



Since the outbreak of the recent pandemic virus, I have been perfecting and improvising this face mask pattern to include all the features that needed to fight against the spread of the disease. One of the features includes adding a slot or pocket for filter media to make the face mask more effective. Secondly, a nose clamp (aka nose wire) is added at the top edge of the face mask to provide a better seal at the nose bridge area. Thirdly, due to shortages of elastic band and also due to the comfort of the wearability, head tie made out of shoelace and t-shirt yarn are recommended to use here. Fourthly, a sewing video is made for a better view of the sewing process.

You may read through the following dated updates for the details that have been made to this pattern, some large and some little tweaks to perfect the pattern. I am glad to receive emails and comments from all channels, they are telling me that many hospitals and local authorities have asked their people to sew from the Craft Passion face mask pattern because this homemade face mask gives great coverage and seal. I hope my little humble effort and the homemade face mask pattern does make a huge difference to the world. Lastly, not forgetting to thank you for sewing face masks and donate to those who needed it, you are all godsend angels.

Skip all and jump straight to download the patterns, click the button below:

(If clicking the button brings you to nowhere, then please scroll to find the family photo of mine (a 6 person portrait), the pattern options are just below that picture.)

{1st June 2020 Update:} A Windowed Face Mask Pattern has been added to Craft Passion Face Mask List below. Thanks to Kit Kenyon who works as an educator that connected to the special needs communities of Deaf, Hard of Hearing who sees the needs of her students. Kit modified Craft Passion’s Face Mask Pattern (non-pocket version) to include a clear window; by means of using vinyl or a clear plastic sheet; at the mouth area to accommodate the communities where lip reading is prevalent.

{9th May 2020 Update:} After about 3 weeks of creating the Support Group on Facebook, we have almost six thousand members joining in the group for sharing and discussing topics across the face mask sewing. It has been 2 months since the pandemic emergency was called, face-covering has become essential when you need to go out of your house. We have learned and still learning so many things throughout the face mask sewing journey, from materials to pattern and to fitting. Thanks to The Fabric Patch for answering most of them, you may watch the video here. Talking about fitting, though Craft Passion’s face mask has won many likes as the best-fit face mask to sew, however, not everyone is born the same, some want a longer mask to cover the chin or beard, some has a wider face, some needs more room for some reasons and so on. In the video, Cindy from the Fabric Patch talked about fitting and a modified Craft Passion’s mask in the second half of the video (at 19:10). She also talked about how you can measure your face and find the closest-fit out of the 8 sizes that Jesse Killion has modified. The 8 sizes of modified face mask patterns have been included in the pattern list below as item 6. For those who have great experience in sewing with Craft Passion’s instruction, you may try it out with the same instruction B & C and trim the ear-side of the lining piece 1″ away for the pocket section. Or you may watch the video here to sew it in The Fabric Patch way for non-pocket sewn-in filter version.

{20th April 2020 Update:} A Craft Passion Face Mask Support Group on Facebook is created for further discussion on the sewing topic of this face mask. With the hope that everyone can own at least a face mask or two in the current situation, we officially permit those who sew to sell to sew this pattern and sell them out with kindness. In the hope that the seller can keep the profit at minimal so that everyone can afford a face mask to protect themselves and others from the virus. Sellers, you are allowed to post your face mask product listing in the group with all the necessary information (fabric type, style, and features). Buyers, please take your own risk on the transaction. Craft Passion (the owner), the admins and the moderators of this group have no profit made from any sales deal within the group and we will not be responsible for any outcome during your transactions. Please read and adhere to the rules of the group.

{12th April 2020 Update:} A new revision (rev 3) of pattern templates have been uploaded to the pattern area to replace the old version. The shapes and sizes of the templates remained the same in rev 3 while more info is included in the template for ease of reference.

