Are you overwhelmed with the amount of face mask patterns out there? I wanted to try making one and I was immediately met with what felt like 238431843187423 patterns and suggestions. We all know there is a big shortage of proper medical supplies since COVID-19 started, and while fabric masks aren’t anywhere NEAR as effective as N95 masks, a lot of hospitals and medical facilities are accepting donations of fabric masks to help fill in the gaps.
There are a few different styles of masks and I had a hard time finding a list of the patterns so I made one for you! I’ve included the top patterns that have actual pattern pieces to print (no drafting!) as well as detailed instructions or videos. If you are sewing masks to donate, please check with your local medical facilities to see if they are accepting donations and if they require a specific pattern.
I’ve also included some ear saver patterns as ear elastic and rub ears raw after a lot of wear.
Face Mask Patterns:
I know elastic is hard to come by these days, so if you’re making a mask with bias tape/fabric ties, consider getting a set of bias tape makers. It will save you a lot of time! Here is the set I use:
- Bias Tape Surgical Face Mask with Flexible Nose: Sweet Red Poppy makes excellent tutorials and videos! Both a photo tutorial and video are included.
- Fitted Fabric Mask: Another Sweet Red Poppy pattern that includes great instructions. Has fabric ties instead of elastic.
- Overhead Face Mask (Mimi G): This pattern has elastic that goes around the head instead of just the ears. A link to the pattern is in the video description. This video shows how to make a filter pocket with this pattern.
- Craft Passion Face Mask: A fitted mask with 4 sizes.
- Eunoia Better Together Mask: Another popular choice I’ve seen a lot of.
- The Rona Mask: This is a combination of both surgical style and fitted masks that allows for a flexible nose, pocket for filter, and pleats on the side the avoid gaps when talking with it on.
- Silhouette Face Mask: This fitted mask comes in four sizes and includes files to cut the fabric with your Silhouette or Cricut machine. The tutorial can be found here.
I chose to try the Rona Mask as it combined the best parts of the fitted and surgical styles. I found the instructions could be more detailed regarding the pleating and would prefer them to be marked on the pattern so I don’t have guess what is “even.” The mask is also big on me but I know I have smaller head/face and wish this pattern can in different sizes. It fit my husband great! I’d like to try printing it at 95% or 90% to see if that would provide a better fit.
*4/13/2020 Update* The Rona pattern has been updated to include different length elastic for a better fit as well pleat markings on the patterns! They are coming out with a child size mask as well.
Ear Saver Patterns:
Elastic masks that hook around your ears can be painful after a lot of wear. These ear saver patterns allow the masks to hook to onto something other than your ear. Buttons can be sewn on any headband, just make sure not to place the buttons too high, the buttons should be near the high back part of the ear. Here are a few free patterns!
- Ellie & Mac Headband with buttons for masks
- S Hook Ear Saver: Includes 3d printer file and an SVG file to cut shrinky dinks.
*Amazon affilate links used
