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 these masks be washed if they have a metal nose piece and a zip tie in them?
Yes, the problems with washing are the way some washers tumble them. If you put them in a lingerie bag that will help or hand wash. The same as with underwire lingerie.
First thank you so much. Do you have a pattern to make the frame that goes into the mask with glasses. ? Did you just use cardboard?
Thank you
No, I use a plastic from recyclables. See here.
Thank you for this terrific pattern – I made three of these this weekend. They are so much more comfortable than every other mask I’ve purchased or made. In fact, I wore for a 10-hour day working the polls yesterday!
Awesome!! Thanks! It’s my favourite too!
The instructions say to press the center seam open. However, when showing insertion of a zip tie for structure, it looks as though the center seam is pressed to one side. Is that the case? I am so excited to try this pattern. My daughter must wear a mask all day and I am enjoying sewing samples in search of a perfect mask. This just may do the trick. I have made 96 of the accordion type (not just for her but for her coworkers, neighbors, and other relatives) and they do in a pinch, but I’m thinking this one will be the Cadillac of masks! Thank you for so willingly sharing your patterns, directions and great tips. (I donated because you’re just too nice to take the time and energy to help the rest of us not to get more than a thank you for your efforts and generosity.)
Yes, I am using the seam allowance as the channel. Best of luck!
I have made almost 200 masks for our family, a friend’s workplace and several local schools. I can honestly say this is the best fitting mask I have found (and I’ve tried the majority of styles). I work in a school so I am very happy to have found this pattern. I just finished making two for myself and will be making more. Thank you so much!
Thanks so much! That makes me so happy!
Hi Barb!
Your Face masks for glasses is genius! I have sewn almost every type of mask there is and yours is a winner!!!
I teach figure skating where cold rink air and hot breath create super fogged up glasses…but not with your pattern!
I am now making these for all my fellow coaches YEAH!
I’d like to try and make your pattern a bit bigger for men. Do you think enlarging it by an inch all around would work?
Thank you for such a great pattern!
Stay safe
Thanks so much! Check the bottom of this post for some ideas on how to size it up. Stay safe
Thank you so much . Cant wait to try to make these .Have a blessed Thanksgiving
You too! We’ve already had our thanksgiving!
Hi Barb. Have you have made your pattern for the no fog style as an acrylic template set that you might sell?
No, sorry. You could probably just give the PDF file to a person who a CNC(?) machine. Or cut it by hand from some thicker plastic cutting boards?
Just wanted to thank you for providing the pattern (and to marvel at your incredible patience in dealing with all the questions and requests with the comments!). I don’t really know how to sew but I have a sewing machine that I got 20 years ago. I had some trouble figuring out what to do with the face mask pattern because of how little I know about sewing but I actually managed to end up with a wearable mask!! I can’t believe it!!! Thanks again for giving this internet stranger some confidence. (I mean, it’s not pretty but it honestly looks way better that I have any right to expect.) I’ll be making another one this weekend now that I have a better idea of what I’m doing. I can only do better from here, right?
Oh, for sure! I have always felt that there is a definite benefit to sewing! My mother made most of my clothes as a child and then I took it up when I was old enough! I got my own kenmore machine at 12 years old. I made most of my children’s clothes when they were young too. There’s so many ways sewing can enhance your life… Glad you took the leap. I do have quite a few sewing projects. Enjoy!
Do you think a fat quarter of fabric would be enough for this?
Oh yes!
Sending my appreciation for your mask patterns from, St. Thomas, Ontario! The Fitted Glasses pattern has been the favourite. I have made about 40 now and shared with family and co-workers. All are thrilled with them!
Wowsa! I have family there! ‘Funny how far and wide and close it all travels. Thank you!!!