{29th March 2020 Update:} Thank you all for the feedback and suggestions, I heard you from the comments (probably miss some, oppsss). I feel sorry that I can’t thank you individually for the inputs and also helping me in answering others’ questions. After gathering all the info and pick up which is essential, I have made a face mask sewing video tutorial and it is embedded in this section (click to jump straight to the video). In this face mask sewing video, I have included the detail on how to cut and sew the face mask with a pocket for the filter media. Besides, there is additional 2 new info I have added to the video: a sleeve on the top edge of the face mask for a removable nose wire, and, using a cotton shoelace as the head tie, as shown in the picture below.

The face mask design itself has a very good seal along the face, however, some may still find that fogging happened to their glasses when they breathe. In order to make the face mask sealed even better, a nose wire is added as optional. If you don’t need the nose wire, you can still sew the sleeve but just skip the wire, or, you may completely omit the sleeve part.

Choice of nose wire? In fact, any wire that can be bent and stay in shape is a good choice as the nose wire, for example, twist ties, florist wire, gardening wires, hardware wire of gauge around #20. You may also twist multiple strands of thin wires to make a stronger nose wire. I personally like pipe cleaner as it also has some cushioning from its chenille stem.

I agreed that elastic loops really hurt the ears after a long hour of wearing. It will hurt less if they are not pulling so tight but the face mask will not be tight enough to seal on the edges. Hence, either wearing the elastic bands across the back of the head or using a cotton cord head tie will solve the problem. T-Shirt Yarn will be perfect too if you have a few t-shirts to cut out from. View the tutorial on how to cut a T-shirt to make T-Shirt Yarn.

Face Mask With Pocket & Nose Wire Sleeve

{Many has asked me what is the make and model of the sewing machine I am using in the video, so I hope to answer you here:

Bernina, model B550 Quilters Edition, bought in year 2012}

{24th March 2020 Update:} A grid-pattern of this face mask is included. For those who don’t have the access to a printer may now manually sketch it out on a 1/2″ grid graph paper. Or, you may trace the pattern through your monitor by placing a piece of paper on your monitor and trace; make sure to enlarge the pattern document until you get the size correctly by measuring the 2″ marking with your ruler.

{22th March 2020 Update:} Good news to Cricut and Silhouette cutter users, I have uploaded the SGV files and Studio3 files here in ZIP format, please get them at the pattern section. Thanks to Tanya Chilton (Cricut) and Marlene Teter (Silhouette) in making these files free for us to download. I personally do not have these machines so I can’t open the files. Please let me know if you have any questions about the files. Also, templates with seam allowance are added to the patterns, please choose your options to download and print.

{19th March 2020 Update:} Men size is included in the pattern, now we have a total of 4 sizes for everyone from age of 3 and up.

{Feb 2020 Update:} For the past few weeks, I have been receiving a lot of requests on how to add non-woven filter inside the face mask. Disclaimer: this face mask is not meant to replace the surgical face mask, it is a contingency plan for those who have no avail to surgical mask in the market. Proper use of a surgical mask is still the best way to prevent virus infection. I have updated the tutorial by adding the option to sew the face mask with a pocket for filter media, please scroll down further to find the tutorial.

{Jan 2020 Update:} We have collected some feedback from readers and updated a different way to wear the elastic band that will put less stress on the ears.

{Original Write-up in August 2013} Contemplating the ever-rising pollution level on our Earth, the respiratory face mask will soon become an essential item in our life. Every year around May till August, we will be attacked by terrible haze, as our neighboring country started to mass-burn their plantation wastes during this dry weather period to clear out their land while producing fertilizers for the next cycle (hmmm, not a right way to recycle, huh~).

The hazardous smokes and burning particles were being transported by the wind which is blowing towards us, settled in and won’t go anywhere else unless the rain washes them down. At times, the API (Air Pollution Index) can go up to 400 (hazardous) in a certain area. The haze is dusty, smokey and obscuring the clarity of the sky, the most important thing is that it caused eye and respiratory irritation, it is life-threatening especially to the young and elderly person, and those with weak heart and lungs.

