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.

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.

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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