Face Mask + Pattern to Download

It is a sad truth that a face mask is one of the most needed items nowadays because of the COVID-19 pandemia. However, it's the least we can do to protect ourselves and others, so take out your sewing machines and let's do this! This is one type of the three I make and if you want to add a filter pocket to your mask, here I show you how to.

I also have tutorials on several other types of face masks as well as homemade hand sanitizers and other useful tips on my website, everything is for free and where pattern is needed I provide it to download. I hope to contribute to the awareness and accessibility of protection against covid-19, so please visit the page and make face masks and hand sanitizers for those who cannot make them or afford to buy them themselves.

- patterns to download HERE (EDIT: Due to the feedback that the sizes are too small for some of you I added one more size and also divided the files for each pattern to be downloaded separately)

EDIT 2020/05/01: Please read the instructions for the pattern, they are right there for you! By reading them you might avoid some disappointment printing a pattern that is too small for you. Also please check that your 1 inch square is the correct size.

- 100% cotton fabric

- elastic band or cotton lace

- scissors

- needle

- thread

- sewing machine (It’s much easier to sew this mask with a sewing machine but you can sew in hand as well.)

Pattern: There are four sizes - XS-L - all sizes are approximate and I recommend you to cut out the pattern and put it on your face to see if it's not too big or too small. Add 0,5 cm seam allowance on each side. Also, before you print the pattern, make sure the box "Adjust to page" in the print window is unchecked.

For the US-readers. I know the papers in US have a bit different dimensions than those in Europe. My patterns fit the scale of the DIN A4 sheet (standard European) and Sfspfan was so good to share the following advice for those in the US who have trouble printing the pattern: "Using the pdf document: In the print dialog box, there is a 'more settings' option, click on that and then you see a 'scale' option. I changed that to custom and 120%. That got me real close to the 1 inch scale when printing. I tried changing the paper size option from 8 1/2 X 11 to A4, but that didn't seem to change anything. I'm using a Dell laptop/Windows 10 and a Canon Pixma MX922 printer"

Fabric: The material has to be 100% cotton because of the sterilization, especially if you want to donate the mask to a hospital or any other medical facility. However, if you make the mask for yourself, you can replace the lace/string with another material, like elastic band. It can stand boiling water as well as washing on 95 °C, just make sure the band is rather thick (round or flat) so you don’t need to change it after each washing.

Print the pattern (remember, with the “Adjust to page” unchecked!) and cut the shape in desired size twice on the outside fabric and twice on the inside fabric.

1. Place two shapes right sides together and stitch the round side. Do the same for both layers.

2. When you open the layers now, you will notice it already has the “muzzle” shape.

3. Now place both layers right side together.

4. It’s quite important to pin them, especially the centers of the layers should align.

5. Stitch three sides, leave one short side open.

6. Turn the mask right side out through the unstitched side.

7. Iron well and stitch around all the edges.

1. Fold the short sides inside just enough to pull an elastic band through the tunnel you create. Stitch.

2. Pull the elastic band through and stitch its ends together.

The mask needs to be sterilized after every time you wear it. Place it in a pot with water, don't add any soap. Bring the water to boil and boil the mask for 10 minutes. Take it out, let it dry and iron without steam.