In today’s post: Learn how to make a face mask and find free face mask patterns so you can donate masks to health care providers with no other options. #millionmaskmayday
About a month ago my sister recommended I share a free face mask pattern on my blog for people who want to sew homemade masks. While I thought it was a good idea, I decided not to create my own pattern because I cannot guarantee the effectiveness of a homemade mask and I did not want to indicate in any way that homemade face masks can replace medical grade protection. However, due to extreme shortages of N-95 masks, some hospitals have begun asking for volunteers to sew fabric masks.
I HATE the idea that the health care professionals (and first responders) who are already sacrificing so much for us may not have the protection that they need. I wanted to figure out how I can help, and I decided to compile what I’ve learned into a post so you can help too! In this post you will find:
- Info from the CDC on whether homemade face masks should be used
- Links to organizations that are coordinating volunteers
- Links to face mask patterns that you can sew at home
- Step by step sewing video showing you EXACTLY HOW TO MAKE A MASK
If you are looking for EASY homemade mask tutorials for personal use, including no-sew options, please visit this post: Easy Homemade Face Mask Videos
PLEASE READ: Due to some comments I need to clarify here that I am not promoting use of fabric masks as a *good* alternative to medical grade masks. I am not making any claims as to the effectiveness of the homemade masks. I am not trying to say medical professionals should not have or do not deserve to have N95s. Instead, I am simply sharing the fact that some hospitals, care centers, etc., have asked for these masks to be donating so they can use them as a last resort due to the extreme shortage of N95s right now. These masks may be used in lower risk situations so N95s can be conserved during this extreme shortage. Please see the info from the CDC below and then contact your local health care institutions OR one of the organizations listed below if you would like to help.
Should I make a homemade face mask? What does the CDC say?
Homemade face masks should never be considered a better or comparable option to medical masks such as the N95. However, due to mask shortages around the country, the CDC has issued new guidance:
In settings where facemasks are not available, HCP [health care professionals] might use homemade masks (e.g., bandana, scarf) for care of patients with COVID-19 as a last resort. link to source
The CDC cautions that the effectiveness of homemade masks is not completely known; however Masks Now Coalition cites a Cambridge University study that finds fabric masks may be 80% as effective at filtration as surgical masks. link to source
Homemade fabric masks may be used in low risk situations so that health professionals can conserve their approved personal protection equipment for higher risk situations. Additionally, health care centers, first responders and others may be interested in whatever protection a fabric mask can provide.
Please note that many organizations are requesting masks that have a filter layer OR a pocket for filter. There are links to both types of patterns below. Please determine what organization you will be donating to and check for their specific requirements.
Organizations coordinating volunteers to make face masks
After extensive research, I believe these are the two best resources if you’d like to make face masks to donate:
1. THE MASKS NOW COALITION was founded to match volunteers with organizations in need. From their website: “Mask makers, a physician, logistics and IT experts, creators, former federal officials, and artists converged quickly to form The Masks Now Coalition. Coalition partner Created for Crisis developed a 3-layer mask pattern, bringing together the best elements of circulating patterns into a design which is quick and easy to sew.”
According to the Masks Now Coalition FB page, their mask pattern was developed in cooperation with the CDC. The pattern is easy to follow and includes a filter layer. It also includes extensive instructions so you know who are sewing and handling your materials properly. You can sign up as a volunteer at their website and you will be contacted by a lead in your state once a need has been established.
I have created a step by step video that will walk you through EVERYTHING you need to know to sew the Masks Now pattern. You can find the video in this post below the heading “Face Mask Instructional Video” (a few paragraphs down).
2. HERE IS A LIST that’s being compiled by UC Berkeley School of Public Health that lists hospitals and other organizations in your state that are looking for masks. It also lists whether the organizations are requesting a specific pattern. Note – there are SO MANY hospitals in California requesting masks at this point!
Additionally you can contact health organizations, care centers, fire houses, homeless shelters, etc., in your local area. Grocery store workers and postal workers may also appreciate these masks. It will be easier to drop off masks locally than to try to ship them to other areas. It’s also possible that health care organizations in your area DO NOT want masks at this time – so check before you start. Also remember to find out if the place you want to sew for has specific recommendations or requirements.
***If your local Jo-Ann store is still open, they are collecting masks to distribute locally***
Face Mask Instructional Video
I have created this video to walk you through the construction of the Masks Now pattern, available here. Please go to that link to download the pattern packet, which includes instructions. It can be hard to follow sewing instructions without visuals, so the video below should help. You can also sign up as a volunteer at The Masks Now Coalition website to find out where to donate in your area.
This face mask starts with a rectangle that is 9 inches wide and 8.5 inches tall. That is a size Large, which will likely fit men better than women. For a slightly smaller mask, start with a rectangle that is 8 inches wide and 7.25 inches tall.
Please note that this pattern uses nonwoven, non fusible interfacing as a filter layer. As directed on the pattern, I used Pellon 830 for this layer. You can find it at Jo-Ann through this link, and you can probably also order it from any other craft/sewing store. One yard of Pellon 830 is enough for 16 masks.
