Fitted Face Mask Pattern for Glasses
Design should always be about necessity! ‘And that is my purpose here; to fill a need for so many frustrated people who wear glasses and want a good mask pattern. My Fitted Face Mask Pattern for Glasses comes to the rescue…
The Unique Nose Piece:
Oh dear! I am appalled at the way people wear their masks, so each shopping trip is like research. I’m seeing commercial ones but have still not seen that many that look like they are really comfortable or fit well. Maybe that is why there are so many ‘un-masked’ rebels! Fogging glasses and touching mouth are very common complaints.
I know the ‘Olsen style’ mask is very popular and my first design has had great reviews and mass amounts of downloads. The problem would arise when there was just too many layers at the centre seam and that would push glasses up or out, which would affect visibility. To remedy that I removed the centre seam AND the top edge seam to make a single piece for the nose in this fitted mask pattern for glasses. Also, even better; it has a super flat aluminum nose piece ironed inside to make it super flat and adjustable!
To make this Mask:
Download & Print the Pattern. Cut one nose piece, 2 lining and 2 outer pieces. (you can add layers/filter pocket as you like) Fold and press the nose piece in half.
You can also watch it in video form: (please subscribe, so that I will continue making videos)
Make you own Metal Nose Pieces:
Check out my video & instructions to see how to make these nose pieces. Trust me, it’s easy.
They are made with fusible web so they can now be ironed into place and stay there. Place it next to the centre fold.
Fold over the fabric and make sure the metal piece stays centred. It should be at least 3/8″ away from edge.
Use some parchment paper to protect the iron from any possible contact with the fusible webbing. (don’t ask me how I know that!)
Ta-da! You now have a ready to use nose piece. It is bendable and very slim. Yes it is only 2 layers but if you desire you could do more and use more fusible webbing as well.
I have found that breathability is making the decisions for mask fabric choices… but that’s a whole other discussion. Do make your own decisions.
Cut 2 of lining and 2 of the outside fabric. I have decided on a polyester knit here.
Since the nose piece is not flat, clip at the markings on the top edge.
Sew the front centre 3/8″ seams of both the lining and outer fabric
Fold open the centre seam and flatten with top stitching (zigzag or mending zigzag work well)
Top stitch a line slightly over from the centre seam and there is the opportunity to put a stiffener in this channel. Zip-ties or pipe cleaners work well and prevent the mask from collapsing at each breath.
Centre the nose piece on the top seam (right sides together) and sew seam, spreading at clips to flatten nicely.
Repeat by adding the lining piece and sewing seam.
Insert Optional Stiffener:
Push the zip-tie (or pipe cleaner) into the channel and cut at appropriate length and stitch closed. This will help keep the mask off your face. I do not particularly like having something touch my lips, just saying.
Trim excess seam allowance to make as flat as possible.
Right Sides Out- Fitted Mask for Glasses:
Turn right sides out (ends are still open) and top stitch close to edge to keep flat and in place.
Fold over ends to make casings for the straps.
Zigzag or straight stitch depending on how much the fabric frays. I prefer to use some cut strips of spandex-mix t-shirt (like camisoles) to make soft easy-stretch straps/ties. They can be looped around as one long tie or just behind the ears. This is better than permanent elastic.
Extra Stability:
Another thing that makes for a better fit of this Fitted Mask for Glasses is that all the layers stay together. I know, you do not want to stitch and makes holes through the fabric, but it can really help keep it more comfortable, off the face so that makes breathing easier since it allows more surface area to bring in air. (You decide) I like to stitch through the layers to keep the lining stable. You can stitch through the front centre and/or across the width.
The nose piece set in this way allows for better angle and is much less bulk than having a top seam. Keeping as much stability at the front seam also makes it less likely to keep suctioning to the face.
I know I have the other styles like The Ultimate Face Mask & The DIY N95 Style face mask but they also have edge seams at the nose or do not ‘scoop’ lower over the cheek. Small differences in this Fitted Mask for Glasses can mean a lot… (think about the fit of your pants – we all have a favourite)
Whatever you do, please keep yourselves and loved ones safe. We do ths for ourselves AND others!