Besides limiting the outdoor activities and switch on air purifiers at home, my BFF and I urgently needed the face mask for our kids to wear. Like most kids nowadays, they have weak lungs and vulnerable respiratory system, the haze will impact a lot on their health condition. What makes us furious and anxious was that the kid’s size face mask was out of stock in the market. So, I sewed up a storm on this double-layered face mask recently and gave some away to whom who needed them.

In order to share out more so that you can sew your own washable and reusable face mask, I made the pattern into 3 sizes, small kids (around the age of 3-6, young kids (7-12) and Teenage & Adult. Not recommended for baby. It is not medical rated but good enough to filter out those haze particles and bad smell.

Before you start sewing, please pre-wash all fabrics before sewing, and wash it again prior to wearing it. In this tutorial, I used quilting weight cotton on both layers, which is good enough for basic filtration. Besides, I sewed some in cotton flannel as the lining too, the filtration is even better but not recommended for small kids as it might be a little difficult for them to breath through properly.

Apart from wearing it on a hazy day, the face mask would be good for the motorcyclists, bicyclists and whoever needs to travel on a heavy traffic road. Exhaust gas from motor vehicles is even perilous and unhealthy! Also, you can use it on your sick days, to prevent spreading the viruses via your respiratory discharge.

Just a suggestion, you can also DIY the face mask for something fun, for example, adding some drawings on a plain white face mask like a “Red Hot Lips”, “No-Teeth”, “Skeleton Teeth” (a perfect match with the skeleton costume during Halloween), or any funny smiles!!! Just to have fun 🙂

See us posing for the face masks… For Better Life, cheers!!! ***camera rolls***

{Click this green print button on the right to EDIT (delete those you do not want), SAVE in pdf or PRINT out the content that you needed }



Face Mask Sewing Pattern Yield: 4 sizes - from age 3 and above Active Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes Difficulty: Easy Estimated Cost: $1 - $5 Free face mask sewing pattern & tutorial on how to sew 3 types of double-layered mask. It comes in 4 sizes, small kids, young kids, teenagers & Women, and Men. Type A: Normal face mask Type B: Face mask with a POCKET for filter insert or as a surgical mask cover. Type C: Add on a removable NOSE WIRE to Type A and Type B (as shown in the video). It comes with a sleeve to insert nose wire for a better seal and as an anti-fog to glasses wearer. Print Materials Main Fabric (cotton), 13" x 7", prewash

Lining Fabric (cotton or flannel), 12" x 7", prewash

Bias Tape, 2" wide 6" long (5" for young kids, 4" for small kids), prewash. (Optional, as nose wire sleeve)

Wire, 6" (5" for young kids, 4" for small kids). (Optional, as nose wire), bent the ends inward so the won't poke through the fabric.

Elastic cord: for ear loops, 8" x 2, or, for head tie, 18" x 1, (this is an approximate length, please measure with your own elastic band to judge; as everyone's head and sizes are different)

or, shoelace/ribbon/cord/t-shirt yarn with at least 44" length for the head tie

Face Mask Sewing Patterns; Choose your option to download and print separately Tools Sewing essential

Sewing Machine or hand sew

Iron

Seamstress tracing wheel and paper

Pencil or soluble fabric marker Instructions Decide which type and size you want to sew, choose the correct pattern from the list, download and print out the template of Face Mask Sewing Pattern separately. Base on the choice of face mask you want to sew, follow the sewing instructions accordingly. Watch the sewing video attach within the instruction for Type C face mask, or as reference for other types. Add ties to the face mask, either an elastic band or head tie. Wash the face mask with warm water of at least 60 °C or 140 °F, dry it properly before wearing. Add filter insert if required. ****

