How to Create a Face Mask

We're in need of homemade face mask donations. Below are simple instructions on how to make a homemade mask.

We're accepting a wide variety of styles and patterns and appreciate your donation.

Instructional Video

Watch the following video to learn how to make a protective face mask.

View Video

What You Will Need

  • Cotton fabric
  • Rope Elastic, beading cord elastic will work (you may also use 1/8” flat elastic)
  • Cut the elastic 7” long and tie a knot at each end (DO NOT knot the ends of the flat)
    • Don’t have elastic? Use hair ties or elastic headbands. If you only have string, you can make the ties longer and tie the mask behind your head.

Sewing Instructions

There are two sizes you can make: adult or child. Young children age 2 or younger should not wear a mask.

  1. Put right sides of the cotton fabric together
    • Cut 9 x 6 in. or 9 x 7 in. (adult)
    • Cut 7.5 x 5 in. (child)
  2. Starting at the center of the bottom edge, sew to the first corner, stop. Sew the elastic with the edge out into the corner. A few stitches forward and back will hold this.
  3. Sew to the next corner, stop, and bring the other end of the same elastic to the corner and sew a few stitches forward and back.
  4. Now sew across that top of the mask to the next corner. Again put an elastic with the edge out.
  5. Sew to the next corner and sew in the other end of the same elastic.
  6. Sew across the bottom leaving about 1.5” to 2” open. Stop, cut the thread. Turn inside out. Pin 3 tucks on each side of the mask. Make sure the tucks are in the same direction.
  7. Sew around the edge of the mask twice. Be sure any fabric design is placed horizontally.

Be sure any fabric design is placed horizontally.

An illustration of what the mask should look like. There is instructional text in the middle of the mask illustration with arrows on both sides of the text, pointing away from the middle. This text reads: Be sure gathers are in same direction on both sides. There are two tucks or gathers on each side of the mask. The tuck or gather on the right has instructional text with on arrow pointing upward. This text reads: Fold gathers or tucks up

How to Donate

Ready to donate? Find out how on our Ways to Get Involved page.

Questions?

Read answers to frequently asked questions on our mask FAQ page.

*Sewing instructions and instructional video courtesy of Deaconess Health

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