Need a face mask, but can’t find one? We have pulled together 12 DIY face mask tutorials to help you make your own face mask.
With more and more mayors and governors issuing mandatory face mask mandates, Americans have found themselves scrambling to find masks that are suitable and safe. Because finding masks on store shelves is becoming near impossible, and there are long delays when ordering masks online, making your own face mask is your quickest option to equip yourself with a nose and mouth cover. Even if your mayor or governor has not made face masks mandatory in your area, it is smart to wear one when going out.
And be sure to take some DIY hand sanitizer along with your homemade face mask if you must go out!
Don’t worry if you don’t know how to sew, or don’t even consider yourself a crafty person. We have included 6 face mask sewing patterns and 6 no-sew face mask tutorials. You should be able to find a mask tutorial that matches not only your needs but also your skillset!
6 Face Mask Sewing Patterns and Tutorials
Take a look at these free face mask sewing tutorials that include patterns and clear instructions for how to sew a mask. Most of these tutorials just require some simple sewing. After each suggested tutorial, we include a list of the supplies and tools you need to complete the project so you can choose a mask design that matches the materials and tools you have on hand. If you can’t find bias tape near you, check out the tutorial by the Seasoned Homemaker where she teaches you how to make bias tape.
1. Multi-Sized Face Mask Sewing Patterns
This is one of the most comprehensive sets of face mask tutorials currently on the web. Here you will find tutorials and printable patterns for a normal face mask, a face mask with a pocket to insert a filter or surgical mask, and even instructions on how to create a mask with a removable nose wire. Craft Passion also includes patterns in various sizes so you can make masks for children, teens, and adults.
Tools and Materials Needed:
- Sewing Machine or hand sew
- Iron
- Seamstress tracing wheel and paper
- Pencil or soluble fabric marker
- Main Fabric
- Lining Fabric
- Bias Tape
- Wire
- Elastic Cord
Get the free pattern and directions here.
My friend Marcie used the above pattern to make all the masks in the picture below. Marcie has a Paper Craft business and when she had to cancel her classes due to the shelter in place order, she used some of her time to make masks to DONATE. She has since pivoted her business and is now selling handmade cards and offering online paper craft classes.
2. Medical Worker’s Face Mask Pattern
Join Joann’s Make to Give campaign, where they are encouraging people to make and donate 100 million masks! Here you can find several face mask tutorials including how to make a face mask for medical workers. They offer free patterns as well as video tutorials on the website, making your project even easier.
Tools and Materials Needed:
Your materials will vary depending on the tutorial you choose, but here is a basic line up of supplies you might require.
- 2 pieces of 100% cotton fabric 7” x 9”
- 2 pieces of 100% cotton fabric 1 ½” x 6”
- 2 pieces of 100% cotton fabric 1 ½” x 40”
- Ruler
- Pins
- Scissors
- Sewing machine & thread
Get the pattern and directions here.
3. Pleated Face mask Sewing Pattern
If you like pleated face masks, you can find a simple and effective face mask tutorial over at Button Counter. I really liked this tutorial because it includes TONS of step by step photos along with clear and concise directions. If you are a visual learner, this face mask tutorial is ideal.
Tools and Materials Needed:
- 1 piece of fabric measuring 8” x 14”
- 2 strips of fabric measuring 1.75” (1 3/4”) x 6”
- Two pieces of 1/4” width elastic. These will be about 6 1/2” long.
- Ruler
- Fabric marking tool
- Pins
- Scissors
- Sewing machine, threaded
Get the pattern and directions here.
4. Bias Tape Surgical Face Mask Sewing Tutorial
Head over to Sweet Red Poppy’s YouTube channel where she is showing viewers how to make a bias tape surgical face mask with wire. She uses an assortment of bright fabrics showing you that face masks can be fun AND effective. If you prefer a tutorial in print, you can find a surgical face mask tutorial on her blog.
Tools and Materials Needed:
- Quilting Cotton Fat Quarters
- Sewing Machine
- Rotary Cutter
- Acrylic Ruler
- ¼ inch wide elastic
- Sewing Pins
5. Face Mask with Filter Pocket Sewing Tutorial
Sew Much Moore is showing readers how to make two types of masks: a face mask with a filter pocket and flexible nose wire, and a face mask without these features. You can find free printable patterns, get helpful tips, and more. Sew Much Moore is also offering homemade face mask tutorials on her YouTube channel.