For CRICUT users, download the zipped SVG files separately. Notes from Tanya Chilton who is so kind to contribute these files for free: With the Cricut Maker, you need the Rotary Blade and the purple cutting mat. The setting is: Fabric - Cotton With the Cricut Explore Air2, all I know is that you have to iron a stabilizer on the back of the fabric first. There are tutorials online on how to do that. Flip the image to cut the other piece in reverse orientation. **** For SILHOUETTE users, download the zipped Studio files separately. Notes from Marlene Teter for her kindness to contribute the files for free: Cut settings are as follows:

Printed cotton fabric ( like the fabric used for making quilts)

Cameo 4

Tool 2

Rotary blade

Force 15

Passes 1

Speed 8 **** More Details on how to sew the Face Mask 1. DOWNLOAD TEMPLATE [With Printer] Decide which type and size you want to sew, choose the correct pattern from the list, download and print out the template of Face Mask Sewing Pattern separately. Don’t scale the printing and DON'T print to fit the paper either, it is in letter size paper (8.5″ x 11″) so you should have no problem printing it in 100% size. There is a 2″ scale marking for you to check if you are printing it in the right size. Cut out the pattern of your size. [NOTE: You may do a quick enlarge on the printer if you find the pattern is still a little smaller than you needed. ] [Remark: It is a pdf document and will be open in a new tab or window, or asking you to download. Please make sure your computer has the supported software for it to open correctly. Unblock your computer “pop-up blocker” for this site if you have it enable.] [IMPORTANT: Don’t print the pattern from the browser, the size might not correct. Please open the pdf pattern in Adobe Reader or Adobe Pro and print the actual size (100% scale) from there, DO NOT set to "print to fit paper".] [Without Printer] [TRACE] You may trace the pattern out from your monitor. Download the templates and open them in Adobe Reader. Zoom the template till the 2" guide measures 2" on your ruler, set the screen to the highest brightness. Place a piece of white paper on the monitor and trace the outline with a pen or a marker. or [SKETCH] Here is the template (without seam allowance reference on a 1/2" grids, you may hand sketch it on a graph paper or a self-constructed 1/2" gird paper. 2. SEW Choose from Type A, Type B or Type C to sew Type A: Normal face mask Type B: Face mask with a POCKET for filter insert or as a surgical mask cover. Type C: Add on a removable NOSE WIRE to Type A and Type B (As shown in Video). It comes with a sleeve to insert nose wire for a better seal and as an anti-fog to glasses wearer. TYPE A - NORMAL FACE MASK Step A-1. Fold the main fabric into halve with the wrong side facing each other, pin the paper pattern onto the double-layered fabric. Cut the fabric with 1/4″ allowance, except the ear side. Cut the fabric at the ear side with 1″ seam allowance (1.5" if you are using t-shirt yarn as the head tie). Insert the tracing paper between the layer, trace sewing lines with tracing wheel. Remove pins and paper pattern, get set to sew. NOTE: If you are using templates that already have seam allowances included, you do not need to add any more seam allowance. The same applies to the lining in the next step. Step A-2. Repeat the same as the main fabric, except the ear side seam allowance. Cut the fabric at the ear side with zero seam allowance. Step A-3. Turn the face mask main piece with right side facing each other, sew the centerline of the face mask. Step A-4. Clip curve along with the seam allowance, be careful and don’t accidentally clip on the stitches. Step A-5. Press seam allowance to one side, topstitch near to the seam line on the side where the seam allowance is. Step A-6. Repeat the sewing on the lining part. Add step C-7 to C-11 if you want to add nose wire to the face mask. Step A-7. Flip the lining and place onto the main face mask, align the center seam line, pin and sew the top and bottom lines. Step A-8. Turn the face mask right side out. Press seam neatly and topstitch near the edge. Step A-9. This is how it looks like from the inside at this stage. The main fabric of the side ear area is longer than the lining piece. This is going to be the pocket of the elastic band. Step A-10. Fold in 1/4″ at the raw edge of the side ear, fold again so that the first fold edge is 1/4″ from the lining raw edge. Sew a straight line down, don’t forget to perform a few back stitches to lock the thread end. Step A-11. Measure and cut the length of the elastic band needed (usually around 6″-8″ depending on the size of the face). Insert the elastic band through the pocket and tie a dead knot to the ends. Step A-12. Repeat the same to the other side. Pull the elastic