Last week I shared a video tutorial on how to make a DIY Face Mask with elastic straps. Since then I’ve had hundreds of requests asking how to make a face mask with fabric ties. So today I’m showing you how to add fabric ties to your mask.
Please keep in mind these masks will not prevent you from getting a respiratory illness, however they can be used to keep someone who is sick from spreading germs while coughing and sneezing.
In some areas, they are also being used by medical professionals over the top of their N95 masks to help make them last longer. Currently, the supply of surgical masks is at a critical all-time low throughout the entire nation. As a community of sewists, this is a great way we can band together and make a huge difference in this time of need!
Watch my How to Sew a Face Mask with Fabric Ties here:
Download the FREE HOW TO SEW a FACE MASK PDF pattern here!
Handmade fabric masks are NOT a replacement for medical grade masks. You can read more from the CDC here on the use of homemade masks.
SUPPLIES FOR THIS PROJECT:
- 2 pieces 100% cotton fabric 6″ x 9″
- 1 piece 100% cotton fabric for lining 6″ x 9″
- 4 fabric strips 1-1/2″ x 18″
- Cotton Thread
- Juki TL2000 Qi
- Oliso Pro Smart Iron
- Creative Grids Ruler
- My favorite Scissors
- Clover Wonder Clips
ALTERNATE SIZES: (Use same size of ties for all sizes)
- Kids: 5″ x 7″
- Adult Female: 6″ x 9″
- Adult Male: 7″ x 9″
To make fabric ties, cut a strip of fabric 1-1/2”x 18-20”. Fold one short end 1/4” in and sew. Next fold the fabric strip long edges in so they meet in the center then fold in half lengthwise again. Sew down the open edge to secure. Place the tie with the raw edge next to the corners of the mask just like the elastic is shown in the video. Tip: Make sure not to sew over the loose end of the tie as you sew around the mask.
*** Please wash thoroughly after each use! ***
Tip: Use tightly woven fabric, or hospital grade material. Keep in mind men and women will be wearing the masks when choosing fabric for masks that will be donated.
With the current shortage, I suggest contacting medical facilities in your area to see if they are in need and if so use your skills to help serve our community in this way!
I hope this tutorial can help some of your families and give you a way to give back and help in this time of need.
Thanks for making all of these and showing others how to make them. You’re doing a great service!
Erica, thank you so much for the face mask tutorials! What fabric are you recommending for the inner lining of the face masks…flannel, muslin, cotton? Does the fabric need to be prewashed?
Deb, I had read not to use flannel,, wool or felt for medical personal or patients as it is highly combustible around oxygen machines. I have read of using light weight stabilizer used for sewing with
lining each fabric so that is two layers in the middle.
Thank you for the easy to follow tutorial. This is very helpful in this time of need. I agree, you are doing a great service to our communities.
Where can I drop off mask I live close to Lebanon. I thought there was a drop box at justice center but I cannot find anything on it. Please help
Hi, I’m in the US so I have no idea about Lebanon. I would contact local facilities in your area to see where you can drop them off or look online 🙂
I found a site – deaconess.com – where you can put in your state/province to find local places that have requested masks. Hope this helps.
Where do I get the pattern for the mask without the pleats?
Here’s one that a hospital in my area has requested. If this link doesn’t work go to phoebehealth.com and follow the link from there.
https://www.phoebehealth.com/media/file/PatientsVisitors/Mask%20Production%20Instructions_327.pdf
Um, pretty much all of them I’ve seen have pleats unless you do a loop on one end and pull the ties through it so it gathers on its own. Maybe check online 🙂
I was wondering how I could buy a few of these masks from someone. We are seniors and I am recovering from Breast Cancer so my husband and I are at a high risk. Jan
Thank you for doing this. You explained very simply which I appreciate.
God bless you
I’m making children’s masks for my granddaughters please advise the size of the ties.
thank you so much!
A tip I read was to use two different fabrics so people that take them off and on can remember which was against their mouth. I also read by a nurse not to use wool, felt or flannel for lining used by medical people or patients as they are combustible around oxygen machines.
Thank you for the information for making ties which has been frustrating for me.
sorry I had not seen your video before leaving the comment about two fabrics.
Thank you. Excellent directions. Very clear.