Adding Filter Pocket to a Face Mask

A face mask filter pocket comes handy if you want to use a filter with your face mask. Such a mask cannot be worn for a long time, however, it’s good for protecting you and your peers for a short period of time.

I will show you how to add a filter pocket to this face mask, you will need this pattern. Don’t forget to uncheck the “Adjust to page” field before printing.

Before we start, here are some important facts:

1. Adding a filter pocket to your face mask doesn’t mean you just change the filter and you’re good to go. You still have to sterilize the mask after each use!

2. Watch your filter’s lifespan. I cannot tell you how much it is but just considering that the medical single0use face mask has to be changed every 2 hours I wouldn’t exceed this time with usual material. Rather change it more often.

3. If you sew face masks for the medical staff always ask first which type of face mask they want. Not all hospitals want pockets on their masks as multi-layered masks are difficult to breathe in for extended periods of time as well as elastic bands which hold the mask behind the ears might be good for us but not for a nurse or a doctor who have to wear them 10 hours a day or more.

- piece of 100% cotton fabric

- the

- thread

- sewing machine or needle

1. Cut out the pattern in the same size as your face mask. Cut out 2 pieces using your pattern. Stitch them together on the longest curvy side.

Fold both short sides 1,5 cm in on the wrong side and stitch.

2. Place the pocket wrong side on the inner side of your mask and pin. Especially the center of the pocket has to align with the center of the mask.

3. Place the pocket wrong side on the inner side of your mask and pin. Especially the center of the pocket has to align with the center of the mask.

4. Stitch along the upper and lower edge of the mask.

5. The pocket on your mask is done, you can insert the filter.