Tools and Materials Needed:
- Face Mask Pattern
- (1) Exterior Fabric – Fabric amount depends upon mask size
- (1) Lining Fabric – Fabric amount depends upon mask size
- Elastic
- Binding Strips
- Flexible Nose Wire (4″ of 18 gauge wire)
- Sewing Machine with a zipper foot and regular presser foot
- Thread
- Sewing needle
- Seam Ripper
- Sewing Pins
- The Purple Thang or chopstick
- Clover Wonder Clips
- Marking Pen
- Sharp Scissors
- Iron & Wool Pressing Mat
6. Cricut Face Mask Sewing Pattern
Cricut has created a face mask sewing pattern in multiple sizes. They walk you through using the Cricut to cut your fabric and then have a step by step tutorial with videos for sewing your mask.
Supplies and Tools Needed:
- Cricut Maker
- FabricGrip Machine Mat – 12″ x 24″
- Washable Fabric Pen
- Brayer
- 1/4″ (6 mm) Braided Elastic 15″ – 20″ depending on pattern chosen
- Rotary Cutter
- Scissors
- Small Safety Pin
- Fabric of your choice:8″ x 16″ (20.3 cm x 40.6 cm) (for outside fabric)
- 7″ x 16″ (17.8 cm x 40.6 cm) (for inside fabric)
- Sewing machine, threaded
How to Make a Face Mask Without Sewing
There are a variety of ways to make a face mask without sewing. You can use a t-shirt, bandana, scrap fabric, sock, or even a blue shop towel. With some of them, it is just a matter of how you cut the fabric that creates a usable mask. With some of the no-sew tutorials, you need ties or rubber bands to attach the mask to your face.
6 No-Sew Face Mask Tutorials and Patterns
Don’t like to sew, or just don’t want to sew? Then take a look at these DIY face mask tutorials that don’t require a needle and thread. These tutorials include clear instructions for how to create your own face mask, so you can have the protection you need even if sewing is not your thing. After each tutorial suggestion, we will let you know what other supplies you may need so you can choose a homemade face mask tutorial that can be made with the materials you have on hand.
7. DIY T-Shirt Face Mask
Head over to Tom’s Guide where you can find out how to make a no-sew face mask using a t-shirt. Since everyone had a t-shirt on hand, this is a great tutorial if you need a mask in a hurry. The clear pictures and directions make this one of the easiest mask tutorials yet.
Tools and Materials Needed:
- Scissors
- T- Shirt
8. DIY Scrap Fabric or T-Shirt Mask
Head over to Jennifer Maker where she is showing readers how to make a no-sew face mask using a shirt or scrap fabric. She includes a free PDF or SVG for you to use and make your project even easier. Even though this is a quick DIY, the mask is designed to be snug fitting and you can even create it in various sizes based on needs.
Tools and Materials Needed:
- Scissors
- 100% cotton t-shirt
- Measuring tape (optional)
Get the pattern and directions here.
9. DIY Blue Shop Towel Mask
CFW is showing readers how to make a face mask using a blue shop towel and a few other simple supplies. On their website, you can find both a video tutorial and a written tutorial, so if you prefer learning one way over the other you have options! Blue shop towels are proving to be quite effective when it comes to filtering out particles. You can find out more about the benefits of using blue shop towels here.
Tools and Materials Needed:
- A blue shop towel
- Two rubber bands
- One paper clip
- A stapler
- Scotch tape
10. DIY Bandana Mask
If you really want to keep it simple, head over to Sarah Maker and see how to create a face mask using just a bandana and hair ties or rubber bands. This no-sew tutorial only takes minutes and as you can see, uses minimal supplies. And the very best part is, no sewing is required!
Tools and Materials Needed:
- Cloth Bandana
- Hair Ties or Rubber Bands
11. DIY Handkerchief or Sock Mask
Head over to Kim Komando and learn how to make not one but two no-sew masks using the simplest of supplies. You will find out how to make a handkerchief mask and a sock mask, both held together with rubber bands or hair ties.
Tools and Materials Needed:
- Cloth handkerchief or Clean sock
- Hair ties or Rubber bands
12. Cricut No-Sew Face Mask Tutorial
This no-sew face mask pattern created by Cricut comes in 2 sizes: adult and child.
Tools and Materials Needed:
- LightGrip mat – 12 “x 12”
- T-Shirt (cotton preferred)
- Self-Healing Cutting Mat
- Rotary Cutter (optional)
- Fabric Scissors (optional)
- Fabric Marking Pen (optional)
Get the pattern and directions here.
As you can see you have lots of options when it comes to making your own face mask! Whether you need something medical grade or want to keep it simple, one of these tutorials should fit the bill. Don’t worry if you can’t sew, because as you can see you have lots of no-sew options.
Be prepared and decide which of the DIY face mask tutorials works for you, then get crafting! If you wear glasses, check out our tips to keep your glasses from fogging up while wearing a face mask.
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