Face Mask Patterns and Videos

There are a couple of different face mask patterns out there. After trying to sew both different types here over the past few days, I like the rectangular kind, because they are easier to make and waste less fabric.

While there is not a current call for home sewn masks for medical professionals, you may want masks for you and your family, neighbors and the like, just for going out and doing necessary tasks in public. These masks are not 100% protective – they are intended to help protect you and your family or reduce transmission rates, but they are clearly not medical grade.

My favorite pattern is this one-from Chezvies- https://www.chezvies.com/2020/02/free-pattern-diy-dust-mask.html. It’s free and there are dimensions for kid’s masks here as well. The 2 pleats are super simple to make, and I feel there is less fabric waste than with some other patterns.

I also use her 3d mask pattern – it costs $1.39 I think to download. It also is easy and straightforward. Many people like other more surgical patterns.

I’ve also opted to string the masks with thin elastic that you can wear over your head rather than just your ears, because I think it makes the masks much more comfortable to wear for long periods. You can do that with many patterns- just extend the elastic so it is one big circle- extended at least the length of the mask on both sides and through the sides without pulling. This is usually about right- you can always shorten the elastic up if you need it tighter by adding a knot in the elastic. -picture below