Other Face Mask Patterns
When sewing a homemade face mask, please use a good quality tightly woven cotton, such as a quilting cotton. Also please be sure to wash and dry your fabric on hot/high before you cut out pieces and begin sewing. Also, be sure to wash your hands before you handle your clean materials or begin sewing.
Remember to check and see if the organization you are sewing for is requesting a specific pattern. If not, you can use one of the patterns below:
NOTE: It has gotten very hard to find elastic at this point, so I have marked with an asterisk * the patterns below that use straps instead of elastic. Most of the patterns use bias tape for straps. You can purchase bias tape, but it’s actually quite easy to make your own from the same fabric you are using to make the mask (and this is preferable because then it will be 100% cotton).
*This link is to a video tutorial for a face mask. It uses straps instead of elastic, has a pocket for a filter to be added, and includes (optional) wire to shape over the nose. This appears to be a VERY GOOD option for a pattern, although you will need to check with wherever you are donating to see if they want the wire added or not.
The Turban Project/Deaconess Mask This face mask pattern was designed by the Turban Project and has been shared by Deaconess Health Systems as part of their plea for people to start sewing masks. This mask is extremely easy to sew – it starts with a rectangle of fabric that is pleated to mimic a surgical mask and uses elastic that goes around the ears. At the link you’ll find a video showing you how to make it. I’ve already made a few of these and if you have some sewing experience you’ll likely be able to make each one in about 15 minutes.
*Sweet Red Poppy Bias Tape Mask This pattern is a great option because it uses bias tape straps instead of elastic, which has gotten very hard to find. It’s the same general design as the Deaconess Mask but it also includes a pocket that the health care provider can insert an additional filter into. Photo below from Sweet Red Poppy.
Button Counter Face Mask This mask is fairly similar to the Deaconess mask and is also quite simple to make. This one is good if you prefer a written tutorial with LOTS of example photos to a video. Photo below from Button Counter.
*Fu Face Mask This is another simple mask pattern – I’ve sewn up a few of these now and will add a photo soon. This one doesn’t have pleats, but instead is curved to give good face coverage. The Fu Face Mask uses bias tape or ribbon for ties, so it may be a good option if you are having trouble finding elastic. Printable pattern PLUS video instructions.
*A.B. Face Mask This face mask was designed by Jessica Nandino and shared on Instructables. It has pleats in front and ties that go around the head on top and the neck on the bottom. This pattern is a little more time consuming to make because of how the ties are attached but also appears to offer a good, comfortable fit. AND it’s designed to fit over an N95 mask and possibly extend the life of those. Photo below from jessica.nandino on Instructables.
Craft Passion Face Mask This mask pattern is available in 4 sizes and actually uses elastic hair ties to go over the ears. Instead of pleats it uses a contoured fit over the nose. Photo below from Craft Passion.
I hope and pray that manufacturers are able to produce the medical grade face masks our health care professionals need! In the meantime, sewing homemade face masks for them to use as a last resort is one small thing I can do to help during this difficult time.
Let me know if you end up sewing some too – I’d love to see us work together to make a difference!
Tess says
Can you link a simple pattern I can print. My mother can sew these for the people I work with but she has no internet.
Rhonni says
I have tried a bunch of patterns and find FU Mask is an awesome fit and easy sew its a one page download if you google it
Anna says
I only have woven interfacing with an iron on side. If I am just making the mask for my own use is it safe to use the iron interfacing?
Alisha Huntsman says
If the interfacing bonds with plastic, then the masks won’t filter.
JEANNE MORTENSEN says
Where do I print out the pattern? I am unable to find it. I just need the measurements if at all possible. I am an experienced sewer.
autumn says
Hi Jeanne – the main mask pieces are 9 inches wide and 8.5 inches tall for an adult size large. For a smaller adult you could do 8 inches wide and 7.5 inches tall. The straps are 2 inches wide and 20 inches long. Thanks!
Nanc Meinradt says
its 9 wide by 8 high for men, and 8 wide and 7.5 high for women. It looks like 1/2 inch pleats for a total of 4, starting at the 1 inch mark down from top. Note the pleats go in one way, downward. the edges look like 1/4 for stitch line.
This is a very hard to follow DIY page.
this link below is far far better.
https://butcherssewshop.com/products/adult-face-mask?variant=31708403204151
Bobbi says
This was so helpful! My nurse friend loves the one I made for her thank you! The elastic I used is ironable so it can be used in hospitals when they use a heated sterilization process. I found it on Etsy https://www.etsy.com/listing/783738428/
Katrina A Idleman says
Nice design, thank you. I can work with fabric that I have on hand, no need to go out and buy elastic.
Melissa A Brock says
I used only one of your photos on my Facebook page (the first one with the scissors and thread), so I will acknowledge that it’s your photo. Is that all I need to do while just sharing about making masks? Thank you for this information.
Melissa says
Ok, I finally have my own masks made. So I will take down your photo from my Facebook page and use my own!! I just used yours to get a head start on the process and information for friends. Thank you. Hope that’s ok.
autumn says
Sounds good. Thanks, Melissa!
terrie pope says
Hello! Thank you to the mask makers. They are not very good at filtering corona virus BUT the nurses like to wear them under the N95 masks. The N95’s are being UV light disinfected and then reused. My daughter said they are often covered in the previous users makeup and sweat and can smell bad.
