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!
This is the best mask pattern I have made. I have made hundreds of them for coworkers and family. Easy to make and fit better than any other masks I have found. Just want to say that the pattern is amazing. Thank you for making it free!
Woohoo!!! thanks, happy to help!
Hi Barb!
Wanted to thank you for this pattern. It’s a fantastic upgrade from the one I was using previously. Amazing how much better the fit is around the nose when there are no seams to bulk it up! I went with cotton and two layers of polypropylene, pipe cleaner in the channel, sized it both up and down for my husband and daughter, and they fit like a dream.
Your bridge/nose piece is a game changer! Thank you!!
Yes!!! It’s my favourite too!
What size mask does this pattern make? I’ve been making others but this looks like an awesome design especially since I wear glasses. I usually wear a large mask, would it fit me? Thanks
This one is a pretty generic size which is about a large. I have cheeks and it fit me well. If it’s a bit big then edge/bottom seams could be adjusted after the centre and gusset are sewn.
Thanks so much for this pattern! It is great and the zip tie stiffener is a brilliant idea!
I do a lot of outdoor exercise in cold weather and the vertical zip tie wasn’t enough as the sides of the mask get damp and still get sucked in and out when I breath. So instead of just sewing a horizontal line through the layers, after I turn the mask right-side out I sewed two horizontal lines a quarter inch apart to add a channel for a horizontal stiffener. An 8-inch zip tie is perfect for this.. I had to experiment a bit with where to position it, but I find it works best fairly near the top (I mark it with a washable marker before sewing about 1 inch from the top of the sides and about 1.5 inch from the top of the center seam and connect the dots). Don’t sew over the vertical channel and wait to add the vertical stiffener until after the horizontal channel is sewn. Then add the horizontal stiffener. The hole for the vertical stiffener get closed with the topstitching along the bottom edge.
I’ve also been experimenting with fabrics and find that using an anti-microbial wicking fabric for sportswear (such as ProCool) as the lining helps with the moisture control for cold-weather outdoor use.
I love how ingenious this makes everyone! Who would have thought we would be designing and improving masks!? Thanks so much for the info!!!
I have been sewing many different patterns since COVID 19 started and now at last a pattern which solves the fogging issue for those of us with glasses.
It is excellent Many thanks.
Amazon sells good nose pieces very cheaply with a peel off cover under which is glue.
But of course you can’t buy just one so you need to get a group of friends together!
Thanks! Everytime I hear this is gives me a bit of happiness…
Have you ever considered posting printed instructions? I like this pattern and will try sewing it soon!
Well, I would if I had more time. Due to covid I am helping out family as well as still teaching. I hope the video is explanatory and then it’s easy to repeat. I have gotten many comments that videos were what was desired. 🤷🏻♀️ Best of luck!
Are you concerned about the holes that could allow the virus to pass through? Holes down the middle and from using pins, not the edging.
Yes and no, but please do not let me make that decision for you. There are many many patterns that have a centre seam and also questionable fabric. I am offering patterns, and hope they fit better than the usual loose patterns. Please make informed decisions for your individual amount of risk.
Thank you so much for helping so many! I’ve been fortunate that my work is considered essential, but 8-10 hours wearing a mask every day is pure agony because I wear glasses. Not only the fogging up, but many times straps rub where they intersect the earpieces of my frames. This pattern, modified as Lorrie suggested and with long round-the-head straps should be perfect! You’re a lifesaver!
So glad to hear! Warms my heart! Stay safe!😷
Hi there! Thank you so much for making these fantastic designs 🙂 I’ve been making face masks dor some time now, to donate to people and institutions in need, and I’ve been looking for pattern alternatives. Yours look absolutely perfect!
I trie ddownlaoding this pattern but I can’t manage… keep clicking on the download PDF button and nothing happens 🙁 help!
I left u a wee donation as well 🙂 keep up the good work!
If you’re interested in my donation campaign let me know and I can shoot you the link 🙂
Cheers,
Francisca
Love this pattern!
Have you ever put a filter pocket on this pattern? Just wondering if you’ve tried that and have any advice. Thanks!
I think leaves one side open before the fold-over casing can act as a filter pocket. I do not use the filters personally.