How to Make a Face Mask at Home – EASY DIY (Sewing)

Since COVID-19 has been around late last year to present day, we now know that wearing a face mask is one way we can all help slow the spread and possibly get back to some sort of normal. Face masks of all kinds can be found at nearly every retailer as well as online shops, such as our friends at Paradise Flamingo. (Use code “PARADISE10” for 10% off your order). Keep reading to learn How to Make a Face Mask at Home.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO), both recommend wearing a face mask in public or community settings, especially in situations where you may be near other people. Also many state and county health departments recommend the use of some sort of face covering. Some cities also require you to wear face masks if you go out in public.

A face mask isn’t intended to protect you, but instead, to protect others around you, according to the CDC. That’s because you may have the disease, but aren’t showing symptoms.

Don’t worry if you lack sewing skills or just want a way to make a face mask with at home, follow along with help from my friend Ally at Paradise Flamingo (not affiliated in anyway.. despite the name, lol).

What do you need to make a homemade face mask?

Anybody can make a face mask, and it’s fairly simple depending on which route you choose to go. There are many variations that don’t require any sewing skills or a sewing machine.. but for this one, we will be using a machine.

Here are all the supplies you will need to make your own mask at home:

  • 2 pieces of cotton fabric
  • Fabric scissors
  • Roll scissors (optional)
  • Pins or clips
  • Elastic 1/8th inch thickness (1/4th inch works well too)
  • Cutting mat

Follow these step-by-step instructions for Making your own Face Mask

In this tutorial we will be making a two layered cloth mask, which has been the standard for any homemade face covering according to the CDC.

1. First cut both of the fabrics into 9 inch x 7 inch rectangles

When cutting with the roller be sure to place your hand heavily on the guided ruler and keep your fingers behind the yellow line.

Applies to both pieces of cloth when cutting.

Do the same for the other piece of cloth.

2. Next we will cut the elastic into a 7 inch strip

3. Now we will pin the fabric. For this we will use clips (you can also use pins)

Place one fabric with the “nice print”, side up.

Using the dots, place the elastic where it seems to have about a finger width inward, use the dots to be sure it’s even with the other side.

Repeat this step for the bottom parts of the fabric.

Place the other fabric with the print side down and using the same clips, clip the two fabrics and elastic together.

4. Now it’s time to sew your Face Mask

We are using a basic stitch with a tension at level 4. We place the needle just behind the first elastic and before you start to stitch, be sure to place the needle at its lowest position.

As you go through this, use the machines guidelines to be sure you stay straight.

Before you lift the foot to turn the fabric, be sure the needle is in its lowest position.

Once you reach the the last corner be sure to do a backing stitch.

DO NOT SEW all 4 sides. Leave one of the short sides open (like a pillow case).

Trim off any excess thread and turn the mask right side out. *If you have any corners that are stuck, you can use a pen to poke them out.*

Fold the open end inward using the clips to help hold it in place. *Sometimes using an iron can help get the ends to stay flat.*

Now you can sew the end starting at one end and going all the way to the other, ending with a back stitch.

Next we will add the folds. However, you can stop here if you wanted.

To add the folds, there is no exact measurement. *Using clips can be helpful, but also using an iron can make the process easier.*

When sewing this part, it’s important to hold the fold down to be sure it does not slip out of place since the clip is being removed to sew.

Once you reach the end, be sure to do a back stitch and repeat to both sides of the mask.

Once you have that, you can trim off any excess thread and now you have your own homemade mask!

You’ve learned How to Make a Face Mask at home!

Thank you for taking the time to read and watch how you can make your own homemade mask!

However, if you don’t feel like making your own mask, be sure to check out our friends over at Paradise Flamingo, who have many masks to choose from. They’ve also kindly made a promo code for our readers of 10% off you entire order when you use “PARADISE10”.


*If you enjoyed this post, please take a moment to share it!* 😊

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