Pick a Mask – Any Pattern
Here we go again… I’m a little worried but I do have hope. If you too are a ‘maker’, it gives great pleasure to think you are ‘making’ for a purpose. I have combined my sewing, designing and illustrating skills to offer up a bit of help with these Mask Patterns. Come on, let’s be a bit safer…
Here are my 5 unique Mask designs and a Mask support frame that can be worn in many designs. So far, I have had 150,000 downloads! Each one has a free downloadable pattern and instructions (some have a video) I’m sorry but I don’t sell masks as there’s just not enough time. I do know there are many gracious souls who have taken up sewing so maybe a local seamstress will welcome a new mask pattern. Then shipping will not be an issue. Hopefully one of my designs will fit your need.
DIY Fitted Face Mask
This mask is a basic middle-seam mask pattern. Download the pattern here. I do prefer to use a casing on the sides now as then it has more adjustable.
I also find that the strips of t-shirt fabric make very comfortable ties and are easy to make with whatever you have on hand
DIY Fitted Face Mask for Glasses
I have had many many emails from happy makers that give great reviews of this mask design for glasses and it’s my favourite go-to one. Download the pattern here and give it a try.
The Metal Nose Pieces can also be easily made at home. Why wait for shipping?
DIY Ultimate Fitted Face Mask
Are you looking for a roomy mask that doesn’t squash your nose? This Ultimate Fitted Face Mask is it; yes, it may test of your some sewing skills but trust me, it isn’t as bad as it looks, and is so worth it. Get the pattern here
The choice of fabric has a lot to do with the shape and breathability of your mask. I will let you make your own decisions according to your level of exposure and risk. I have seen many opt for very thin masks but if that’s what makes them wear one it’s better than nothing.
DIY N-95 Style Mask
This N-95 Style mask has the roundest shape and depending on your fabric choice will hold it’s shape well. Yes, I love to design with 3 dimensions! Here’s the pattern.
It is shown here made of a felt like fabric used for shammys. It can be left unlined if you so desire.
DIY Snug Nose-bridge Fitted Face Mask
This Snug Nose Bridge mask design has no center seam at the top edge so that it is thin and snug. Download the pattern here
DIY Face Mask Support Frame
If you hate how the surgical masks stick to your face this easy to make Support frame will do the trick. No fancy material needed, as you probably have some at home right now.
Download the printable pattern here.
No Printer?
No problem. I have put a grid of 1″ squares on the patterns so that you could draw it out if you do not have the ability to print. Draw a 1″ grid on paper and then follow from the pattern on the screen square by square as seen here. It’s a common artist method.
How to make a custom size
I have only designed my masks in one size which I liken to the typical commercial ones. I would say they are a ladies large, mens medium. If you do however want to make a different size you can use some simple math to customize it.
Use a flexible measuring tape or strip of paper and measure the part of the mask that is most important for the size. I would say it is usually the front curved height. Measure along the curve (as in the fitted mask) or even better; use a finished mask. This is the existing length.
Measure your face from the place on nose to place on the chin where you’d like it to fit. This is the desired length.
Divide the desired Length by the existing length, multiply that by 100 to get the percentage to print.
Example: 9″ ÷ 7″ = 1.28
1.28 X 100 = 128%
If the number is over 100 it will be a larger mask and under 100 will make a smaller mask than the original one.
Note; this will size the pattern piece but also the seam allowance. Make note of how it has changed or recut it with desired seam allowance. Usually the side width is easily adjustable by cutting off any excess. Most of mine have a fair width on the sides.
Yes, you see the worry in my eyes… Just like you, I can’t wait to get to a more normal way of living again, but first be safe!
Your mask patterns are innovative and your instructions are very clear. Thanks so much for providing these as this most crucial time. Stay safe.
Thanks! It makes for some feelings of accomplishment and control when we all feel a bit hopeless… Enjoy!
Thanks for all your mask ideas. Can you add some tips for working with natural silk? I’ve been reading about fabrics and, adding silk, can make the mask as effective (or better) as an N95 mask. Plus, it’s a great fabric for this with acne as it’s anti-microbial and the fabric creates a sensation of calm. Thanks!
Hmmm, silk is a fibre that comes in so many forms! I use it when I eco print I use a habotai and it is really tight weave. I don’t think it would breathe well. I know there are other looser weaves that are raw silk but might be too loose. A way to see the density is holding up to the light and looking for the holes. Maybe these properties also apply to wool? I do love silk in general but I think you need to research more.
Thank you so much!
‘Hope it can make a difference!
Thank you for sharing your time and talents to help so many of us who are trying to do all we can to weather this storm and stop the spread of COVID19!
I’m happy to give back and use some of what I’ve learnt over a lifetime of ‘making’…
Where do I go to find the pattern once it’s download?
Usually your computer puts it in a downloads folder.
Sei bravissima, chiarissima e…….grazie
Do you have a pattern for pleated masks.
Thank you for sharing fitted mask for glasses and face mask support frame.
No, I figured that there are already so many out there! I just copy the measurements from a surgical one. Enjoy the others…
I have been trying all the masks to find the right one for my sister law who is getting treatments for breast cancer and so far the zip tie one is her favorite. Instructions are perfect and I plan to try a couple of the other ones as they are unique. Thank-you for your diligence.
You are so kind! I love to hear how everyone is helping their loved ones! That’s one good thing from all this! ‘Glad to help!
Thank you for sharing your patterns! I’ve made several center-seam masks.
I want to make one of the fitted ones, with the nose piece…not quite sure how to put the nose piece on. Do I sew it on before or after I put the lining and the outside part together?
The nose pieces I make are fusible to the fabric. Each mask design has a written instruction post. There are also some videos on my channel Happy making!
Barb, Thanks for all the help for the “numerically-challenged”. Simple things can make a big difference – like knowing that there is someone to ask all those stupid questions who will never make us feel dumber. You’re my buddy. Our sherif’s department is passing out care packages for the holidays – canned food and CAN OPENERS! Really caring is thinking about the situation from the other guy’s perspective. Wishing you the happiest, and safest, holiday season. nv
Haha, yes I come from the old-school way of doing math; the kind that actually is helpful in everyday life! Glad to be a internet buddy. Happy holidays but I’m not quite ready yet!
Thanks for this well-drafted, nicely explained pattern! As printed at 100%, it’s a bit big for my face, so if you’re like me and find standard-sized masks a little big, try printing it at 90%. This size fits me perfectly. I still print the pattern at 100% for the nose piece since I like that a little bigger. The notches don’t align, but you just have to center it.
Yes, once you get the hang of sewing the fun is adjusting as needed! Good going!