band until the knots are hidden in the pocket. Wear and breathe normally! TYPE B - FACE MASK WITH POCKET FOR FILTER INSERT Step B-1. Get ready for all the materials as stated in the material list above. Step B-2. Fold the fabric with the wrong side facing each other, place the paper template on it, pin. Cut the fabric out with ⅜” seam allowance (you can use ¼" seam allowance), except the side of the face mask: 1″ for the outer layer (1.5" if you are using t-shirt yarn as the head tie), ½” for the inner layer. Trace the sewing lines with the tracing paper and tracing wheel. NOTE: If you are using templates that already have seam allowances included, you do not need to add any more seam allowance. Step B-3. Turn the pieces over and pin the pair together with the right side facing each other. Sew the curved lines as shown in the picture. Draw a line ¼” from the original side sewing line of the inner layer, do the same to the other side of the inner layer. Step B-4. Clip the seam allowance about ½” apart. This will let the fabric’s raw edge to stretch without pulling the seam when you turn it right side out. Repeat this on both the outer layer and the inner layer. Step B-5. Turn the pieces right side out, press the seam allowance to one side, topstitch near the seam line. Repeat the same to the inner layer. Step B-6. Fold the side at the second line drawn next to the original sewing line of the inner layer. Fold the raw edge and hide inside the fold. Topstitch to sew it on. Repeat on both sides of the inner layer. If you want to add nose wire, add step C-7 to C-11 here. Step B-7. Place the inner layer on top of the outer layer, with the right side facing each other. Sew the top and bottom seam lines. You may notice that the edge of the inner layer is now ¼” away from the sewing line of the outer layer. If it is not the case, please check if you sewing it correctly in the previous step. Step B-8. Clip curve on the seam allowance where the 2 layers meet. Leave about 1/2″ from the ends un-clip. Turn the face mask right side out. Press seam flat. Step B-9. Double fold the top and bottom raw edges of the outer layer (both sides). Topstitch near the edge as shown in the picture. Repeat the same to the bottom seam line. To make the pocket for the elastic band, fold the side raw edge 1/4″ from the edge, then fold again so that the edge meets the edge of the inner layer. Step B-10. Topstitch a vertical line to sew it on. The top and bottom have an opening for you to insert your elastic band. I added my label while sewing it. Step B-11. This is the opening for the filter insert. Step B-12. Add elastic bands to the pocket face mask the way you like and it is really to be worn. TYPE C - FACE MASK WITH NOSE WIRE (WITH OR WITHOUT POCKET) Step C-1 to C-6: Follow step A-1 to A-6 for a non-pocket face mask, or, step B-1 to B-6 for a pocket face mask (As shown in Video). Step C-7. Cut a bias strip of 2” wide and 6” long or use store-bought bias tape if you can find if from the shelf. How to cut bias strip: Fold the fabric diagonally, draw a line along the crease of the fold, measure 2” from the line and draw a line parallel to it. Cut the strip into 6” length. Step C-8. Fold ¼” from the 2” ends. Step C-9. Fold the strip into half, lengthwise. Step C-10. Stitch up both ends. Step C-11. Align the bias tape along the front top edge of the lining. Topstitch at the bottom edge of the bias tape. Do not remove the pins until you pin the main piece to this lining piece. Step C-12. Continue to attach the main piece and sew them up into a face mask as shown above. Step C-13 to C-18: Follow step A-7 to A-12, or, step B-7 to B-12 to complete the face mask. Step C-19. Cut a piece of pipe cleaner about 6” long, bend the ends in to make the pipe cleaner slightly shorter than the nose wire sleeve. Insert it into the sleeve. Remove the wire before washing the face mask. Other options of nose wire are twist tie, florist wire, garden bonsai wire, aluminum or other hardware wires as long as it can be bent and stays there. If the wire is too thin or soft, twist multiple pieces of them to make a thicker nose wire. 3. WEAR Insert filter for pocket face mask Insert a surgical mask if you are using the face mask as a cover. Insert a non-woven fabric if you can’t find any surgical maskin the market. I air-dried a piece of the anti-bacteria wet wipe as the filter insert. Throw away the filter correctly and wash the face mask every day. Disclaimer: this face mask is not meant to replace the surgical face mask. Insert the medium into the pocket from both openings of the face mask. Adjust it nicely so that the medium doesn’t crumple up. After the surgical mask is fully inside the cover, push the nose wire of the surgical mask to the tip of the cover, bend the wire a little to follow the curve.

