How to make a Face Mask - Directions and Patterns for Surgical Style and N95-Inspired
Pleated Surgical-style Mask Sewing Directions
Download the Pleated Face Mask - similar to Surgical Mask
1. Cut two pieces of 100% cotton fabric that are 6” x 9” each. Cut two elastic ¼” straps that are each 7” in length. You can also use four 15” stripes of fabric (bais tape) in place of the elastic straps
2. Place both pieces “RIGHT SIDE” facing each other
3. Starting from the middle of the long 9” side, sew a straight stitch that is ¼” from the edge, to the corner. Before you reach the corner, insert one end of the elastic strap or fabric strip to the corner. Back stitch the corner to secure the strap.
4. Continue sewing to the next corner. Take the same strap’s opposite end and place in the corner and sew to secure in the opposite corner. Back stitch to secure the strap.
5. Continue sewing the long side until you reach the next corner. Place the 2nd strap to the corner and sew over, back stitching to secure.
6. Continue sewing to the final corner. Take the same strap’s opposite end and place in the corner and sew to secure in the opposite corner. Back stitch to secure the strap.
7. Continue sewing until you reach 1” away from the start of your stitching. Leave 1” opening
8. Turn the mask inside out. Fold the 1” opening in so that the edge is flush with the stitching that is now on the inside of the mask
9. Fold three pleats on either end of your mask. Use a pin to secure each fold. Make sure both sides of the mask have equal matching pleats.
10. Sew a straight stitch with a ¼” seam along the edges of the mask and remove the pins as you sew over the pleats.
N95-Inspired Mask Sewing Directions
Download and print the template for our N95 Inspired Face Mask.
1. Cut out the size of the pattern that you want to use to make a stencil.
2. Fold your 100% cotton fabric with RIGHT SIDES facing on the inside.
3. Using the stencil and a fabric pen, trace around the edge onto the fabric.
4. Cut 1” seam on the STRAIGHT edge side of both pieces of fabric. Cut ¼” seam around the remainder of the trace line.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 to make two pieces of liners for your mask. Cut ¼” around all edges of the liner fabric.
6. Sew a straight stitch with ¼” seam along the curved edge of the fabric mask with RIGHT SIDES facing on inside.
7. Sew a straight stitch with ¼” seam along the curved edge of the fabric liner with RIGHT SIDES facing on inside.
8. Fold the edges of the fabric liner in ¼” on WRONG SIDE and sew a straight stitch on either ends.
9. Place RIGHT SIDES of liner facing RIGHT SIDES of fabric mask
10. Sew the tops and bottoms to combine both pieces together.
11. Turn mask inside out. Using an iron, press the top and bottom edges of the mask.
12. Fold the ends of the mask ¼” in on WRONG SIDE twice. Iron the folds. Insert cord or strap on 2nd fold.
13. Sew a straight stitch to seal the 2nd fold, being careful not to sew over the cord/strap.