Dawn says
People are trying to help. Why make a negative comment?
Angel says
She is talking about the already used N95. The aren’t meant to be reused. They get sweaty and gross within a few minutes if you have never worn one. So much fun. She is saying they prefer wearing these so they have a safety layer against that nasty. Reading skills on point though.
Rosa says
Thank you very much! I was able to make 1 mask successfully. I printed your pattern at 115% in order to get the correct measurements. Later I noticed that someone redid the pattern and put it on a PDF. Thank you to that person also.
Caz says
I printed mine at 110%. This is the best mask I have found to make. My prison officer husband and friends are very grateful as they have little to no PPE. These get brought home and boil washed ready for the next time they are needed. Anything has been shown to be better than nothing at protecting our loved ones right now. thank you so much.
Linda Kay says
Thank you so much for sharing this mask making information! Very straight forward and easy. I will be making these for myself and my extended family first, then for friends and neighbors. Bless you!
Joanne L Cressman says
I am not able to print the pattern for the mask in your video but would like to make some for family and myself who work in health care. Can you give me the measurements? The rest I can work off the video for.
Bernie stark says
Do you think I can use 100% cotton sheets to make the masks, I thought it might be easier to buy those verses finding the fabric.
autumn says
Yes, that should work.
Rev. Vanessa Smith says
I am hoping to start some masks today. The posted video is very helpful. HOWEVER, the link to Mask Now to get the pattern throws up a huge red flag with my computer security. It says “extremely high risk, do not go there!” Have you heard any complaints about phishing or anything on that site? I really want the pattern, but do not want to compromise my computer or my email security. Thanks!
Cindy says
Is it okay to use fusible interfacing instead?
Susan says
NO to fusible interfacing – there are chemical in the glue that are not good to breathe.
Deborah says
Is the large dart on the top (for the nose) and the small dart on the bottom (for the chin) or is it the other way around?
Andrea says
My old Singer sewing machine won’t go over the seams with pleats. Any suggestions? Thanks.
hb says
I used to use my mom’s singer from the fifties and sometimes manually turning the wheel while holding the pleats down can help. I’ve found that even the newer machines have trouble with thicker material andI do the same thing.
HB says
Good luck!:)
Andrea says
Mine was my mother’s from the 1940s and I love using it although it won’t do some of the fancier stitches, and it won’t go backwards to lock the stitch. I did turn the wheel manually and eventually sewed over the pleats, although it wasn’t the best or straightest sewing! I’m hoping that I’ll get better at it on the other masks I make.
HB says
it says on the pellon 830 to only wash cold. Did you wash hot and did it turn out ok?
Andrea says
I washed with hot water and then put it in the dryer–no problems! It may have shrunk a little, but it’s hard to tell. I was washing and drying 5 yards of it.
autumn says
Yes, washed hot and it’s just fine.
Tammy Lopez says
I found the pellon 830 in 2 types..not sure if this which one is okay?
Easy pattern 45″x10 yd board $17.95 or
830 non woven tracing material $2.49
Thanks
Megan says
I was wondering the same thing… I would like to get the one that’s 2.49 but want to make sure it’s right before I order 5 yards.. did You get one already??
autumn says
Sorry I’m late on answering this, but to help any others that have the same question – yes either type of 830 is the correct! $2.49 is the cost per yard, and I believe that $17.95 is the cost for a 10 yard piece.
Lynn says
This is the simplest tie-mask tutorial/video/pattern I have seen! Not to mention all the other mask resources provided. I have come to the end of my elastic supply and need to start on making tie-masks (pre-made bias tape is also hard to come by nowadays!) Thank you so much for your efforts in making this available to the public.
Mary says
You have made it extremely, no impossible, to see where and how to print the patterns.
autumn says
Hi Mary. The title of each mask pattern is a link. Click the link for the mask you want and you will be taken to the blog post/website that offer that mask pattern.
Ana M Fumando says
I’m using the 2 patterns here but for a child size, what should be the dimensions. I’m not a professional only beginner sewer. Infor. greatly appreciated.
Andrea says
Too much chatter on all these pages for DIY facemasks.. Post the pattern and the instructions and leave it at that.. We all know they are not surgical/medical quality.. we just want to help where we can and I am very tired of reading through all the caveats regarding them. Keep it simple.. post a page with instructions 1 – 10 and leave it at that.. I can’t share this with my mother who wants to help.. she’d be frustrated after the first 3 sentences. I’m frustrated trying to find a page that is relatively simple to navigate/follow along for someone who is not tech savvy.
KIF says
I think what you meant to say was, “Thanks, Autumn, for posting these!”
If the site is too complicated for someone else, it’s pretty simple to copy the relevant parts and paste them into a new document. I’m sure you would be more than willing to do that for your mother.
Unfortunately, in this day and age, it has become necessary to post disclaimers. They might be annoying to scroll past, but they help keep the poster from getting sued by ignorant people.
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