How to Make a Reusable Mask

How to Make a Reusable Mask

1. Print and Cut the Pattern

   Print the reusable face mask cut out template. Be sure to print at 100%, with no scaling. To make sure you've printed correctly, measure the box on the pattern. It should measure 1" on all sides. Use scissors to cut out the pattern piece, using the outer lines for an adult-sized mask or the inner lines for a child-sized mask. You'll only need to print out one, you'll be using the same pattern for the two pieces of the mask.

   If you need to cut your face mask to fit a larger or smaller face than the standard pattern size once it's printed out, scale the pattern to your desired size on your computer. You can also manually trace the edges of the pattern inside or outside of the lines if you are unable to rescale it via computer.

2. Cut Out Your Pattern Pieces

   Trace the pattern piece onto your main fabric and your lining fabric and cut them out. Flip the pattern over so the wrong side is facing up and trace them again on your main and lining fabric. It's important to flip it over so you get both sides of the mask properly cut out. Use your scissors to cut out the mask pieces. You'll now have four pieces of fabric, two main, and two linings.

3. Cut Your Elastic

   Cut two pieces of elastic 5" long and set aside. If you're sewing a mask for someone who has a large or small head, you may want to add or subtract 0.5" from these elastic pieces. Keep in mind that the elastic will stretch when it's wrapped around the ears. If you're not sure what size, you can pin it on the mask and wrap it around the person's head to see if it's the right size.

4. Pin and Sew the Curve

   Put the main fabric pieces right sides together and pin around the largest curve. Sew with a 1/4" seam allowance. Repeat with the lining fabric pieces.

5. Clip Notches and Press the Curve

   Clip small notches within the seam allowance of the curve you just sewed, about 1/2" away from each other. Be careful not to cut into your seam. Repeat with the lining fabric pieces. Taking the time to do this will make for a more comfortable fitted mask.

6. Pin the Elastic

   Open the main fabric mask piece that you sewed together in step four and put it open right-side up on the table. Pin one piece of the elastic to the right side of the mask, on the straight edge, about 1/2" down from the top. Loop the elastic around and pin the other end onto the same side of the mask but 1/2" from the bottom. Be careful not to twist the elastic as you pin them down. Repeat with the other side.

   Tip

   To make the face mask contour tightly around your nose, you can add nose wire along the edge of the nose section and sew it inside the seam. Gardening wire or strong twist ties both make great DIY nose wire options.

7. Get Ready to Sew

   Place the lining fabric mask piece that you sewed in step four and right-side down on top of the main fabric piece that has the elastic attached. Pin around the entire mask, attaching the main and lining mask pieces.

8. Sew the Mask

   Sew around the entire mask with a 1/4" seam allowance. Leave a 2" opening on the bottom of the mask for turning.

9. Turn the Mask Right Side Out

   Pull the inside of the mask through the gap so the mask is now right side out. Press well.

10. Finish the Mask

    Sew a 1/4" inside the entire outside edge of the mask to close the opening and further secure the elastic. To wear, cover your mouth and nose with fabric and attach to your head by putting the elastic loops around your ears.

Alternative Fabric Choices

The best type of fabric to use for a reusable mask is 100% cotton. If you don't have any cotton fabric available, you can cut up an old woven piece of clothing and use that. You can also use the fabric from an old t-shirt to make a face mask if you can't find any woven material.

Alternative Elastic Choices

If you don't have any elastic, you have some other options. You can use fabric ties, rubber bands, ribbon, hair ties, or just about anything that has some stretch to it so it can be secured around the mouth and nose.

Cleaning and Caring for Your Mask

Caring for your reusable mask is easy; just throw it in the laundry. Reusable fabric masks can be washed in standard laundry detergent in the washing machine or hand-washed with either laundry detergent or soap. Dry your mask in the dryer and allow it to dry fully, or lay it flat and dry it in direct sunlight outside if a dryer is not available.

Store your mask in a mesh fabric bag or a paper bag when it is not in use. Wet or dirty masks can be sealed in a plastic bag (like a disposable sandwich bag) until you are able to wash them properly at home to prevent mold.