woo hoo! I’m making him more this weekend. Soon he will have a Magpie mask for every day of the week! Thank you!!

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I just got a message from the two teachers that I had made masks for…I made them two each and now they have asked to pay for four more each! They said they loved the fit and the straps I made.

This is really a well -fitted mask! Thanks again, @magpie.

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Excellent! Happy to hear it’s working for allthefaces :grin:

I’ve made so many more, I’m just sick of it. There are lots still on my table in various stages of completion & so much pre-washed fabric to cut up for more. Everybody wants some, how can I say no?
I’m working on sets for the schools. Even though our kids will be online learning I still want to send some to the staff. This year is going to be hard, a little something special feels like the least I can do.

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I had a mat left over from a pack of Dollar Tree Cutting Mats and decided that it may work for a mask pattern. I’ve got several fabrics with prints that I want to do masks with and figured this would be a way for me to make sure my print falls where I want it. Thought some of you might like this idea as well.

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That’s a great idea!!

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