The filter insert must be placed till the tip of the face mask, where the nose position is at. Different ways to wear the face mask This is the better way to string the shoelace or cord for the head tie, my video shows the other way round. This is easier to put on and tie, and if you need to take out the mask briefly, just untie the bow to release the mask from your face, the mask will hang on the neck. If you still prefer elastic band, instead of splitting the elastic band into 2, use the full length and insert through the pockets as shown in the picture, tie a knot and hide the knot in the pocket. The length varies for head sizes and the strength of the elastic band, try with yours to check the best length to cut. Wear the face mask with the elastic band sits at the back of the head. No more stress on the ears with this method. Notes This pattern will be updated once we have new resources or ideas coming in. If you get the pattern in pdf file, please check the original pattern for the latest update https://www.craftpassion.com/face-mask-sewing-pattern/ Recommended Products As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. S&S Worldwide na S&S Worldwide White Medium Elastic Cord

Elastic Bands for Sewing White Elastic Cord 1/8 Inch Heavy Stretch Rope Earloop String Round 10m

Dritz 9340W Beading Cord Elastic, White, 1/16-Inch by 5-Yard

KLOUD City White 120-Yards Length 1/8" Width Elastic Cord/Elastic Band/Elastic Rope/Bungee/Black Heavy Stretch Knit Elastic Spool Did you make this project? Please leave a comment below or share a photo on Instagram. Don't forget to tag @craftpassion so that we can see it.

Handle the face mask carefully, wash it thoroughly with warm water of 60ºC or 140 ºF every each use. Do not touch the contaminated side of the face mask, wash your hand if you accidentally touch it.

Always keep good hygiene by washing your hands thoroughly with soap for 20 seconds, don’t forget the fingernails and up till the elbows.

Wear safety goggles if needed and avoid rubbing your face, eye, and nose at any cost.

I am still experimenting on using wax to make the fabric repels water droplets. I know water repellent spray can be used but I can’t find any that doesn’t contain chemicals. If you do have a better solution, please comment and let us know.

{29th March 2020 Update:} Expert recommended that use Non-Woven Polypropylene (NWPP) as the material to sew for the face mask. Oly-Fun fabric and is a non-woven polypropylene material where re-use grocery bags or event bags are made from. Perhaps it is a great alternative to sew in between the cotton layers. However, please check if it is washable at high temperatures for sanitization and whether if they can last for repeated washing.

{8th April 2020 Update} You may try non-woven interfacing as the inner layers for the face mask. Since it is washable and durable between washes, you may sew one or 2 layers (depending on the thickness of the interfacing fabric of your choice) into the face mask as a filter. Try it out on one of your face masks before you sewing them in bulk.

{8th April 2020 Update} Please read the comments for the suggestion on the filter material and do some research on it before jumping into the conclusion. I am not an expert in the material so I can’t moderate which is a good suggestion. However, be aware that some materials could be dangerous to our lungs.

Thank you. Hope you all stay safe and stay away for any virus.

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