How to Make a Mask - No Pattern Needed!
Please Note!!!
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This is the pattern approved by the hospital. For alternative patterns and sizing for personal use click HERE. <- Underconstruction, comming soon.
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Don't use elastic for ties - they don't hold up well to multiple washings. Instead check out our MATERIALS YOU CAN USE PAGE for how to make string ties.
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Don't use 100% cotton t-shirts for materials- the weave is too loose to be effective. they make great string though!
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Be sure to include a pocket, so we can place a filter inside!
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It is preferred to prewash the material so it shrinks, but not absolutely necessary.
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You Will Need...
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Tight-weave Cotton Fabric (See recommendations on our MATERIALS YOU CAN USE PAGE)
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Thread
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Material for the Ties (See recommendations on our MATERIALS YOU CAN USE PAGE)
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Scissors
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Pins or Clips
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A Ruler, Measuring Tape, or Measuring Tool
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A Washable Marker
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Sewing Machine or just a Needle if doing it by hand
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It helps to also have...
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A safety pin
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An iron (for wrinkled fabric and help with creases)
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A large flat surface with good light
How to Make a Mask: Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Measure and Cut out your Fabric
Find the GRAIN (See Sewing Tip #4) of the fabric and rotate your fabric so you will measure along it. Lay your fabric flat, pattern side facing up, on the table. Measure out 18"x8" (18 inches in length and 8 inches for height.). Use your marker and ruler to draw the lines, which you will then cut using scissors. You should have a rectangular piece of fabric when you are finished.
Step 2: (Optional) Iron/Pin the Long-Side Hems
Along the long sides of the rectangle, fold the edges about 1/2" an inch toward the middle of the fabric and iron along the crease. You can also place pins along the edge to mark the hem and hold it in place.
Step 3: Sew the Long-Side Hems
Using your sewing machine (or some needle & thread), sew the hems. If you are using a sewing machine, make sure your fabric faces up!
Step 4: Sew the Short-Sides Togeather
Fold the rectangle in half lengthwise, bringing the two short sides together. The pattern sides should be facing each other. Using your sewing machine (or some needle & thread), sew a hem along the short side about 1/2" an inch from the edge.
Step 5: (Optional) Iron the Short-Side Hems
Turn your fabric so the pattern faces out. Iron along your new hem (the short-side) and the other short side to help create creases.
Step 6: Create the Tunnels for the String
With the pattern facing out, measure and mark about 1/2" an inch from the edge of both of your short-sides and along one of the long-sides (Like a boxy U). Then, using a sewing machine (or some needle & thread), sew along the marks in a continuous motion creating a pocket with one side open.
Step 7: Add the Strings
Measure out and cut a string about 55" inches long. Attach a safety-pin to one end of the string. Starting at the top corner of the pocket, slide the safety-pin into one of the tunnels and guide it through one side than the other. ***IMPORTANT*** Once it's stringed, tie big knots at the end of each string to keep it from slipping during washing.
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Out of strings? Check our how to make your own strings HERE.
TA-DA! You've completed your mask!
Head to our DONATION LOCATION page to find out where to drop it off!
Mask Tutorial from
Martina William
Measure 18"x8" inches