In recent times, masks have become a part of our daily life. The demand for masks is also increasing. So knowing how to make your own mask can come in very handy at a time like this. There is always the option for buying disposable masks but they can add up with the cost pretty quickly.
With the masks being in our everyday life, there has been a trend to make stylized masks. By knowing how to sew a face mask, you can customize it with your own style and taste.
Making Your Own Mask
To make a face mask, first, you need a few items. These are sewing needles and thread or a sewing machine, fabric for the mask, scissors to cut the fabric, elastic or fabric ties, or clean shoelaces from shoes for the mask ties, and lastly some pins to hold everything in place while sewing.
Cutting the Fabric
https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-sew-face-mask-4802114
Take two pieces of 20 by 20 inch preferably cotton fabric of the same design. Other fabrics work too but cotton is best for the diy face mask. There are different standard sizes for the mask.
Therefore, it always carries some extra importance to fix your face mask sewing pattern. A surgical mask is followed by a pattern that definitely won’t be followed by a cloth face mask, ha? Will you consider a nose wire in your fabric mask?
For this one, we are going to make a standard adult-size diy mask that fits almost everyone. To do that, take the two pieces of cotton fabric and lay them on top of each other. Now do a 9 by 6 inch cut (9.5 by 6.5 inch if you are going to use a knot style tie) on both pieces. This will be the base of your homemade face mask.
Cutting the Ties
Now that you have the main fabric, time to cut the ties that go each side of the fabric. You can simply use a 7 inch elastic for this. If you don’t want to use elastic then you can also use strips of fabric, hair ties, or shoelaces.
If you are using strips of cloth, then cut the cloth 7 inches long and fold it ¼ inch. Then use the pins to hold the ties into place. At the same time, use the pins to hold the two pieces of fabrics together too.
Sew Everything Together
Now that you have everything cut out. Time to sew all the things together. Place in ties in the middle of the two main fabrics on both sides. Use pins to keep everything together and sew all around the fabrics.
When sewing, make sure you sew the ties together with the fabric so that it doesn’t separate from the mask. Keep some space outside while sewing everything together.
Now fold the seam allowance inside the gap that was kept during the sewing. Then use an iron to straighten out the mask and you have made yourself a customized mask.
Optional Folding
Some masks come with a fan shaped fold. These are done to make it adjust with the face. It also makes the mask more comfortable to wear. But it is not necessary to do. So if you do not want to do it that is also fine.
To do this fold, make three pleats like you are folding a fan. Then use the pins to hold them in place. You can use an iron to make sure the folds are nice and good. Now stitch all around it and take out the pins. Now the folds are done and ready to wear.
Setting Up Ties in Other Ways
If you do not want to use sewing to set up the ties then you can make a loop for it. To do that, first, stitch the two sides of the mask. Then make a ½ inch gap and stitch it again.
Follow the second stitch and stitch the other two sides of the mask too. That way you will end up making a hole where the ties would go in.
No Knot Ties
If you are using something like a hairband or something that does not need a knot then place them inside the ½ inch gap before stitching. After placing the hairband place the 2nd base fabric and stitch it.
Knot Ties
Knot ties are easier to make. We have already made a hole where the tie goes in. Put the ties through the gap. If you can’t get it through just by placing it inside then use a stick or pen to push the ties through the gap.
When it comes out from the other side, take the two heads of the ties and make a knot to keep them together. Keep the knot as small as possible or else it will feel uncomfortable when wearing the mask.
After making the knot, push it back inside the gap of the mask for a cleaner look.
FAQ
Can I make a mask without sewing?
Ans: Yes it is possible but here we focused on how to make a mask with sewing. In addition to that, there are hundreds of face mask pattern, you will find some with a filter pocket, some will come with cotton fabric where many others will carry elastic lace.
So, it is evident that you can make a cloth mask according to your preference, making process may differ slightly for pattern, mask design, or even for the sewing style.
Is the fabric mask that I made reusable?
Ans: Yes, luckily almost every handmade face mask is reusable. You have to wash it regularly.
Conclusion
In a time where masks are a must-have necessary, knowing how to make your own mask is a very helpful skill to have. You can make yourself a customized and fashionable fabric face mask with your own taste in the mix. Since it is reusable you end up saving by not buying one time and using masks over and over again.
Leave a Reply