The sign of the times is DIY Face Mask tutorials. I’m providing this one because when I created it about a month ago, there were no tutorials for a fabric face mask with ties. Every tutorial I found required elastic or t-shirt ties that still went around your ears. Instead, I created these long ties to allow you to tie on your mask behind your head and neck, making it more comfortable. The ties also allow the mask to adjust to more face sizes and still have a snug fit.
The pattern also allows for a pocket so you can add an extra filter if needed. The mask is also reversible so wear it with the outer or liner showing.
Be sure to use high-quality quilt fabrics. I found a variety of florals and modern patterns online at cutelittlefabricshop.com. You get free shipping with a $35 purchase and I received my order within a couple of days. I will definitely be buying from them again.
I used a Cricut to cut out my fabric, but I also provide a PDF of the pattern that you can print in order to cut out your fabric by hand.
Please note: a homemade face mask is not a substitute for PPE and is not guaranteed to protect you from COVID-19. It’s simply an attempt to help spread germs. Follow all CDC and medical guidelines to ensure you are using what is appropriate for your circumstances.
Materials
- Tonality Design’s Face Mask Pattern (Click for either the Cricut Project or PDF Download)
- Quilt-quality cotton fabric (I used two coordinating fabrics)
- Coordinating thread
- Clothespins
- Sewing machine
- Coffee filter (optional)
Instructions
Cut your fabric pieces per the pattern using a Cricut (and my Face Mask Cricut Project) or with the PDF pattern. You’ll have two outer pieces and two liner pieces. You’ll also need to cut two strips of fabric that are about 1.5″ x 44″ long (could be 36″-40″ depending on your head size). For the fabric strips, if your fabric is not that long, simply piece together smaller pieces until you have the required length.
Match up the two outer pieces, right sides together, and sew along the long curve using a 1/4″ seam. Repeat with the liner pieces.
On both sewen pieces, cut slits into the seam allowance all along the curve. Be careful not to snip through the stitching.
On the short ends of the outer piece, fold over 1/4 of an inch and press down. Fold over again so you have a clean hem. Stitch close to the fold line to create a hem. Repeat with the liner. (Note: originally I sewed two lines as seen in the picture, but you really only need the line close the fold.)
Match up the outer piece with the liner, right sides together. To make sure they line up properly, start by matching up the center seams. Note that the liner will be slightly shorter than the outer piece. Sew along the top edge. Then sew along the bottom edge.
Turn your mask right sides out. Using an iron, press the mask so the edges are crisp.
Now you’ll need to create a double-fold bias tape with your 1.5″ x 44″ piece of fabric. If you don’t know how to make bias tape, see this video tutorial for instructions. The bias tape will be how we create the ties of the mask.
Attach one of the bias tapes to the top of your mask by doing the following. Fold your bias tape in half and line up with the center of your mask. Sandwich your mask in between the bias tape fold and “pin” in place using your clothespin. I recommend the clothespin because you want to avoid putting as many holes in your mask as possible. For the ends of your ties, fold into a point and pin in place. Now you’re ready to sew along the folded edge of your bias tape starting at one end and going all the way to the other end. Now repeat the whole process with your second piece of bias tape and the bottom of your mask.
That’s it. You now have a DIY Fabric Face Mask with Ties.
Your final mask is actually reversible and the filter pocket allows you to add another layer of protection like a coffee filter.
These are such difficult times, to say the least. I truly hope this finds you happy, healthy and safe at home. Take care my friends.