Can you please also email me a PDF copy of the pattern.
Thank you so very much.
done…
Finally, there is a fitted mask pattern for those of us who wear eye glasses! Can’t wait to make one, but I’ve been unsuccessful at downloading the pattern and would greatly appreciate it if you would email me the PDF pattern. Thank you and stay safe!
Enjoy!
I am having trouble downloading your pattern – are you able to email me a .pdf please? I’m so looking forward to making this mask – I’ve tried many other patterns but this one looks just like what my daughter has been looking for. You are very generous offering the free download and it is very much appreciated. I look forward to hearing from you.
Stay safe, you should have it now…
Hi Barb,
I made the mask today. it went together very easily. Your instructions and the video were very clear. Unfortunately, my glasses still fog up. I have no idea what could be wrong. could you troubleshoot with me? I’m so disappointed!
The reason glasses fog is that there is air that leaks out at side of nose. That means the fit around nose is too loose, so bend the nose strip so it is snug around the contour of your nose. Another reason is there are issues with air movement. If you use fabric that is too dense to let ample air through it will try to escape where ever it can resulting in sneaking out the nose and any non-tight fitting edge. I know there is so much talk about all kids of layers and high density fabric but that usually just means that there’s major leaking all around the edges since not enough air passes through. I am amazed at how people wear their masks so loose but it’s because they are getting a lot of leakage which translates in better breathability. If it suctions to the mouth, then the surface area allowing air through is also greatly diminished. Depending on you specific needs (ie, working as healthcare) you could use a combination of fabrics that allows better air passage. I can’t make that decision for you but mine do allow good air flow (cotton muslin lining) and a polyester knit outer layer (like workout wear) and are snug at nose so glasses don’t fog. But then again there are places that are so hot that glasses fog without a mask… 🤷🏻♀️ I hope that helps!! Some people tape the mask to the face but I think that is extreme…
Thanks for the reply. I used quilters cotton with a muslin lining. It does suction to my mouth when I breathe. It also scoops under my chin and hugs it very closely. Could this also be a factor?
Yes, maybe using a stiffener (zip tie or pipe cleaner) in the front seam will help it not collapse. If the chin does not allow air in then it will find the next best escape route, by your nose. Many factors, like shape of face, position of glasses, temperature. I stand in line to enter stores and see how the typical surgical masks have so much open space at the sides. I hope you can find a solution.
Would you be so kind to email me the pattern? I sure want to try it! Oh the torture of fogged glasses…. and we are a glass wearing family. Thanks so much! Looks like I have a weekend project!
Good luck with the pattern I sent…
Great pattern! I’m excited try this one out.. have you made with elastic vs the fabric ties?
I have moved to using the strips of t-shirt fabric ties. I also prefer making a casing for the ties so they can be adjusted and swapped out.
Is there a smaller version for kids, I am not good at try to adjust the size.
That depends on the age. I would take some measurements of the child and then compare to the mask measurements, simple math – Divide desired width by adult width = __% Print the pattern at that percent.
Barb,
You are amazing! I haven’t sewn in a long time but must try this. One question – how does this do with laundering? Read all the comments but didn’t see this particular one. Thanks!
Maureen
It does fine since the fusible web is made for fabric. I like to just hand wash them or use a lingerie bag. Depending o the the use of polypropylene be careful with any hot ironing.
Thank you so much for answering back. You are the best. My daughter is all excited to make these and insisted that we buy material yesterday. Doesn’t matter that I have enough for my own fabric shop, lol.
I cannot get the pattern to download. Would you mind e-mailing it to me?
Enjoy! 😷
I am struggling a little because printing as is makes the pattern too small as I can only print A4 size, can you re-size to A4 or metric dimensions,
thank you,
Sue
I’ve sent it to you. But generally print software allows some choices of print size. Choose 100%, not ‘fit to page’. Happy making!